Nintendo UK marketing arm closes

Troubled computer games firm Nintendo changed its UK distribution strategy for the sixth time in nine years last week when it scrapped its UK headquarters and axed 147 jobs.

The Japanese company has ordered Nintendo UK to close its Fareham and Eastleigh offices and hand all sales, marketing and distribution responsibility to John Menzies subsidiary Total Home Entertainment.

The move means all marketing personnel will lose their jobs along with the majority of its 150 staff. Only the joint managing directors and company chairman are assured jobs. The remainder must apply for a limited number of positions at THE.

Mark Edridge, Nintendo’s marketing director is a casualty of the latest change of heart. He says all staff are co-operating with the move and are being offered redundancy packages.