Ubisoft Might Auction Separate Gaming Entity Based on Core IPs

Ubisoft’s saga is ongoing. Recent developments suggest a minority investor might be planning a protest, even potentially leading to legal action, citing Ubisoft’s inadequate communication with its shareholders. If you’ve kept tabs on their layoffs, appointed a board for financial investigation, or the possible selling of intellectual properties, these could be indicative of Ubisoft considering privatization or even launching a new division structured around few major IPs like Assassin’s Creed.

As per a recent Bloomberg report, Ubisoft seems to be pondering this final option and is currently seeking proposals from companies interested in being minority shareholders in this potential division. With Tencent, who currently holds slightly beyond 9% of Ubisoft shares, among the invited bidders, the bids are estimated to start this month. The founding Guillemot family intends to retain control and are allegedly aiming for a valuation for the potential division that surpasses Ubisoft’s current valuation.

The proposed division would revolve around key Ubisoft products like Assassin’s Creed, but this entire endeavor could just be an exploratory move so far. The outcome isn’t guaranteed as of now. When Bloomberg sought their comments, Ubisoft merely redirected them to recent official financial comments that spoke of investigating all potential avenues.

Despite repeated setbacks, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is on track for a March 20 release, and it’s unclear if the company’s fortunes could be more dependent on the success of this game.