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posted ago by AllMostThere ago by AllMostThere +96 / -0

Sources:

https://x.com/ryancohen/status/2051097144673665401

New WallStreetJournal article breaking down the bid: https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/gamestop-is-offering-to-buy-ebay-for-56-billion-ceo-ryan-cohen-says-fd330f5a

TL;DR: GameStop’s $56 Billion Bid for eBay

  • Unsolicited Takeover: GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has made a massive $56 billion unsolicited offer to acquire eBay.

  • The Price Tag: The offer is set at $125 per share in a mix of cash and stock, representing a 20% premium over eBay’s recent closing price.

  • Vision for Growth: Cohen aims to transform eBay into a "legit competitor to Amazon" by merging its online platform with GameStop’s physical store infrastructure.

  • Physical Synergies: The plan involves using GameStop’s retail locations as hubs to collect and authenticate high-value items like trading cards and collectibles for eBay sellers.

  • Funding the Deal: To pay for the acquisition, GameStop plans to use $9 billion in cash and has secured a $20 billion debt commitment from TD Bank, with potential further backing from Middle Eastern sovereign-wealth funds.

  • Ready for Battle: Cohen has stated he is prepared to launch a proxy fight and take the offer directly to shareholders if eBay's board is not receptive.

  • Ambitious Scale: This is a "David vs. Goliath" move, as GameStop is valued at roughly $12 billion, while eBay was valued at $46 billion before the announcement.

  • Massive Payday: Cohen has a personal incentive of up to $35 billion in stock if he can successfully drive the company's market value to $100 billion.