Online gaming provider OnLive went through a bankruptcy procedure late last week, selling most of its assets to a newly formed company.
Belgacom launched the OnLive platform for its broadband clients in late July, and it also had a 2.6% stake in the company. We expect that the impact of the OnLive bankruptcy procedure on Belgacom will remain limited however.
Our View:
In May 2010, Belgacom announced a strategic partnership with OnLive.
OnLive was a US-based company pioneering cloud-based gaming with a unique digital entertainment delivery platform using proprietary compression technology and cloud-based computing for the distribution of high-end video games delivered instantly through the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs, without the need for specialised computers, expensive game consoles orlarge downloads.
After initial delays, Belgacom launched the OnLive platform for its broadband clients in late July this year.
The impact of the OnLive bankruptcy on Belgacom should remain limited however we believe – Onlive has announced that it will continue its services under the new company, while we believe Belgacom’s investment in OnLive (the size of which was never disclosed however) was rather small. Hence we expect no material impact from the OnLive bankruptcy.
Conclusion:
No impact on our case, we reiterate our BUY rating and € 25.50 target.