The buyout craze never ends. A new rumor has it that EA is actively looking for a takeover, turning to tech and entertainment giants.
Rumors of takeovers always surprise us. After Microsoft got their hands on Activision-Blizzard or even Bethesda, the craziest rumors started to surface. For example, there was talk of Sony buying Square Enix. However, the Japanese publisher sold some of the studios and its licenses to Embracer Group. And we would not be at the end of our surprises. EA was almost taken over, but not by one of the big names in the video game industry.
EA wants to be actively acquired
According to Dylan Beyers, journalist for the site puck
The article actually reports that Electronic Arts and NBC Universal were close to finalizing a deal a few weeks ago. Under the terms of this takeover, the famous American television network should have taken over EA and Andrew Wilson should have headed the entertainment part of the group. In the end, the deal would have failed because of the price.
Heading for a Disney, Amazon or Apple takeover?
However, Electronic Arts would have provided an emergency exit. Indeed, the American publisher would have gone to persistently seduce the tech giants. Wilson reportedly approached Disney about the possibility of a takeover last March. An agreement that would have made sense knowing that the exploitation of Disney licenses is coming to an end. After Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order 2, EA will pass the torch to other studios like Ubisoft or Quantic Dream with Star Wars Eclipse.
EA would not have stopped there and also tried to get closer with Amazon and Apple, two players trying to enter the video game industry with different levels of difficulty. The article does not indicate what kind of negotiations took place. Whether any of his approaches will succeed is currently unpredictable, however, as such a deal takes several months or even years to materialize.
Sony and Microsoft, potential candidates?
However, it seems that EA has not approached the big names in the industry. Microsoft appears to be more sensitive, having already got its hands on Activision-Blizzard. Sony could otherwise be a consideration, as could Tencent and Embracer and their insatiable appetite for studio takeovers. However, Andrew Wilson would certainly have less control in the event of a takeover by a confirmed player in the industry. Asked by my boxEA rep John Reseburg declined to comment on the rumours.
We do not comment on rumors and speculation about takeovers and mergers. We’re proud to operate from a position of strength and growth, with a catalog of great games, built on strong licenses, made by incredibly talented teams, and with a network of over half a billion players. We see a bright future on the horizon.
