SCi’s mystery would-be bidder is not Ubisoft, according to a source from the company.

The Financial Times quotes an insider from the French publisher as saying: “We are not in discussion with SCi Entertainment any more than we are with any other company in the industry.”

However, another source quoted as being ‘familiar with [SCi]’ has told the newspaper that the Eidos parent is more likely to ‘play for private equity than a trade player’.

That idea puts Robert Tchenguiz, who already owns 20 per cent of the company, in the frame – but the FT has also ruled out a bid from the Iranian billionaire.

The source said Time Warner could again be the possible bidder and noted the company’s heightened interest in SCi. However, he said he would be surprised if Time Warner took such a huge gamble. Time Warner declined comment.

This source also said he thought Vivendi would have no interest. Vivendi would not comment on the situation.

An SCi spokesperson declined comment.

MCV today posted a round-up of the current favourite firms to buy SCi, and outlined the reasons they may do so.

Some industry nosetappers are suggesting that CEO Jane Cavanagh may now be ready to thrash out a deal: “SCi/Eidos has had a tough time over the last five years,” one analyst told MCV.

“And when the company was in acquisition talks previously, the Board was looking at deal of around £6-£7 a share. That’s not currently achievable, so Jane [Cavanagh] may well be ready to negotiate now...”