Koei Tecmo Holdings is, as of today, a fully merged company. The final dotted lines have been signed, and the two firms are now a lawfully wedded couple. Koei Europe has just issued a press release stating that it will henceforth be known as Tecmo Koei Europe (TKE) and that the first game released by this "new force in gaming" is Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.

NGS2 has a demo coming to the PlayStation Network in September so you can give this first official game a spin. From what I played of it at E3, it seems like a rather strong debut for Koei Tecmo. Should be good for a laugh, with plenty of semi-clad women bouncing their busters around. Far be it from Tecmo to let a corporate merger stifle its rampant objectification of women. 

We respect Tecmo for that commitment.

Deal to merge makes for new and vigorous growth in Europe

Hertfordshire, UK- June 26th, 2009 – TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD proudly announces its official merger between developing powerhouses TECMO and KOEI, to form brand new company TECMO KOEI EUROPE LTD (TKE).

In a move that brings together two of Japan’s biggest gaming companies, TKE will offer a new library of games to European audiences while continuing to thrill fans of existing franchises and titles.

The first title released under the new TKE banner will be NINJA GAIDEN Σ 2 exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. “Featuring new characters, game play, and developed by the award-winning Team NINJA, NINJA GAIDEN Σ 2 is the perfect vehicle with which to launch the new company”, said Will Curley, VP of Sales and Marketing. “This is a momentous occasion for both KOEI and TECMO. With some great quality titles coming from both sides, such as UNDEAD KNIGHTS (PSPTM) and QUANTUM THEORY (name TBC) (PLAYSTATION®3) from TECMO, and Warriors: Legends of Troy (PLAYSTATION®3 and XBOX360®) and TRINITY: Souls of Zill O’ll (PLAYSTATION®3) from KOEI, TKE will quickly become one of the major players in the video games industry”.