The Swedish video game group Embracer announced three acquisitions on Wednesday, including that of American Gearbox known for its Borderlands series, for a total amount that could exceed two billion euros including bonuses. Embracer, known in particular for the Darksiders series, will also acquire developers Easybrain, a specialist in mobile games, and Aspyr, it said in a series of press releases. Based in Texas but also present in Quebec, Gearbox is the main acquisition. He is best known for his Borderlands game series, but he also has Brothers In Arms, Homeworld, and Duke Nukem Forever in his catalog.
Embracer (ex-Nordic Games and ex-THQ Nordic) praised the integration of “one of the most creative game developers in the world, with two decades of innovative and beloved series creations.” According to the deals announced on Wednesday, about 9.3 billion Swedish crowns (about 930 million euros) in cash and shares will be disbursed. But the agreements also provide for up to $ 12.5 billion in milestone payments that span a seven-year period, Embracer said. On its own, Gearbox is valued at around $ 1.3 billion, but only around $ 360 million in immediate payments, in cash and shares, and the rest in performance payments. As for Easybrain, it will become a subsidiary of Embracer against 765 million dollars, including 600 million immediately. Based in Cyprus and present in Belarus, it specializes in logic games and other mobile puzzles. With its acquisitions, Embracer has grown to 6,600 employees, including 4,000 developers in 64 studios.
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