Having been hinted at earlier in the week, Vivendi-Universal today confirmed the acquisition of UK outfit, Swordfish Studios.

Under the terms of the agreement, VU Games will retain the Birmingham based 45-strong team with Trevor Williams continuing to lead the studio in the role of Managing Director; Williams will report directly to Peter Della Penna, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Product Development for VU Games.

“Swordfish Studios has emerged as a strong creative force with an experienced and talented group of professionals,” said Bruce Hack, CEO of VU Games. “Following the integration of Radical Entertainment into the VU Games organization and Blizzard Entertainment’s acquisition of Swingin’ Ape Studios earlier this year, the purchase of Swordfish further builds our internal development capabilities.”

Swordfish and VU Games recently collaborated on the PS2 spy/thriller Cold Winter, although specific details on future plans are being kept secretive until a later date. It’s not yet known whether the deal will affect previous commitments to other publishers, with Swordfish currently developing Rugby ’06 for Hip Games and Brian Lara International cricket for Codemasters.