Ubisoft Reportedly Attracts Preliminary Takeover Interest from PE Firms
April 22, 2022 at 02:06 pm EDT
Ubisoft Entertainment SA (ENXTPA:UBI) is attracting preliminary takeover interest from buyout funds, people with knowledge of the matter said. Several private equity firms including Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX) and KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) have been studying the French business, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Ubisoft hasnt entered into any serious negotiations with potential acquirers, and its unclear whether its major shareholder is willing to pursue a deal, the people said. The family of Ubisoft Chairman Yves Guillemot is the companys biggest investor with a 15% stake, data compiled by Bloomberg show Deliberations are at an early stage, and theres no certainty any of the suitors will proceed with offers, the people said. Representatives for Blackstone and KKR declined to comment. Ubisoft said in an emailed statement its built a strong portfolio and is ideally positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities amid rapid growth in the industry. The company declined to comment on any takeover interest.