Tencent said to study deal for US$15 billion game developer Nexon.

Published Thu, Jun 12, 2025
Article by Ishaan Balakrishnan

Source:
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/telcos-media-tech/tencent-said-study-deal-us15-billion-game-developer-nexon

>Tencent Holdings is studying a potential deal for Nexon, as the Chinese Internet giant looks for ways to bolster its lucrative gaming operations, people with knowledge of the matter said.

>Shenzhen-based Tencent has reached out to the family of Nexon’s late founder Kim Jung-ju to discuss the possibility of an acquisition, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.

>Kim’s family has been speaking to advisers and evaluating options, according to the people.

>NXC explored a sale of its Nexon stake six years ago, attracting interest from Tencent as well as buyout firms such as KKR & Co. and Hillhouse.

>The sale process was eventually shelved because of a failure to agree on price, Bloomberg News reported at the time.

>Nexon and Tencent have already worked together, developing Dungeon & Fighter, a key revenue generator.

>The Korean government has sought to sell its shares of Nexon's holding but failed to find a suitor, local media reported, this could change if Tencent acquires them.

>Tencent is studying a deal for to acquire the game developer Nexon for a total of US$15 billion.