FIREFLYFANS.NET CENTRAL

Vivendi Universal Acquires FIREFLYFANS.NET in Move to Strengthen Web Audience for Universal Studio's Firefly Movie 'Serenity'

POSTED BY: HAKEN
UPDATED: Monday, April 12, 2004 12:27
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 18527
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Thursday, April 1, 2004 8:52 AM

HAKEN

Likes to mess with stuffs.


FFF.NET is two years old today! As an added bonus, looked what happened to us on this very special day.

Quote:


(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 2004--Vivendi Universal (NYSE: V - news):
Price is $1 per share or approximately $18 Million in Cash and Stock
FIREFLYFANS.NET to Provide Leading-Edge Technology Website for Community and Proliferation of Firefly Content
Multiple Revenue Streams to Enhance Vivendi Universal's Online Strategy
FIREFLYFANS.NET Will Continue to Function as an Independent Distributor of Firefly Related Content for All Firefly fans
Vivendi Universal (Paris Bourse: EX FP; NYSE: V) announced today that it will acquire FIREFLYFANS.NET, Inc. (Nasdaq: FFF - news) for $18 million ($1 per share) in a friendly, combined cash and stock transaction. FIREFLYFANS.NET represents a major acquisition and is expected to strongly reinforce Vivendi Universal's digital efforts in the strategic areas of online entertainment, community, branding, technology and all its content.

FIREFLYFANS.NET shareholders have the ability to elect $1 per share in cash, a number of Vivendi Universal shares (in the form of American Depositary Receipts) having a value of $1, or any combination thereof, subject to aggregate transaction consideration caps of 50% cash consideration and 50% share consideration, which may result in proration. The transaction has been structured as a reorganization that will be tax free to FIREFLYFANS.NET shareholders to the extent they receive Vivendi Universal shares. Consistent with its previous statements, Vivendi Universal will not issue new common shares in this transaction, but will use treasury shares for the share portion of the aggregate transaction consideration. The Board of Directors of FIREFLYFANS.NET has unanimously approved the transaction. Holders of more than 50% of FIREFLYFANS.NET's outstanding shares have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction.

FIREFLYFANS.NET ( www.fireflyfans.net) will maintain its role as the premier distributor of fan-based Firefly content on the Internet. The company will continue to feature content from all fanfic writers and from all fan artists. There are currently over 40,000 artists from more than 130 countries that make their fanfic and art available to Firefly fans through FIREFLYFANS.NET. Currently, more than 75% of online Firefly related content are being promoted on FIREFLYFANS.NET.

Firefly Related Content Online

FIREFLYFANS.NET is a candidate to provide state-of-the-art technical contributions for FIREFLY UNIVERSE and create an online massively multiplayer gaming subscription service. FIREFLY UNIVERSE is expected to launch this summer.

Branding

Vivendi Universal is to acquire one of the top worldwide Internet brands. FIREFLYFANS.NET's brand and web site are well-known to a global online gathering of Firefly fans and artists (Browncoats). The company is expected to contribute a huge audience to Vivendi Universal's already-impressive online entertainment fold. The brand is particularly popular among fans of Firefly, a popluar television series from "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" creator Joss Whedon.

Technology

FIREFLYFANS.NET is a technology leader in the delivery of online Firefly content. Recently, it pioneered the digital content delivery revolution and built The Blue Sun Room, which is designed to connect various segments of the Firefly community through fanfics and art. The Blue Sun Room allows the Firefly fans to interoperate in ways previously unavailable by connecting Firefly fanfic writers, artists, and custom online software tools.

FIREFLYFANS.NET possesses proprietary-patented technology for information distribution and has comprehensive solutions in data management and tracking. FIREFLYFANS.NET's proven distribution technology can power not only textual content, but also video and audio content.

FIREFLYFANS.NET technologists have an exceptional track record of creating industry-leading technology relating to a variety of contents and interfaces that include digital distribution, databases and e-marketing.

