Sega plans to remain independent despite ther current climate of consolidation in the publishing business, says Sega of America chief executive Simon Jeffery.

Reuters reports that as Jeffery revealed that current ChartTrack all formats number one Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games had sold five million copies, he added that the puyblisher was not interested in any merger or acquisition activity.

“We’re moving very nicely up the charts but we are also very cognisant of what is happening at very top end of market, with regards to some of the M&A activity,” he said. "That's not an area we want to play in right now," Jeffrey said. “We have no interest in being acquired, we are very happy with our position right now.”

“There is plenty of room for smaller companies to be successful and profitable in this business. You don’t have to be number one or number two. You can be number six very happily.”

Jeffrey added that he was pleased with Sega’s mix of franchises, which include games based on the forthcoming Iron Man and Hulk movies, a Sonic RPG for the DS, and the return of arcade classic Golden Axe.

"We really think this year we've hit our stride getting that portfolio mix just right," added Jeffery.

Thanks to gamesindustry.biz for the spot.