Cenega Distribution Group is the leading Central European distributor with offices in Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Cenega's average market share exceeds 30 percent in the above mentioned countries reaching a dominating figure of 45 percent in selected territories.
"We are very pleased with the fact that we will be able to use Cenega's experience, potential and its developed distribution network in the implementation of our business plan. This deal allows us to become the largest distributor and publisher in Eastern Europe," said Nikolay Baryshnikov, International Sales Director of 1C. "The agreement allows our company to provide a unique solution for distributing titles in Eastern and Central Europe, which includes 18 countries and hundreds of cities. For the first time ever publishers will have an opportunity to distribute their titles through a single network that covers a vast territory and provides high-quality service."
This takeover is in line with 1C's strategy of building a powerful multi-office distribution network which will cover all major Eastern and Central European markets and stretch over 11000 kilometers and 13 time zones. The combined population of ex-USSR countries, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland exceeds 330 million people, making the 1C distribution territory one of the largest markets in Europe with an overall value of over 250 million euros.
Cenega Publishing is an established publisher with a focus towards Central European developers. Cenega's main releases include UFO: Aftermath, Korea: Forgotten Conflict, Shade: Wrath of Angels. Currently in development are such titles as UFO: Aftershock, El Matador and others. The combined portfolio of 1C and Cenega will reach an impressive amount of over 60 titles in development for the PC and for consoles to be released in 2005-2006.
Yuri Miroshnikov, Head of Interactive and Education Products Division of 1C, said: "The deal will allow 1C to work with highly professional and talented teams from Central European countries. The developers in that region have created world famous hits such as Operation Flashpoint and Mafia."
"We are very happy to work together with 1C to provide a full range of products, support and service for our partners and customers. Together we will be able to reach a completely new quality level of distributing and publishing games," noted Martin Valkovic, Managing Director of Cenega.