Dark Horse Media is being acquired by Embracer Group AB.
Embracer is a Swedish video game holding company and the parent of Asmodee, THQ Nordic, Gearbox Entertainment, DECA Games, Koch Media, Saber Interactive and more. The price Embracer is paying for Dark Horse wasn't disclosed, but Dark Horse founder and CEO Mike Richardson will remain on board to manage the company.
"I can’t express the excitement I feel as Dark Horse moves into this new chapter in our history," Richardson said. "The synergies that exist with the Embracer network of companies promises exciting new opportunities not only for Dark Horse, but also for the creators and companies we work with. I’ve had a number of compelling conversations with Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors and I’m very impressed with him and what he and his team have built. I have to say, the future for our company has never looked brighter."
Dark Horse was founded in 1986 by Richardson and is famous for such titles as Dark Horse Presents, Sin City and Hellboy, along with licensed titles like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Wars and Alien.
News of Dark Horse's acquisition comes shortly after it was announced that the company would begin publishing Star Wars comics for the first time since 2014. "The idea is to build up a Star Wars program that includes an on-going series as well as an anthology," Richardson said at the time. "Mixed in would be one-shots and specials. We’ll see where we go from there. Initially, we will focus on stories featuring the High Republic. Star Wars is near and dear to all of our hearts and I’ve been a fan since I saw the original film 19 times during its original release. I am thrilled that Dark Horse will once again bring new stories to life from this incredible galaxy. The Star Wars universe has grown over the years and there’s so many new opportunities for great stories. I can’t tell you how excited we are to get started!"
The sale shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, as it was reported in early December that Dark Horse was looking for a buyer. However, it was believed the would-be buyer was a major Hollywood studio.
Source: Embracer