Digital entertainment firm Electronic Arts acquires Korea's Hands-On Mobile

Redwood City: Computer and video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) has announced that it had agreed to acquire the assets of Hands-On Mobile Korea, a leading Korean mobile developer and publisher, who is best known for its mobile role-playing game, Heroes Lore.

Hands-On Mobile, Inc. is a leading developer of connected games and applications, with operations on four continents. The company develops and distributes mobile content to over 200 of the world's leading operators in 60 countries. The company's diverse catalogue includes games, applications and personalization suites from top brands such as Activision, Billboard, CBS, LEGO, Marvel, NBA, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, and World Poker Tour.

Once the acquisition is complete, the 'former' Hands-On Mobile Korea team will become EA Mobile Korea, and will play a strategic role in the EA Mobile Asia development and publishing growth plans. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by the end of this fiscal quarter.

The acquisition comes at a time when EA is in the midst of contesting a $2 billion tender offer for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. EA says acquiring Hands-On Mobile Korea is a major milestone in expanding its mobile business in Asia. Hands-On Mobile Korea is a subsidiary of US-based parent company Hands-On Mobile.

''This acquisition is a major milestone in growing our mobile business in Asia,'' said Barry Cottle, Senior Vice President and General Manager EA Mobile.

''Hands-On Mobile Korea brings us a great leadership team, proven studio talent, and outstanding carrier and OEM handset manufacturer relationships.''