Square Enix Results Briefing Session: Nine-Months Period Ended March 31, 2009

This briefing outlines the financial performance and strategic direction of Square Enix for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2008. The primary objective is to provide stakeholders with an update on consolidated results while detailing the company’s expansion strategy, most notably the acquisition of Eidos plc. The company maintains a focus on strengthening its global publishing capabilities and revitalizing in-house development teams to navigate a competitive and rapidly evolving international market.

Financial performance across segments shows varied results, with the Games (Offline) segment serving as a core driver, supported by strong unit sales of titles such as Dragon Quest V and Dissidia Final Fantasy. The Games (Online) segment continues to rely on the established Final Fantasy XI franchise, while the Publication segment reports record sales attributed to a successful media mix strategy. The Amusement segment remains a consistent contributor, though the company continues to monitor currency fluctuations and economic conditions as significant risks to its forward-looking projections.

A central component of the company’s growth strategy is the acquisition of Eidos plc, valued at approximately £84.3 million. This move is designed to integrate high-profile Western franchises—including Tomb Raider, Hitman, and Deus Ex—into the Square Enix portfolio. By leveraging Eidos’s established development studios in Europe and North America, the company aims to bolster its international presence and diversify its intellectual property holdings. The acquisition process, structured as a scheme of arrangement, reflects a broader commitment to expanding the company’s footprint beyond its traditional Japanese market through strategic alliances and the distribution of third-party titles.