NEW YORK - A pioneer of video games Atari was filed Monday in bankruptcy filing in Manhattan, New York. The American company aims to separate itself from the firm that controls deficit - Atari SA, based in France - and get $ 5.25 million in funding independent.
Creator of seminal games like "Pong" and "Asteroids", Atari Inc. and its affiliates Atari Interactive, Humongous and California USA Holdings asked a bankruptcy court to be jointly administered during the procedure.
The bankruptcy filing comes after the parent company of Atari state in December, which was experiencing financial difficulties. The French Atari SA - that does not generate profit since 1999, despite having gotten rid of assets and restructuring have suffered - provides "significant loss" in the fiscal year 2012-2013. The parent company said it was evaluating various forms of fundraising and was already in talks with potential investors.
"Chapter 11 is the most strategic option for Atari's operations in the U.S., which tries to preserve its value and earn revenue that failed to be generated under the control of Atari SA", Atari Inc. said in a statement, citing chapter U.S. bankruptcy law, which deals with bankruptcy. "During the period, the company expects to conduct its operations as usual."
Atari SA's shares fell as much as 5.6% on the Paris Bourse in the morning.
The American division of Atari and its affiliates seek approval for U.S. $ 5.25 million in funding from funds managed by Tenor Capital, according to the statement.
Atari was founded in 1972 and became a pioneer in arcade games and console. Today the company is well behind giants like Activision Blizzard, the world's largest by sales, and Electronic Arts.
Atari owns or manages more than 200 brands, including "Centipede," "Missile Command" and "Rollercoaster Tycoon". Their games can be played online, on mobile devices and consoles in the main market.