 |
ZeniMax Media Receives $300 Million Investment |
|  |
Posted on Thursday, October 25 at 1:26 PM GMT -6
ZeniMax Media issued a press release this morning announcing that they have received a $300 million investment from Providence Equity Partners, to be used for "funding future growth, increasing game development and publishing, facilitating acquisitions, and financing massively multiplayer online games."
ZeniMax Media Receives $300 Million Investment from Providence Equity Partners
Rockville, MD, October 25, 2007 – ZeniMax Media Inc. today announced the closing of a $300 million investment by Providence Equity Partners Inc. for convertible preferred stock of the Company. The proceeds of the investment will be used to fund future growth, increase game development and publishing, facilitate acquisitions, and finance massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs).
ZeniMax Media was founded in 1999 by Robert A. Altman, its Chairman and CEO, and through wholly owned subsidiaries creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for gaming consoles (including the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and the Nintendo DS and Wii), the PC, handheld/wireless devices, and online gaming. Last year its wholly owned subsidiary, Bethesda Softworks, released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® which was voted Best Game of 2006. Bethesda’s upcoming title, Fallout® 3, has already been featured on the cover of more than 20 magazines worldwide and has won accolades as one of most anticipated games for 2008.
"We believe that Providence will be an ideal partner for us as we build our businesses worldwide in the years ahead. Providence shares our strategic vision for the Company and is excited by the opportunity to help us move into a position of leadership in this industry,” said Mr. Altman.
“We are pleased to partner with one of the best managed companies in the videogame industry,” said Michael Dominguez, a Managing Director of Providence. “ZeniMax Media has an outstanding series of proven interactive entertainment content and a burgeoning position in the rapidly growing global video game market. We look forward to working with Robert to build value at ZeniMax Media over the long-term.”
Mr. Dominguez will join the Company’s Board of Directors, which is currently led by Mr. Altman and includes ZeniMax Media President Ernest Del, Leslie Moonves (President and CEO of CBS), Harry E. Sloan (Chairman and CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.), Robert S. Trump (President of Trump Management), noted film and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr.
Banc of America Securities, LLC acted as exclusive placement agent for ZeniMax Media Inc. The Company was advised by DLA Piper.
Goldman Sachs and Weil Gotshal Manges advised Providence Equity Partners.
About ZeniMax Media Inc.
ZeniMax Media is a unique media organization which has brought together a team of world-class game developers, artists and designers, programmers, producers, and leading executives and talent from traditional media. ZeniMax Media creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, the PC, and handheld/wireless devices. ZeniMax Media divisions include Bethesda Softworks, Vir2l Studios, ZeniMax Europe Ltd., and ZeniMax Online Studios. For more information on ZeniMax Media, visit www.zenimax.com.
About Providence Equity Partners
Providence is the leading global private equity firm specializing in equity investments in media, entertainment, communications and information companies around the world. The principals of Providence manage funds with approximately $21 billion in equity commitments and have invested in more than 100 companies operating in over 20 countries since the firm’s inception in 1989. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI (USA) and has offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and New Delhi. Please visit www.provequity.com for more information.
Acquisitions? It'll be interesting to see which company (or companies) ZeniMax/Bethesda wants to purchase.
|
|
|
 |
|
| Message
Board |
Banshee Forums
If you're looking for a little extra gaming help, stop by our forums and exchange strategies, tips, and spoilers with 35,000 other members! |
|
| RPG Store |
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The fourth installment in Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls series earned several 2006 "Game of the Year" and "RPG of the Year" awards. |
Knights of the Nine
Bethesda's Knights of the Nine add-on for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion includes all of their official plug-ins and an entirely new noble quest line. |
Jade Empire: SE
BioWare and LTI Gray Matter have teamed up to bring their RPG set in a mythical version of China to the PC. |
TQ: Immortal Throne
Venture into the depths of Hades to stop the advance of an evil army in Iron Lore's ambitious Titan Quest: Immortal Throne expansion pack. |
Neverwinter Nights 2
Obsidian Entertainment's RPG sequel offers players a chance to return to the city of Neverwinter in the Forgotten Realms. |
Gothic 3
Pirahna Bytes' third installment in the Gothic series includes non-linear quest lines, new civilizations, a new combat system, and more. |
Dungeon Lords CE
Heuristic Park and DreamCatcher's action RPG has been re-released as a Collector's Edition, complete with the latest patches and new content. |
NWN Diamond
A massive compilation that includes the full version of BioWare's Neverwinter Nights, its official expansions, and several premium modules. |
DDO: Stormreach
Turbine's Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach allows you to experience the tabletop game with countless others around the world. |
|
|
