Keywords Studios Agrees to £2.2 Billion Acquisition Deal with EQT

Keywords Studios has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by EQT, a Swedish investment firm, in a deal valued at approximately £2.2 billion, subject to shareholder approval. In an official statement, Keywords, a leading provider of integrated creative and technology services to prominent clients such as Activision Blizzard, EA, Epic, and Square Enix, expressed satisfaction with the terms of the proposed cash acquisition, which amounts to £2,450 per share. According to Bertrand Bodson, CEO of Keywords, "The company's world-class teams and cutting-edge technology platform have been instrumental in driving innovation and fostering strategic partnerships with our clients, resulting in strong financial performance and significant value creation for our shareholders." Bodson further stated, "The offer from EQT represents a new and exciting chapter in our growth story, as we partner with a like-minded investor who possesses deep industry expertise and a shared vision to accelerate our growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, and capitalize on the vast opportunities that lie ahead in the entertainment industry." "I firmly believe that our combined efforts will enable us to reinforce our leadership position in the global entertainment sector and establish a unique, integrated platform for game services, ultimately benefiting our employees, clients, and stakeholders," Bodson added. Founded in 1998, Keywords operates an extensive network of over 70 facilities across 26 countries, spanning Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Europe. The company's board of directors is confident that the business is well-positioned for continued success and that EQT supports the existing strategy and management team. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.