It seems the end is coming nearer and nearer for troubled publishe THQ, as THQ bidder Clearlake Capital Group has agreed to sell the publisher's franchises on a title-by-title basis,
Clearlake Capital, which aimed at buying THQ after the publisher declared bankruptcy, has allowed potential buyers to purchase rights to titles individually and hold bidding until January 15. However, according to Distressed Debt Investing's Twitter, Judge Marry F. Walrath thinks Clearlake's proposed timeframe isn't enough and has agreed on a January 22 auction date in which during THQ's assets can be purchased individually.
What's more, last week, THQ banker Sam Greene revealed that there are five active potential bidders for THQ"s franchises and studios. The most prominent ones that cropped up were Warner Bros. and EA. Speaking of which, DDI also reported that not only is EA interested, but they've even completed "site visits" as well. Of course, I wouldn't count out Ubisoft getting their hands in on the action, too.
In the latest update, franchise and asset bids are due at 9 a.m. on January 22, while the auction will be held at 3 p.m. The following day, a sale hearing will take place at 9 a.m. and DDI has posted that bids will only be open for "certain assets" in the auction.
Nonetheless, January 22 looks to be the end of THQ as we know it. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say EA will pluck Darksiders, Saints Row or maybe even the WWE license if they can; while I wouldn't be surprised if Warner goes after Homefront to have a horse in the highly-lucratve military FPS genre.
Which publisher would you want to own which IP/studio? Speculate and discuss it in the comments and let's see if we're right come January 22.
Thanks, Polygon