~ Maximizing Shareholder Interests Optimizing Future Development ~
[4 February 2008, Hong Kong] One of the leading game developers and operators in the PRC, NetDragon Websoft Inc. (“NetDragon” or the “Company“, with its subsidiary collectively the “Group“; Stock Code: 8288.HK) is pleased to announce that it has bought back 271,000 of its shares on 31 January 2008.
The total number of shares bought back up to 31 January 2008 now amounts to 4,276,000 shares, and the total amount paid to about HK?56,493,900 at prices of between HK?12.40 and HK?14.48 per share.
Mr. Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon, said, “This latest buyback of shares reflects our complete confidence in NetDragon’s long term prospects, and is also a move designed to maximize shareholder value. In addition, the Group believes that the buyback will boost shareholder confidence in its future. Given the ongoing growth of its business, and taking into account the interests of its shareholders, the Group will not discount the possibility of carrying out further buybacks if and when appropriate.”
Additionally, the Group is pleased to announce that it has won 7 Phoenix awards at the 2007 China Game Industry Conference, held by the Publishers Association of China. These awards represent the Group’s outstanding effort in developing and operating online games. Below is the list of awards granted to the Group:
. Mr. Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon, is the winner of the Most Influential Figures of Game Industry in China for 2007
. Fujian TQ Digital Inc is the winner of the Top 10 Game Developers in China for 2007
. Fujian NetDragon Websoft Co., Ltd. (“NetDragon (Fujian)”)is the winner of the Top 10 Game Operators in China for 2007
. NetDragon (Fujian) is the winner of the Best New Enterprise of Game Industry in China for 2007
. NetDragon (Fujian) is the winner of the Award for Overseas Development of Chinese Domestic Games for 2007
. Mr. Liu Luyuan, Executive Director of NetDragon, is the winner of the Best New Rising Figures of Game Industry in China for 2007
. Heroes of Might and Magic Online is the winner of the Most Anticipated Online Game for 2008
The China Game Industry Conference is the most influential and large-scale annual conference in the game industry of the PRC. Mr. Liu Luyuan, Executive Director of NetDragon, said, “The awards granted are an affirmation of the Group’s development from the industry and the government. ”
Furthermore, Mr. Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon, was on the cover story of the first Chinese version Forbes in 2008. On the issued Forbes, NetDragon is ranked number 66 in the “China Best SMEs 2008”.
Background information on NetDragon Websoft Inc.
NetDragon Websoft Inc. is one of the leading online game developers and operators in the PRC. The Group’s portfolio consists of a range of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) that cater to various types of players and gaming preferences. The Group has successfully developed and marketed many popular online games in various styles, with its current offerings including the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero Online, Monster & Me, and Era of Faith. These games have also been offered in various languages including English, French and Spanish to diversify the player base for revenue generation. The Group has three developing games in the pipeline, namely Happiness Q, Piao Miao Online, and Heroes of Might and Magic Online. NetDragon was listed on the GEM board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on 2 November 2007 (Stock Code: 8288.HK).