Vivendi Universal's Cross Contents and Digital Efficiency

Vivendi Universal is wholly committed to extending its reach to all continents through digital distribution. Vivendi Universal's strategy is to digitally distribute all of its content across all technology platforms. FIREFLYFANS.NET will strongly power this strategy by enhancing Vivendi Universal's capacity to implement database management, direct marketing and subscriptions on the Internet. FIREFLYFANS.NET will also contribute to the implementation of digital efficiency within Vivendi Universal.

Haken, FIREFLYFANS.NET founder, chairman and chief executive officer, will become special adviser to Vivendi Universal's digital distribution.

Commenting on the announcement, Vivendi Universal said: ``The FIREFLYFANS.NET strategic acquisition is a big step forward for Vivendi Universal's priority to develop and implement an aggressive, legitimate and attractive offering of our Firefly content to consumers. FIREFLYFANS.NET will be a great asset to Vivendi Universal in meeting our goal of becoming the leading online Firefly Related Content Provider. With FIREFLYFANS.NET's proven technologies and team, we'll have the tools and talents to aid the success of this and other digital content distribution ventures. Their engineering and digital expertise will be a tremendous advantage for Vivendi Universal, especially in the digital distribution of Firefly related content.''

``This groundbreaking merger is a defining moment in the entertainment industry,'' said Haken, chairman and chief executive officer of FIREFLYFANS.NET. ``It brings together industry leading technology, brands, distribution and content. We will continue with our current FIREFLYFANS.NET pursuits, but also work with our new partners to innovate our online systems and Firefly related offerings that reach a global audience across many venues. We believe Firefly fans will see the full promise of fandom dominance come to fruition.''

As a major global force in media and communications, Vivendi Universal's stated vision is to further its position as the world's premier creator and provider of personalized information, entertainment, and services to consumers -- anywhere, at any time and across all distribution platforms and devices. With a plethora of rich and varied content through its Music, Publishing and TV and Film business units, coupled with its access and distribution units in Telecoms and Internet, the Company is poised to make consumers the winners in this age of digital communications.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, approval by the FIREFLYFANS.NET shareholders, and other customary closing conditions.

About Vivendi Universal

Media and Communications and Environmental Services: The media and communications business is divided into five business segments: Music, Publishing, TV and Film, Telecoms and Internet. The Music business is conducted though Universal Music Group, which produces, markets and distributes recorded music throughout the world in all major genres. Universal Music Group also manufactures, sells and distributes video products in the United States and internationally, and licenses music copyrights in 63 countries worldwide. The Publishing business is Europe's premier publisher of information providing content across multiple platforms, including print, multimedia, on the wired Internet and to PDAs via WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology. The Publishing business is a content leader in five core markets: education, games, healthcare information, local services and business and general information. The TV and Film business produces and distributes motion picture, television and home video/DVD products worldwide, operates and has ownership interests in a number of cable and pay TV channels, engages in the licensing of merchandising and film property rights and operates theme parks and retail stores around the world. The Telecoms business provides a broad range of telecommunications services, including mobile and fixed telephony, Internet access and data services and transmission, principally in Europe. The Internet business manages the strategic Internet initiatives and new online ventures for Vivendi Universal. Utilizing advanced digital distribution technology, the Internet business develops e-commerce, e-services and thematic portals that offer access to the Internet via a variety of devices, including mobile phones, PDAs, interactive TV and computers. Vivendi Environnement, is a 63-percent effectively owned subsidiary of Vivendi Universal, which operates the environmental services business, with operations around the globe. Vivendi Environnement provides environmental management services, including water treatment and system operation, waste management, energy services and power generation, and transportation services, to a wide range of public authorities and industrial, commercial and residential customers.

The Company's corporate website is located at http://www.vivendiuniversal.com. The Company's financial website is located at http://finance.vivendiuniversal.com.

About FIREFLYFANS.NET

FIREFLYFANS.NET, Inc. has created a unique and robust technology infrastructure designed to facilitate the storage, management, promotion and delivery of Firefly related content. As the Internet's premier website for Firefly related content, the company is dedicated to providing consumers with access to Firefly content when they want it, where they want it, using any web-enabled device. The company's web site hosts what FIREFLYFANS.NET believes is the largest collection of Firefly related content available on the Internet.

