Tencent Reportedly Plans $15B Nexon Acquisition Talks

Tencent Holdings Ltd. is reportedly exploring a potential acquisition of South Korean gaming company Nexon, with private talks underway but no finalized deal. The family of Nexon's late founder, Kim Jung-ju, who controls a significant stake through the family investment firm NXC Corp., is consulting advisors and evaluating options amid inheritance tax complications involving the Korean government. Nexon, valued at over $15 billion, is known for popular franchises like MapleStory, Dungeon & Fighter, and The Finals, and has recently supported Web3 gaming initiatives such as MapleStory Universe. Tencent's interest in Nexon follows a previous unsuccessful bid in 2019 and aligns with its broader strategy to expand its gaming portfolio, including recent investments in companies like Ubisoft and Arrowhead Game Studios. While the willingness of Kim’s family to sell remains uncertain, the deal could boost Tencent's position in the South Korean gaming market and enhance the development of blockchain-based games. Both Tencent and Nexon have declined to comment on the discussions, leaving the outcome uncertain.