GameStop plans to make a takeover bid for eBay

According to informed sources, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is planning to make a takeover bid for the e-commerce platform eBay, which has a market value of about $45 billion, with the aim of transforming it into a retail giant worth over $100 billion, while GameStop itself currently has a market value of only about $11 billion.

After the news broke, eBay's stock price surged over 10% in after-hours trading, while GameStop rose about 5%. Sources also revealed that GameStop has quietly increased its stake in eBay and may submit a bid as early as later this month. If the eBay board rejects the offer, Cohen may launch a tender offer directly to eBay shareholders.

Cohen made it clear earlier this year that he is looking for significant acquisition targets in the consumer and retail sectors, attempting to expand the company's business beyond video games and collectibles. He recently adjusted the compensation plan, which could allow him to earn up to $35 billion in stock returns if the company's market value reaches $100 billion and other conditions are met.

As of the end of March, GameStop held about $9 billion in cash, a significant increase from $4.8 billion in the same period last year, providing ammunition for this "snake swallowing elephant" acquisition. eBay's stock price has risen over 50% in the past 12 months, and in February of this year, it acquired the second-hand fashion platform Depop for $1.2 billion, indicating that its core strategy focusing on collectibles and fashion is beginning to show results.

GameStop investor Michael Burry, the real-life inspiration for the movie "The Big Short," has also publicly called for the company to use its cash reserves for transformative acquisitions. Since joining the board in 2021 and becoming chairman, Cohen has garnered a large following of enthusiastic supporters due to his commitment to turning the company around, and he is expected to leverage the massive online fanbase to generate momentum for this deal.