Important Disclaimer

This press release contains ``forward-looking statements'' as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, including but not limited to: the risk that recently acquired operations will not be integrated successfully; that the synergies expected to be created as a result of recent acquisitions will not materialize; that Vivendi Universal will be unable to further identify, develop and achieve success for new products, services and technologies; that Vivendi Universal will face increased competition and that the effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues of such competition will limit or reduce Vivendi Universal's revenue and/or income; that Vivendi Universal will be unable to establish and maintain relationships with commerce, advertising, marketing, technology, and content providers; and that Vivendi Universal will be unable to obtain or retain, upon acceptable terms, the licenses and permits necessary to operate and expand its businesses; as well as the risks described in the documents Vivendi Universal has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read those documents at the Commission's web site at www.sec.gov. Those documents may also be obtained free of charge from Vivendi Universal.

Vivendi Universal and FIREFLYFANS.NET will file a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents regarding the proposed merger described in this press release with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available, because it will contain important information about Vivendi Universal and FIREFLYFANS.NET and the proposed transaction. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to security holders of FIREFLYFANS.NET seeking their approval of the transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed by Vivendi Universal and FIREFLYFANS.NET with the SEC at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents may also be obtained free of cost by directing a request to Investor Relations contacts.




APRIL FOOLS! APRIL FOOLS! APRIL FOOLS! APRIL FOOLS!


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Thursday, April 1, 2004 8:57 AM

ASTRIANA


*Bustin' a gut laughing*

You're a bit of a devil, huh, Haken?


~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:01 AM

SPACEANGLER


You shouldn't have said the last part, Haken. Might have actually fooled somebody.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:07 AM

WERZBOWSKI


You son of a...

Nice one Haken. You really had me going with all those super-realistic details. You must have spent a butt load of time cooking that one up.

Well done.

"Wherever you go, there you are."
- Dr. B. Banzai

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:12 AM

FLOATER68


I know nobody will believe me, but I was kinda onto the gag when I hit the part about the $18 million, not that this site isn't worth it.


F68

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:37 AM

SERENA


OMG!!! I TOTALLY fell for that! Right up until I got to the April Fool's part.

Too bad. $18M would be sweet, eh Haken?

Please help Haken keep this site running by clicking on a google ad on the side of the page!

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:41 AM

HAKEN

Likes to mess with stuffs.


Quote:

Originally posted by Floater68:
I was kinda onto the gag when I hit the part about the $18 million, not that this site isn't worth it.



In the old days, before the internet bubble went all kablooey, it might have actually been true.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:42 AM

CHANNAIN

i DO aim to misbehave


bewdie, Hakey - well Done!

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:49 AM

SUCCATASH



Pretty funny, Haken. Happy Birthday to FFF!

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 10:34 AM

RKLENSETH


I posted this on the Official Board just see if anyone will be fooled. I don't think they will as people have already flooded the place with April Fools Joke.

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 11:39 AM

SOULOFSERENITY

The Man They Call Soul...


Now that was just so wrong and at the same just so ruttin' funny. Beautiful, Haken.

______________________

But if your hand touches metal, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 12:01 PM

SHINY


You got me, Haken! I was all ready to sick my lawyers on you for a piece of that $18 Mil. ;p

Please help Haken keep this site running by occasionally clicking on some of the sponsored ad links on the side of the page!

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 1:02 PM

LIVINGIMPAIRED


Oh, my god. For a minute there, I absolutely freaked out. This was brilliant. Made my day, Haken.

________________

"Very occasionally, if you really pay attention, life doesn't suck." -- Joss Whedon

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 1:55 PM

MOONSTARRR


Hilarious! That was the best joke I've seen all day.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 2:20 PM

PHOENIXSHIP


I was thinking, where's my piece of this? Am I a shareholder? I want a dollar.

They fooled me, Jerry.

"Why're you arguin' what's already been decided?"
Mal to Jayne, "Jaynestown"

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 2:45 PM

RITA


Oh i was so happy for you. There i was thinking well isn't this brillant his passion for great t.v lead him to build up such a wonderful site and he's rewarded for it profit off his passion. Well i am such a gosh durn chump. Prett funny though

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 4:23 PM

ATILLA


what a hoot. A really fine April fool.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 4:32 PM

NRKANGEL


Absolutely brilliant! I didn't know which was worse, feeling like I'd lost a winning lottery ticket when I hit the bottom of the page or laughing my gorram head off at work. My hat is off to you...wonderful spoof!

