Crisis-hit game developer: Ubisoft open to takeover

A report about a possible Ubisoft takeover has boosted the share price of the French games company. In the past few days, the value of Ubisoft shares has risen by 35 percent, after falling by 60 percent in the past 12 months.

Bloomberg had reported that Ubisoft was looking for a way out of the crisis together with investor Tencent. A takeover by an external investor is therefore conceivable. A privatization is also possible, which Ubisoft and Tencent could manage together. According to Bloomberg, there are other options on the table – and plans are not yet very advanced.

In a statement, Ubisoft at least does not rule out a takeover: "Ubisoft has taken note of recent press speculation about possible interest in the company," the company writes. "Ubisoft regularly reviews all strategic options in the interest of its shareholders and will inform the market when appropriate."

Disappointing "Outlaws"

Whatever happens at Ubisoft: Chinese tech company Tencent has a proper say. Not only does it own 9.2 percent of Ubisoft shares, it also holds 49.9 percent of the holding company owned by the family of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, according to Bloomberg.

Ubisoft's corporate crisis, which has been smouldering for years, has recently worsened due to weak releases. Several games from recent years have failed to meet the French publisher's expectations. The sales figures for the recently released "Star Wars Outlaws" were also disappointing. This prompted Ubisoft to postpone the release of "Assassin's Creed Shadows".

This also has consequences on management level: The Supervisory Board is to investigate how corporate processes can be improved. In addition, Ubisoft will bring future games directly to the Steam gaming platform at launch.

(dahe)