24 October 2024 – EQT and Keywords Studios are pleased to announce that the investor group led by EQT, together with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Temasek, has completed its previously announced acquisition of Keywords Studios, the leading international video games service provider. Keywords Studios’ ordinary shares have now ceased trading on the AIM market and the company has been delisted from the London Stock Exchange.
Since its admission to AIM in July 2013, Keywords Studios has become the trusted global solutions provider to the world’s leading video games and entertainment companies, working with them across the full content development cycle, from concept through to launch and beyond. Keywords Studios has an excellent track-record of evolving the business to meet its clients’ needs and has a diversified portfolio with services across the video games life cycle.
As a global investor with decades of experience investing in services and technology, EQT’s support for Keywords Studios’ management team and strategy will enable it to accelerate its growth, including through additional capital for its value accretive acquisition strategy. It will also enable the business to expand into new and adjacent markets and invest in innovative technologies and services that will help it continue to meet changing customers’ needs and maintain its status as the global gaming services market leader.
Keywords Studios CEO Bertrand Bodson said: “This is a significant milestone for Keywords Studios as we start the next phase of our growth journey alongside our new partners. The hard work and dedication of everyone at Keywords Studios, as well as the long-standing support of our clients and shareholders, has enabled our growth over the last decade and I would like to thank them all for their support. We are confident that our expertise, combined with EQT’s resources, will only strengthen our ability to serve our customers and realise our growth potential and mission to be the world’s leading content creation platform for the video gaming industry. I look forward to what the next chapter will bring for our company, customers and employees.”
On behalf of the consortium, Janice Leow, Partner in the EQT Private Equity Advisory Team and Head of Private Capital Southeast Asia, commented: “We look forward to a strong partnership with the Keywords Studios management team to support and build on their strategy as a global leader in end-to-end video gaming technology services. Operating in a rapidly expanding market with strong tailwinds underpinned by a continued shift towards lean-forward entertainment, Keywords Studios is well-positioned to unlock substantial long-term value through its strong talent base and deep industry relationships. As the sector continues to evolve, the company’s focus on technology innovation, higher value-added services, and international expansion will be critical in driving future growth.”
EQT has a long and successful track record investing in the services and technology industries, working alongside entrepreneurial management teams to accelerate growth in global businesses and transform them into industry leaders. EQT is investing from its BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII.
