Tencent acquired its 5% in Ubisoft again in 2018, paying €66 per share on the time. Earlier than the above information broke, Ubisoft shares had been nearing €40, however they’ve leapt in worth by as a lot as 21% however at the moment are solely about 11% up, after some may have made a fast (Euro) buck. One of many features of the Tencent funding rumors that may have excited traders, was chitter-chatter that the Chinese language agency can be prepared to pay as much as €100 per share to strengthen its stake. If it nonetheless goes forward, fast revenue sellers would possibly remorse not being a bit extra affected person (no funding recommendation meant).
Taking a look at its present holdings (5%) plus its most potential buy from the Guillemots (15%), Tencent may feasibly personal 20% of Ubisoft within the close to future. The Chinese language agency isn’t going to restrict itself to approaching the founders, although. It’s also going to seize extra shares from public shareholders, although the shares have fallen considerably from the 21% spike when this information broke.
Reuters offers some background and reasoning for the large funding by Tencent. It highlights the pressures on the home Chinese language gaming business, with Ubisoft seen as an avenue to sidestep such gaming politics. In the meantime, it is going to be securing a large number of well-liked PC and console franchises and is remodeling right into a extra world gaming model. Reuters spoke to a number of sources with direct data of the main points concerning these background offers and negotiations.
