NEWS - Thursday, August 5, 2004
Pixar And THQ Publishing Agreement
Aug. 5, 2004 Pixar Animation Studios (Nasdaq:PIXR) and THQ Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI) today announced an exclusive multi-property publishing agreement granting THQ the interactive rights to four upcoming Pixar animated feature films. Under THQ's existing agreement with Pixar and Disney, which began in April 2002, THQ has the rights to publish video games for Finding Nemo and for the upcoming films, The Incredibles and Cars. The first title under that agreement, Finding Nemo, was launched across multiple platforms in May 2003 and ranked as the top-selling children's game and the fifth best-selling game overall released in 2003, according to the NPD Group, Inc. The game has achieved worldwide sales in excess of six million units since its initial release. The new agreement between Pixar and THQ will begin in 2006 with Pixar's first wholly-owned feature film produced outside of its existing relationship with Disney and continue with the next three wholly-owned Pixar feature films. The worldwide deal extends four years after the release of each film and includes all current and future video game console systems, PC/MAC, as well as handheld and wireless devices. "We are thrilled to enter into another long-term publishing partnership with THQ," said Steve Jobs, Pixar's chairman and CEO. "THQ is one of the top interactive game makers, and the creative collaboration between our two companies will continue to bring our beloved characters to people around the world." Pixar's president, Ed Catmull, added, "Our existing agreement with THQ has yielded top-selling games and numerous awards. We are excited to be able to build on the strength of this successful relationship." "This agreement is one of the most significant partnerships in the history of the industry, a testament to Pixar's creative power and our tremendous success in the interactive space over the years," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. "Extending our relationship is a huge win for THQ as we look ahead to a partnership that now encompasses not only The Incredibles and Cars, but also the first four wholly-owned Pixar theatrical releases."Source: http://www.thq.com
