SEGA Europe today announced that on April 1st 2005 it will open its new territory office in Munich, Germany. SEGA has appointed Markus Wiedemann to the position of General Manager.

Wiedemann will manage SEGA's marketing and PR throughout the German market with immediate effect, and will consider a sales and distribution strategy moving forward. Previous to joining SEGA Wiedemann served as General Manager for Codemasters Germany.

The opening of new offices in one of Europe's key territories is a crucial step towards achieving SEGA's strategic targets for the western market. The launch of the German branch underlines SEGA's global expansion strategy, which looks to build market share and distribution throughout significant territories within Europe.

"Markus is an enormously experienced and respected individual. In the coming months, he will build up a reliable team, focusing specifically on marketing and PR to implement our extensive plans for the German 'speaking' market," commented Mike Hayes, President and COO of SEGA Europe. "Opening the SEGA Germany office was merely a question of time, it is a logical step in our growth strategy and I am delighted to welcome Markus to the SEGA team."

"SEGA's strength of brand and reputation in the industry can hardly be equalled by any of its competitors. It is a fascinating and unique challenge to help SEGA regain the recognition and market share in Germany that it deserves", commented Markus Wiedemann, General Manager, SEGA of Germany. "Together with the strong European branch and a rapidly growing German team, we will make SEGA of Germany one of the major players in the local market".

SEGA is really trying to get more out of Europe. Good for them and, of course, the European gaming audience. Hopefully this will ease releasing titles in Europe faster for SEGA. We will keep you posted on SEGA's mission to conquer Europe!