Business Wire

CA-ZYNGA

Share
Zynga Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Mobile Game Developer StarLark, Team Behind the Hit Franchise, Golf Rival

Zynga Inc . (Nasdaq: ZNGA), a global leader in interactive entertainment, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire StarLark, developer of the fast-growing and second-largest mobile golf game in the world, Golf Rival, from Betta Games for $525 million in cash and stock. This acquisition brings to Zynga a talented development team with the proven ability to create a global hit and additional projects in early development. StarLark also expands Zynga’s international presence by establishing a China-based studio with access to the region’s creative talent base.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210805005098/en/

In Golf Rival , players of all skill levels compete in real-time player-versus-player matches, including multiplayer tournaments on spectacular courses with customizable equipment. The game has rapidly grown to become the second-largest mobile golf game in the world with six million downloads in 2021 alone.

“With the acquisition of Golf Rival , Zynga becomes home to a talented team with the proven ability to create a global hit, while expanding Zynga’s international footprint with a new studio in China,” said Frank Gibeau, Chief Executive Officer of Zynga. “Golf Rival has rapidly ascended to become the second-largest mobile golf game in the world, with six million downloads in 2021 alone. Together, Zynga and StarLark are well-positioned to grow Golf Rival faster together with additional new projects in early development.”

“I’m very proud of the StarLark team for making Golf Rival a worldwide hit and we are thrilled to join Zynga to further accelerate the game’s incredible growth trajectory as a forever franchise,” said Henry You, Founder and General Manager of StarLark. “This partnership will provide Zynga with greater accessibility to China’s deep talent pool, while also giving StarLark access to Zynga’s global resources and expertise.”

Zynga will acquire the StarLark development studio and Golf Rival franchise for approximately $525 million, comprising approximately $315 million of cash and approximately $210 million of Zynga common stock (issued at the average closing price per share over the thirty-day trading period ended August 02, 2021). The final closing consideration will also include customary closing adjustments and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Zynga was advised by White & Case and Fangda Law. Aream & Co. acted as the exclusive financial advisor and Orrick served as legal advisor to Betta Games in this transaction.

Editor’s note:

Key art and broadcast assets available for use at the following link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k04y6d41bgrcw7m/AACg-NaEWZDbPEumf0s42qlIa?dl=0

About Zynga

Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment with a mission to connect the world through games. With massive global reach in more than 175 countries and regions, Zynga has a diverse portfolio of popular game franchises that have been downloaded more than four billion times on mobile, including CSR Racing ™, Empires & Puzzles ™, Hair Challenge, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, High Heels!, Merge Dragons! ™, Merge Magic! ™, Queen Bee ™, Toon Blast ™, Toy Blast ™, Words With Friends ™ and Zynga Poker ™. With Chartboost, a leading mobile advertising and monetization platform, Zynga is an industry-leading next-generation platform with the ability to optimize programmatic advertising and yields at scale. Founded in 2007, Zynga is headquartered in California with locations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.zynga.com or follow Zynga on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook or the Zynga blog .

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those statements relating to, among other things: the proposed acquisition of Beijing StarLark Technology Co., Ltd. (“StarLark)”, the Golf Rival mobile game franchise and related other games, intellectual properties, business records and specified other assets and liabilities; our ability to achieve the intended benefits of the acquisition, including the growth of the Golf Rival franchise, the development of future games, and attracting and retaining key development and other personnel; the purchase price for the acquisition and the timing in which the transaction is expected to close. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “projected,” “planned,” “intend,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “target,” “expect,” and statements in the future tense are generally forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current expectations. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and our actual results could differ materially from those predicted or implied. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: satisfaction of transaction closing conditions and our ability to timely close the transaction; our ability to effectively integrate and achieve the expected benefits of the transaction; and risks of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the transaction. More information about these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are or will be described in greater detail in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at http://investor.zynga.com or the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov .

