Core Viewpoint - Ubisoft is undergoing a significant reorganization to enhance agility and focus, following disappointing sales and a net loss in the previous financial year [2][4]. Financial Performance - Ubisoft reported sales of 311 million euros ($364 million) for Q1 of the 2025-26 financial year, a decrease of 3.9% year-on-year, primarily due to issues with "Rainbow Six Siege" [2]. - The company's preferred metric, "net bookings," showed a smaller decline of 2.9% [3]. - Ubisoft forecasts net bookings of approximately 450 million euros for Q2, supported by new partnerships and revenue from TV series [3]. - For the full financial year, Ubisoft aims for stable year-on-year net bookings and approximately break-even operating profit [3]. Organizational Changes - The reorganization involves creating autonomous units responsible for different game franchises, aimed at fostering long-term stability and creative vision [2][7]. - The first subsidiary was established in a billion-euro deal with Tencent, which will manage major franchises like "Assassin's Creed," "Rainbow Six," and "Far Cry" [8][9]. - The new units will operate independently and be accountable for their business objectives, with further details expected by October [7][8]. Strategic Initiatives - Ubisoft plans to release a remake of "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" in March and is developing new episodes for the "Anno" series and mobile versions of "Rainbow Six" and "The Division" [9]. - The company has faced challenges, including a 28% decline in stock price since January and reputational damage from a harassment case involving former executives [10].

Core Points - The Annual General Meeting of shareholders of Ubisoft was held on July 10, 2025, in Paris, with shareholders holding 59.85% of outstanding shares approving all resolutions, indicating strong support for the company's strategy [2][4] - Two new independent directors, Axelle Lemaire and André Loesekrug-Pietri, were appointed, bringing expertise in Technology, Public Affairs, and Finance, which will support Ubisoft's strategic transformation [3] - The meeting also included the renewal of mandates for existing directors, including Claude France as Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, as well as Christian Guillemot and Michel Guillemot [4] Financial Performance - For the fiscal year 2024–25, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1.85 billion, reflecting the company's strong market position and diverse portfolio of games [5]

Core Viewpoint - Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. has announced the launch of a new employee shareholding operation aimed at strengthening employee ownership and aligning employees more closely with the company's development and future performance [2][4]. Group 1: Offer Details - The Offer includes reserved share capital increases for employees participating in group savings plans and those outside of these plans, with the Board of Directors delegating implementation powers to the CEO [5]. - The Offer is available to employees in eighteen jurisdictions, including France, the United States, and several European and Asian countries, provided they have at least three months of seniority [6]. - The maximum number of shares to be issued under the Offer is set at 2,000,000, representing approximately 1.53% of the company's share capital as of February 28, 2025 [10][11]. Group 2: Financial Terms - The subscription price for shares will be based on the average of the twenty daily volume-weighted average prices (VWAP) prior to the Board's decision, with a 15% discount applied [10]. - Shares subscribed will be subject to a five-year lock-up period, with the expected completion date of the Offer on September 24, 2025 [9][12]. - The Offer includes two formulas for subscription: a leverage formula through a mutual fund and a direct subscription option with stock appreciation rights [8]. Group 3: Timetable and Conditions - The provisional timetable includes a reservation period from June 19 to July 7, 2025, and a subscription/revocation period from August 14 to August 26, 2025 [12]. - The Offer may be postponed or canceled at the discretion of the Board or CEO if deemed necessary [13]. - Shares offered are ordinary shares listed on Euronext Paris, eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service [14].

