Key points:
- Video-game maker EA is apparently seeking a buyer
- Talks with NBCUniversal failed to make it through, but Netflix, Amazon and Apple are apparently on the cards
- EA shares rose around 2% in early hours trading on Monday
- The Top Earnings Reports to Look Out For in the Coming Quarter
Video-game giant Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is apparently seeking a buyer, with CEO Andrew Wilson entering negotiations with NBCUniversal boss Brian Roberts to attempt to merge the two companies, but the deal failed to make it through. This isn’t the first time either, reporting that EA has also entered M&A talks with Amazon, Apple and Disney in recent years. Whilst a timeline hasn’t been specified for most of the talks in place, rumors surfaced that talks with Disney happened as recently as March.
According to various sources, talks with NBCUniversal didn’t make it through “due to disagreements over price and structure”. Should the deal have been finalized, NBCUniversal would have taken majority control over the newly merged company. The company is yet to make any formal announcement surrounding the buyout, with EA spokesperson John Reseburg stating the firm doesn’t comment on “rumors and speculation relating to M&A.
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The potential buyers are also keeping hush, with Amazon, Apple and Disney all refusing to comment. Without a doubt, EA is actively seeking a buyer, and has been doing so for the last few years. This has only been fueled by Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with some suggesting that Ubisoft is also in the market for a buyer, though this has been denied in the company’s most recent earnings report. Any buyout bids are unlikely to be accepted for any less than $60 per share.
EA shares traded at small gain this morning, with buyers starting to trickle in following the potential acquisition news.
