Gearbox Studios, game developers such as Border countries and also publishers of things like the new Homeworld titles, au was bought by Embracer Group, the same Swedish company that owns THQ Nordic and Koch Media.
The acquisition makes Gearbox the company’s seventh video game holding company, along with other companies such as DECA and Saber Interactive.
The acquisition includes plans to expand Gearbox operations, add new studios and staff, “create new brands” and search for more properties (that Homeworld) buy.
Gear boss Randy Pitchford – who will remain head of the company – issued a statement, opening with the mention of Lars Wingefors, CEO of Embracer, who writes:
Lars’ vision of Embracer as an allied partner group committed to nurturing and accelerating the ambitions of a series of successful, decentralized entrepreneurial companies while increasing the collective value and benefits of diversification across the group is the brightest strategy and design for the short, medium , and long-term success in this industry, which I have ever encountered in the 30 years of activity in this industry. The feeling from Gearbox is that we are just starting and this transaction is not only an incentive for the talent of our company owned by employees, but a driver for the interesting future we have planned.
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The gearbox is behind other hits such as Brothers in arms series, and there is a Border countries film in progress, which undoubtedly contributed to the interest of the Embracer. No word on the fact that the sale was equally influenced by Aliens: Colonial Marines and Duke Nukem Forever, however, or the fact that Gearbox’s Battleborn close permanently in this week.
The initial purchase price was $ 363 million, half in cash and half in Embracer shares, with another $ 1 billion be paid (360 million shares and the rest in cash) if Gearbox is able to meet the “agreed financial and operational objectives over the next six years”.