Tencent could be buying SoftBank’s stake in Supercell

Rumours about SoftBank potentially selling its stake in Supercell have ramped up with reports suggesting that Tencent could be an interested party.

The Chinese firm is already a major player in the internet and games markets, having fully purchased League of Legends dev Riot Games and a holding a stake in Unreal Engine creator Epic Games. Last year, Tencent also bought large stakes in mobile publishers Glu and Pocket Gems.

Now The Wall Street Journal reports that Tencent may purchase SoftBank’s 73 per cent stake in Supercell, according to Pocket Gamer.

SoftBank was already said to be looking for a buyer, but it was unknown who they might be in discussions with. If the firm sells to Tencent, it will give Supercell access to the lucrative and growing market of China.

Pocket Gamer notes that Giant interactive and Alibaba – two Chinese firms that are rivals to Tencent – have previously attempted to buy SoftBank’s stake in Supercell but prices could not be agreed.