The Acquisition Aims to Strengthen Sega’s Mobile Game Portfolio and Expand Rovio’s Platform Beyond Mobile Gaming

Sega announces plans to acquire Angry Birds developer Rovio Entertainment for €706 million ($776 million) in a friendly takeover. The deal aims to bolster Sega’s mobile game portfolio and support Rovio’s expansion beyond mobile gaming. With the combined strengths of both companies, the acquisition is expected to create new opportunities and bring more joy to gamers worldwide.

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Introduction: A New Chapter in the Gaming Industry

Sega has officially announced its plans to acquire Rovio Entertainment, the developer behind the globally renowned Angry Birds franchise. In a move described as a “friendly takeover,” the acquisition is expected to cost Sega a total of €706 million ($776 million), a lower sum than the $1 billion initially reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Sega’s Goal: Bolstering Its Live Service Mobile Game Portfolio

In an official press release, Sega Sammy Holdings stated its intentions to make a tender offer for all of Rovio’s outstanding shares and options. The acquisition is being hailed as a friendly takeover, as Rovio’s board of directors has agreed to and expressed support for the offer. The deal is expected to be finalized by the second quarter of FY2024, indicating completion by September 2023.

The Growing Mobile Gaming Market

Sega aims to capitalize on Rovio’s expertise in live service mobile game operations in order to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing global mobile gaming market. The acquisition of the Angry Birds studio is a strategic move to bolster Sega’s own mobile game portfolio and expand its reach to a broader audience.

Rovio’s Expertise: A Valuable Asset

Rovio’s distinctive know-how in live service mobile game operation will help bring Sega’s current and new titles to the global mobile gaming market, where there is significant potential. Sega is looking forward to utilizing Rovio’s unique skillset in order to enhance its existing game lineup and create new experiences for mobile gamers.

Rovio’s Ambition: Expanding Beyond Mobile Gaming

While Rovio has built a solid reputation in the mobile gaming industry, the company is eager to broaden its platform beyond mobile games. Sega’s support and resources will help Rovio achieve this goal by tapping into Sega’s established capabilities.

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Sega’s Commitment to Rovio’s Growth

In a statement, Sega Sammy Holdings president and group CEO, Haruki Satomi, emphasized the high potential of the mobile gaming market and expressed his confidence in the synergies created by the combination of both companies’ brands, characters, fanbase, corporate culture, and functionality.

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Crafting Joy Together

Rovio CEO Alexandre Pelletier-Normand shared his excitement about the acquisition and expressed his admiration for Sega’s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog series. He also highlighted Rovio’s industry-leading proprietary technology platform, Beacon, which holds 20 years of expertise and enables tight-knit teams to develop world-class service game products. The collaboration between Rovio and Sega aims to “Craft Joy” by leveraging their expertise and tools to bring even more joy to players, enhancing and expanding their respective IPs.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Both Companies and Gamers

The acquisition of Rovio Entertainment by Sega marks an exciting development in the gaming industry, as both companies aim to leverage each other’s strengths to expand their reach and create new opportunities. The friendly takeover signals Sega’s commitment to growing its mobile game portfolio, while also providing Rovio with the necessary resources to explore new avenues beyond mobile gaming.

The Synergy of Two Industry Giants

With the combined strengths of Sega and Rovio, the collaboration is expected to bring more joy to gamers worldwide as they continue to enhance and expand their respective IPs. The synergy created by the joining of these two companies will not only benefit their existing fanbase but also attract new players, driving innovation and growth in the gaming industry.

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New Possibilities and Opportunities

The acquisition opens up a world of possibilities for both companies. For Sega, Rovio’s expertise in the mobile gaming market will help them develop new mobile games and improve their existing titles. For Rovio, Sega’s resources and support will enable them to venture into new platforms and create a more diverse gaming experience for their fans.

The Impact on the Gaming Industry

As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, the Sega-Rovio acquisition serves as a testament to the importance of strategic partnerships and collaborations. The union of these two industry giants will not only strengthen their individual positions in the market but also create a positive impact on the overall gaming landscape, driving further growth and innovation.

Final Thoughts

The Sega-Rovio acquisition signifies a new era in the gaming industry, with both companies set to benefit from the collaboration. As they join forces, the combined expertise and resources of Sega and Rovio will unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth, ultimately bringing more joy to gamers worldwide. With a promising future ahead, the gaming community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exciting partnership.

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