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Boosting shareholdings to over 10%, Vivendi reveals plans to force operational convergence with Ubisoft and Gameloft

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Boosting shareholdings to over 10%, Vivendi reveals plans to force operational convergence with Ubisoft and Gameloft

Vivendi has reinforced its resolve to shape the future of Ubisoft and Gameloft.

Following last week's move buying more than 6 percent stake in the fellow French companies, it's gone back to the market, increasing its stakes in each to over 10 percent.

In a statement, Vivendi said it has now spent over €275 million ($300 million) acquiring shares in the companies.

Long game

Both Ubisoft and Gameloft have stated their intentions to remain independent, although with Vivendi increasing the pressure, they will have to persuade their large shareholders not to get involved in supporting any merger activity.

Given Gameloft's weak financial situation, that might be difficult. 

As for Vivendi, it's stated that the investments are "part of a strategic vision of operational convergence between Vivendi's content and platforms on one hand and the Ubisoft and Gameloft productions in video games on the other".

It also said it may increase its shareholdings in future as well as look to gain representation on the Gameloft and Ubisoft boards.

[source: Vivendi]


Contributing Editor

A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.