Online Game Operator The9 Buys 50% Stake in MSN China

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 2, 2007 - 8:09am.

Shanghai - Chinese online games operator The9 has announced that it will acquire a 50% stake in Microsoft's MSN China for $200 million.

The9 purchased its stake from Shanghai Alliance Investment, which co-founded the MSN China joint venture with Microsoft in 2005.

The9 operates a number of popular massively multiplayer online games in China, including "World of Warcraft," "Guild Wars," "FIFA Online" and "Ragnarok Online 2."

"The purchase of MSN China's stake is part of The9's strategic layout," said a spokesperson for The9.

"It is aimed at to build up a cross-business platform...covering instant messaging, cyber game, online communities, and online auctions."

http://www.the9.com/en

http://cn.msn.com