We view the agreement as a milestone deal, giving the company global rights to an attractive portfolio of high-margin, entertainment-based content.

We think the company has one bid they are willing to accept, given the unusual (and risky) public nature of the announcement.

Let's face it, we are all trying to balance a below-average company with the best-selling video game franchise in the industry.

This request is designed to protect our rights in the WTO, fully in line with the procedural agreement reached with the U.S. in September. Whilst wishing to de-escalate this dispute, our aim is to see the WTO-incompatible FSC export subsidies removed.

The company is very disappointed that a fair and equitable agreement could not be reached. We believe we had a very attractive offer on the table, including annual wage increases, continued profit sharing, a signing bonus, benefits improvements, work-rule improvements and a job security proposal.

This agreement is another step Southern Company is taking to explore economical and reliable generating options and to preserve the nuclear power option for meeting future energy needs.