Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 25
GameStop Withdraws Ryan Cohen's $35 Billion Bonus Plan as He Presses $56 Billion eBay Bid
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 25

GameStop Withdraws Ryan Cohen's $35 Billion Bonus Plan as He Presses $56 Billion eBay Bid

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 25

Summary

  • $35 billion in potential pay was scrapped after GameStop's board approved Ryan Cohen's request to withdraw the bonus plan ahead of a July 7 shareholder vote.
  • GameStop said the move lets leadership focus on operating performance and its proposed eBay acquisition, while also blunting criticism that a merger could help Cohen hit a $100 billion market-cap target tied to the package.
  • $56 billion is the size of Cohen's bid for eBay, but he still has not explained how GameStop—worth about $10 billion—would close the funding gap after citing a $20 billion TD Bank financing letter and hinting at $500 million of his own money.
  • eBay has already rejected the offer as not credible or attractive, pointing to financing uncertainty, operational risks and leadership concerns as its shares rise about 25% this year on confidence in its turnaround.

Insights

Can GameStop's smaller market cap credibly support a $56 billion hostile takeover of a giant like eBay?
Is Ryan Cohen's aggressive cost-cutting model the future for revitalizing stagnant tech giants like eBay?
How will GameStop transform 1,600 retail stores into authentication hubs for eBay's global collectibles market?