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CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1998--THQ Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:THQI - news) announced Wednesday that it has purchased Rushware Microhandelsgesellschaft mbH and its subsidiaries, Softgold Computerspiele GmbH, which focuses on publishing and localizing PC and console products, and ABC Spielspass GmbH, which is the console product distribution arm of Rushware.
Rushware, with headquarters in Kaarst, Germany, outside of Dusseldorf, will serve as THQ's publisher and distributor in Germany and other German-speaking territories.
The company reported sales of $34 million in 1997 and approximately $21 million through November 30, 1998. The purchase price is approximately $1.5 million in cash and approximately $4.5 million in THQ stock, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.
Rushware's publishing subsidiary, Softgold, recently announced that it has signed a 21-month agreement to continue distributing the PC and PlayStation products developed and published by LucasArts Entertainment Co. LLC in German-speaking Europe, including the upcoming products based on ``Star Wars: Episode One -- The Phantom Menace.''
THQ also announced that Jurgen Goeldner, who has more than 15 years of experience in the game industry and is currently managing director, will remain to manage the company and its subsidiaries.
``Acquiring Rushware is an instrumental part of our stated strategy of continuing to expand our international sales and distribution capabilities,'' said Brian J. Farrell, president and chief executive officer, THQ. ``We now have direct distribution capabilities in a market that has a population of over 80 million.''
``Gaining direct access to the German retail market is key to solidifying our position as a top publisher,'' said Tim Walsh, vice president of international, THQ. ``We are extremely pleased with the acquisition and what it will enable this company to achieve.''
``We are proud to become part of a rapidly growing company like THQ,'' said Goeldner. ``The acquisition will strengthen our position as a leading German publisher and distributor by providing the content and resources to continue growing.''
Rushware Microhandelsgesellschaft is a leading German distributor of interactive entertainment software for the PC, including computer accessories. Information about Rushware Microhandelsgesellschaft and its products can be found on the company's Web site at www.softgold.com.
THQ develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software worldwide for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, and those manufactured by Nintendo and Sony. The THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com.
The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, demand and competition for the company's products, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
THQ Inc., Calabasas Aimee Greenholtz, 818/223-3116 (Media Relations) Deborah Lake, 818/591-1310 (Investor Relations)
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