GameStop to Acquire Last New Zealand Independent Chain

International games retail chain GameStop is set to acquire the New Zealand chain The Gamesman, according to a New Zealand gaming publication.

The eight-store chain, currently the largest independent gaming retailer in the country, will be bought by EB Games, a GameStop subsidiary, GeekPulp reported.

The website said its sources were told that all eight stores will be rebranded by the end of July, and that there will be no layoffs. However, EB stores already exist in each of the locales where The Gamesman stores are also located.

GameStop, which saw its earnings climb 82 percent in fiscal 2007, said it aims to create up to 600 new stores this fiscal year.

Source: Geekpulp, Gamesindustry.biz