Core Insights - Ubisoft announced a deal to spin out some of its best-selling franchises, leading to a surge in its shares [1] - Tencent is investing 1.16 billion euros ($1.25 billion) into a newly formed gaming subsidiary that will include major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six [1][2] - The new subsidiary is valued at 4 billion euros, which is more than double Ubisoft's current market capitalization [2] Financial Performance - Ubisoft shares jumped 11% following the announcement of the new subsidiary [2] - The investment from Tencent indicates strong market confidence in the new unit's potential to create evergreen and multi-platform game ecosystems [2] Strategic Moves - The formation of the new subsidiary aims to address uncertainties surrounding Ubisoft's future, especially after facing financial struggles and delays in key game releases [3] - The focus on building game ecosystems suggests a strategic shift towards long-term sustainability and growth in the gaming market [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - Tencent is investing $1.25 billion in Ubisoft for a 25% stake in a new subsidiary, enhancing its influence in the gaming industry [1][6]. Company Overview - Tencent is a dominant player in China with its "super-app" WeChat, which integrates chat, social functions, and digital wallet capabilities [1]. - The company has a significant presence in video gaming, cloud services, and content streaming, with its game "Honor of Kings" having over 100 million players [2]. - Despite facing profitability challenges due to strict gaming regulations for children in China, Tencent's earnings surged in the last quarter of 2024, driven by the global AI trend [2]. International Expansion - Tencent has been expanding its international gaming footprint, having acquired a majority stake in Riot Games in 2011 and Supercell in 2016 [4]. - The recent investment in Ubisoft strengthens Tencent's position in the gaming sector, following its initial investment in 2022 [4][6]. Shareholding Structure - Tencent currently holds nearly 10% of Ubisoft's stock, which it cannot exceed before 2030, while the founding Guillemot family owns about 15% [6]. - The new investment will allow Tencent to control 25% of a new Ubisoft unit focused on major franchises like "Assassin's Creed," "Far Cry," and "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six" [6]. Regulatory Environment - Tencent's products have faced scrutiny from various governments, particularly in the U.S., where it is viewed as a potential national security threat [7]. - The company has been involved in a domestic crackdown that began in 2020, which included an 18-month halt on new video game licenses starting mid-2021 and a $415 million fine in 2023 for regulatory violations [9]. - Although there have been signs of improved relations between Beijing and tech firms recently, restrictions on video game access for minors remain in place [10].

Core Insights - Tencent has invested $1.25 billion in a new Ubisoft subsidiary focused on major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, marking a significant step in Ubisoft's transformation strategy [1][2][11] - The new subsidiary aims to create evergreen game ecosystems and enhance the quality of narrative experiences, multiplayer offerings, and social features [3][10][22] Financial Overview - The transaction values the new subsidiary at a pre-money enterprise value of approximately €4 billion ($4.3 billion), with an expected average sales multiple of around four times for FY23-FY25E [5] - Tencent's investment of €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion) will secure a minority stake of about 25% in the new subsidiary, which will help strengthen Ubisoft's balance sheet and reduce its net debt [16][21] Strategic Developments - The new subsidiary will be dedicated to the development of the three major franchises and will operate with a dedicated leadership team to streamline operations and enhance creative vision [22][11] - Ubisoft plans to leverage disruptive technologies and focus on nurturing other iconic franchises while continuing to deliver high-quality production and online services [10][11] Governance and Control - The new subsidiary will remain under Ubisoft's exclusive control, with Tencent benefiting from customary minority protection rights and certain consent rights regarding asset disposals [17][23] - The transaction requires a fairness opinion from an independent expert and is expected to be completed before the end of 2025 [21][11]

Group 1 - Ubisoft is postponing the launch of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and has appointed advisors to review strategic options [1] - The company is creating a new gaming subsidiary with Tencent investing 1.16 billion euros ($1.25 billion) into the unit [1] - The new subsidiary will focus on Ubisoft's major game brands, including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six [1] Group 2 - The subsidiary aims to build game ecosystems that are evergreen and multi-platform, enhancing narrative solo experiences and expanding multiplayer offerings [2] - The investment from Tencent values the new subsidiary at 4 billion euros, indicating a 4x multiple based on average sales from 2023 to 2025 [3] - This investment reinforces Ubisoft's balance sheet and supports its goal to become a more agile organization [3] Group 3 - The strategic move follows months of speculation regarding Ubisoft's future and potential external investments [4] - Recent reports indicated that Tencent was in discussions for a possible take-private deal with Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family [4] - The news comes shortly after the release of "Assassin's Creed Shadows," which received positive reviews with an average score of 82 on Metacritic [5]