THQ Acquires German Publisher/Distributor

THQ announced Wednesday that it is extending its reach into Germany by purchasing Rushware Microhandelsgesellschaft mbH and its subsidiaries. This includes a PC and console arm, named Softgold, which focuses on localizing and publishing products in German for Germany and German-speaking countries. Softgold recently entered a deal with LucasArts to distribute PC and PlayStation products in Europe, including games based on Episode One.

Rushware will serve as THQ's publisher and distributor in Germany and other German-speaking countries. THQ purchased the company with US$1.5 million in cash and approximately $4.5 million in THQ stock. Jurgen Goeldner, managing director of Rushware, will continue in his current position and manage the company and its subsidiaries.