In a US$4.4bn all-stock deal, video game development platform Unity Software Inc has struck a deal to acquire ironSource Ltd, a mobile app and advertising technology company.
Both companies have seen their share prices plummet this year.
Israel-based ironSource went public in New York a year ago through a SPAC merger at a valuation of US$11.1bn and is being valued at almost US$5bn in the merger
Unity, which says its real-time interactive real-time 3D content platform provides the basis for 50% of computer games, has seen its share price has fallen by over 70% in 2022.
One of Unity's tools is a user acquisition service which uses real-time user valuation at the time of an ad request, which ties in with ironSource's offering as a specialist in monetisation, engagement, and analytics tools for app developers.
The merged company aims to generate US$1bn in EBITDA by 2024, according to reports.
The deal combines two providers of videogame and software development services and comes as technology stocks plunge and companies announce layoff announcements and hiring freezes, partly in response to a slump in digital advertising.
Last month, Unity laid off about 4% of its workforce, saying it was necessary to better match its staff with its needs.
"Obviously valuations have come down and cost of capital has gone up, and people are tightening belts," Unity chief executive John Riccitiello told media at the time, adding the videogame industry is more insulated than others in tech, and Unity’s recent job cuts were minimal and part of re-evaluating priorities.
After the company cut its guidance last month, a class action lawsuit was filed against Unity and some of its directors on behalf of investors that purchased stock in the company between March 5, 2021 and May 10, 2022, alleging that directors "made materially false and misleading statements regarding the company’s business, operations, and compliance policies".
Unity's two largest investors, Silver Lake and Sequoia, have committed to buying US$1bn worth of convertible notes after the deal closes.