Toronto-headquartered 3D graphics systems and services provider Alias recently announced that it is in talks with a private equity firm for the financing to allow it to continue separate from California parent Silicon Graphics.

‘As an independent entity, Alias would be able to further expand its business, extend customer value and create significant growth with its products and services,’ said Doug Walker, president of Alias, in a statement.

Alias, which recently shortened its name from Alias|Wavefront, has a large clientele in the film, video, gaming, web and interactive media worlds. The company’s flagship 3D animation and FX software Maya has been used on many recent blockbusters, including Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Alias received a special Academy Award last year for scientific and technical achievement.

Alias says that the negotiations and potential sale of the company would not result in any structural reorganization or changes in service, support or product availability. While it could not yet provide the name of the equity firm with which it is dealing, a company representative says it is ‘an equity firm with a history in the technology sector.’

-www.alias.com