Sega and Rovio: a match made in heaven?

Apparently so! Rovio is in discussions with Sega Sammy Holdings to be acquired, according to reports in Wall Street Journal.

“Rovio and Sega will release further information at an appropriate time. There is no certainty as to when the possible tender offer would take place or whether it would take place at all, nor as to the terms of such potential tender offer.”

[Update: 17/4/2023]: The acquisition will be worth US$775 million. Sega said in a recent press release that the company will utilize Rovio’s live-service expertise to bring Sega’s current and new titles to the global mobile gaming market, as well as expand trans-media content using the Sega brand. So don’t act surprised if there’s a Like A Dragon-themed Angry Birds spin-off, or a new Sega mobile game using its old IPs like Afterburner or Billy Hatcher.

The acquisition is set to be worth US$1 billion. The deal could be done in a matter of days as talks don’t break down. Previously, Rovio has been the target of Playtika, an Israel-based mobile developer known for its casual slot machine games. But that deal, worth US$810 million, fell through.

[Update: 18/8/2023]: Sega now officially owns Rovio.

Welcome to the SEGA Group, Rovio!

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— ?????????? (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) August 18, 2023