Square Enix flatly denies it is up for a sale

Square Enix has taken the unusual step of stating it isn't for sale, after a report claimed several potential buyers were circling the company.

Earlier today, Bloomberg Japan reported that the Final Fantasy maker was being courted by companies interested in an acquisition, citing bank officials with knowledge of the situation.

Now, Square Enix has said it won't be bought, and had received no offers along these lines.

"Bloomberg has reported today that there is interest from several buyers to acquire Square Enix," a statement from the publisher reads. "However, this report is not based on any announcement by Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

"We do not consider selling off the company or any part of its businesses, nor have we received any offer from any third party to acquire the company or any part of its businesses."

Square Enix here in Japan just reacted officially, shooting down the rumor: https://t.co/HIzftxthGR https://t.co/jrwy2mbgHn pic.twitter.com/envQ33gIKO

— Dr. Serkan Toto / Kantan Games Inc. (@serkantoto) April 16, 2021

Video games industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto noted on Twitter that Square Enix stock had soared this morning after the report, up by nearly 14 per cent.

"For what it's worth," games industry analyst David Gibson added, "think it's bankers trying to drum up business, stock being under pressure because of [the] failure of Avengers. No doubt it has great IP but already has commercial agreements with Sony and Tencent..."

Square Enix currently has numerous games in the pipeline, including high-profile projects such as Final Fantasy 16 and Forspoken which it has already signed deals with PlayStation to launch first/exclusively/via some yet to be confirmed exclusivity window on its platforms. (Not that similar deals ruled out Microsoft's purchase of Bethesda).