Benchmark Capital, the backer of social networking site Bebo, has bought out the co-founders of computer games group Codemasters, paving the way for a possible flotation of the creator of Colin McRae Rally and Maelstrom.

Brothers Richard and David Darling founded the business back in 1986 and remain directors. Benchmark acquired a 70% stake in the business over a year ago in a deal that valued the pair's stake at about £80m.

The venture capital firm is understood to have raised that stake to 80% - the rest is held by management - and to be looking at a possible flotation of the games firm. Goldman Sachs has also put together a £50m funding facility for the business.