Empire Interactive Ceases Buyout Talks With Company

UK-based game publisher Empire Interactive, best known for releases such as FlatOut and Starship Troopers, has revealed that, following the company's recent announcement that it had entered into takeover talks with a single unidentified company, those discussions have now ended without any agreement. The company commented, in an official statement to the London Stock Exchange: "The discussions with this particular third party have now ceased, but Empire has, however, continued its discussions with other parties which may or may not lead to an offer being made for the Company." Empire has been in takeover discussions for a number of months, and noted in February that it had been approached by two U.S. companies and one UK company. While unconfirmed, long-time U.S. distributor Vivendi and Guitar Hero publisher RedOctane have been rumored to be interested in acquiring the the British-headquartered publisher. It is unknown if either of these companies were the the one previously singled out by Empire in its previous statement - in any case, RedOctane has been acquired by Activision since February, rendering that particular acquisition path relatively unlikely. As stated previously, a number of Empire's distribution agreements for some of the company's upcoming titles have been delayed “pending further clarity as to the future independence of the company.” However, the company noted in April that it continues to be hopeful that, with these games to debut soon, Empire's financial prospects for 2007 remain high.