Ubisoft Explores Buyout Options with Tencent as Founders Aim to Retain Control

Talks between the Guillemot family and Tencent focus on structuring a deal to stabilize Ubisoft while avoiding a hostile takeover.

The Guillemot family, Ubisoft's founders and largest shareholders, are negotiating a management-led buyout to maintain control of the company.
Tencent, Ubisoft's second-largest shareholder, is considering financing the buyout but seeks greater influence over board decisions and cash flow distribution.
The discussions reportedly aim to prevent a hostile takeover by third-party investors amidst Ubisoft's declining financial performance and stock value.
Recent setbacks, including the shutdown of XDefiant and delays for major titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows, have intensified pressure on Ubisoft's leadership.
Ubisoft's stock price saw a 14% increase following reports of the ongoing negotiations, though it remains significantly lower than its peak value in 2021.