If you haven't heard, 5 days before Christmas, EA purchased 22% of Ubisoft without warning. No one knew this was going to happen, not even Ubisoft. Ubisoft commented that they were considering this action as hostile.

Today, Vivendi is trying to come to the rescue of Ubisoft (CNN reports). It is rumored that they may be discussing a merger which could make them the largest video games group in Europe as well as a formidable opponent to EA.

I've been following this bit of news since the start. The actual figure that EA (cough .... crap) bought is 19.9%. Between the founders of Ubi and the CEO, Yves Guillemot who owns 17.5% himself, they still own 26.6% of the voting rights which still puts EA as the second largest share holder. Other breakdowns (For those that want to know) are 13% of the voting rights are held by institutions and another 44.5% are held by small sharholders.

As for what is in store for Ubi? No idea, as things are slowly moving towards the courts.

IMO if EA (cough cough crap) takes a stronger step in Ubi we'll start seeing more cookie cutter crap software releases then the unique ones and, as far as Vevindi games moving in the help Ubi out? Well, again I have my doubts as I have to say that for Vivendi to do that they would have to balance their books before they decide to spend any more money that they can't afford.

Cheers

so what exactly does this mean? (im simple terms )

hehe sorry.

Ubi is looking to keep going in the direction that they wanted to. As for them being able to accomplish that task? Who knows because EA (cough...cough..crap) hasn't said anything. Everything is pretty much in the air still as it's still to soon to tell.

hmmmm sounds like Microsoft.

Cheers

im guessing your not a fan of EA?

I like the games that EA puts out... but I strongly disapprove of their work-place ethics. In the recent past they have not treated their employees at all well.

oh i see, i was gonna say how can you not like some of the great games they bring out!, how do you no about the employees?

mainly I hear about it through different people. But here you go with a taste:

biz.gamedaily.com/features.asp?article_id=8323
www.livejournal.com/users/ea_spouse/
www.igda.org/articles/easpouse_qol.php

what a tough boss to work for it explains how they get games out fast though