Billion dollar deal approved by Codemasters’ investors
Electronic Arts has spoken of its delight in the publisher’s acquisition of developer Codemasters. EA purchased the racing games specialistback in December 2020for $1.2 billion – the sudden bid pulling the sale out from under the nose of Take-Two Interactive.
During a recent conference call, in which EA discussed the status of BioWare,theStar Warslicense, and itsupcoming releases, CFO Blake Jorgenson called the Codemasters acquisition “one of the best growth opportunities there is,” denoting why EA was so willing to fork out top dollar to add the British studio to its bulging portfolio of developers.
“TheDirtfranchise, theGridfranchise, all of their franchises are incredible games, but none of them have actually taken advantage of a large publishing organization and a marketing muscle that we’re able to deliver,” said Jorgenson to investors. “We think that has growth to it, not to mention the talent that’s in that organization that could continue to help ourNeed for Speedbusiness or ourReal Racingbusiness. It could be very powerful. So we know it is not aFIFA-sized business, but we know there is incredible opportunity to own essentially all of the driving business there is.”
Own essentially all of the driving business there is…
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson also spoke of the “incredible potential” the company sees in Codemasters’ established range of racing IPs. “We think thatF1plus live service plus our marketing muscle is a profound opportunity. And we think thatGridandDirtalso represent great new additions to our portfolio […] But the big win here is bringing together what we believe is going to be the greatest collection of racing talent in the industry.”
Later that day, Codemasters board of investors gave their official approval of EA’s purchase, with 63 of the company’s 76 shareholders voted in favor of selling up. European antitrust regulators have already passed approval on the deal, and as such EA is expected to complete the sale in spring.
EA sees “huge potential” in racing following Codemasters acquisition[GamesIndustry.biz]
