SCi Spurns Infogrames Buyout Bid
Posted by Kotaku US Edition at 6:00 AM on April 29, 2008
French Atari parent Infogrames wants to purchase Eidos parent SCi, and has already extended it a "financially disciplined" offer, Infogrames revealed today via a regulatory announcement.
However, says Infogrames: "The SCi Board has declined, at this stage, to entertain Infogrames' offer."
Infogrames is still raring to go on the bid, though, saying that it has "sufficient resources" to satisfy the offer, and adding it has also "secured commitments" that will help fund SCi's potential working capital requirements. "Importantly," the statement adds, "Infogrames is in a position to move expeditiously with its proposal."
The regulatory announcement suggests the door's still open on the proposal, though there are no guarantees:
"Whilst Infogrames has been considering a range of options, including but not limited to a potential merger with SCi, there can be no certainty that any offer will be made for SCi," said the statement in part, concluding with, "A further announcement may be made, if and when appropriate."
SCi recently got a shot in the arm in the form of a $120 million bailout from investor Warner Bros.,who increased its stake in the company to 20 percent. In the process, SCi gained access to couple WB licenses (Looney Toons, The OC, the Batman comics) — and, apparently, lost 25 percent of its staff as well as some current projects (flagship titles like Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex and Championship Manager are safe).
When approached for questions, a rep for SCi said he was unable to comment on the company's current business.

Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Mr_Fujisawa
Posted 7:06 AM 29/4/08
Wow, it looks like Infrogrammes are here to fuck the UK games industry again.
Mr_Fujisawa
Fyren
Posted 6:29 AM 29/4/08
I know its off topic, but I should let Bostonian know that one of the two locations of midnight launch at BBuy has cancelled the event. Cambridge won't even bother talking to me.
If you planned on heading to BB tonight, consider it cancelled or only Cambridge is available if you can talk to them.
Fyren
deathtastic
Posted 6:27 AM 29/4/08
@Dr.Chocobo:
you know he always does... Just follow the path of failed ideas.
deathtastic
Dr.Chocobo
Posted 6:24 AM 29/4/08
Well, I'm glad Infograms is doing something to power up thier company. Isn't Phil Harrison in the mix? Maybe he's planning something deliciously evil...
Dr.Chocobo
StupidDufus
Posted 6:12 AM 29/4/08
Sucks for the PR and marketing staff of Eidos. Hope those employees find new work without too much trouble.
StupidDufus
deathtastic
Posted 6:08 AM 29/4/08
GOd knows i need deus ex to stay safe.
deathtastic
akilshohen
Posted 8:16 AM 29/4/08
Would warner bros let them do that? I think it would probably be better if WB just bought them outright. They're pretty lax about their game studios doing projects for other companies.
Lego Tomb Raider?
akilshohen
Gunloc
Posted 9:32 AM 29/4/08
If I remember correctly, didnt infogrames make games for WB not to long ago?
Gunloc
BlackIceJoe
Posted 3:13 PM 29/4/08
I think if SCI megerged or was bought out by Infogrames would be great for both SCI and Infogrames. Both companies are not doing so hot and if they were to work together I am sure they could pull off some wild and cool things.
BlackIceJoe