StarLark

The company StarLark specializes in the development of computer video games. The company's offices are located in China. The company actively collaborates with leading world publishers and is provided with all the necessary resources to create games. The main project in the portfolio of the Chinese studio is Golf River mobile PvP golf.

History

2021: Zynga bought StarLark for $525 million

In early August 2021, Zynga agreed to acquire StarLark, a Chinese game developer previously owned by Betta Games and the Golf River mobile game for $525 million.

The latest acquisition of Zynga is a development team with proven ability to create a global hit. StarLark has several other projects in the early stages of development.

Golf River is a casual game in which a player against a player (PvP). It's kind of Words with Friends with golf clubs. It has fantastic fields, and it is very social. She's just starting to gain momentum. We really like the quality of the game. We believe that she has a huge growth ahead. And I think this is now the fastest growing golf game, "said Zynga CEO Frank Gibo in an interview.

Zynga acquired StarLark for $525 million

The studio in Beijing is also expanding the international presence of Zynga, gaining a fulcrum in China and access to talented specialists in the region.

I am very proud of the StarLark team that made Golf River a world hit, and we are very happy to join Zynga to further accelerate the incredible growth trajectory of the game as a franchise for all time. This partnership will provide Zynga with greater access to a vast pool of talent in China, and StarLark will gain access to Zynga's global resources and expertise, said StarLark founder and general manager Henry Yu.

As a result of the transaction, Zynga will receive the StarLark development studio and the Golf River franchise for about $525 million, including approximately $315 million in cash and $210 million in Zynga shares (issued at an average closing price of 1 share during the 30-day trading period ended August 2). The final transaction amount will also include normal adjustments at the close of the transaction and the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

A consultant to Zynga was White & Case and Fangda Law. As part of this deal, Area acted as exclusive financial advisor to Betta Games, and Orrick as legal advisor to Betta Games.^[1]

Notes