Ubisoft acquires strategy game specialist

Multi-million selling strategy franchise Anno now part of the Ubisoft group.

Ubisoft has announced that it has concluded an agreement to acquire SunFlowers, owner of the Anno brand, one the most successful strategy franchises with five million units sold worldwide. Ubisoft also takes a 30% stake in Related Designs, the studio responsible for Anno 1701 and a future title in the series.

"With the acquisition of Anno, Ubisoft reinforces its position in the real-time strategy market. Anno, along with Ubisoft's The Settlers, is one of the most well known franchises in Germany, reaching a wide audience that includes not only traditional gamers, but also women and families," stated Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft.

Mr Adi Boiko, cofounder of SunFlowers stated, "I'm glad to confide Anno to Ubisoft, a company known for the innovation and creativity of its development teams. The brand will benefit from Ubisoft's global strength, allowing new audiences to discover the pleasure of empire building through new Anno games."