Take-Two hears videogames are popular in Asia, expands distribution

Today, take Two-Interactive its new Asia expansion strategy which will expand distribution in the Asia Pacific, as well as establish a strong presence in Japan. This is also said to include building a meaningful online game operation in areas like China and Korea, but no specific titles have been mentioned or announced. 

The expansion will be spearheaded by Hubert Larenaudie, an experienced senior executive with companies like Electronic Arts and Vivendi Games. Larenaudie has worked for 15 years to help companies establish footing in Asia Pacific territories for games like World of Warcraft. This newly created position will put Larenaudie in a (presumably) posh office in Singapore, and he will report to Gary Dale, Executive Vice President of Take-Two. 

The full, exciting press release can be found after the jump.

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Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Asia Expansion Strategy; Adds Senior Market Leader

Hubert Larenaudie to Head Asia Pacific

Focus on Broadening Distribution and Launching Online Game Offerings in High Growth Asia Pacific Markets

New York, NY – April 14, 2008 – Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today announced that Hubert Larenaudie, an accomplished senior executive with more than 15 years’ experience in building successful Asia Pacific businesses, has joined the Company to spearhead its expansion initiatives in this rapidly growing region. Mr. Larenaudie, who previously served in senior roles with Electronic Arts and Vivendi Universal Games, holds the newly created position of President for Asia and is establishing an office in Singapore as the focal point for Take-Two’s Asia Pacific operations. He will report to Gary Dale, Executive Vice President of Take-Two.

The top priorities for Take-Two in the region include: expanding distribution in the Asia Pacific (APAC) for the Company’s interactive entertainment products; developing a strong presence in Japan; and establishing a meaningful online game operation, especially in China and Korea.

“Hubert Larenaudie is an experienced senior executive who has successfully built or expanded Asia Pacific operations for prominent interactive entertainment and consumer goods companies,” said Gary Dale. “His in-depth knowledge of the region; his skill in creating the right product development, distribution and marketing strategy for each local market; and his track record of driving growth will help Take-Two realize the tremendous opportunities in APAC.”

Mr. Larenaudie added, “Many of Take-Two’s franchises, such as Grand Theft Auto, Midnight Club, Sid Meier’s Civilization, and BioShock are international hits, and already have attracted large and enthusiastic fan bases in markets such as Japan, South Korea and China. With the Company’s portfolio of leading brands, growing sports business, extraordinary creative talent and global appeal, I see exciting potential to build a significant Asia Pacific business for Take-Two, with a particular emphasis on the online game segment of the market.”

Before joining Take-Two, Mr. Larenaudie was President of Asia Online for Electronic Arts. While there, he established leadership positions in the South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asia markets and oversaw product development, licensing and studio acquisitions in the region. Previously, he was President-Asia Pacific of Vivendi Universal Games (VUG). Under his supervision, VUG became one of the most successful interactive entertainment companies in the Asia Pacific region, with extensive market penetration for its World of Warcraft brand. Prior to that, Mr. Larenaudie held a variety of management positions in Asia, Latin America and Europe in high growth consumer goods companies.