Alphabiz - Nexon Group Expands into Europe with CLI Acquisition, Scales Back Crypto Exposure

Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] NXC, the holding firm of the Nexon group, is accelerating its business restructuring by acquiring a European company while reducing its exposure to virtual assets.

According to NXC’s consolidated audit report released on April 13, the company acquired a stake in CLI Group B.V. in February, incorporating it as a subsidiary. The investment was carried out through NXMH, NXC’s Belgium-based investment arm, though the deal size and stake were not disclosed.

CLI Group provides industrial solutions across coding, labeling, and inspection services, with operations spanning key European markets including the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland.

The acquisition is seen as part of NXC’s broader strategy to expand beyond its core gaming business. In addition to its flagship game development and publishing operations under Nexon, NXC has diversified into virtual assets, investment businesses, and non-gaming sectors such as Stokke.

However, the group has reduced its exposure to cryptocurrencies and related sectors. As of the end of last year, NXC held virtual assets worth approximately KRW 147.6 billion, including 2,356 Bitcoin and 22,420 Ethereum—a 15.2% decrease from the previous year’s holdings of KRW 174 billion (2,670 BTC and 32,403 ETH).

NXC also divested its stake in overseas crypto exchange Bitstamp, removing it from its list of subsidiaries. In addition, the board approved the full disposal of its shares in domestic exchange Korbit in February this year.

Meanwhile, total revenue for Nexon Group in 2025 rose 3.8% year-on-year to KRW 5.18 trillion. Operating profit declined 17.4% to KRW 960.9 billion, while net profit fell sharply from KRW 2.25 trillion to KRW 85.9 billion, largely due to the absence of one-off gains from the disposal of subsidiary investments recorded in the previous year.

Alphabiz 김은미 인턴기자(kfootle@alphabiz.co.kr)