As the French company seeks potential buyers
- by Ben Kerry
In recent months, we have noticed that Ubisoft is still searching for investment from elsewhere as it struggles with game delays and ongoing management challenges – and a new piece of information has surfaced as we report time indicating that Microsoft has engaged in talks with the company regarding the future of its gaming IP.
A recent article shared by IGN cites a disgruntled Ubisoft shareholder revealing some information about what is currently happening at the company. Juraj Krúpa, CEO of AJ Investments (the shareholder in question), asserts that the Assassin’s Creed creator did not disclose “talks between Microsoft, EA, and others that are interested in acquiring IPs from Ubisoft”.
Krúpa reportedly stated that these discussions were mentioned in “a limited report published by the business investment platform MergerMarket”, and that neither Ubisoft’s shareholders nor the general public were informed of them by the French game developer.
In its defense, Ubisoft has provided a statement to IGN as part of today’s article – a statement filled with corporate jargon; the kind of language that can make your head spin while reading it. Nonetheless, from what we can decipher, Ubisoft is generally stating that it is considering various options for the future of its IP – and we will only learn more if and when any of those options materialize into actual deals.
“As previously stated during our Q3 sales, the evaluation of various transformational strategic and capital options is ongoing. The Board has established an independent committee to manage this formal and competitive process, in order to maximize the value from Ubisoft’s assets and franchises for all stakeholders. Ubisoft will update the market in accordance with applicable regulations if and when a transaction is finalized.”
Unfortunately, there are no indications as to which IP Microsoft (or EA for that matter) is interested in acquiring from the company, but it’s safe to predict that Ubisoft’s asking price would likely play a significant role. The studio has an extensive portfolio of lucrative game franchises – franchises that Xbox and EA would be eager to acquire at the right price.
Which Ubisoft IP would you choose if you were Xbox? Share your top selections below.
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Ben is a Content Creator at Pure Xbox, and has a passion for racing, action, and shooting in any Xbox game he can get his hands on.