Bristol-based Saitek Group, one of the world's largest makers of computer joysticks has put itself up for sale, after revealing that it has received a number of unsolicited inquiries from would-be suitors.
Saitek claims to be the world's second largest joystick manufacturer, supplying products to large retail chains, including WalMart, BestBuy and DSG - the owner of Currys and PC World.
Interest in the company increased after Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard announced that they were keen to expand their computer game peripherals businesses. Saitek's owner, Swiss-born technologist Eric Winkler, is expected to demand an asking price of about £25m, though some analysts have suggested the company may command a higher figure from buyers wanting to get hold of its lucrative distribution deals.
Saitek started out in 1979 by selling handheld electronic chess games from Hong Kong. Since then it has acquired 130 staff and has offices in the Britain, France, Germany, the US and Asia.
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Tags: Bristol, game, games
