Shares in British games publisher Eidos, the maker of the "Tomb Raider" series, soared more than 20 percent today after it revealed it has received a takeover approach.

Eidos, which last week slashed revenue forecasts as the economic downturn hurt its sales and warned that it could breach its debt covenants, stressed that "discussions are at a very early stage and there can be no assurance that an offer will be forthcoming."

It did not provide any further information on the potential suitor or an offer price.

Eidos, which adopted the name of the company taken over by SCi Entertainment in 2005, has struggled in recent years after delays to the launch of its games and has frequently been at the center of takeover speculation. Warner Bros. parent Time Warner has increased its stake in the company to 20 percent from 16 percent.

New Chief Executive Phil Rogers made moves to restructure the company last year, cutting jobs and axing low performing games.

The company's star performer, Lara Croft, has been struggling to win players in recent months. Her latest adventure, "Tom Raider: Underworld" sold 1.5 million copies between its mid-November release and Christmas, well under forecasts.

That led the company, which also makes "Hitman," "Just Cause," and "Deus Ex," to cut its full-year revenue estimate to a range of 160 million pounds to 180 million pounds ($244 million to $275 million), down from its previous guidance of 180 million pounds to 200 million pounds.

The company added that it had passed its peak net debt position and retained "sufficient headroom" within its committed banking facility, but added that given the revised profit expectations it may have to begin discussions with its lender about its debt due in June 2009.

Eidos said it expected its 2009 financial year to get a boost from the release of its "Batman: Arkham Asylum" game, which is currently being promoted in a trailer on all DVDs of Warner Bros.' "The Dark Knight."

Eidos shares were up 21 percent at 14.5 pence in midmorning trade in London, having slumped around 80 percent over the past year.