Infogrames Acquires Hasbro Interactive

Geoff Crammond has been on a journey. He initially developed for the BBC Micro and when that platform was acquired by MicroProse (becoming Microplay) he released Stunt Car Racer for them. He then released Formula One Grand Prix and Grand Prix 2 with MicroProse before Hasbro bought them in 1998. Last year Hasbro released Grand Prix 3, and now they’ve been acquired by Infogrames.

The deal, valued at $100 million, gives Infogrames more than 250 new titles with licensing access to 600 Hasbro franchises. Hasbro’s marques include Atari, MicroProse, and the Games.com domain. Infogrames also obtains a long-term licensing agreement with Hasbro Inc., giving the French publisher exclusive rights to publish interactive games based on current and future Hasbro properties.

INFOGRAMES ENTERTAINMENT COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF HASBRO INTERACTIVE

LYON, FRANCE, January 29, 2001 – Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext 5257) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Hasbro Interactive from Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS), creating one of the foremost powerhouses in the mass market digital interactive entertainment world.

“The completion of the acquisition is extremely exciting for us, as it fits perfectly with our corporate strategy of building the premier publisher of digital interactive entertainment for the whole family,” stated Bruno Bonnell, chairman and CEO of Infogrames. “We felt that Hasbro Interactive was an ideal partner due to its lineup of over 250 titles, together with licensing access to Hasbro’s 600 franchises, in addition to our shared vision and commitment to shareholder value.

” Effective immediately, Hasbro Interactive will utilize the Infogrames name and branding strategy. Further details regarding the integration of Hasbro Interactive into the Infogrames family will be provided in the coming weeks.

The strategic agreement, signed this past December, is comprised of three main elements, including Infogrames’ acquisition of all of Hasbro Interactive’s assets including Atari and MicroProse; the acquisition of Games.com; and a long-term licensing agreement with Hasbro, Inc. giving Infogrames exclusive rights to develop and publish digital interactive games based on current and future Hasbro properties on all existing and future digital interactive formats.

Infogrames purchased 100% of the common stock of Hasbro Interactive for $100 million – comprised of $95 million in Infogrames Entertainment SA securities (approximately 4.5 million common shares) and $5 million in cash. The deal was unanimously approved at a general meeting of Infogrames Entertainment shareholders on January 23.