April 13, 2004 - Earlier today it was reported that Midway Games is offering 11,350,000 shares of common stock in order to raise a good amount of cash.


Now, in an interesting development, Reuters reports that Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone may be looking to increase his stake in the company, or purchase it outright. Redstone currently owns 48.35 percent of Midway individually and through his holding company National Amusements. The Reuters article mentions that in the holdings statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Sumner indicates he may seek a seat on Midway's board.

Though Midway has not posted a profit in four years, analysts expect the company to be profitable by the June quarter of this year.

Given Sumner's position at Viacom, would his potential purchase of Midway bring the games publisher under the influence of the entertainment giant? As this looks like a personal purchase, not an action by Viacom, it's not likely an official relationship between the companies would result. But either way, these are interesting times indeed for Midway, and may ultimately prove to be the shot in the arm the company needs to thrive.

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this and how you think it would affect (if any) Mortal Kombat Deception. Thanks