Maker of “Candy Crush” Sees $613 Million in IPO

NEW YORK (AP) — The company behind the addictive blockbuster game “Candy Crush Saga” believes it could raise nearly $613 million in an initial public offering.

In a regulatory filing Wednesday, King Digital Entertainment PLC said it plans to sell 15.3 million shares in the offering. Existing shareholders will sell an additional 6.7 million shares.

“Candy Crush” was the most downloaded free app on iPhones and iPads in 2013, beating Facebook, Google Maps and YouTube.

The shares are expected to be priced between $21 and $24, for a total of between $466.2 million and $532.8 million. Underwriters have the option of buying up to an additional 3.3 million shares. That could raise an additional $69.9 million to $79.9 million.

Shares would be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KING.”