Infogrames Still on the Prowl

In its pursuit of a US-based partner to solidify its position outside Europe, that continent's biggest game developer and publisher Infogrames has been slowed, but not stopped. Bloomberg news service has quoted French newspaper La Tribune as saying game publisher Infogrames is now eyeing Activision, among other US companies, as an acquisition or joint-venture partner.

Infogrames was interested in assets of both MicroProse and Virgin, but pulled out of negotiations when it was determined that terms between the companies could not be reached, this according to Yves Blehaut, Infogrames Entertainment/US chief of operations.

Blehaut told GameSpot News today that the company remains very interested in a US partner, "not just to acquire, but to expand our business and reach the market quicker than what we are doing ."

As to whom Infogrames views as desirable stateside partners, he said, "We're talking to everyone." He did specify that the search was being led by Infogrames' home office in France and specifically by the company's managing director Thomas Schmider.

Activision would not comment on the La Tribune report.