Quebec ready to help Ubisoft in case of hostile takeover

The Quebec government has offered its assistance to Ubisoft in the wake of a potential takeover, but the video game company has not filed a formal request for help, says Economy Minister Dominique Anglade

Ubisoft, best known for its Assassin's Creed series, employs at least 2,700 people in Quebec, and Montreal is its largest studio worldwide.

The Globe and Mail reported on Sept. 26 that Ubisoft asked for the government's help to fend off a potential shareholder takeover by French media company Vivendi.

"Months ago, when we realized there was a potential transaction we got in touch to let them know how critical it is that we keep those jobs and that we work together if need be," Anglade said.

"But they are working with their partners, and they haven't asked for anything yet."

Ubisoft will hold a shareholders meeting this Thursday, where the tension between the two companies could come to a head.

Vivendi holds more than a 20 per cent stake in Ubisoft, and while it publicly announced in June that it doesn't plan to acquire control over the company, it has asked for an overhaul of the board of directors so that it can have greater representation.

Ubisoft, meanwhile, has taken up the initiative to reach out to other shareholders with two websites dedicated to its work, employees and protecting its independence.