Vivendi "does not rule out the possibility of taking control of Ubisoft and Gameloft"

The financial drama of the fall continues. Two weeks after its stake in Ubisoft and Gameloft, Vivendi shows are now interested in a takeover of the two companies.
 

Small reminder of the facts: two weeks ago, Vivendi, society of Vincent Bolloré, announced in a press release (and as are required by law) he had bought shares of the two heavyweights of the French video game Ubisoft and Gameloft. Which was then considered a single cash investment (from the resale of Activision, Vivendi has cash of several billion dollars), has however changed quickly surrender more or less aggressive one week later, when Vivendi said it had further increased its share in the capital of Ubisoft and Gameloft.

 

Ubisoft and Gameloft directed by Vincent Bolloré?

The question that everyone arises today is whether that really wants Vincent Bolloré, CEO of Vivendi, to maneuver behind these purchases. A press release from Vivendi partly answers this question. One can in particular read:

"The Group [Vivendi, Ed] plans to continue its purchases depending on market conditions. These purchases [of shares of Ubisoft and Gameloft, Ed] have not been specifically designed as a preparatory step to a proposed takeover of Ubisoft and Gameloft. Nevertheless, over the next six months, Vivendi can not rule out the possibility of considering such a project. "

At last, Vivendi is positioned as the largest shareholder with 10.39% of Ubisoft shares before the Guillemot family, which owns 9.40%. Guillemots however still have control of the company since their voices count double on the board. As for Gameloft, Vivendi owns 10.20% of shares and placing the third largest shareholder behind Amber Capital (13.13%) and the Guillemot family (22.49%).

"Strategic" purchases
 
Finally, Vivendi explained why the two companies interested him. One can thus read in the press release: "Vivendi's investment in Ubisoft and Gameloft business segment is part of a strategic vision of operational convergence between content and Vivendi platforms and productions two companies in the field of video games. "In other words, Vivendi considers that in addition to TV (Canal +) and music (Universal), the video game will be an additional part to its conglomerate of entertainment. A strategy that has the merit of consistency.