London - Venture capital firm Benchmark Capital's new European unit, Balderton, has acquired U.K.-based video game developer and publisher Codemasters from its founding Darling family for an undisclosed sum.

Balderton initially acquired a 40% stake in 21-year-old Codemasters in 2005, and another 30% of the company last year, acquiring the remaining stake in today's transaction.

Separately, Codemasters said it has received a $99 million investment from Goldman Sachs.

The company expects to see $147 million in sales this year, spurred by its "The Lord of the Rings Online" multiplayer game; upcoming titles include "Colin McRae: DiRT" and "Overlord."

Related Links:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=25783

http://www.benchmark.com/news/sv/2007/06_07_2007a.php

http://www.codemasters.com