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After the revelation came about that popular Japanese game publisher, Atlus, and its parent company, Index Corp, were facing fraud allegations and had filed for bankruptcy, speculation began to fly about what would happen to the beloved game company. After just a few months, however, it looks like Sega Sammy Holdings has purchased Index Corp for 14 billion yen. The acquisition will happen in November, as reported by Japanese news site Nikkei, and will involve a restructuring of the company.

Additional details are scarce, but we’ll make sure to follow this story as it unfolds. No word what this means for Atlus USA.

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To clarify (finally), Sega Sammy wants to revitalize Index's handheld and home console games division. Sega has been loosing money the last two quarters largely due to a downturn in the Western gaming market [according to the article, dunno if it's true].

Atlus, Index's gaming brand, has quite strong gaming franchises, like Shin Megami Tensei, and has been making a yearly profit recently. Sega Sammy would like to use the assets of Atlus productively, including the idea of them developing games for smartphones

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Sega Sammy Holdings has confirmed reports of its aquisition of Atlus parent company Index Holdings.

A press release reads: “Notice is hereby given that Sega Dream Corporation, which was newly established as a wholly owned subsidiary by Sega Corporation (‘Sega’), a subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. (the ‘Company’), has concluded a business transfer agreement with Index Corporation (‘Index’) for the purpose of revitalization of the business. Under the agreement, Sega will take over the operations conducted by Index, the bankrupt company that applied to the Tokyo District Court for the commencement of civil rehabilitation proceedings effective from June 27, 2013.”

The purpose of the transfer, according to the press release, is Index’s “excellent track record in the design and development of content for mobile phones,” and “on the development of home video game software,” in which the company owns “a number of prominent IPs,” such as Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, and Etrian Odyssey.

The transfer agreement concluded today, and the due date for the transfer of Index Corporation to Sega Sammy Holdings is November 1.

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Notice is hereby given that SEGA DREAM CORPORATION, which was newly established as a wholly owned subsidiary by SEGA CORPORATION (“SEGA”), a subsidiary of SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC. (the “Company”), has concluded a business transfer agreement with Index Corporation (“Index”) for the purpose of revitalization of the business. Under the agreement, SEGA will take over the operations conducted by Index, the bankrupt company that applied to the Tokyo District Court for the commencement of civil rehabilitation proceedings effective from June 27, 2013

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The Company believes that transfer of Index’s operations to SEGA will create synergies, on the grounds that the deal will enable the Company to:

(1) gain access to prominent IPs in the home video game software, through which the Company can expect to achieve steady flows of revenue;

(2) expect further facilitation of revenue growth for the PC Online Game Business and Content Business for Smart Devices operated by SEGA and SEGA Networks Co., Ltd. by exploiting acquired prominent IPs

(3) maximize the value of acquired IPs by effectively deploying them in the Pachislot and Pachinko Machines segment, Amusement Machine Sales and Amusement Center Operations segments.

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Outline of the business transfer:

(1) Details of operations to be transferred
The operations conducted by Index including the Digital Game Business (design and development of console games and social games); Contents & Solutions Business (delivery of contents, development of systems, consigned development related to amusement machines, internet advertising, etc.); Amusement Business (development and sales of commercial amusement machines) and related businesses.

(2) Assets and liabilities to be transferred
Tangible and intangible fixed assets as well as intellectual property assets related to the above operations to be transferred. (These include shares of Atlus Holding, Inc., which is the parent company of Index Digital Media, Inc., as well as Tiger Mob Limited, Index Corp (Thailand) Ltd. and Mobi Town Ltd.) In principle, liabilities including interest-bearing debts will not be taken over.

(Note: Index Digital Media Inc is Atlus USA)

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Earlier today, it was made official that Sega have acquired Index Corporation, the parent company of Atlus. Many fans have shared their concern regarding the acquisition, but the director of Atlus’ consumer software department, Naoto Hiraoka, looks forward to a brighter tomorrow. Hiraoka shares the following message for fans on Atlus’ official website:

Dear customers, We are very grateful to have your continued support for our products. Today, as announced through investor relations, we will be continuing our business as part of the Sega Sammy group, starting on November 11th. As you may know, Index Corporation filed for bankruptcy protection on June 27th, and have looked to transfer their business to other companies. Above all, we, Atlus corporation, have had our consumer game business supported by an exceptional amount of fans. Regardless of the business itself rising to a much favorable position in recent years, lately, we have caused concern to our customers, to whom we deeply apologize.

We’ve traditionally maintained strong relations with Sega Corporation, using consumer game business as the main pillar. This time, we expect to maintain the relationship, while achiveing better business synergy. By using Sega’s strong circulation network, we look forward to further expanding our development. In terms of consumer games expertise, this relationship will be mutually benefitial for both sides. It is about the deep acknowledgement of wanting to further raise our brand.

We feel that our ongoing business is in very good shape, and it brings us great pleasure to be able to report our continuing business, here, today. This has been made possible thanks to your patronage and support. On behalf of all the employees, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Currently, the employees of the consumer game business, are working zealously on future releases, and are vigorously looking forward to taking on new challenges. In the near future, we will be reporting our ongoing situation through the media, so please expect further developments. Director of consumer software department Naoto Hiraoka

stickdude2320

Sep 18 2013, 12:49 AM

not smart phone ggames...

Mattrpgfan

Sep 18 2013, 01:18 PM

Awesome!!!so that means that SEGA owns Atlus. That is so awesome. That means that Now Sega and Atlus can help each other out so they can both stay alive.

MrTechnoSqueek

Sep 18 2013, 02:19 PM

Mattrpgfan

Sep 18 2013, 01:18 PM

Awesome!!!so that means that SEGA owns Atlus. That is so awesome. That means that Now Sega and Atlus can help each other out so they can both stay alive.

Atlus wasn't going bankrupt...Atlus' former owner was the one going bankrupt