Games media group Network N has increased its stake in UK-based events company Roucan, acquiring a controlling interest after initially investing as a minority shareholder in 2022. The recent acquisition, described as a substantial investment, aims to strengthen the partnership between the two entities, although specific financial details were not disclosed.
Roucan, founded in 2020 by industry veterans Matt Styles and David Lilley, is renowned for organizing notable events such as the indie expo WASD and the London Developer conference, both scheduled for April. Styles and Lilley will continue to lead Roucan, expressing their commitment to further expanding and enhancing these events under Network N’s ownership.
Lilley emphasized the resilience of WASD in a challenging market and highlighted the opportunities presented by integrating Roucan into the Network N ecosystem. He expressed optimism about leveraging Network N’s resources to bolster their owned events while also benefiting from support for Network N’s brands.
James Binns, Executive Chair of Network N, praised the achievements of Styles and Lilley, expressing eagerness to collaborate and support Roucan’s growth trajectory.
Binns outlined Network N’s strategy to leverage its media portfolio to drive community engagement, boost ticket sales, and facilitate live activations, with additional backing from the agency arm, Project N, to ensure Roucan’s continued success in the evolving events landscape.
