NEWS - Tuesday, August 3, 2004
(RUMOR) - EA To Buyout Eidos
The speculation surrounding the future of British publisher Eidos took a new twist today, when industry insiders suggested that EA is poised to swoop for the company. Sources stated that an announcement about the buyout is due in the next few days, while Eidos itself has admitted to talks with unnamed parties regarding "possible business combinations". A statement issued to the London Stock Exchange by the Brit publisher read: "In response to recent press speculation and following the announcement of a strategic review on 17 June 2004 the Board of Eidos confirms that...it is in preliminary discussions with a small number of parties in relation to possible business combinations." It then went on to add that these discussions would in no way guarantee an offer being made for the company and that any further announcement is unlikely "ahead of the company’s full year results". Eidos buyout rumours have been spreading like wildfire since around E3 time, with key publishers EA, Activision and Ubisoft all being linked to the company. And it’s EA who our industry sources have said is about to reveal it’s purchasing the Hitman/Deus Ex publisher - a rumour that has neither been denied or confirmed by either party. When we contacted EA earlier today, a senior spokesperson told us: "We are aware of the speculation but do not wish to make a comment at this stage". Similarly, an Eidos spokesperson said that they did not wish to "add anything to what has already been said in the press release". It’s all good news for Eidos shareholders though, as share prices rose from 90p last Thursday to 1.08 at the time of writing - an inevitable result of the continued speculation. Keep posted for any further developments.Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com
