Electronic Arts acquires Glu Mobile for $ 2.4 billion

Electronic Arts is entering the Kim Kardashian business. At least, that’s the case if your deal to catch the mobile gaming giant Glu Mobile comes to fruition. EA today announced its plans to acquire Glu in a $ 2.4 billion deal. The companies expect the acquisition to be completed in the second quarter of this year. This is EA’s second major acquisition in recent weeks, following its move to bring Codemasters under its umbrella.

Glu is known for the aforementioned game Kim Kardashian Hollywood, as well as for other mobile hits like Tap Sports Baseball, Dine Dash Adventures and Disney Sorcerer’s Arena. As a mobile publisher, Glu specializes in higher-budget mobile games, usually with full 3D visuals. But it also focuses on free games that run for years and generate revenue from microtransactions. This is the business model that EA has repeatedly told investors that it wants to emphasize in the future.

“Our acquisition of Glu combines incredible teams and deeply engaging products to create a leader in mobile games with proven experience in many fast-growing genres,” said EA CEO Andrew Wilson in a statement. “Mobile continues to grow as the largest gaming platform in the world, and with the addition of Glu’s games and talents, we’re doubling the size of our mobile business.”

For his part, Glu’s chief executive, Nick Early, is happy with this departure from the shareholder.

“This transaction is the culmination of the Glu team’s tremendous work to provide world-class interactive experiences for our players, while boosting the business momentum that led to strong financial and operating results. This represents an excellent result for all of our shareholders and other important constituents, ”said Earl. “As part of Electronic Arts, we will continue to capitalize on future opportunities in expanding the mobile gaming industry.”