Grand Theft Auto Maker Decides to Remain 'Independent'

GTA IV publisher, Take-Two Interactive has finished its 'Strategic Review Process' and with it the apparently saga of who would buy it.

The short answer is that no one is going to buy it. With Electronic Arts withdrawing from a bid earlier this year, there had been rumblings that everyone from Activision/Blizzard to Microsoft would jump in.

The board of directors at Take2 has, however, released a statement saying, "Following detailed discussions with various interested parties over the last five months, Take-Two's Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interests of stockholders to conclude its review of strategic alternatives and to continue operating and building Take-Two as an independent company."

The statement also includes the following nod to the future, "Our strong cash position – with no debt and an undrawn $140 million credit facility – gives us the financial flexibility to continue to do what we do best: innovate and create the great games that our customers have come to expect."

Thank the gaming godz for that. Maybe now we can all get on with pwning n00bz etc etc...