A publisher and developer of entertainment software listed on London’s main market, has raised £60 million and struck a deal with US media giant Warner Bros Home Entertainment.

A publisher and developer of entertainment software listed on London’s main market, has raised £60 million and struck a deal with US media giant Warner Bros Home Entertainment.

SCi Entertainment Group plc (SCi), based in Wimbledon, issued 172 million shares at 35p each, generating capital of £60 million.

The company has also sealed a distribution agreement with media giant Warner Bros Home Entertainment. The arrangement involves the supply of distribution services to markets in the US, Canada and Mexico and signals SCi’s bid to drive growth in the North American market.

Further to this, Warner Bros is to invest in SCi by way of a share subscription worth up to £15 million.

Phil Rogers, CEO at SCi says the agreement will strengthen the company’s relationship with Warner Bros. The strategic partnership, described by Rogers as “exciting” will give SCi increased scale in the North American market, to the benefit of the business’ major franchises. “The new financing puts us in a clear position to deliver on our strategic business plan, which focuses on cornerstone studios and core franchises,” he explains.

Kevin Tsujihara, president of Warner Bros Home Entertainment Group, says the alliance represents a powerful engine for growth. “The investment underscores Warner Bros’ commitment to becoming a major presence in the video game business. With franchises like Tomb Raider, Hitman and Deus Ex we believe we have formed an exciting partnership with SCi.”

As a publisher of computer and video games, SCi creates content for a range of digital media including PC, Sony’s PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PSP, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, Nintendo Wii and DS, the Internet, mobile phones and digital television.