RBEL acquires 50 per cent stakes of Codemasters

Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd (RBEL), a part of India's Reliance ADA group has acquired 50 per cent stakes of Codemasters, a British developer and publisher of world-class video games. Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd, the gaming division of RBEL will administer the investment process.

Commenting on the acquisition, Rohit Sharma, CEO of Zapak said, “We are excited to partner with Codemasters and believe its strong technology, development and distribution presence will complement our global gaming portfolio. Additionally, Zapak's global strength in mobile gaming will enhance the ability of the Codemasters to fully leverage its attractive franchises such as its racing and cricket games."

On the other hand, Rod Cousens, CEO, Codemasters commented, "The opportunities arising from this partnership are truly exciting. This is great news for our development and publishing teams. Reliance and Zapak have immense resources and will help us realise the full potential of our game coding and online excellence across so many platforms, and especially in the world's fastest growing markets. The future of Codemasters has never looked brighter. It is a whole new game!"

Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd presently supports 87 outlets across 35 cities. Now, the company has plans to expand across India with an equal focus on Tier II and III cities. It is targeting over 100 cities/towns in the next two to three years. While Codemasters has major franchises in cricket games (The Ashes), racing games (Formula 1, Dirt2 and Race Driver Grid), performance games (Dance Factory) and military simulations (Operation Flashpoint 2) and annual revenues in excess of US$ 150 million.