Welp, I’m sorry, guys: You’re not on the shortlist to buy Nexon. I know you really wanted it, but it’s not to be.
As we’ve been chronicling, Nexon’s controlling family has spent the last two months entertaining buyers for the company, which is valued at a cool $9 billion US. A long list of companies has apparently been considering a bid, but now apparently Nexon has whittled the list down to five contenders: Tencent, Kakao, Bain Capital, MBK Partners, and an “unidentified private equity firm,” according to Reuters.
Previously, it appeared Tencent, Netmarble, and MBK would form a consortium for bidding, but now Netmarble and MBK are allied against Tencent. It’s not clear what happened with the preliminary bids from companies like Amazon, Comcast, and Electronic Arts, which were at one point throwing their hats into the ring.
GIbiz now notes that the bidding will begin in April and could wind up with as much as $13.3 billion changing hands.
Get caught up on the Nexon sale saga:
Nexon’s stock dips following rumors that its massive buyout has been canceled
Kakao and Netmarble both bid for a controlling stake in Nexon last week
Disney says Dis-nay to acquiring a controlling interest in Nexon
Disney reportedly in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Nexon
Nexon settles on five bidders in corporate sale as Tencent splits from Netmarble and MBK
Nexon’s $9B sale draws interest from Amazon, EA, and Comcast
Tencent and Netmarble might team up to buy South Korean MMO giant Nexon
Nexon had a record-high 2018, but it’s got only mobile titles coming westward in 2019
MMO Business Roundup: Netmarble’s Nexon bid, Warframe’s owners, PC H1Z1, and the Fortnite kid who saved us from Facetime
Kakao is apparently considering a bid for Nexon as sale process heats up
Nexon founder’s controlling shares in the company are now officially up for sale
Nexon’s founder is selling off his controlling interest – for $9 billion
