Image: Ubisoft
Ubisoft has the potential to be the next big third-party video game company to be acquired.According to a report by Bloomberg, the French publisher and developer is known for franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance May be ready for sale.
Private equity firms Blackstone Inc. and KKR & Co are said to be “already looking into the French business.” According to Kotaku, who has been in contact with the former Ubisoft developer, it is believed the company will “eventually be sold to people associated with multiple projects amid falling share prices and continued struggles.”
However, Bloomberg’s sources said that “Ubisoft has not yet held any serious talks with a potential acquirer and it is unclear whether its major shareholders are willing to enter into a deal”.
Kotaku added that Ubisoft has apparently been “working closely with several external consulting firms” in recent years to audit parts of the business. Sources at Kotaku believe that Ubisoft may do so ahead of a potential sale. Representatives for Blackstone, KKR and Ubisoft have yet to respond to news of the potential acquisition.
This follows a story on the Q3 earnings call in February, in which CEO Yves Guillemot (“the company’s largest investor with a 15% stake”) said the company would “certainly” review any potential takeover offer :
“Ubisoft can remain independent…our IP is sought after by the world’s largest entertainment and tech companies. Having said that, if there is an offer to acquire us, the board will of course scrutinize it for the benefit of all stakeholders. .”
We will notify you if we hear any updates. Let us know what you think in the comments!