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 4:38 PM

LORA


You made me read all that legalese, on the edge of my seat...I was...waffling...I mean, it would be very cool for you to have $18M for your labor of love -- you could do it full-time and give up your profitable job, but corporate purchase of it would probably diminish the freedom and enjoyment of it...Haken, you are a brilliant, sick, evil man.

Okay. I have my breath back now. I'm relieved.

Keep flyin', Haken. Don't do this to me again until next April Fool's, 'kay? I think I need a cigarette...

"Is there any way I'm gonna get out of this with honor and dignity?"

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 4:45 PM

ROCKETJOCK


Oh, you're going to the very special level of hell...



"Merely corrorative detail intended to add artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative." ** Pooh-Bah, "The Mikado"

"You can't enslave a free man. The most you can do is kill him." -- Robert A. Heinlein

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 4:49 PM

DBELL46


An incredible amount of work must have gone into
that prank. You had me. Nice job. Very funny.

If history is remarkably clear on one point, it's
that people don't learn from history.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 5:30 PM

WANTMORE


You wicked, wicked Browncoat! I just love your kind of evil! Happy Birthday/Anniversary FFF!

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 6:14 PM

JRC


Say, uh, that PayPal donation, uh, can I have it back?
Just Kidding!!! April Fools!!! Ha-Ha...ha.........ha.


Everyone dies alone.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 7:25 PM

LEEH


Ok that was strangely hilarious--and where the hell did you find the time to whip that up?!

"Well, my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle. . . ."

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:57 PM

SOUTHERNMERC


FUNHAY!

Jayne: "How big a room?"

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Friday, April 2, 2004 1:59 AM

CALHOUN


LOL, you suckers!

I was instantly suspicious and scrolled to the end of the post straight away... you'd have to get up pretty damn early in the mornin to catch me offguard.

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Friday, April 2, 2004 5:58 AM

CANTTAKESKY


I had some doubts because Universal got Firefly movie rights, but I wasn't sure they had the right to endorse/produce fanfics, games, images, and other copyrighted material. It seemed more likely that FOX who owns those rights would be in a better place to make this sort of acquisition.

However, wishful thinking brushed aside doubts and I went along for the ride anyway. ;) Good one Haken!

Can't Take My Gorram Sky

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Friday, April 2, 2004 8:48 AM

NEMESIS21X


Honestly, that green eyed monster popped up in me when I saw $18 million. All I kept thinking as I read was, "Damn!!! Why didn't I come up with a website for Firefly?" Then I saw "April Fool." Heh heh....pretty funny. Damn!!! Why didn't I come up with that April Fool's joke?

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Friday, April 2, 2004 6:10 PM

VETERAN

Don't squat with your spurs on.


Good one Haken.

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Saturday, April 3, 2004 3:55 AM

CAPNRAHN


You are a baaaaaaaaaaaad man, Haken!!!

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 10:35 AM

WEATHERCOCK


Thank the book this was an April Fool's - If not you could have kissed the site goodbye before too long. VU bought MP3.com, remember - only to destroy it.

"I swear by the twelve articles!" - Hey how do I get this to appear next to my name, guys?

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 1:02 PM

MALICIOUS


HI-Larious!!

It would have been well deserved, however...

Mal-licious

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 10:30 PM

STICKS


YEP, YA GOT ME GOIN ASWELL,GOOD APRILS FOOL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FFF.

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Wednesday, April 7, 2004 7:39 PM

QUICKSAND


Was that entire block o' text supposed to be a joke? Cuz I didn't read it. Seems a long way to go for a damn AFD joke, but, whatever.

Happy Birthday, FFF.N!! Long may you reign! Short may be your Corporate Whoredom! Vive le Fromage!

XOXO

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Monday, April 12, 2004 12:27 PM

AMDOBELL


Rats! This would have been ultra cool if true. Ah, but we can dream with the rest of 'em, gorrammit. Nice April Fools. Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me

Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me...

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