MCV adds a couple of wrinkles to the
latest rumors of attempts
to acquire Eidos (
née SCi Entertainment). Those recent reports
named usual suspects Electronic Arts and Ubisoft as prime candidates to pick up
the struggling UK company, but MCV now says Warner Bros and Square Enix are also
eyeing Eidos. They say "nose-tappers" (
Henry
Gondorff and
Johnny
Hooker?) think Warner will end up the victor here, noting they already own a
20% share and that Eidos recently lifted a restriction that prohibited Warner
Bros. from increasing its stake. They offer a quote from an industry analysts
indicating that Square Enix is a dark horse here: "I think Warners [sic] will
still win, but it’s very interesting that Square have expressed this late
interest. They are clearly looking for Western talent." They also mention the
possibility that Eidos could be parted out, suggesting Square Enix may end up
picking up individual franchises, offering the example of IO Interactive and the
Hitman brand.
Update: This story originally contained an inaccurate
reference to EA having a stake in Eidos, apologies for the sloppiness and any
confusion this caused.