London - U.K.-based video game publisher SCi, which owns Eidos and the "Tomb Raider" franchise, has received a $119 million investment from Time Warner's (NYSE: TWX) Warner Bros. and real estate investor Robert Tchenguiz through a private share placement.

Warner Bros. will now control 20% of the company, while Tchenguiz's Thorson Investment will control 22%.

Under the terms, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will also now distribute SCI's titles in the North American market.

Before the share sale, there had been numerous reports that either Time Warner or NBC Universal was in talks with SCi.

"Today we have significantly strengthened our relationship with Warner Bros. one of the world's largest media groups, to create an exciting strategic partnership, giving us increased scale in the North American market, to the benefit of all our major franchises," said SCi chief executive Phil Rogers.

"The new financing puts us in a clear position to deliver on the strategic business plan which we announced in February with focus on cornerstone studios and core franchises, delivering high-quality, world class games."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/25t3i (GameDaily)

http://www.reuters.com/article/innovationNews/idUSL2512094320080425

http://corporate.sci.co.uk