Electronic Arts may extend Take-Two offer deadline- WSJ

Mon May 19, 2008 2:21am EDT
 
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May 19 (Reuters) - Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS.O) is expected to extend again the deadline for its hostile tender offer to acquire rival video game maker Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (TTWO.O), after a failed attempt to get majority support from shareholders for a deal, the Wall Street Journal said on Monday.

EA, whose $2 billion bid for the publisher of last month's blockbuster "Grand Theft Auto IV" video game expired at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, may announce its plans as early as Monday, the newspaper said.

In April, EA extended the offer by a month after only about 8 percent of Take-Two shares were tendered. EA said the extension followed a request by U.S. regulators for more information about the proposed transaction.

Take-Two shares closed Friday at $27.10 on Nasdaq, some 5.2 percent above the $25.74 per share offered by Electronic Arts.

Take-Two management has said EA's offer undervalues the company. Other Take-Two products include "Midnight Club," "BioShock" and sports games that are EA's main competition in that category.

EA, based in Redwood City, California, did not immediately return a call seeking comment. (Reporting by Ajay Kamalakaran in Bangalore; Editing by Kim Coghill) ((ajay.kamalakaran@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800; Reuters Messaging: ajay.kamalakaran.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

 
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