Sumo Digital goes atomic with latest acquisition

Sheffield’s Sumo Digital has snapped up a Gateshead business as it looks to grow even further after its acquisition by private equity firm Perwyn.

The business being acquired, Atomhawk, was founded in 2009 and works on blockbuster movies and games across PC, console and virtual reality platforms: including Marvel Studios’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and games ‘Injustice 2’ and ‘Eve: Valkyrie’.

The terms of the deal are undisclosed, but the studio brings a further 29 staff to the group.

Atomhawk continues to operate as an autonomous business with the same management and creative teams dedicated to delivering the best possible art, design and client service and growing the business to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

It has been 10 months since Sumo was acquired by Perwyn in a “multi-million pound” deal with NorthEdge Capital.

In 2014, NorthEdge helped the management team acquire the business in a buyout from Foundation 9 Entertainment, the US entertainment media company which acquired Sumo in 2007.

Atomhawk Managing Director, Ron Ashtiani, said: “This investment and strategic support enables us to realise our ambitions to drive Atomhawk forward – expanding the creative services we offer and the imminent opening of a second studio in North America.”

Carl Cavers, CEO of Sumo Digital said: “Atomhawk continues to build an impressive track record across games, film and digital media. Both companies will continue to operate independently with the acquisition allowing us to accelerate growth across the group.”
Atomhawk and Sumo Digital have a long-standing relationship and look forward to realising their shared vision of creating a powerhouse for high quality creative and development services that will benefit current and future clients across all sectors.”

A team from Addleshaw advised on the deal, including Yunus Seedat, Ben Collins, Caera Loughrran, Rebekah Fisher and Lauren Wills-Dixon.

Pictured: Carl Cavers and Cumron Ashtiani

Close