Famous video game company SEGA is reportedly in the final stages of acquiring Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the hugely popular Angry Birds series. The acquisition deal is expected to be completed next week, with SEGA paying $1 billion for Rovio and all its intellectual property, sources said.

Rovio rose to prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s thanks to the massive popularity of its flagship game Angry Birds, which became a global phenomenon and spawned several sequels and spin-offs. However, the company’s brand isn’t as strong as it has been recently, and this SEGA acquisition could help breathe new life into the brand.

SEGA’s acquisition of Rovio is seen as an attempt to strengthen its presence in the mobile gaming segment, where it is rapidly outpacing its competitors. The company’s last $1 billion bid for Rovio outstripped Israeli Playtika, which offered $800 million earlier in the year. The move is expected to help SEGA expand its mobile gaming offerings, and it’s not yet clear what plans the company has for the iconic Angry Birds characters.

SEGA has long been a leading player in the video game industry, with popular franchises like Yakuza and Sonic. In addition, the company is reportedly working on a new Sonic game that will feature stunning graphics and multiplayer elements.

Overall, SEGA’s acquisition of Rovio is a significant development in the video game industry and it will be interesting to see how the two companies collaborate and innovate in the future. The movement also highlights the growing importance of mobile games in the gaming industry and highlights the need for companies to continually adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the times.