Guillemots increase stake in Ubisoft to fend off Vivendi takeover

Ubisoft founders the Guillemot brothers have upped their stake in the French publisher from 9 percent to 12.5 percent after acquiring a further four million shares. 

It's a move that could help the family fend off a hostile takeover from French multimedia conglomerate, Vivendi, which recently seized control of mobile powerhouse Gameloft -- also founded by the Guillemots. 

For its part, Vivendi currently holds a 22.8 percent stake in Ubisioft along with 20.2 percent of the company's voting rights. 

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has repeatedly stressed the importance of fighting for independence, spurning Vivendi's advances at every turn. 

Despite that public show of resistance, Vivendi marches on, and earlier this year said it was "considering continuing to acquire shares depending on market conditions."