Update: Carlyle Group has confirmed its acquisition of Jagex.
Equity for the investment was provided by two of Carlyle s partner funds, although terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The group will use its network and resources to grow Jagex by investing more in research and development for RuneScape, increasing the rate at which new content is released, and launching new titles to broaden the studio s portfolio.
Original Story: A US-based private equity firm has reportedly taken over UK MMO developer Jagex.
But The Telegraph now reports the Carlyle Group has taken a majority stake in the Cambridge-based studio.
Image via Jagex
After being sold multiple times since 2016, RuneScape developer Jagex may finally be in good hands. Washington D.C.-based private equity firm The Carlyle Group has reportedly taken up a majority stake in the MMO creator.
Before now, Chinese mining company Shandong Hongda owned the famed developer until being bought out by U.S. firm Macarthur Fortune Holding just last May.
The Carlyle Group, which previously invested in companies like Getty Images, Nielsen, Supreme, and Dunkin’ Brands, is said to have paid more than $530 million for the British MMO developer. The move comes after Jagex saw a record number of new subscribers come to RuneScape and Old School RuneScape in 2020.
Trade skill. Updated on 25 January 2021
RuneScape developer Jagex has been bought again.
This time it s US private equity giant Carlyle Group that s snapped up a majority stake in the Cambridge games studio.
The Carlyle Group did not disclose the terms of the transaction, but The Daily Telegraph reported the value of the deal is expected to be more than the $530m (£390m) paid for Jagex when it was acquired from its previous Chinese owners by a US holding company in 2020.
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Jagex employs more than 450 people, and is one of the largest and most successful British video game studios.
Buyout fund Carlyle to swoop for Cambridge RuneScape studio Jagex
Exclusive: The $230bn fund is closing in on the Cambridge studio
Jagex develops the Runescape game series
US private equity giant Carlyle Group has snapped up a majority stake in the Cambridge games studio behind the hit online video game Runescape.
Jagex, a games developer with more than 450 employees, had revenues of £111m last year and profits of £49m on the back of its fantasy online role playing game.
The value of the deal is expected to be more than the $530m (£390m) paid for Jagex when it was acquired from its previous Chinese owners by a US holding company last year. A deal is expected to be announced in the coming days.