BRIT MOBILE GAMBLING FIRM ACQUIRED BY IGT

BRIT MOBILE GAMBLING FIRM ACQUIRED BY IGT Founder Chris Sheffield stays on as IGT enters mobile gaming market The md of IGT in Britain, Robert White, has announced the acquisition of Manchester-based mobile gaming company Million-2-1 after a two year partnership with the firm, marking IGT-UK’s entry into the mobile gaming market. The consideration paid by IGT was not disclosed. Founder Chris Sheffield will remain with the company, taking up a new position of Director and General Manager of the combined remote gaming business. His responsibilities will include managing the interests of IGT-UK in interactive digital television, mobile gaming and Internet gaming markets.  Million-2-1 has specialised in mobile interactive competition, lottery and SMS games and has recently commenced development of Java-based mobile versions of a number of the Barcrest group’s slot machine games.  “IGT-UK is delighted to announce this acquisition, which, in conjunction with the recently announced Cyberview deal, marks a significant step forward in our strategy to develop new markets and new routes to market for our market-leading game content," White commented.  Referring to Million-2-1, he added that the time was now right for IGT-UK and Million-2-1 to join forces to capitalise on the exciting growth opportunities in remote gaming markets. Sheffield said: “We are tremendously excited at joining such a successful and innovative international business. This is a “dream come true deal” for our business and will allow real focus on developing and marketing new products for the Internet and mobile phone, using the powerful combination of new technologies plus great gaming concepts from both IGT-UK and Million-2-1."