Sony to swoop for download firm Ztorm

In a move loaded with strategic significance, Sony is on the verge of buying digital distribution firm Ztorm.

There is no official confirmation of the deal as yet, but MCV understands that long-running discussions are on the brink of a successful conclusion.

Ztorm said it has no comment on the rumour”. Sony offered no response.

Founded in 2006, Ztorm is a Swedish firm specialising in games, movies and audiobooks. It is not consumer facing, but provides API and white label solutions for retailers – chiefly in the Nordic region, including CDON, Discshop, Spaceworld, Broadpark and MediaNow. In February the firm revealed it had signed on to provide digital distribution for some of the GAME Group’s web stores.

Analyst Nick Parker said: This is a smart move by Sony, acquiring an efficient tried and tested solution with a healthy business track record not laden with a massive capital burden.”

Ztorm already works with most major games publishers, including EA, Activision, Ubisoft, Sega, Take-Two, NCsoft, Warner Bros and Disney. Last month it said it had served over 1m downloads and streams.

It is currently owned by, amongst others, the institutional investor Sixth Swedish National Pension Fund.