Keywords Studios to be taken over by EQT in £2.1bn deal

(Sharecast News) - AIM-listed Keywords Studios said on Wednesday that it has agreed to be taken over by European private equity firm EQT in a £2.1bn deal. Under the terms of the agreement, EQT will pay 2,450p per share in cash. This is a premium of around 66.7% to the closing share price on 17 May, which was the last day before the start of the offer period.

Keywords chief executive Bertrand Bodson said: "This offer from EQT marks an exciting new chapter on our growth journey, with a like-minded partner who possesses deep sector expertise and a desire to accelerate the pace of our growth, both organically and through M&A, to unlock the many opportunities ahead of us across the entertainment landscape.

"I am convinced that together we will be able to strengthen our leadership position at the heart of the largest entertainment industries in the world and build a truly unique global integrated games services platform for the benefit of our people and clients."