Judge approves Midway sale to Warner Bros.

Midway Games is just about ready to turn the final page on its Chapter 11 saga: a Delaware bankruptcy court judge yesterday approved the company's proposed $33 million sale to Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The sale should close in short order, as the judge waived a standard 10-day waiting provision in such cases, saying "time is of the essence."

The acquisition will give Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment most of Midway's assets, including the Mortal Kombat and Wheelman franchises. The offer does not include Midway's Newcastle (UK) and San Diego studios, nor the TNA Impact wrestling license. Earlier this month, Midway's Newcastle studio revealed its all-new IP, Necessary Force, in an effort to attract a buyer.

In approving the sale, the judge also dealt with a variety of objections to the sale raised from various parties. Notably, a dispute with a producer of the original Mortal Kombat movies and TV shows was allayed as all parties agreed that the change in ownership to Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment would not alter his rights regarding the franchise in any way. However, there was no determination on exactly what those rights were.

A representative with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment declined to comment on the acquisition or the expected closing date of the purchase, while a Midway spokesperson had not returned request for comment as of press time.