Contrary to previous rumour-fuelled posts about EIDOS' fate at the hands of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, and further to Greg's earlier announcement about EIDOS' huge losses, the BBC have reported that a takeover bid by US-based Elevation Partners has been accepted by the UK publisher.
It seems fitting that the venture capital group has taken on the parentage of Lara Croft. Rock star Bono, who took the top-heavy character around the world with him in 2001, sits on the board of directors.
Update: The latest news is that UK-based publisher SCi have taken up a call to arms and have outbid Elevation Partners for fellow British company EIDOS.
According to Reuters and gamesindustry.biz (thanks Kafuffle), SCi raised the 50p per share offer to 53.6p per share, valuing a total of £76 million pounds. This reads good news for EIDOS' share price, which has rocketed up since the takeover bid announcement this morning.
EIDOS is considering the bid and will make an announcement shortly.
Old news: What exactly this means for the UK's games industry is uncertain. In a recent report, games analysts Screen Digest argued that the region is in need of governmental support. While the UK is responsible for a greater number of exports - particularly skewed by the immense success of Scotland-based Rockstar North's Grand Theft Auto series - the squeeze on developers is resulting in swathes of employees looking to other shores for a decent and consistent income. According to Roger Bennett, Director General of ELSPA (from the BBC):
"Our greatest asset is our creativity and in recent times we have seen this talent being leeched away through lack of funding and more attractive prospects overseas"
