Rovio Said to Plan IPO at $2 Billion Value

Rovio Entertainment is planning an initial public offering as early as next month that could value the maker of the Angry Birds mobile games and movie at about $2 billion, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.

Rovio could raise about $400 million from a local market listing, the people said. No final decisions have been made and the company could also choose to stay private for longer. Carnegie Bank, Danske Bank and Deutsche Bank are among banks advising on a potential listing, the people said.

Rovio, based in Espoo, Finland, reported revenue growth of 34 percent for 2016 to 190.3 million euros and earnings before interests and taxes of about 17.5 million euros compared with a loss in the previous year. The company, like many game makers, has been searching for new growth after its initial success with the Angry Birds mobile game.

The company sold parts of its business to Kaiken Entertainment, a startup led by former CEO Mikael Hed and other company veterans, in March. The sale, which included Rovio’s TV animation studio, book publishing business and some non-Angry Birds properties, was part of a reorganization at the company.