The Finnish hit forge Supecell has acquired a large stake in the British Space Ape Games, known for such Clash of Clans clones as Samurai Siege and Rival Kingdoms.
This is reported in the official blog of Space Ape Games. The transaction amount is $55.8 million. In total, the studio was estimated at $90 million.
This is less than the company’s turnover over the past year. Its revenues at the end of 2016 amounted to $92 million.
According to the terms of the deal, Space Ape Games will remain independent. Supercell will not interfere with its internal kitchen and operations.
The purchase of shares took place within the framework of Supercell’s investment strategy, investing in development funds close to the spirit of the team. Earlier this year, she invested $2.9 million in Shipyard Games, engaged in the development of AR games, and last fall acquired 51% of Frogmind studio, known for the Badland series.
Interesting facts:
- The acquired 62% also includes those shares that Supercell outbid from all previous investors of Space Ape Games;
- as in the case of Shipyard Games, Ilkka Paananen (CEO of Supercell) knew the CEO of Space Ape Games well;
- all three games of Space Ape Games are clones of Clash of Clans;
- Paananen claims that Supercell invests in those companies that could do without investing.
