Rumors surfaced earlier this month that Dark Horse Comics was looking for a buyer. Apparently the rumor turned out to be real since the American publisher was bought by the Embracer Group, a Swedish holding company that owns companies such as THQ Nordic, Gearbox Entertainment, Koch Media and Asmodee.
The transaction price was not disclosed, but it has been confirmed that Mike Richardson, Dark Horse CEO, will remain in his position. “I cannot express the emotions I feel when Dark Horse enters the next chapter in its story“said Richardson.”The existing synergy between the Embracer corporate network promises exciting new opportunities not only for Dark Horse, but also for the makers and companies we work with. I have had numerous interesting conversations with Lars Wingefors, CEO of Embracer, and I am very impressed with what he and his team have built. I have to admit, the future of our company has never been so bright“.
Although the news of the purchase of Dark Horse does not come like lightning, it is still surprising that the publisher was bought by a holding company active in the gaming sector. Indeed, the purchase of Dark Horse was anticipated by a Hollywood giant like Netflix, but apparently the recent opening of the Dark Horse gaming division must have pleased the Swedish conglomerate.
With the purchase of Dark Horse Comics, Embracer will receive a library of over 300 intellectual property like The Mask, Hellboy and Umbrella Academy. The transaction is expected to close in 2022.
