Reports of Ubisoft staking a bid in a buyout of UK games publisher SCi may have been premature as Financial Times reports about a source in the company saying that they're not exactly pushing for a takeover. "We are not in discussion with SCi Entertainment any more than we are with any other company in the industry," says the source who is familiar with the SCi situation.

The Financial Times report suggests that the more likely development to happen is a buyout from a private equity firm rather than an assimilation from a major player in the industry.

Ubisoft once pursued Eidos, makers of the Tomb Raider franchise, but failed in the pursuit by offering a sixth of what SCi is currently worth. Other big firms reported to be after SCi Entertainment are Electronic Arts and Time Warner.

Incidentally, the name of Iranian business tycoon Robert Tchenguiz has been involved in the issue as a possible bidder. The billionaire subsequently denied the rumor even though he owns 20 percent of SCi.

SCi admitted last week that it is holding preliminary buyout talks with interested parties, though it did not reveal specific names. Analysts suggest that the entire deal could be worth some US$ 600 million.