SEGA is set to buy Angry Birds Maker for $1 billion

Forget Angry Birds, because there might be some Angry Hedgehogs on the horizon – or something. Accordingly The Wall Street Journal, publishing giant and former platform holder SEGA is on the brink of acquiring Angry Birds creator Rovio for $1 billion. The era of industry consolidation continues…

According to “people familiar with the matter,” Sonic the Hedgehog producers can do Seal the deal early next week, assuming negotiations don’t break down between now and then. Obviously the deal will then be subject to approval, but should not face too much scrutiny.

It’s worth noting that SEGA itself merged with slot-machine company Sammy in 2004, and produces all kinds of entertainment products, including arcade games and more. Bringing the Angry Birds brand home, which is still popular among certain demographics, then makes some sense.

Based in Finland, Rovio played a major role in the smartphone gaming boom back in 2009 — but hasn’t really been able to achieve the same kind of success since going public in 2017. Angry Birds spawned a few films and several spin-offs, but was not the Titan it once was.

Earlier in the year, the mobile developer was in talks with Israeli publisher Playtica to sell for $800 million, but the deal fell through. It looks like SEGA has stepped in with an improved offering, though we’ll still have to wait for the ink to dry next week.