Empire Interactive accepts Silverstar takeover

Silverstar has acquired 85 percent of Empire Interactive's shares in a takeover deal reportedly worth £4.75 million (approx. $9 million). Last month Silverstar put in an offer for the UK-based publisher and developer, which it said it expected to be concluded by the end of November.

Empire Interactive was founded in 1987 and also has offices in France, Germany, and Spain. Among other titles, it published Big Mutha Truckers and its sequel. Silverstar Holdings was set up in 1995 and has recently specialized in investing in electronic game and technology businesses.

Silverstar Holdings CEO Clive Kabatznik said that it was delighted to have acquired the company. He told GameSpot, "Empire Interactive [is] one of the world's leading independent interactive entertainment software publishers. We look forward to working with their excellent management team to build the business both through the expansion of current franchises as well as through the addition of exciting new titles in the near future."

Silverstar intends to cancel the admission of Empire shares on the Alternative Investments Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange, which it anticipates will come into effect on December 20.