Ubisoft posts 13 per cent rise in revenues

Ubisoft has published its financial report for the first half of the fiscal year, posting a lower operating loss and a 13 per cent increase in revenues.

For the six months ended September 30, Ubisoft's operating loss stood at 35.3 million Euro - down from 43.7 million Euro during the same period a year previously. The loss was attributed to falling sales plus marketing and admin costs. Research and development expenses were up at 71.4 million Euro.

Revenues rose to hit 172.1 million Euro, with Ubisoft noting that Splinter Cell: Double Agent and Wii titles Red Steel and Rayman Raving Rabbids had performed particularly well. As a result, the company - which offered seven Wii titles at launch, more than any other publisher - will provide even more support for Nintendo's new console in future.

"The improvement in our results for the first half of the fiscal year reflects both a very good business performance and tight control of marketing expenditures," said CEO Yves Guillemot, adding, "The third quarter of 2006-07 is off to a good start."

Ubisoft has raised its minimum growth target for 2006-7, and continues to forecast revenue growth of around 25 per cent for 2007-8.