Shares in SCi Entertainment soar after games maker says it has received takeover approaches

Shares in computer games maker SCi Entertainment Group PLC soared almost 25 percent Monday after the owner of the "Tomb Raider" series said it had received takeover approaches.

SCi declined to name the prospective bidders but analysts said they are likely to include U.S. computer games firms Midway Games Inc. and Electronic Arts Inc. and private equity firm Apax Partners.

London-based SCi, which also makes the game "The Great Escape," bought fellow game maker Eidos PLC, the home of Lara Croft, for 74 million pounds earlier this year. SCi now brands its games under the Eidos name.

The company's shares closed 24.5 percent higher at 600 pence (US$10.61; Ђ8.84) on the London Stock Exchange.

"The board of SCi notes today's press comment and confirms that it has received approaches from various parties which may or may not lead to an offer for the company," the company said in a statement to the exchange following rumors of interest that caused its share price to rise.

Midway owns games classic "Pac-Man" and the "Mortal Kombat" series, while Electronic Arts owns titles including "FIFA Soccer" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.", AP reported. V.A.