Square Enix Makes Bid for UK Publisher Eidos
Japanese Publisher Square Enix is trying to make it's way into western gaming by making a bid for UK based publisher Edios. But Warner Bro's is bidding as well. Read More:
Read the rest of this interesting news story at MCVUK. Who do you think will come out on top? Can the film industry giant Warner Brothers fight back Asian mega publisher Square Enix?
A battle between East and West looks set to decide the future of Eidos.
MCV understands that both Warner Bros and Square Enix are ready to mount rival acquisition bids this month for the ailing British publisher.
Although national press reports have fingered EA and Ubisoft as potential buyers, nose-tappers are backing Warner as the victor. It already owns 20 per cent of the Britsoft firm, and would only have to spend around $30m for a controlling interest. A spend of around $80m would give it total control, putting Eidos’ current market value at around $120m.
Eidos last month relaxed restrictions on Warner that would otherwise stop it buying more shares.
However, Square is making clear signals of serious interest. Global president Yoichi Wada has already visited Denmark's IO Studio – Eidos’ developer of the Hitman franchise – and is set to return to the UK shortly to move the deal forward.
Our source said: “I think Warners will still win, but it’s very interesting that Square have expressed this late interest. They are clearly looking for Western talent.”
Square Enix could opt to buy single assets – perhaps just IO and the Hitman brand. But shareholders looking to maximise value might prefer an all-or-nothing swoop. Read More...
MCV understands that both Warner Bros and Square Enix are ready to mount rival acquisition bids this month for the ailing British publisher.
Although national press reports have fingered EA and Ubisoft as potential buyers, nose-tappers are backing Warner as the victor. It already owns 20 per cent of the Britsoft firm, and would only have to spend around $30m for a controlling interest. A spend of around $80m would give it total control, putting Eidos’ current market value at around $120m.
Eidos last month relaxed restrictions on Warner that would otherwise stop it buying more shares.
However, Square is making clear signals of serious interest. Global president Yoichi Wada has already visited Denmark's IO Studio – Eidos’ developer of the Hitman franchise – and is set to return to the UK shortly to move the deal forward.
Our source said: “I think Warners will still win, but it’s very interesting that Square have expressed this late interest. They are clearly looking for Western talent.”
Square Enix could opt to buy single assets – perhaps just IO and the Hitman brand. But shareholders looking to maximise value might prefer an all-or-nothing swoop. Read More...
Read the rest of this interesting news story at MCVUK. Who do you think will come out on top? Can the film industry giant Warner Brothers fight back Asian mega publisher Square Enix?
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