UK games giant Sumo has acquired Auroch Digital.

As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the Bristol-based studio was snapped up for £6 million ($8.32 million), with a further sum set to be paid out depending on how Auroch performs within the net three years.

Sumo says that the deal has strengthened its publishing capability, with Auroch's staff joining its new Secret Mode indie label.

"We're really excited to be joining the Sumo Group family. We share so many values and Sumo will be a good home for us," Auroch boss and founder Tomas Rawlings (pictured) said.

"We have a shared desire always to improve the quality and depth of the games we make, a commitment to being a positive and respectful workplace, a desire to invest in new talent, and a shared wish to make a lot of fun, engagement and gameplay for all. Auroch Digital joining Sumo Group really is the natural next step in our journey and we're really excited to be taking it together."

Sumo CEO Carl Cavers added: "I'm delighted to welcome Tomas and the Auroch Digital team to the Group. Given our increasing focus on Own-IP, we are particularly excited by Auroch Digital's pipeline of original IP. So, while this is a relatively small acquisition, it is a highly significant one for us strategically."

Earlier this year, Chinese tech and entertainment giant Tencent put down a $1.27 billion bid to buy Sumo Group.