CONFIRMED: Sega Offices in Mainland Europe, Australia to Close

Contrary to what Miles Jacobson believed, things are not fine at Sega Europe.  While the main division may have escaped the worst, we have just learned most in mainland Europe have not.
TSSZ has confirmed that many of Sega’s sub-divisions in mainland Europe–including Spain, Germany, Benelux, and France–as well as the Australian division will close by the end of the week.  There, Sega will no longer publish its boxed titles.  The London 2012 Olympic game will be the last physically published Sega title in the affected regions. Koch Media will take over physical distribution of future games in most of Europe.  In Benelux and Australia, Lever03 Distribution and 5 Star Games will take over distribution.  All outsourcing will be handled out of London.
The news confirms almost everything that has been reported about the fate of Sega in Europe here and elsewhere, outside of the entire division closing outright.  Make no mistake, however; this is some serious neutering, and it comes just three months after Sega of America had its offices in San Francisco gutted.  We can’t even begin to wonder how many jobs have been lost in these cuts, but they are likely significant.
We have a translated press release from Sega Germany to share confirming this decision.  We thank Link for tipping us on this historic and horrific day for Sega.  We will continue to keep you updated on the impact from this decision.

LONDON, 28th of June 2012: SEGA® Europe, Ltd. confirms that the company wants to concentrate on new and existing digital products in the future from now and as well as important IPs due to the recent restructurings. Because of this SEGA has reformed their strategies and closes the departments in Germany, Spain, Australia, France and the Benelux.
Koch Media will continue the publishing of retail products by SEGA in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Spain. Level03 and 5 Star Games will take over publishing in Benelux countries and Australia. These changes will get active on 1st of July.
In all other territories structures will remain. They will be – like Koch, Level03 Distribution and 5 Star games – managed by the European head quarter in London.
“SEGA is at the begin of a new and exciting phase. The company will set its main focus on contents with strong and balanced IPs such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager and the Aliens license” said Jürgen Post, COO at SEGA Europe. “SEGA will find advantages with the proper mix of digital products as well as retails products and follows a strict strategy. We look forward to a successful future.”