Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto 4 sales top $500 million

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Software publisher Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (TTWO.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) on Wednesday said it sold some 6 million units of its criminal action game "Grand Theft Auto 4" in its first week, with estimated retail sales exceeding $500 million.

The company, which is facing a takeover offer from rival Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), said it sold about 3.6 million units globally at its debut on April 29.

Retail chains such as GameStop Corp (GME.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) took advance orders for weeks of the game, which has been lavished with near-universal accolades.

(Reporting by Franklin Paul; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)