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NAMCO BANDAI GAMES EUROPE ANNOUNCES NEW GLOBAL PAL DISTRIBUTION ENTITY ‘NAMCO BANDAI PARTNERS’
- NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe Completes Purchase of Worldwide PAL Distribution Operation from Atari -

LYON, FRANCE – 7 July 2009 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. today announced the completion of its purchase of Atari’s global PAL distribution operation, with the entity re-named NAMCO BANDAI Partners with immediate effect. The company distributes titles worldwide, excluding Japan and North America, from NAMCO BANDAI Games, Atari and other major international video game publishers, representing one of the industry’s strongest international retail distribution networks.

“We are very excited about working with all our valued partners in retail, media and publishing to grow what is already a successful distribution business even further as part of the NAMCO BANDAI Games family,” said Jackie Fromion, CEO of NAMCO BANDAI Partners. “With our committed and experienced teams of professionals around the world we provide a first class distribution solution, and we very much hope to see a growing number of publishers taking advantage of this. Our vision is to be a successful, attractive and profitable company as well as a great place to work.”

“We are very proud to have a greatly increased international presence following the creation of NAMCO BANDAI Partners. The goal of the new organization is to make our products appeal to a wider audience, and also provide an effective distribution service which reaches the widest possible international market,” said Shu Takahara, President and CEO of NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe. “We are bringing a fantastic international team into the global NAMCO BANDAI group and together we are looking forward to a bright and profitable future with many hit games.”

Operating in 50 countries with 17 dedicated offices including UK, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Nordic, Benelux, Greece, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, NAMCO BANDAI Partners is one of the world’s strongest and most comprehensive video game retail distribution networks.

In the Benelux the company will operate as NAMCO BANDAI Partners Benelux, working with its partners in publishing, media and retail to bring a wide range of original, entertaining and high quality video games to market for all audiences from hardcore gamers to families and casual gamers.

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today introduced the new Nokia 3720 classic, an IP-54 certified mobile phone designed to resist water, dust and shock. Following the footsteps of Nokia’s highly popular ‘rugged’ devices of the past, the Nokia 3720 classic is encased in durable materials and is entirely sealed to protect the inner electronics. The Nokia 3720 is expected to retail for approximately EUR 125 before subsidies or taxes and is expected to begin shipping this summer.

“Whether using it at the beach or in a dusty construction site, the Nokia 3720 classic has been specifically engineered to withstand the splashes, bumps and drops that come with the terrain,” said Markku Suomi, vice president, Connect devices. “While the Nokia 3720 classic is tough on the outside, it is equally functional on the inside – a perfect choice for people who want a long-lasting and reliable mobile phone for any environment.”

The Nokia 3720 classic features a sealed, leak-proof design and durable materials in a range of colours. The battery cover, which protects both the battery and the internal circuitry of the device, is locked with a screw, making for worry-free usage in wet, dusty or muddy environments.

As to be expected, the Nokia 3720 classic also offers exceptional battery performance as well as an LED flashlight, to complement its rugged design. Additional add-ons include Nokia Maps, which comes pre-loaded on the 1 GB microSD memory card, and the large and bright 2.2″ display is perfect for following the route even in unfamiliar terrain.