Eidos posted a 2.9 million pound year-end net loss, hit hard by weak sales in the U.S. In particular, Hitman: Contracts fell short of internal sales targets, with no other titles to buoy the struggling UK-based publisher. Sales fell 11.6 percent for the year to 133.9 million pounds ($241 million).
Shares however rose with the news that discussions are underway for a buyout. Rumors say that publishing giant Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Microsoft are potentials bidders for the company. "Discussions, which relate to a possible sale of the company, are progressing well, although there can be no certainty at this stage as to whether or not they will lead to an offer being made for the company," Eidos said in an earlier statement.