Renowned RPG-maker Square Enix has revealed plans for a friendly takeover of Ninja Gaiden publisher Tecmo, according to a report by Reuters.
Square Enix has offered 920 yen per share for Tecmo stock, which represents a 30% premium over the company’s closing share price yesterday of 708 yen. Should its takeover bid be successful, Square Enix intends to maintain Tecmo as a separate brand identity. Tecmo management has till September 4 to respond.
Those expecting high drama in the vein of Electronic Arts’ bid for Take Two Interactive will be disappointed, however, as Square Enix has stated that it will peacefully withdraw should Tecmo reject its offer.
The Final Fantasy creator cited market growth and the declining relevance of Japanese publishers as reasons for the move. "Games are globally recognized as a genre of entertainment, and the industry is attracting much attention for its market size and growth potential. But on the other hand, the Japanese game industry is facing a turning point as to whether or not we can stay at the core of the global market,” said the company.
Assuming it all comes to fruition, who’s up for a little franchise fusion? Ryu Hayabusa to feature alongside Mickey Mouse in the next Kingdom Hearts title, perhaps? The mind boggles.