• Bloomberg, Friday, August 12, 2011 11:25 AM

"Angry Birds" creator Rovio Entertainment Oy is reportedly in talks to receive funding that would value the company at about $1.2 billion. The Finnish game maker is considering taking a strategic investment from a company in the entertainment business, sources tell Bloomberg. While rejecting similar offers from large institutional investors in the past, Rovio may take the funds to fuel its expansion.

"The company plans to make an 'Angry Birds' movie and open offices outside of Finland, and is seeking to capitalize on the popularity of its brand in countries such as China," reports Bloomberg. Likely investors include game developers Electronic Arts and Zynga, and media giants News Corp. and Walt Disney. Michael Pachter, managing director of research at Wedbush Securities, tells Bloomberg. "I can see how Disney would take 'Angry Birds' and turn them into a theme-park ride and a movie," said Pachter. "Zynga could take 'Angry Birds' and make it into 'FarmVille.'"

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