eBay Rejects GameStop’s $55.5 Billion Bid as ‘Not Credible’

eBay has formally rejected GameStop's unsolicited $55.5 billion acquisition proposal, calling it "neither credible nor attractive." The board conducted a thorough review with advisors before deciding to decline the offer, citing concerns over GameStop's financing plan and governance. GameStop had proposed $125 per share in cash and stock, representing a significant premium to eBay's recent trading price. eBay reaffirmed confidence in its independent strategy and management team to deliver sustainable growth.

Key Points: eBay Rejects GameStop's $55.5B Acquisition Proposal

  • eBay board rejects GameStop's $55.5B unsolicited bid
  • Offer deemed 'not credible' due to financing and governance concerns
  • GameStop proposed $125/share, a 46% premium to eBay's Feb 4 price
  • eBay confident in standalone strategy and long-term growth
2 min read

eBay rejects GameStop's USD 55.5 billion acquisition proposal, calls offer 'not credible'

eBay rejects GameStop's $55.5 billion acquisition proposal, calling the offer "neither credible nor attractive" after thorough board review.

"We have concluded that your proposal is neither credible nor attractive - eBay Chairman Paul S. Pressler"

New York, May 12

eBay on Tuesday rejected the unsolicited acquisition proposal made by gaming retailer GameStop, stating that the offer was "neither credible nor attractive."

In a statement released through PR Newswire, eBay said its Board of Directors, along with financial and legal advisors, conducted a thorough review before deciding to reject the non-binding proposal submitted by GameStop.

It stated, "following a thorough review with the support of its financial and legal advisors, the company's Board of Directors has determined to reject GameStop's unsolicited, non-binding acquisition proposal".

The company also released the full response letter sent by eBay Chairman Paul S. Pressler to GameStop Chief Executive Officer Ryan Cohen.

In the letter, eBay stated that the board had considered several factors before rejecting the proposal, including eBay's standalone business prospects, uncertainty around GameStop's financing plan, the impact on eBay's long-term growth and profitability, operational and leverage risks of a combined entity, valuation implications, and concerns related to GameStop's governance and executive incentives.

"We have concluded that your proposal is neither credible nor attractive," the letter stated.

eBay further said it remains confident in its current business strategy and management team, highlighting that the company has strengthened execution, improved marketplace and seller experience, sharpened its strategic focus and consistently returned capital to shareholders over the past several years.

The company added that its differentiated global marketplace and current strategy position it well to continue delivering sustainable long-term growth and shareholder value.

Earlier on May 4, GameStop had announced that it submitted a proposal to acquire 100 per cent of eBay at USD 125.00 per share through a mix of cash and stock.

According to GameStop, the proposal represented a 46 per cent premium to eBay's unaffected closing price on February 4, 2026, which was the date GameStop began building its position in the company.

GameStop stated that it had accumulated a 5 per cent economic stake in eBay through derivatives and common stock ownership.

The gaming retailer had valued the proposed transaction at an aggregate undiluted equity value of around USD 55.5 billion. The company also said the offer reflected a 27 per cent premium to eBay's 30-day volume-weighted average price and a 36 per cent premium to the 90-day volume-weighted average price.

Despite the proposal, eBay's board maintained that the company is better positioned to continue independently under its existing leadership structure and strategic direction.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who uses eBay occasionally for electronics, I find this whole saga bizarre. GameStop is a gaming retailer going nowhere, and eBay is a global marketplace. This is like a frog trying to swallow an elephant. eBay management is smart to say 'not credible' - they see the operational risks clearly. Meanwhile, GameStop's stock might tank after this public rejection. Lesson: stay in your lane.
J
James A
Not surprising. GameStop has been a meme stock for years - their valuation is disconnected from reality. $55.5 billion for eBay when GameStop's own market cap is a fraction of that? The financing plan must be a house of cards. eBay's board did their fiduciary duty here. Kudos for the transparency in releasing the rejection letter.
R
Rohit P
I think everyone is missing the bigger picture. GameStop has Ryan Cohen who turned around Chewy - he might have a vision. But $55.5 billion is crazy money! 🤯 eBay is right to question the financing. Also, mixing gaming with e-commerce could create synergies? Maybe not. This feels like a publicity stunt gone wrong. GameStop should focus on fixing their own business first.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, eBay's board is being overly defensive. GameStop's offer includes a significant premium - shareholders should at least consider it. eBay stock has been underperforming for years. But the governance concerns raised are valid. GameStop's executive incentives are a mess post-2021 short squeeze. Deadlock reached. Watch for activist investors to push eBay.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian investor who follows US markets, this is fascinating.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50