Ubisoft Annual Report 2009

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
Ubisoft surpassed €1 billion in annual revenue for the first time in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, achieving €1.06 billion in sales, a 14% increase over the previous period.See it on page 5
02
Net income declined significantly to €68.8 million from €109.8 million, driven by a strategic shift toward lower-margin casual titles and increased marketing expenditures.See it on page 63
03
The company expanded its global workforce to 5,765 employees across 28 countries, supported by the strategic acquisitions of Massive Entertainment and Hybride Technologies.See it on page 82
04
Financial stability was maintained through a net surplus of €154 million and the procurement of a new €180 million syndicated loan facility to fund ongoing operations.See it on page 166
05
Growth was anchored by established franchises like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six and Assassin’s Creed, alongside the expansion of casual gaming series such as Petz and Imagine.See it on page 23
06
Corporate governance is managed through a centralized framework overseeing 75 global subsidiaries, with leadership concentrated under the Guillemot family.See it on page 220

Summary

The 2009 Ubisoft Annual Report details a period of significant expansion and strategic transformation for the company during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The primary thesis centers on the company’s ability to achieve substantial revenue growth—surpassing one billion euros for the first time—through a strategy of aggressive internal development, brand diversification, and the scaling of proprietary intellectual properties. Despite a challenging global economic climate, the company successfully increased its global footprint to 5,765 employees across 28 countries, bolstered by strategic acquisitions such as Massive Entertainment and Hybride Technologies.

Financial performance for the period was characterized by a 14% increase in sales to €1.06 billion, though net income declined to €68.8 million from €109.8 million in the previous year. This contraction was largely attributed to a shift in product mix toward lower-margin casual titles, increased marketing expenditures, and non-recurring financial items. Nevertheless, the company maintained a solid financial position, ending the year with a net surplus of €154 million and securing a new €180 million syndicated loan facility to support ongoing operations and capital investment. The report highlights the success of major franchises like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six and Assassin’s Creed, alongside the growth of casual gaming series such as Petz and Imagine.

Corporate governance and operational risk management remained central to the company’s structure, which is heavily influenced by the Guillemot family. The report outlines a robust internal control framework, including standardized IFRS-compliant reporting and centralized oversight of its 75 global subsidiaries. While the company maintains a unified Chairman and CEO role, it utilizes specialized committees to manage strategy and compensation. Looking forward, the company remains committed to expanding its brands across multiple media platforms and deepening player engagement through digital initiatives, while navigating ongoing tax audits and maintaining a focus on environmental sustainability and employee development.