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[Wario64]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3137440

Recently, reports from the Swedish financial press suggested that Electronic Arts' attempt to buy out Battlefield 1942 developer Digital Illusions CE was in trouble, with a significant minority of shareholders opposing the deal. Today, EA responded by changing one condition of its offer for the developer, and extending the deadline for acceptance of the buyout.

Originally the deal was to conclude on December 16. However, by that time, EA could count only 44.5% of Digital Illusions shares as votes in its favor, between its own 18.9% stake and other shareholders supporting the offer. One condition of the original offer was that shareholders representing 90% of Digital Illusions would have to support it.

In response, EA has changed the rules a little -- under the terms of the new offer, EA requires only 50% support by the new deadline of January 20. That looks like a reachable goal at this point, given the support it's already been able to muster. According to last week's report, the two factions opposing the deal represented only 28% of Digital Illusions shares.

The value of EA's offer for Digital Illusions has not changed, however. It's still offering 61 Swedish kronor per share, about $9.13 apiece at the current exchange rate. DICE shares last traded at the equivalent of just over $7.

Digital Illusions looks to be a hot commodity in 2005 and beyond, with a proven track record under its belt, two new Battlefield games planned for launch next year, and projects for next-generation consoles in the works. It's reportedly because of that potential success that some shareholders would prefer to see the company remain independent. We'll update further as the deal develops.

 

[DarienA]

This shit is just so funny... I just can't help but laugh thinking of the upcoming posts....

 

[Unison]

Who do those Swedes think they're kidding?

 

[Solid]

That's what I said, DICE is next.

Jävla skitkorv

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Battlefield series rocks!

 

[Falch]

huh? how can you just "change" the rules like that?

 

[psycho_snake]

That's what I said, DICE is next.

Jävla skitkorv

I know this is OT but you've just gone onto my ignore list for having a picture of Robben as your avatar...I cant believe how good he is

 

[Scrow]

EA sure are spending it up this christmas season.

 

[DarienA]

huh? how can you just "change" the rules like that?

Change the rules is a strange phrase to use... in reality it sounds like they've simply adjusted the verbage in their offer... possibly changing what they will and won't do to the organization as it currently exists, who will be in charge where, etc....

 

[Unison]

I don't know why all these promising companies sell out... I mean it's completely possible that DI might be worth 2 -3 times as much as it is now in another 2 years. It's very hard to believe EA stock will double or triple in value in the same time span.

 

[nubbe]

EA's capitalistic methods won't work here! Socialism will prevail!

 

[JayFro]

Use the force Luke..........use the Force!

 

[kard]

The Swedes don't want 80 hours work conditions. They have much more relaxed working conditions, EA will come in and screw everything up.

 

[radioheadrule83]

EA's new head of Scandinavian relations had this to say:

We shall redouble our efforts!

 

[Solid]

I know this is OT but you've just gone onto my ignore list for having a picture of Robben as your avatar...I cant believe how good he is

Robben is the new Ronaldo. He's only 20 years old and ownz about everyone! Don't hate the player, hate the game

 

[psycho_snake]

Robben is the new Ronaldo. He's only 20 years old and ownz about everyone! Don't hate the player, hate the game

I love the player. Out of every player in Chelsea, he will become the legend.

 

[Operations]

EA's new head of Scandinavian relations had this to say:

We shall redouble our efforts!

:lol

 

[Solid]

I love the player. Out of every player in Chelsea, he will become the legend.

That's the spirit!

 

[DarienA]

Every EA thread should now be accompanied by the sounds of the Imperial March.

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

Basically, now, it's like, who's next?

 

[SantaC]

Jävla skit! Dice is (was) really talented.

 

[Forsete]

Bah.. I have changed my mind, I hope DICE stays independent.
Say NEJ to EA, or I will detonate a kinapuff outside your office in Stockholm.
Allah akbar.

 

[DSN2K]

SWEDEN FIGHTS FOR THE GAMING INDUSTRY!

 

[radioheadrule83]

"We shall redouble our efforts!"

"I hope so commander, for your sake. Larry Probst is not as forgiving as I am!"

 

[Bishman]

Basically, now, it's like, who's next?

 

[Azih]

For EA redoubling effort seems to mean 'make it so we only have to do half as much'.

 

[Justin Bailey]

I can't wait till EA buys Nintendo.

 

[u_neek]

When they buy Nintendo, Sega or SquareEnix and ruin their games I'll kill myself

 

[ManaByte]

"I hope so commander, for your sake. Larry Probst is not as forgiving as I am!"

 

[DarienA]

There are those who said this day would never come. What are they to say now?

 

[DJPS2]

These Star Wars references are too funny... first serious laughs I've had since losing my job on Friday.

Maybe EA will buy me, too. :lol

 

[COCKLES]

EA are the shitbags of the industry. Call me a bitter old chrone, but with their cash reserves and talent their buying up, they should be leading the way in creating new IPs and original games...instead it's just shit franchise and licence trash. Even when they do have a decent licence, like Aliens:Colonial Marines, they screw it up. I mean honestly, come Sept 2005 - will anyone give a shit about another Bond game, but as surely as a new P Diddy rap will suck we'll get one.

 

[Gribbix]

I bet he sounds like G-man when he talks.