Gearbox gets gobbled up by Embracer Group

Apparently Gearbox Entertainment Company, which includes Gearbox Software of course, was on the market… and they have been picked up by the Sweden-based Embracer Group for a cool $1.3B.

With the acquisition, Embracer Group gets another solid development studio to add to their growing stable (which currently includes THQ Nordic GmbH, Koch Media GmbH/Deep Silver, Coffee Stain AB, Amplifier Game Invest, Saber Interactive and DECA Games) and Gearbox gets access to plenty of cash and support to grow their operations. Randy Pitchford will continue in his role as the head of Gearbox according to the announcement.

Read on for the press release.

The Gearbox Entertainment Company will join Embracer Group as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sweden-based company, it was announced today. The transaction, which is worth up to $1.3B, also provides Gearbox with access to capital, adding rocket fuel to Gearbox?s powerful creative engine, and positions Gearbox?s robust IP catalogue, AAA development studios, and North American publishing capabilities to become a significant part of the Embracer Group?s diverse and robust family of member companies. Gearbox is a founder and employee-owned creator and publisher of award-winning and commercially successful properties with a mission to entertain the world.

Embracer Group, headquartered in Karlstad, Sweden, maintains a global presence through its now seven operative groups and ownership of an extensive catalogue of more than 200 franchises with more than 5,500 employees around the world. With its 550 team members in Frisco, Texas and Quebec City, Gearbox Entertainment?best known for the creation of the groundbreaking, record-setting Borderlands and Brothers in Arms franchises and the development of award-winning, best-selling games in the Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Tony Hawk?s Pro Skater, 007 James Bond, and Halo franchises?will join Embracer Group to accelerate the next step of Gearbox Entertainment?s creative journey. Gearbox will become Embracer Group?s seventh operating group.

?Lars?s vision of Embracer as an allied partner group committed to fueling and accelerating the ambitions of a series of decentralized, successful entrepreneurial companies while magnifying the collective value and advantages of diversification across the entire group is the most brilliant strategy and design for short, medium, and long-term success in this industry that I have ever encountered in my 30 years in this industry,? said Randy Pitchford, founder of The Gearbox Entertainment Company. ?The feeling at Gearbox is that we are just getting started and this transaction is not merely a stimulant for the talent of our employee-owned company, but a propellent for the exciting future we have planned.”

The Gearbox team has developed and engaged a plan for immediate and long-term growth that includes the expansion of talent at both studios, the creation of new Gearbox studios, and expanded partnerships. This merger enables Gearbox to do more with its existing brands, create new brands, and, potentially, undertake the merger and acquisition of other successful industry and industry-adjacent entities and properties.

?Gearbox is arguably one of the most creative and valuable independent developers in the world,? commented Lars Wingefors, founder and CEO of Embracer Group. ?We believe that the resources offered by Embracer will position Gearbox for significant growth in the years to come.?

Gearbox confirmed that Randy Pitchford will continue in his current role as head of Gearbox Entertainment. Pitchford accented the prioritization of Gearbox?s talent and its partners in the course of this transaction and expressed his eagerness and excitement to maintain and increase the value of its relationships with the Gearbox team, Gearbox customers, and Gearbox allies.

Juno Capital Partners and Union Square Advisors LLC acted as M&A and financial advisors to Gearbox on this transaction and Fenwick & West acted as legal counsel.