SEGA has recently released a statement in regard to the news about Microsoft’s interest in the company.
Some documents have been submitted recently as part of Microsoft’s legal battle with the US FTC. It revealed that in November 2020, Phil Spencer, Xbox’s chief, had requested approval from Microsoft’s CEO to approach SEGA and make negotiations with them to purchase its gaming studios.
Spencer said that SEGA is Xbox’s “most attractive next acquisition target due to its global PC catalog, presence on mobile in Asia, and global brand affinity on console through its classic IP”.
SEGA Co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi spoke to Bloomberg after being asked if their company was open to acquisition talks. “No, not now,” he said.
SEGA has always been close with Microsoft. “We are very close with Microsoft and have a great relationship with its management team,” Utsumi said. “Microsoft particularly has a high regard for us. Xbox’s Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are really serious about values that video game fans emphasize.”