Sega Buys Rovio For €706 million
Sega buys Finnish mobile game maker Rovio Entertainment for €706 million ($775 million). Angry Birds and Sonic will soon have a common publisher. Sega today submitted to Rovio shareholders a recommended offer of €9.25 per share and €1.48 per option for company option holders.
The acquisition was spearheaded by the company’s European division, which also acquired game developers such as Creative Assembly and Amplitude Studios. This acquisition seemed unexpected when first reported, but Sega confirmed the deal and revealed the reasons behind it in a press release. Specifically, it states that this deal will “further strengthen our position in the fast-growing mobile and global gaming market.”
Rovio’s CEO sees joining forces with Sega Sammy as “exciting new opportunities” for fans of the title, as well as partners and even employees. Rovio will continue to operate as an independent studio within Sega Sammy and will remain headquartered in Finland. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
