Vivendi Rules Out Ubisoft Takeover For Six Months

Vivendi released their third quarter financial results this week and, while the acquisition-happy company did expect a profitable year end, they do not expect to attempt a takeover of Ubisoft for the next half of it.

The French media company currently owns a 26% stake in Ubisoft. Due to a French accounting law, purchasing another 4% of the company triggers a requirement for Vivendi to either purchase the video game publisher or back off. Anticipating this, Ubisoft granted double-voting rights to majority shareholders like the Guillemot family this month.

In turn, Vivendi is being cautious and not attempting a takeover within the next six months.

Ubisoft has been firmly against the hostile takeover and made multiple attempts to fight Vivendi back. 

“Ubisoft takes note of Vivendi’s statement," a representative told us. "We will remain vigilant about their long-term intentions and will continue to pursue our strategy of growth and value creation in the interest of all our shareholders.”

[Source: Reuters]