Electronic Arts to Buy 20% of Ubi Soft

By Nate Mook | Published December 21, 2004, 1:09 PM

Electronic Arts announced Monday it is buying 20 percent of Ubi Soft, Europe's third largest video game publisher and maker of the popular game "Prince of Persia." Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but reports place the purchase between $85 million and $100 million.

Despite the news boosting share prices for both companies, Ubi Soft does not see the purchase as positive and says its consider EA's move "hostile." Analysts don't disagree with that assertion; EA, which dominates the gaming industry, is not expected to leave its ownership at a mere one-fifth.

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EA better watch itself. their recent tactics like this and the exclusive deal w/ the NFL should at least raise some eyebrows in the justice department. their efforts to reduce competition will surely hinder gaming innovation and raise prices (or at least keep them at their currently overinflated state).

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EA sux. simple as that. they buy games and companies then destroy them. been playing E&B for 2 yars then they destroyed it. supposedly for some stupid sims online.... ea is gonna get it and i can;t wait for it... hope they burn in hell....

just my $0.02

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