Games maker Sumo in Brexit labour plea as it readies for float

Games developer Sumo on Monday urged the Government to ensure free movement of staff after Brexit as it laid out plans for a £145 million listing on AIM.

The firm, behind the Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing game, employs about 400 people, including a number of EU nationals, in Britain.

Boss Carl Cavers said: “We need to ensure the free movement of European video games developers to the UK after Britain leaves the EU. This will help the industry to thrive.”

The Sheffield-based business, founded by Cavers, Darren Mills and Paul Porter in 2003, said it has raised £38 million from a number of investors. Its initial public offering is priced at 100p a share for listing on AIM on Thursday.

Management and funds managed by majority owner, private equity firm Perwyn, will retain a 43% stake.

Cavers said: “This is a significant step forward in Sumo’s journey to become a global leader in premium development and creative services to the video game and wider entertainment industries.”

The float is being managed by Zeus Capital.