The Russian government is preparing to sell the Lesta Games group, which operates titles such as World of Tanks, World of Warships, and Tanks Blitz. The company is currently under the control of the Federal Agency for State Property Management, with Boris Dobrodeev serving as CEO, following a lawsuit filed by the Prosecutor General's Office last summer.
Nikita Mazepin, a former Formula 1 driver who competed for Haas in 2021 and the son of Uralchem shareholder Dmitry Mazepin, has emerged as the primary candidate to acquire the studio. A representative for the investment firm UKM, where Mazepin serves as CEO, confirmed that negotiations regarding the acquisition are currently underway.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the deal is in its final stages, with documentation already prepared and pending final price agreement. While initial estimates for the company reached 50 ₽ billion, industry insiders suggest a more realistic valuation currently falls within the range of 30 ₽ billion to 35 ₽ billion.
Representatives from Lesta Games have declined to provide comments regarding the potential sale. The transaction remains subject to final negotiations between the state and the prospective buyer, as the parties work to settle on a definitive valuation for the gaming developer.
