A minority shareholder in Ubisoft, led by Juraj Krúpa of AJ Investments, is planning a protest at the company's Paris headquarters. Krúpa accuses Ubisoft of mismanagement and lack of transparency, particularly regarding alleged discussions with Microsoft, EA, and other publishers interested in acquiring its franchises. He claims that Ubisoft has not disclosed these negotiations, nor a partnership with the Saudi investment firm Savvy Group for an Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC.
Krúpa criticizes Ubisoft's management for failing to provide a clear recovery plan amid declining shareholder value, poor operational performance, and inability to adapt to market trends. He points to a restricted article by MergerMarket that mentioned these acquisition talks, which he says were not communicated to the public. IGN has sought Ubisoft's response to these allegations.
Previously, Bloomberg reported that Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family and shareholder Tencent were exploring taking the company private due to numerous game flops, cancellations, and a plummeting share price. Ubisoft had indicated it would inform the market of any significant developments.
Ubisoft has faced ongoing challenges, including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and multiple game delays. Rumors suggest that Tencent might be hesitant to proceed due to the Guillemots' desire to retain control, leaving few viable options for a buyout.
Krúpa also highlighted the repeated delays of Ubisoft's crucial game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, originally slated for July 18, 2024, then moved to November 15, 2024, and finally to March 20, 2025. These delays, according to Krúpa, led to significant stock declines, adversely affecting retail investors while benefiting institutional investors such as Credit Agricole, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and others.
AJ Investments is calling on all frustrated Ubisoft investors to join the May protest, emphasizing the need for management to communicate more effectively with shareholders. Krúpa mentioned that Ubisoft's management, advised by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, is currently reviewing strategic options, and the protest aims to pressure them into making shareholder-friendly decisions. If these decisions enhance shareholder value, AJ Investments might cancel the demonstration.
Krúpa stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, urging Ubisoft to address its underperformance compared to industry peers. AJ Investments is even prepared to sue Ubisoft for misleading investors. This isn't the first time AJ Investments has pushed for Ubisoft to go private, especially following the disappointing release of Star Wars Outlaws, which led to a significant drop in Ubisoft's share price.
For those interested in Ubisoft's gaming legacy, the debate continues on which of their open-world games stands out as the best. Whether it's the historical intrigue of Assassin's Creed, the futuristic adventures of Watch Dogs, or the expansive worlds of Far Cry, Ubisoft's portfolio offers a variety of immersive experiences. Engage in the community discussions and polls to share your favorite and see how it ranks among fellow gamers.
