Ubisoft Shareholder to Protest at Paris HQ, Claims Company Hid Talks with Microsoft, EA on IP Acquisition

A minority shareholder in Ubisoft, represented by AJ Investments and its CEO Juraj Krúpa, is organizing a protest outside the company's Paris headquarters. The protest stems from accusations that Ubisoft has not been transparent about its strategic discussions, particularly with Microsoft, EA, and other publishers reportedly interested in acquiring its franchises. Krúpa has criticized Ubisoft's management for poor performance, declining shareholder value, and a lack of clear recovery plans.

In a statement, Krúpa accused Ubisoft of hiding information, including a partnership for Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC with the Saudi investment firm Savvy Group. He also referenced a restricted article from MergerMarket that suggested Ubisoft was in discussions with Microsoft, EA, and others about selling IPs, which was not disclosed to the public.

IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for a response to these allegations.

Previously, Bloomberg reported that Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family and shareholder Tencent were exploring the possibility of taking the company private, following a series of high-profile flops, game cancellations, and a significant drop in share price. Ubisoft had stated that it would inform the market if and when appropriate.

Ubisoft has been facing ongoing challenges, including layoffs, studio closures, and multiple game delays. Rumors suggest that Tencent might be hesitant to proceed with any deal due to the Guillemots' desire to retain control over the company.

Krúpa highlighted the repeated delays of Assassin's Creed Shadows, initially set for July 18, 2024, then moved to November 15, 2024, and finally to March 20, 2025. These delays, according to Krúpa, led to severe stock declines, impacting retail investors while benefiting corporate and institutional investors who bought at distressed prices.

AJ Investments is calling on all frustrated shareholders to join the protest in May, emphasizing the need for Ubisoft's management to present a strategic plan that enhances shareholder value. They have expressed hope that Ubisoft's ongoing financial review, advised by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, will yield positive results soon. If the review leads to meaningful improvements, AJ Investments is willing to cancel the demonstration.

Krúpa stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, urging Ubisoft to address its underperformance compared to industry peers. AJ Investments has even threatened legal action against Ubisoft for allegedly misleading investors.

This isn't the first time AJ Investments has voiced its discontent with Ubisoft. In September, following the disappointing launch of Star Wars Outlaws, AJ Investments sent an open letter to Ubisoft's board and Tencent, urging a change in leadership and consideration of a sale due to the company's declining share price.

What's Ubisoft's Best Open-World Game?

Pick a winner

New duel1ST2ND3RDSee your ResultsFinish playing for your personal results or see the community’s!Continue playingSee results