The game maker also said it has entered exclusive negotiations with a financial sponsor, which could result in "significant and material dilution to shareholders."
Wednesday, November 21, 7:55 AM As it fights for its survival, THQ (THQI) will have to do without the services of CFO Paul Pucino, who just resigned. The game developer says it's "evaluating its alternatives" for a replacement. Also, THQ says it has entered into a forbearance agreement with Wells Fargo, which recently declared a THQ credit facility to be in a state of default, and has entered negotiations with a "financial sponsor" that could (unsurprisingly) lead to a "significant and material dilution" for shareholders. (PR)
The embattled publisher released a statement today announcing an agreement reached with Wells Fargo. The financial institution "has agreed to forbear from exercising its rights and remedies against THQ" for previous defaults on loans made to the publisher.
Wells Fargo could reevaluate its decision to not pursue those nuclear options on January 15, 2013. In the meantime, the company is making additional loans to THQ.
THQ also announced that it has begun "entered into exclusive negotiations with a financial sponsor regarding financing alternatives which may result in, among other things, significant and material dilution to shareholders." That's bad news – THQ could sell off valuable assets or take other action to secure financial relief that has the side effect of tanking its shares' value.
Finally, the press release notes the resignation of THQ chief financial officer Paul Pucino – with no replacement waiting to take over. FTI Consulting will assist THQ's finance and accounting departments moving forward.
Cross your fingers, everyone. I'm no financial analyst, but it's hard to see any sunshine in this news other than what's noted in the headline above.