Ubisoft confirmed to hire an advisory group to seek transformation strategies, but declined to comment on Tencent acquisition rumors

Ubisoft once again postponed the release date of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” (Assassin’s Creed Shadows). In addition to the stock price falling again, in yesterday’s investor conference call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that it has hired top consultants The group seeks transformation strategies.

According to Ubisoft’s investor call held in Paris on January 9, official documents stated that the strategy and execution review initiated by the executive committee several months ago is still continuing to take decisive measures to revitalize the entire group, emphasizing that top consultants have been hired Tuanlai pursues various transformation strategies and capital options to obtain maximum value for the benefit of shareholders.

“With the addition of a top advisory team, we are actively exploring multiple transformational strategies and capital options to create the best value for shareholders. We are convinced that Ubisoft’s assets and its game series have multiple possible ways to realize value. This process will be overseen throughout by independent members of the Board of Directors.”

Ubisoft today confirmed that “leading advisors” have been hired to look at “transformational strategic and capitalistic options to extract the best value for stakeholders.” pic.twitter.com/ZAjMo2qcwN

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) January 9, 2025

According to foreign media GamesRadar+, Chief Financial Officer Frederick Duguet responded cautiously at the scene regarding reports of outside discussions about Tencent, saying he would not comment on outside rumors.

“The goal of this process is to unlock the maximum value potential of our assets to benefit shareholders, while promoting the best conditions for creating great games in a rapidly changing market. This is why we mentioned hiring a top advisory team.”

“We are currently actively exploring different options but are unable to disclose further details at this time. We certainly do not comment on specific rumors in the market. But we believe there are multiple potential paths to value for Ubisoft’s assets and game series. If Once the transaction is completed, we will notify the market in due course.”

Asked during the conference call whether he was considering “specific directions of action or programs,” Duguet said: “We are limited in what we can say today, but we have started a process.” CEO Guillemot added: ” Working with advisors is a step forward.”

In the filing, Ubisoft said net bookings for the third quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year were approximately 300 million euros, with the figure primarily reflecting lower-than-expected holiday sales (mainly for Star Wars: Outlaws) as well as lower-than-expected sales for Star Wars: Outlaws. Development of XDefiant is terminated.

In terms of operations, Ubisoft also continues to significantly reduce costs and adopt a highly selective investment approach. It is initially estimated that the fixed cost base in the 2025-26 fiscal year will be reduced by more than 200 million on an annualized basis compared with the 2022-23 fiscal year. EUR.

As for the role of the advisory group, it is still unknown. The outside world is generally concerned about Ubisoft’s current sluggish stock price and financial status, and there are rampant rumors of Tencent’s acquisition. Insider Gaming insider reporter Tom Henderson mentioned in the report that it is currently in the The two sides are at a stage of suspension of negotiations.

On the one hand, the Guillemot brothers hope to retain control of the group, but this may not be a good condition for Tencent. After all, Ubisoft has been in such trouble in recent years, and the Guillemot family is inseparable from high-level decision-making. On the other hand, both parties may be waiting for renegotiations after “Assassin’s Creed: Shadowbringers” is released. As for how the outcome will develop, it has become an important focus of the global game industry in 2025.