MURDOCH EMPIRE TO ACQUIRE EIDOS plc?
Copyright 2005 www.tombraiderchronicles.com

[ February 22nd 2005 ]

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is rumoured to be closing in on a deal to acquire British computer games publisher Eidos, according to numerous industry sources via gaming magazine www.gamesindustry.biz. Eidos' strong portfolio of intellectual properties - including the Tomb Raider franchise, Hitman and Championship Manager - may have hooked in News Corp. Games Industry also speculates many of Eidos' internal studios are preparing presentations for the company's new owners, lending credence to an imminent acquisition.

Eidos has become an item of choice for potential corporate buyers in recent months, with most major publishers being tied to acquisition talks with the company. In January, Europe's third-largest video games publisher Ubisoft said it had not ruling out buying British rival Eidos as part of its defence options against a potential takeover by Electronics Arts. "We are still interested in this company (Eidos). Short-term we are (more focused on) analysing how to organise in the face of recent events rather than on buying Eidos," Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yves Guillemot confirmed. "That said, this is a defence option we have not yet ruled out," he added.

Eidos confirmed its intention of seeking a buyer during the company's AGM in November 2004. "Eidos remains committed to a sale of the Company in the best interests of its shareholders and will continue to pursue the discussions still under way with a view to securing an offer as soon as possible." concludes Eidos' post-AGM statement.