Press release: 1997-06-20: Sega chooses Expert Software for PC distribution agreement

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

CORAL GABLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 1997--

Expert Software to carry the Sega(r)-PC Collection

of value-priced software titles

An agreement between Sega Entertainment Inc. and Expert Software Inc. (NASDAQ:XPRT) now gives Expert Software the distribution rights in the United States and Canada to Sega's value-priced, PC Collection.

All the colors, sounds, characters and animation traditionally found in the world-renowned Sega(r) PC and video games will now be available with the same plug-and-play ease for your home PC from Expert Software. These titles are designed to run in the Windows '95 environment and use the Pentium processor.

"Releasing the distribution of our value-priced titles to Expert will help free up our sales force allowing them to hone in on the development and distribution of our front-line, PC products," said Shinobu Toyoda, chairman and CEO of Sega Entertainment Inc.

Sega chose Expert Software based on its mass-marketing mix and Expert's dominance in the value-priced software market. The Expert Software(tm) brand can be found in supermarkets, drug stores and other non-traditional software outlets, as well as in traditional computer retail outlets. This will allow Sega to be everywhere their consumers are.

"This is the first time Sega has released a value-priced software line and everyone at Expert is excited about the opportunity of teaming up with Sega," said Ken Currier, CEO of Expert Software Inc. Currier added, "Gamers immediately recognize Sega as a name that stands for excitement and quality in the PC gaming industry."

The first Sega titles to be released under this agreement are scheduled for a launch in September, 1997. These games will carry a suggested retail price of $19.99 and will feature these seven sizzling, Sega titles:

-- Sonic(tm) CD

-- Sonic's (tm) Schoolhouse

-- Daytona(r) USA

-- Bug!(tm)

-- Virtua Fighter(tm)

-- PC-Panzer Dragoon(tm)

-- Garfield(r)

"Expert will provide Sega with access to their strong channels of distribution and Sega will provide Expert with our strong name recognition, a name synonymous with the best in the computer games and entertainment industry," added Toyoda.

Currier said: "With the addition of Sega, our product line has increased to include the Gamers Choice(tm) line of classic games, Bicycle(r) card games and the McDonaldland software line (scheduled for release in September). It's arrangements like these that validate the quality and variety of product available from Expert."

Expert Software Inc. is a leading developer and publisher of over 150 high-quality, value-priced software titles. The company specializes in sophisticated yet easy-to-use programs addressing a broad array of everyday consumer interests including entertainment, education, lifestyle, productivity and small office/home office. Over 20 million units of Expert products have been sold, including Home Design 3D(r), Landscape Design 3D(r), Astronomer(tm), Bicycle(r) Card Games and Gamers Choice(tm) Line of classic games. In 1997, Expert plans to release family fun software featuring McDonald's characters.

Sega Entertainment Inc. was founded in April of 1996, and aims to bring 3D polygon-based action/arcade, racing and sports games to the PC. Leveraging Sega's arcade leadership and a library of game content, the company is committed to redefining the PC gaming experience with titles featuring high frame rates, 3D characters and environments, high polygon counts, detailed texture mapping, multiplayer online gaming and emotion-triggered gameplay that is unmatched by competing action/arcade PC games. Sega Entertainment Inc. was formed through a joint venture between Sega of America and SOFTBANK Holdings Inc. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Programs mentioned above are trademarks of Expert Software Inc., except Bicycle, which is a trademark of The United States Playing Card Co. and McDonaldland which is a trademark of McDonald's Corp. Sonic CD, Sonic's Schoolhouse, Bug!, Virtua Fighter PC and Panzer Dragoon are trademarks of Sega. Daytona USA is a trademark of International Speedway Corp. Garfield is a trademark of United Features Syndicate.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or anticipated by the statements made above. These include, but are not limited to, consolidation of the market, anticipated growth in the consumer software market, new product releases and upgrades by the company and its competitors, evolving distribution channels, competition for retail space, consumer confidence levels and other factors. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the company's financial results are included in the company's annual report on Form 10-K, 1996 annual report and in other documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: In the Internet/email address noted in this news release, there is an "at" symbol, "tilde", or "underscore" between tim and ochipa and between ochipa and expertsw.com . These symbols may not appear properly in some systems.

CONTACT: Expert Software Inc.

Tim Ochipa, Public Relations Coordinator

305/569-1310

[email protected]
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