Japanese games giant Sega is apparently looking to expand its operations.

Speaking to CNBC, the company's chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi said that it was looking to acquire more studios. The ops boss said that it would be keeping an eye out for potential purchases as they come about.

“As an entity of Sega Sammy, we are acquiring some of the companies. We just made an announcement [to buy Rovio]. We are still looking for opportunities for growth.”

Utsumi added that while the Japanese development scene is in rude health at the moment, the same is not true for studios around the world.

“Japan studios are doing well. European studios are struggling,” Utsumi said. “I say all European developers are in a difficult time right now. Once, it was a kind of bubble. Now, it’s adjustment time.”

However, he continued optimistically: “I think it’s going to be coming back. As long as you have solid development studios and also solid IPs.”

This comes in the wake of Sega cancelling Hyenas. This was being developed by UK studio Creative Assembly and reportedly was the Japanese giant's biggest budget game to date. As a result, staff have been laid off at the developer.

While Sega itself is interested in buying studios, it is not interested in being bought itself. There have been rumours that Microsoft was interested in buying the company, for one.

“Many companies are interested. We feel honoured,” Utsumi said.

“We have attractive IPs and potentials. Companies owned by the owner. A strong owner. I don’t think that kind of transaction is going to happen.”