Ubisoft video game publisher, has concluded an agreement to acquire the Japanese video game development studio Digital Kids. Established in 1996, with offices in Nagoya and Osaka, Digital Kids currently has a team of 20 developers specialized in games for the Nintendo DS.

Masahito Hasegawa, President of Digital Kids remarked, "It is an honor to become part of Ubisoft, one of the world’s leading video game publishers. I am truly looking forward to using our experience to develop games that will be enjoyed by players all over the globe."

The operation is subject to normal closing conditions and is expected to close during the third quarter of the 2007-08 fiscal year. The studio has worked regularly for a number of Japanese publishers and has developed several successful titles for Ubisoft’s Petz® line of games, including Hamsterz Life.

Yves Guillemot, Chief Executive Officer of Ubisoft remarked, "When it comes to Nintendo DS games, Digital Kids has demonstrated a leading knowledge that has resulted in creative animal simulation titles that appeal to Japanese and Western audiences alike, which is quite rare. This acquisition attests to Ubisoft’s capacity to establish successful partnerships in new territories and reinforces its advance on casual games."

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 23 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated sales of 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.

To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.