Ubisoft is giving some serious thought to scooping up THQ's assets, according to reports in industry magazine MCV. Unnamed sources told MCV that Ubisoft has had lengthy discussions with THQ and investment firm Clearlake Capital Capital group about acquiring the company.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot admitted last month that his company would be interested in THQ's brands were they to hit the auction block.
"What happened to [THQ] is something that happens regularly when we have transition," Guillemot told GamesIndustry International. "Some can make it, some decide to go in different direction. It happened with Atari and Midway and also Acclaim last generation. … It's something that happens in this industry and that's the way the industry consolidates.
"[THQ has] good things," Guillemot said. "We are always interested in good brands. For sure, it's something we can consider, but I can't tell you more."
While Ubisoft has made no secret of its interest in THQ's assets, MCV said, it could be prepared to wait until the ailing publisher has no choice but to sell them off piecemeal to get a better price--as was the case after Midway declared bankruptcy.
THQ's various licenses and development studios could be a boon for growing Ubisoft, though it remains to be seen if and how the purchase will actually come about. For the moment, THQ president Jason Rubin has made it clear that business will proceed as normal at the publisher and its studios.
