On January 30, 2014, Zynga, the world’s leading provider of social game services, announced its purchase of UK game-maker NaturalMotion for $527 million in cash and equity. NaturalMotion—a longtime client of the firm’s—is best known for its mobile gaming successes such as Clumsy Ninja and CSR Racing game, which is currently among the top 100 highest-grossing mobile apps.
At closing, NaturalMotion’s shareholders and vested option holders will receive an aggregate of $391 million in cash and approximately 39.8 million shares of Zynga Class A Common Stock. Approximately 11.6 million of the 39.8 million shares will be issued to continuing employees and will be subject to vesting over a three-year period. Further details of the transaction can be found at Zynga.com.
WilmerHale represented NaturalMotion in this deal, along with co-counsel Fenwick West. Partner Joe Pillman led WilmerHale’s team, which also included Partners Paula Holland and David Andrews, Counsel Erika McIntyre and Associate Andrew Ross.
