SEGA Buy UK Sports Interactive (04/04/2006)

[archibalduk]

LONDON (April 4, 2006) – SEGA Holdings Europe Ltd., today announced that the company has acquired the multi award-winning development studio, Sports Interactive. Founded in 1994 by Paul and Oliver Collyer and operating from offices in Islington, North London, the brothers are the talented creators behind the hugely successful Football Manager series - which with only two titles from the franchise released so far, has sold in excess of 1.5 million copies and became the second fastest selling PC game of all time in the UK.

The groundbreaking deal sees SEGA acquiring a company that has maintained the heritage and experience accumulated through many years of development, Sports Interactive have produced titles that have enjoyed an unparalleled history of commercial and critical success. SEGA will empower the team to continue on their existing development path whilst also expanding their resources for the future.

The world’s leading developer of Sports Management simulations joins recently acquired, The Creative Assembly to add to SEGA’s list of undisputable development talent. This new deal continues to highlight SEGA’s emphasis on western development and adds yet more weight to SEGA’s own long-term strategic vision. SEGA will continue to support Sports Interactive to develop NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager, Out of the Park Baseball and the Football Manager series, as well as exploring ambitious new ventures.