Reuters: Ubisoft shareholders in talks over possible buyout terms

Ubisoft shareholders are considering how to structure a possible buyout, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The Guillemot family, which is the largest and founding shareholder of Ubisoft, has reportedly been in talks with Tencent, which owns a 10 percent stake in the company, and other shareholders in recent weeks about funding a management-led buyout.

The people said that the Guillemot family would like to retain control over the company, but Tencent has not decided whether it will participate in a buyout and increase its stake in the company. Tencent is said to have asked for a greater say on future board decisions in return, which the Guillemot family has not agreed to.

Discussions are reportedly ongoing as Tencent would like to prevent a hostile takeover of Ubisoft by other investors. One person said Tencent’s plan is to remain patient and wait for the Guillemot family to agree to a deal.

Both Tencent and the Guillemot family declined to comment, but a representative for Ubisoft said, “We remain committed to making decisions in the best interests of all of our stakeholders. In this context, as we have already indicated, the Company is also reviewing all its strategic options.”