Take-Two Interactive is in Talks to Acquire Codemasters

Take-Two Interactive and Codemasters have confirmed that the two are in talks for the former acquiring the latter, in a deal that Reuters states could worth up to £739.2 million.

In a statement, Take-Two says that it believes the two would be a “a highly complementary fit”, and that Take-Two’s global publishing business would be beneficial to Codemasters, just as Codemasters’ prolific success in the racing genre would be to them.

“Take-Two believes that the combination of Take-Two and Codemasters would bring together two world-class interactive entertainment portfolios, with a highly complementary fit between Take-Two’s 2K publishing label and Codemasters in the racing genre,” the company writes. “In addition, Take-Two believes that it can bring benefits to Codemasters’ performance by leveraging Take-Two’s global distribution network and 2K’s core operating expertise in publishing, including live operations, analytics, product development, and brand and performance marketing.”

Take-Two says in its statement that there is “no certainty that any offer will be made”, but as per VGC, should a bid be officially made, the Codemasters will unaninmously recomend that the offer is accepted.

In November 2019, it was confirmed that Codemasters had acquired Project CARS developers Slightly Mad Studios. Earlier this year, they also acquired the license for FIA World Rally Championship games from 2023 and onward.

This year, Codemasters have released F1 2020 and DiRT 5, both of which launched to critical acclaim. Read our reviews for both through the links.