Ubisoft Shareholder Protests at Paris HQ, Alleges Hidden Talks with Microsoft, EA on IP Acquisition

A minority shareholder in Ubisoft, AJ Investments, led by CEO Juraj Krúpa, is organizing a protest outside the company's Paris headquarters. The protest is in response to allegations that Ubisoft has failed to disclose discussions with major publishers like Microsoft and EA, who are reportedly interested in acquiring Ubisoft's franchises. Krúpa accuses Ubisoft's management of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and not providing a clear recovery plan amidst declining shareholder value and poor operational performance.

In a statement, Krúpa criticized Ubisoft for not revealing information about potential partnerships, such as a DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage with the Saudi investment firm Savvy Group. He also referenced a restricted article from MergerMarket that suggested Ubisoft was in talks with Microsoft and EA about selling IPs, information which was not shared with the public.

Ubisoft has been facing challenges, including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game delays. In October, it was reported that Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family and shareholder Tencent were exploring the possibility of taking the company private, though these discussions were preliminary.

Krúpa pointed out the multiple delays of Assassin's Creed Shadows, initially set for July 18, 2024, then moved to November 15, 2024, and finally to March 20, 2025. These delays, according to Krúpa, led to significant stock declines, adversely affecting retail investors while benefiting institutional investors.

AJ Investments is calling on all frustrated Ubisoft shareholders to join the protest in May, urging the company to improve transparency and accountability. The firm has also indicated its readiness to sue Ubisoft for misleading investors. This action follows a previous open letter from AJ Investments in September, which criticized Ubisoft's performance after the disappointing launch of Star Wars Outlaws and called for a leadership change and potential sale of the company.

IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for a comment on these allegations and the planned protest.