Konami has confirmed to Edge that its distribution deal with Atari is over.

Konami has no local offices in Australia, meaning that it requires partnerships with other publishers to provide distribution channels across the country. For ten years that partner had been Atari.

Back in September, however, Namco Bandai announced it was acquiring a 34 percent share of Infogrames’ European and Asian distribution operations. As parent company, Infogrames’ deal meant that its Atari subsidiary received the rights to distribute all Namco Bandai games across Australia. As a result, Atari had to end its long-standing partnership with Konami.

Konami however has told Edge that it has already found a new distribution partner in the Sydney-based independent distributor Red Ant. Red Ant had recently been granted exclusive rights to sell all Capcom games in Australia and New Zealand.

As part of the arrangement, Atari will continue to oversee existing titles until after the Australian release of Silent Hill: Homecoming in February 2009, with Red Ant to pick up the baton after this.

Kunio Neo, president of Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH said: “It’s been great working with Atari Australia. Atari conducts an outstanding distribution operation, and we have had many great years together. We part company as good friends, and I wish Gerard and his team continued success in Australia.”

Gerard Noonan, managing director of Atari Australia added: “We have very much enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH, including the successful launch of Metal Gear Solid earlier this year.

“We’ll continue to represent Konami’s existing back catalogue in 2009 as well as releasing Silent Hill early next year and Metal Gear Solid 4 Platinum. Konami has some very popular games and we wish them continued success.”