Electronic Arts is acquiring casual games developer PopCap for $750 million USD (including $650 million in cash), reports guardian.co.uk, saying the deal is expected to close in August, which will result in the unit becoming EA PopCap. Here's a bit:

It is expected that EA will seek to expand PopCap's roster of titles to console platforms, as well as using the developer's expertise to take EA properties such as Battlefield, Dead Space, Fifa and The Sims into the social gaming sector. PopCap also adds stability and reliability to EA's business – an attractive proposition compared to the volatile console retail sales market.

"EA and PopCap are a compelling combination," said EA CEO John Riccitiello. "PopCap's great studio talent and powerful IP add to EA's momentum and accelerate our drive towards a $1bn digital business. EA's global studio and publishing network will help PopCap rapidly expand their business to more digital devices, more countries, and more channels."

"We picked EA because they have recast their culture around making great digital games," said PopCap CEO, David Roberts. "By working with EA, we'll scale our games and services to deliver more social, mobile, casual fun to an even bigger, global audience."