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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For
Information
Contact:
Michelle Nino
Director,
Corporate Communications
Activision,
Inc. (310) 255-2508
[email protected]
ACTIVISION SIGNS EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR DEAL FOR
RACE OF CHAMPIONS LICENSE
IMP Brand to be Featured in Rally Style Racing
Games
Santa Monica, CA – January 4, 2001 –
Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that it has signed a
multi-year agreement with Monaco-based International Media Productions (IMP)
for the exclusive worldwide interactive rights to the Michelin Race of
Champions – Rally Masters, one of the foremost international rally racing
events. Under the terms of the deal, Activision has acquired the rights to
develop, publish and distribute interactive games based on the license, as
well as the rights to 42 drivers from the world of racing, 21 licensed cars
and five existing racing circuits. The first Activision game to utilize the
Michelin Race of Champions – Rally Masters license is expected to ship in
2002.
The agreement underscores Activision’s
commitment to develop racing games for the next-generation consoles and
follows the company’s recent announcement that it is in development with its
first racing title for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system,
Supercar Street Challenge.
"We are very excited to partner with IMP
to develop a new racing franchise that appeals to audiences worldwide,"
states Ron Doornink, President and COO, Activision, Inc. "The popularity
of rally racing among Europeans combined with IMP’s strong license makes them
an ideal partner for us. With their help, we will be able to bring interesting
and varied gameplay to the racing genre, while creating realistic fun racing
experiences for consumers worldwide."
"This announcement comes on the heels of
the 13th Race of Champions which concluded on December 10, 2000,"
commented Fredrik Johnson, President of IMP. "We awarded Activision with
the license because we are impressed with the quality of its games and its
strength in building long-term franchises. We are thrilled to have the
opportunity to work closely with Activision to develop great games around our
brand. With The Race of Champions, we aim to produce entertainment on the
highest level both in the real and virtual world."
Organized by IMP and held every December on the
island of Gran Canaria, Spain, the Race of Champions showcases the best
drivers from around the world in a variety of racing disciplines. Drivers
compete against each other in specially prepared rally cars for the coveted
title "Champion of Champions," as well as in other racing events:
the Nations Cup, the Racing Legends, 4×4 races and exhibition driving.
The licensing agreement between Activision and
IMP was brokered by New Forest based Licensing Management International (LMI –
Simon Kay & Andrew Maconie www.lmiuk.com). Additional information on the
Race of Champions can be found at www.raceofchampions.com.
About IMP
IMP (International Media Productions) is a
client focused sports management company based in Monaco. IMP specialize in
Event Management and Marketing and Sports Celebrity Management. More
information about IMP can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site at
www.imp.mc <http://www.imp.mc>.
About Activision Headquartered in Santa Monica,
California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and
distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in
1979, Activision posted revenues of $572 million for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000.
Activision maintains operations in the US,
Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and the
Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found
on the company’s World Wide Web site, which is located at <http://www.activision.com>.
The statements contained in this release that
are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." The
Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important
factors could cause Activision’s actual future results to differ materially
from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. These important
factors, and other factors that could affect Activision, are described in
Activision’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2000, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission. Readers of this press release are referred to such filings.
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