$1.3 billion deal with Electronic Arts for games firm PopCap
Just when you thought things were quietening down! Another giant deal in the America "spreads the fun" - and the money
"PopCap has made lightning strike five times," said EA's chief executive, John Riccitiello, referring to the Seattle -based company's string of best-selling titles including "Plants vs. Zombies", "Bejeweled," and "Zuma".
Electronic Arts is known for Madden Football, Tiger Woods PGA tour along with other sporting games but they actually produce almost 500 games . Commentators said they were a perfect fit for Pop Cap. Riccitiello wrote to EA employees, “Acquiring PopCap extends the leadership we have established since the investment in our flagship casual site, Pogo. It adds to our momentum on the mobile and social platforms and accelerates us toward our goal of achieving $1 billion in digital business in FY12." PopCap had previously said it was considering an initial public stock offering in the autumn. EA said they weren't making any more big buys. Then the rumours started . . . "Pop Cap expects to exploit synergies between the two companies as it expands its gaming presence across Asia and, said CEO David Roberts said during a conference call with Riccitiello . He said they would spread the fun to new platforms, including tablets and social networks. We're now happy to join another company that shares our respect for games and the people who play them." PopCap has more 400 employees at its headquarters in Seattle and offices in Canada, Europe and Asia.