Japanese Mobile Company DeNA Set to Purchase Mobile Publisher ngmoco

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A Japanese mobile internet company named DeNA--we're sure you've heard of them--is set to throw down a big sack of money in order to purchase mobile publisher ngmoco Inc. According to the announcement press release, DeNA will acquire the publisher for "up to $400 million" in cash and securities.

Shareholders and employees of ngmoco will receive $300 million in cash and securities, with an additional $100 million "contingent upon the achievement of certain performance milestones through Dec. 31, 2011." Publisher ngmoco has been responsible for the popular mobile franchises Rolando and We Rule.

The acquisition of ngmoco continues an ongoing trend of mobile companies being gobbled up by companies looking to expand their social and mobile game portfolios. In November 2009, EA acquired Playfish for $300 million, while Disney recently wrote a giant novelty check in order to add Tapulous Inc. to its magical kingdom. Reports have also pointed at a $100-$200 million investment from internet giant Google in Farmville creator Zynga.

At these prices, we shudder to think what these companies would have paid before the recession. If that's still a thing.

Xav de Matos was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    October 12, 2010 12:44 PM

    Do they make anything outside of the Japan market?

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