Livermore Regulatory News (LIV)

27 Oct 2005 07:02

Empire Online Limited27 October 2005 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AND IRELAND Noble Poker Launches $100 Million Poker Mega Tournament Empire Online, a leading online gaming and marketing services company, announcesthe launch of the world's first poker tournament with a potential first prize of$100 million. Noble Poker, the licensed poker platform acquired by Empire inAugust 2005 will host "The Noble Poker $100 Million Mega Tournament". Thecompetition will be a multi-stage Texas Hold'Em tournament consisting offree-roll and cash satellite tournaments culminating in April 2006 when thefinal tournament will take place. During the televised Final Table action, if aplayer hits a Royal Flush of spades he will win $100 million. In addition, otherjackpot prizes will be available during the Final Table action (ranging from$1,000,000 to $250,000) depending upon the hand drawn, for example 4 aces willwin $500,000. The full details of the tournament will be set out on NoblePoker's website www.noblepoker.com. Noble Poker is the exclusive online sponsor of this unique tournament, which isbeing produced by Cinda Ltd., a company engaged in the development of novelpoker and gaming products. In order to guarantee payment of the Jackpot prizes, Cinda Ltd. has entered intoagreements with ASU International, a subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings (NYSE:HCC) and National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The $100 million Grand Prize is reinsured by National Indemnity Company, asubsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The former Tournament Director of The World Series of Poker (WSOP), Matt Savagehas been announced as the Tournament Director. Endeavor Agency will develop theworldwide television and media rights to the tournament. Noam Lanir, Chief Executive of Empire Online, said "Poker tournaments of realscale and widespread appeal are critical to the success of any poker business.We are confident that by offering the largest potential prize in poker historywe will take interest in poker tournaments to a new level both from the existingonline poker players and from new potential audiences. Through this, we expect to significantly raise the profile of our Noble Pokerbrand in the territories in which we operate." Enquiries: Empire Online Limited +357 25 847700Noam Lanir, Chief Executive officerAndrew Burns, Chief Financial officerAndrew Burnett Citigate Dewe Rogerson +44(0) 20 7638 9571Simon RigbySarah GestetnerGed Brumby The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution topersons in the United States of America. The securities referred to herein havenot been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act 1933, asamended, and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder orpursuant to an available exemption therefrom. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange