Ubisoft (Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell…) could be the next big takeover of the video game industry. The French publisher would have been approached by two companies.
After acquiring Bethesda and Activision, what if it was Blizzard’s turn for Ubisoft? This is the latest rumor supported by two different media outlets. Several factors agree that Yves Guillemot, CEO and Chairman of the Board, is preparing such a sale behind the scenes. Candidates would also be in the running, but who are they?
Bought Ubisoft from PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo?
It’s best to delete the topic right away: No, PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo are not studying the takeover of Ubisoft. Or at least that’s not on the agenda. Corresponding Bloomberg, Mutual funds Blackstone and KKR & Co. (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.) would consider this opportunity, without “serious” discussions having been initiated. These two structures are definitely among the most powerful in the world and have invested in companies such as Panasonic, Orangina, MGM Resorts…
But is Ubisoft for sale? If the publisher had successfully fought against Videndi’s takeover bid, things turned out differently. Ubi said it stands ready to analyze any takeover bid. A statement that did not fall on deaf ears.
Corresponding my box On the other hand, Ubisoft would have been active in recent years, contracting various consulting firms to audit the different parts of its activity. Apparently, the publisher would have done so with a clear goal: to clean up its accounts for a possible sale.
A troubled publisher, a perfect prey?
Redeem now or never to limit damage? From Kotaku’s point of view, the stars are looking pretty good and Yves Guillemot would organize his exit. With Charlie Guillemot gone there would be no family member to take over hence the possible sale. But that’s not all.
The cases of sexual harassment and the harmful working atmosphere could also be arguments to speed up the takeover of Ubisoft by an external actor. Cases where a large number of high-ranking developers have left, voluntarily or not, as most recently Patrick Plourde, creative director at Child of Light, Watch Dogs 2 and Far Cry 3. Numerous complaints of misconduct, however, have complied with him. For him, this is not the reason for his departure. Despite the allegations, he also announced that he would continue his collaboration with Ubisoft as a consultant. Proof that the publishing house is still cleaning up.
Finally, and somehow related to these allegations, Kotaku is implying that some of the big projects are still facing big issues, delays and whatnot. Thus, the next Far Cry, Ghost Recon and Assassin’s Creed would not be on time in terms of Ubi’s internal schedule. And what about Arlesians Beyond Good & Evil 2 or Skull & Bones which are still in development alongside a dozen new games.
The market capitalization is around 4.82 billion dollars and the Guillemot family has to give up its 15% stake for the sale.
