EA Proposes to Acquire Take-Two Interactive Software

[Spectre]

That Take Two statement hits on exactly what I thought- the EA bid is an opportunistic effort to get the company cheap before GTA IV comes out. It's going to be a massive release; for comparison's sake, Microsoft stocks rose about 10 points in the month after Halo 3's release. Keep in my mind that Microsoft is a FAR more diversified company and videogames are a miniscule part of the company. I'd expect a larger boost in Take Two's stocks after; this release might trump Halo's IMHO because both PS3 and 360 users will be all over this title.

Like I've said, I've seen a lot of good things from the new board at Take Two over the last few months. They've turned a lot of things around. I think the board will ask for a very high premium to even seriously consider selling. I don't see this coming to fruition. Breathe easy folks

It would be idiotic to sell now, pure idiocy. It's like the Cavs owner selling the franchise right before Lebron signed. Waiting it out is the prudent thing to do.

[jdros13]

Quote: Originally Posted by NBA2k8 CHAMP

That's exactly what I said!!! If you're a business man why would you take 1 when you can get 2 for the price of 1!!! 2k would just be paying EA to publish and it will be more marketing for NBA 2k and All-pro football

If you are a business man, why would you pay two people to do the same thing and take sales away from each other?

Dream on people. If this happens, there is no way you would have competing titles coming out of the same company.

[Sandman42]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shakedowncapo

Ok, time to end this thread. Breathe easy now fellas.

That was in the original press release. EA is trying to convince 2K's shareholders to cave in now by going public with their attempt to acquire.

[Leahmic223]

Quote: Originally Posted by whittleboy615

EA is not going to compete with themselves. A lot of people who only buy 2K games would switch and buy the one EA game. There are few people like you who buy both games, and EA would make more profit by making one great game that has a lot of new features, ideas, and tweaks that would be made by the addition of the 2K dev teams.

I think all the people that would buy NBA live would buy the game no matter how good it is because its the only NBA game out there. So them making it better really doesn't equal more sales.

Also I don't see the Tiburon accepting some of the ideas of VCs football title... look at how different the games are, I would see the two devs clashing any way.

I think buy having two titles you force competition and better quality games...and if both games are good hardcore sports gamers are buying both. I remember how many people had both Madden 05 and NFL 2k5.

The downfall is you'd pay more salaries and more on distribution. It just works for the gamers though and companies do use competition within to make better quality.

[jdros13]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sandman42

That was in the original press release. EA is trying to convince 2K's shareholders to cave in now by going public with their attempt to acquire.

2k's shareholders would be short-sighted to take this deal though...if they re-open discussions after 4/30 the price will be significantly higher.

[Spectre]

I'd also like to correct something I'm seeing in a lot of threads, namely that Take Two is still struggling. It's not setting the world on fire, but its also not in the wallows anymore. That was certainly true before the shakeup at the company, and all analysts were suggesting to get rid of the stock. Since March or so of last year, analysts have been pretty upbeat about Take Two and most have upgraded the stock to a hold or buy.

[Rayp]

Time to start up the revolution

[Brandon 2006]

I'm probably going to never buy a new sports game again if this happens. NBA 2K8, ESPN NFL 2K5, CH 2K8, and APF 2K8 for the rest of my gaming life.

[whittleboy615]

Quote: Originally Posted by Leahmic223

I think all the people that would buy NBA live would buy the game no matter how good it is because its the only NBA game out there. So them making it better really doesn't equal more sales. Also I don't see the Tiburon accepting some of the ideas of VCs football title... look at how different the games are, I would see the two devs clashing any way. I think buy having two titles you force competition and better quality games...and if both games are good hardcore sports gamers are buying both. I remember how many people had both Madden 05 and NFL 2k5. The downfall is you'd pay more salaries and more on distribution. It just works for the gamers though and companies do use competition within to make better quality.

Making a better quality game does equal better sales. I don't think that is really debatable.

I'm sure there is something that the All-Pro dev's could add to Madden that would be beneficial. They both are football sim games.

Hardcore sports gamers make up a very small percentage of the sports gaming population.

You are absolutely correct about the downfall. That is why EA would not make two games of the exact same genre.

[coogrfan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shakedowncapo

Ok, time to end this thread. Breathe easy now fellas.

I wouldn't dismiss this just yet.

Quote:

We intend to vigorously resist any attempt by EA to acquire Take-Two at a price that does not adequately value our Company and its growth opportunities." Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers are acting as financial advisors to Take-Two and Proskauer Rose LLP is acting as a legal advisor.

That's not exactly a clear cut denial of interest in selling.