Activision acquires Toys For Bob

As part of plans to expand its internal development division, US publisher Activision has signed an agreement to acquire California-based development studio Toys for Bob (TFB).

Under the terms of the deal, TFB becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision. The studio's management team and key employees have signed new long-term contracts with the publisher, bringing the total number of Activision development employees up to around 1000.

The two companies have worked together since 2002 - most recently on the title Madagascar, based on DreamWorks' forthcoming animated feature film. The game will go on sale later this month to coincide with the movie's theatrical release.

Toys For Bob is also currently in the pre-production phase of another unnamed Activision title, slated for release by the end of the 06-07 financial year.

"Toys For Bob's talented team, led by proven management, will further expand our leading development resources," said Activision president Kathy Vrabeck.

"The studio's high quality animation and design capabilities will enable us to develop innovative new games for the console platforms."

TFB president Paul Reiche III added: "We have worked exclusively with Activision for the past three years, so we know the people, the products and the company's intentions quite well, all of which are entirely compatible with our own team and vision."