Nexon discussed EA acquisiton, deal 'unlikely'

Nexon, publisher of online games such as MapleStory and Combat Arms, has discussed a possible acquisition of Electronic Arts, a Korean newspaper reports. However, an EA acquisition by Nexon would be incredibly unlikely.

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Nexon, publisher of online games such as MapleStory and Combat Arms, has discussed a possible acquisition of Electronic Arts, a Korean newspaper reports. According to the report, by merging the two companies, Nexon would become "the world's largest interactive entertainment software company."

Bloomberg notes that after the report went live, shares in EA went up six percent.

However, an EA acquisition by Nexon would be incredibly unlikely. As pointed out by MK News, Electronic Art's market cap is so large, that it would be admittedly difficult for the purchase to go through. And while the report confirms such discussions have taken place, the report also notes that Nexon has been in contact with "a variety of global companies" to find an appropriate fit.

Analyst Michael Pachter also chimed in, telling GI.biz, reiterating that the company "would have difficulty financing an all-cash deal to make EA shareholders happy."

An EA spokesperson commented on the report, telling Eurogamer that "we don't comment on rumors or speculation about our business."

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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  • reply
    April 26, 2012 10:30 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Nexon discussed EA acquisiton, deal 'unlikely'.

    Nexon, publisher of online games such as MapleStory and Combat Arms, has discussed a possible acquisition of Electronic Arts, a Korean newspaper reports. However, an EA acquisition by Nexon would be incredibly unlikely.

    • reply
      April 26, 2012 10:38 AM

      Aww, no happy ending for EA?

    • reply
      April 26, 2012 11:48 AM

      God, that would be the worst merger ever. Nexon is infamous for their horrid customer service.

      • reply
        April 26, 2012 12:03 PM

        So, a perfect fit, then?

        • reply
          April 26, 2012 12:15 PM

          Spoken words of truth. Let them implode one another and do us all a favor.

    • reply
      April 26, 2012 12:57 PM

      At first I read this story completely backwards that EA was trying to expand more into the free to play market by purchasing Nexon. This was quite the double take for me and shows the staggering amount of money the companies in that market keep making. The free to play market's expansion is quite the contrast to the sales of core games which comparatively have stagnated but for those two or three major hits a year which buoy the total sales numbers.

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