Take-Two/EA Saga - Part IV

The magical fairy tail of a capitalist corporation hell-bent on swallowing a talented publisher continues…..

Press Release:

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today responded to Electronic Arts Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ERTS) announcement that it is extending for a fourth time its unsolicited conditional tender offer to acquire all of Take-Two’s outstanding shares.

As reported by EA, only 6,139,824 of Take-Two’s outstanding shares, or approximately 7.9% of the total, tendered into EA’s offer as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on June 16, 2008. Read more

Take-Two responds to EA’s Takeover extension offer

More twists & turns in Take-Two/EA fairytale, Take-Two’s response is still NO.

Press Release:  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today responded to Electronic Arts Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ERTS) announcement that it is extending for a third time its unsolicited conditional tender offer to acquire all of Take-Two’s outstanding shares. As reported by EA, only 6,210,261 of Take-Two’s outstanding shares, or approximately 8.0% of the total, tendered into EA’s offer as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on May 16, 2008. Read more

CBS to buy C|Net for $1.8 billion

According to Yahoo! Business, CBS Corporation is reportedly dropping $1.8 billion dollars to buy out C|Net networks. The deal is estimated at $11.50 per share. This acquisition will make CBS one of the most popular Internet companies in the USA.

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A - News and CBS - News) has entered into an agreement to acquire CNET Networks, Inc., it was announced today by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, CBS will make a cash tender offer for all issued and outstanding shares of CNET Networks for $11.50 per share, representing an equity value of approximately $1.8 billion. The acquisition will make CBS one of the 10 most popular Internet companies in the United States, with a combined 54 million unique users per month, and approximately 200 million users worldwide. 

Final Fantasy XI: 2008 Edition coming this June

SquareEnix is an anthology Final Fantasy game. Containting four Final Fantasy expansion packs, Final Fantasy XI: 2008 Edition is coming this june. Press release below:

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the forthcoming release of FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition, available from 23rd May. Read more

Atari, Inc. Appoints Jim Wilson Chief Executive Officer and President

Atari, the financially frail publisher, has announced it has appointed a new CEO and president. Press release below:

Atari, Inc. , an interactive entertainment company, announced today the appointment of Jim Wilson as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, effective immediately. Mr. Wilson is assuming the responsibilities of CEO which have been overseen by Curtis G. Solsvig III, Atari, Inc.’s Chief Restructuring Officer since October 2007. Read more

EA Gets a New CEO

Electronic Arts Inc. (“EA”) today announced the appointment of John Pleasants as President, Global Publishing and Chief Operating Officer of EA. In this role, Pleasants will lead EA’s Global Publishing Organization, Corporate Communications and Government Affairs, as well as the Online, Central Development and Technology teams. Pleasants begins immediately and reports to EA Chief Executive Officer John Riccitiello. Read more