About Business Wire

Business Wire
Business Wire
101 California Street, 20th Floor
CA 94111 San Francisco

http://businesswire.com

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

Cessna Citation Ascend Enters Into Service, Redefining Performance and Cabin Experience in the Midsize Business Jet Market31.12.2025 15:00:00 CET | Press release

The Cessna Citation Ascend achieved a major milestone as the first retail customer took delivery of the midsize business jet on Tuesday, December 30, marking the aircraft’s entry into service. Announced in 2023 the aircraft boasts an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a luxurious flat floor cabin. The Citation Ascend received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 2025. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251231586042/en/ Cessna Citation Ascend enters into service, redefining performance and cabin experience in the midsize business jet market. (Photo credit: Textron Aviation) The Cessna Citation Ascend is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. “The first Citation Ascend delivery underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to redefining the midsize segment with an aircraft that blends innovation, efficiency and unmatch

Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 Worth $250,000 Extends Deadline Till 11th January 202631.12.2025 14:08:00 CET | Press release

Due to an extraordinary global response of over 134,000 registrations from 214 countries, the submission deadline has been extended.Nurses worldwide can submit their nominations via www.asterguardians.com The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, an initiative from Aster DM Healthcare – a leading integrated healthcare provider, has announced the extension of its deadline to January 11, 2026. The awards have already received over 134,000 registrations from 214 countries, highlighting its growing global reach and recognition among nurses worldwide. Nurses from around the world can submit their nominations through the dedicated platform at www.asterguardians.com. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251231986766/en/ Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award worth USD 250,000 (Photo: AETOSWire) This year, the prestigious award will be hosted in New Delhi, India, celebrating nursing excellence on a truly global stage. T

Tecnotree Included as a Representative Provider in Gartner® Innovation Insight: AI SOC Agents Accelerate CSP SecOps Transformation31.12.2025 11:59:00 CET | Press release

Tecnotree, a global digital platform and services provider for communications service providers (CSPs), today announced that it has been referenced as a Representative Provider alongside Google, Anthropic, Dropzone AI, DRUID, Palo Alto Networks, and Pegasystems in the Gartner® Innovation Insight: “AI SOC Agents Accelerate CSP SecOps Transformation,” published in December 2025. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251231210303/en/ Tecnotree Included as a Representative Provider in Gartner® Innovation Insight: AI SOC Agents Accelerate CSP SecOps Transformation The Gartner Innovation Insight examines the emerging role of AI-driven Security Operations Centre (SOC) agents in CSP environments, outlining how these agents are used to automate and augment security operations across signalling, core networks, RAN, Open RAN, and roaming domains. The research discusses use cases such as alert triage, investigation support, thr

UAE’s Medcare Treats First International SMA Patient With Revolutionary Intrathecal Gene Therapy30.12.2025 15:15:00 CET | Press release

The newly licensed intrathecal gene therapy expands life-changing treatment options for children and adults affected by SMA Medcare Women & Children Hospital has successfully administered a pioneering intrathecal gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to Hulus, a three-year-old patient from Turkey. This milestone positions Medcare among the first private healthcare providers worldwide to offer this innovative treatment to an older international patient, overcoming previous age and weight limitations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251230695275/en/ World's first international patient, who received intrathecal gene therapy at Medcare Royal Hospital in Dubai, UAE, along with parents, and the hospital team. (Photo: AETOSWire) SMA is a rare neuromuscular disorder that progressively weakens muscles responsible for movement and breathing. This newly licensed one-time therapy addresses the root genetic cause

Amazfit Introduces Active Max: Bigger, Brighter, and Built for Maximum Performance30.12.2025 09:00:00 CET | Press release

The newest member of the Active family blends new design, expanded storage, and longer battery to help users train smarter and reach their goals with confidence. Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), today announces the Amazfit Active Max, the newest member of the Amazfit Active family. Built for everyday athletes and anyone looking to elevate their wellness routine, Active Max blends a 1.5″ ultra-bright AMOLED display, up to 25 days of battery life, easy podcast listening and advanced training tools to support consistent training and clearer visibility across any activity. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251230279762/en/ Bigger Display. Max Clarity: A 1.5″ ultra-bright AMOLED display delivers exceptional clarity in any setting—whether in the gym, outdoors, or on the move. With up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, the screen ensures real-time stats are always easy to read.

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye