French video game publisher Bigben Interactive has announced requisition of French video game developer Eko Software. This acquisition is preceded by the acquisition of Cyanide studios for €20 million and an increased investment into racing development studio Kylotonn Racing earlier this year.
Eko will continue to be managed by current CEO and co-founder Jules-Benjamin Lalisse. The studio, mostly known for Rugby 18 and the How to Survive series will work on three games under Bigben, including the upcoming ARPG- Warhammer: Chaosbane.
The purchase price has been set at 8.5 M€ for 100% of the shares and voting rights of Eko Software, the transaction to be paid 65% in cash and for 35% through the issue of new Bigben shares in order to remunerate the transfer of Eko Software share. The transaction is set to close in October 2018. Through the addition of another renowned player in video game development to its value-creation chain, Bigben paves the way for fulfilling its clearly defined ambition to become one of the global leaders in the AA video game segment.
“This acquisition is another milestone in Bigben’s strategy as it strengthens our know-how in the development of new games in the strategic AA segment,” said CEO Alain Falc, chairman and CEO of Bigben.. “Bigben is also proud to welcome to its Group the talents of Eko Software which we have already fully appreciated during our many years of partnership. We will be supporting their upswing towards new, even more ambitious projects, with the goal of reiterating the experience of the million copies sold of How to Survive.”