eBay rejects $55.5 billion acquisition offer from GameStop
Global online marketplace giant eBay has rejected an acquisition offer worth approximately $55.5 billion (about Tk 67,000 crore) from video game retailer GameStop, which has gained massive attention in recent years as a “meme stock.”
eBay’s board of directors described the proposal as “unsolicited” and “neither credible nor attractive.” The company said eBay is currently operating a strong and profitable business and its long-term strategy is progressing successfully.
In a letter to GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, the eBay board expressed concerns that the proposed acquisition could create significant uncertainty regarding financial stability and leadership structure of the combined company. It also questioned GameStop’s management experience.
Market analysts say the bid was unrealistic from the beginning, as GameStop’s market value is significantly lower than eBay’s. They also noted that the financing structure of the deal was unclear, despite GameStop’s claim that it had secured around $20 billion in debt financing from TD Securities.
Experts warn that such a high level of debt could have negatively impacted eBay’s business operations. Meanwhile, eBay continues to strengthen its position amid competition from Amazon, Etsy, and Temu.
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has indicated that he is not backing down yet, suggesting he may directly seek support from eBay shareholders despite the board’s rejection.
Notably, eBay’s net profit rose to $418.4 million in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year, which analysts believe has strengthened the company’s ability to reject the takeover offer.
