Zynga buys NaturalMotion for $527M, cuts workforce 15%

BaZynga!

Recommended Videos

Zynga has made its first big move under new CEO and former Microsoft head Don Mattrick, acquiring CSR Racing developer NaturalMotion for $527 million. The UK and US-based developer did well for itself with the mobile hit CSR Racing, but is also known for technologies used in big-budget console development, including the Euphoria physics engined licensed and used by Rockstar in Grand Theft Auto IV and V.

Zynga is dropping $391M in cash on the deal and making up the rest with 39.8M Zynga shares, Venture Beat reports. 11.6M shares are going to NaturalMotion employees who are joining Zynga.

Meanwhile, adhering to equivalent exchange, Zynga is once again laying its own people the heck off, to the tune of 314 jobs. That’s 15% of its workforce and more jobs cut than the entire 260-person staff at NaturalMotion.

Cutting 15% of its staff is expected to save Zygna $35 million in 2014, which doesn’t seem like all that much when you just orchestrated a $527 million acquisition, but that’s why I don’t wear a moneyhat.

Zynga plans to acquire CSR Racing developer NaturalMotion for $527 million [VentureBeat]
Zynga buys NaturalMotion for $527 million, cuts workforce by 15% [VG 24/7]


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article The next big Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter update will take place on April 12
What to expect during FFXIV LLXXX
Read Article Helldivers 2 players receive Quasar Cannon and Heavy Machine Gun Stratagems to support Automaton obliteration
helldivers 2 heavy machine gun HMG quasar cannon stratagems unlocked
Read Article The Witcher 4 development is forging ahead at CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 4 update
Related Content
Read Article The next big Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter update will take place on April 12
What to expect during FFXIV LLXXX
Read Article Helldivers 2 players receive Quasar Cannon and Heavy Machine Gun Stratagems to support Automaton obliteration
helldivers 2 heavy machine gun HMG quasar cannon stratagems unlocked
Read Article The Witcher 4 development is forging ahead at CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 4 update