Home Gaming CD Projekt RED denies hostile takeover rumours

CD Projekt RED denies hostile takeover rumours

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Witcher3_6

Earlier this week, rumours started swirling suggesting that Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt RED might be under threat of a hostile takeover bid. It all started when somebody on neoGAF, translating Polish documents, suggested that the company might be trying to fend of such a takeover.

CD Projekt RED called for an “extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held on November 29th.” In that meeting, there points would be discussed:

  • Vote on whether or not to allow the company to buy back part of its own shares for 250 million PLN ($64 million)
  • Vote on whether to merge CD Projekt Brands (fully owned subsidiary that holds trademarks to the Witcher and Cyberpunk games) into the holding company
  • Vote on the change of the company’s statute.

The first and third points are particularly enlightening, as they would limit the amount of power larger shareholders would have, by restricting voting rights. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch of the imagination for CD Projekt RED to be taken over. They’re a very, very successful studio right now following the overwhelming success of The Witcher 3. Rumours last year suggested that EA was trying to buy the Polish studio, but those were thoroughly debunked.

Thankfully, it’s not something that’s happening right now. WCCFTech reached out to CDPR, who said the whole thing was just a precautionary measure, and not a sign of any imminent takeover threat.

“As for the rumor, it emerged after the Board suggested introducing a voting cap during the upcoming shareholder meeting. However, the proposal is not a reaction to any current events affecting CD PROJEKT. Rather, it is meant as insurance against future hypothetical scenarios which may never materialize.

We wish to safeguard the interests of minority shareholders in a hypothetical case where a major shareholder emerges professing a business and strategic vision which conflicts with ours.”

And that’s probably a smart move – lest CDPR end up in the same situation Ubisoft now finds itself in.

Last Updated: November 10, 2016

15 Comments

  1. Original Heretic

    November 10, 2016 at 11:06

    CDPR for president!! Geralt can be their official spokesman.

    Reply

    • Matthew Holliday

      November 10, 2016 at 12:40

      Witchers dont take sides.
      Coin is the only thing that matters.

      Reply

      • BakedBagel

        November 10, 2016 at 14:16

        So basically politicians?

        He would be perfect

        Reply

  2. Admiral Chief - N7

    November 10, 2016 at 11:16

    Don’t turn out like the other gaming companies, you are the chosen one!

    Reply

  3. RinceThis

    November 10, 2016 at 11:36

    Leave CD Project red alone! http://i.imgur.com/bXVFtk4.gif

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      November 10, 2016 at 11:38

      Shut up in your biased face!

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        November 10, 2016 at 11:56

        Oh, go stuff a gwent!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          November 10, 2016 at 12:03

          I will! *stuffs more Gwents*

          Reply

    • Andre Fourie

      November 10, 2016 at 11:47

      Did you use your PS4?

      Reply

  4. Dungeon of JJ

    November 10, 2016 at 11:39

    I’m not sure how I feel about the whole Ubi thing

    Reply

  5. For the Emperor!

    November 10, 2016 at 11:55

    Keep CDPR great! Do not become part of the international Cabal! When I win the Lotto, I will buy shares to help keep you independent! Just hold on long enough!
    *PS – my plans to invest said lotto winning in HotS in SA have gone down the drain, since everyone and their mother jumped to Overwatch on release after professing undying love and support for HotS. My whole team basically ditched me after 1 bloody tournament! I have updated my plans to reflect this, now just need those winning numbers lol*

    Reply

  6. Craig Lotter

    November 10, 2016 at 16:11

    They’re probably doing that exactly because of the Ubisoft scenario.

    Reply

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