Ubisoft Shareholder Plots Protest Outside Paris HQ, Accuses Company of Failing to Reveal 'Discussions' With Microsoft, EA, and Others Allegedly Interested in Acquiring IPs

A minority shareholder in Ubisoft, led by Juraj Krúpa, CEO of AJ Investments, is organizing a protest outside the company's Paris headquarters. The protest stems from accusations that Ubisoft has failed to disclose discussions with Microsoft, EA, and other publishers interested in acquiring its franchises. Krúpa claims that Ubisoft is "horribly mismanaged by current management" and demands a "clear roadmap for recovery" to address declining shareholder value, poor operational execution, and failure to adapt to market trends.

Krúpa alleges that Ubisoft has been opaque in its decision-making, particularly regarding an Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC partnership with the Saudi investment firm Savvy Group. He also references a restricted article from MergerMarket that reported discussions between Microsoft, EA, and others about acquiring Ubisoft IPs, which he claims were not disclosed to the public.

IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for comment on these allegations. Previously, in October, Bloomberg reported that Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family and shareholder Tencent were exploring taking the company private following a series of high-profile flops, game cancellations, and a significant drop in share price. Ubisoft had stated it would inform the market if and when appropriate.

Ubisoft has been facing challenges for several years, marked by high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, game cancellations, and numerous delays. Rumors suggest that Tencent may be hesitant to proceed due to the Guillemot family's desire to retain significant control, leaving few other companies capable of financially rescuing Ubisoft.

Krúpa's statement also highlighted the repeated delays of Ubisoft's anticipated game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, initially postponed from July 18, 2024, to November 15, 2024, and then again to March 20, 2025. These delays, according to Krúpa, led to severe stock declines, primarily affecting retail investors while benefiting corporate and institutional investors like Credit Agricole, Goldman Sachs clients, and Morgan Stanley.

AJ Investments is calling on all frustrated investors to join the protest in May, emphasizing the need for Ubisoft's management to communicate more effectively with shareholders. Krúpa noted that Ubisoft's management, advised by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, is conducting a financial review of potential strategic options, expected to yield results in the coming months. If these results enhance shareholder value, AJ Investments will cancel the demonstration.

Krúpa stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that Ubisoft has underperformed compared to its peers and that shareholders deserve better. AJ Investments is prepared to sue Ubisoft for misleading investors if necessary.

This is not the first time AJ Investments has voiced its concerns. In September, following the disappointing release of Star Wars Outlaws, AJ Investments sent an open letter to Ubisoft's board and Tencent, urging a change in leadership and considering a sale due to the company's poor performance and plummeting share price.