Legal Firm To Appeal To The Development And Publishing Community - Weightmans
Weightmans is a national firm of solicitors, which has adapted to the needs of its Developer Clients over the last 2 years. Most recently Weightmans handled the negotiations on behalf of Venom Games in its purchase by Take Two and Swordfish Studios with respect to its purchase by VU Games. Weightmans other industry clients include the likes of Juice Games, Gusto Games and Freestyle Games amongst others. John Schorah, Head of the Weightmans division that targets both the UK's Video Games Development and Publishing communities and the only lawyer recognised nationally outside of London for video games work in the Chambers UK Client Guide to the legal profession said
"There has been considerable debate about consolidation in the games industry. As much as it is inevitable for some it is unlikely for others, and they are obviously the most at risk.
Being attractive as an acquisition target may be about owning a best selling franchise or having history of providing hit titles, but having a pedigree in successfully managing the development process makes a huge difference. An ability to properly manage and retain talent, coupled with the right technology is invaluable and some deals happen purely on that basis without a developer owning any significant IP assets save for their own technology. Many publishers look to acquire teams that can add value to their existing and forthcoming franchises, rather than needing to acquire a developer to add to them".
John Schorah went on to say "That is not to say IP is not important, and it can be quite the opposite. Being able to skilfully navigate the fine line between securing your short-term future and not selling the crown jewels in doing so can obviously have a significant impact on the value, and sometimes make the difference between a deal happening and not happening".
"There is no doubt that many developers' future rests solely on being adopted by the big brother publisher, but there will be others who take the consolidation route as an opportunity to realise increased shareholder values at this time. Many stakeholders in current developers have an opportunity to reap real rewards for their vision and hard work as opposed to just seeing this as an opportunity to find the nearest lifeboat".
History of Weightmans
Weightmans has offices in Liverpool, London, Manchester, Leicester and Birmingham. With 80 partners and 600 staff the Firm provides comprehensive legal services to clients and has resources to deal with the most demanding legal needs.
Weightmans also has built informal associations with law firms in most foreign jurisdictions to complement the legal services it provides to UK clients.
John Schorah (Head of Corporate) has worked in the Video Games industry advising on legal matters for over 15 years. John was also appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Rage Plc in 2000, latterly taking up position as Managing Director.
For further information on Weightmans visit www.weightmans.com or call Dene Landucci on 07967-177779