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Ryan Cohen Threatens Shareholder Campaign as He Escalates Unsolicited Bid for eBay

Cohen’s public attack on eBay’s management signals a move to bypass the board and force a shareholder contest that could hinge on financing and investor support.

Overview

  • On Thursday Ryan Cohen used a Bloomberg TV interview to intensify his takeover push, calling eBay executives “entrenched,” saying “we’re coming for eBay one way or another,” and announcing plans to take his case directly to eBay shareholders.
  • eBay shares slipped about 1.4% during the session after Cohen’s remarks, while some firms such as Wedbush reaffirmed upbeat ratings and the 33-analyst consensus stayed at Hold with an average price target near $110.
  • Cohen argued a combined eBayGameStop would carry investment-grade debt and yield large cost savings, but the reports cite no firm financing commitments and eBay previously rejected a roughly $56 billion proposal as unclear on funding.
  • eBay’s recent quarter beat estimates with $1.66 EPS and $3.09 billion revenue, institutional holders own roughly 87% of the stock, and insiders have sold shares under pre-arranged 10b5-1 plans—factors that will shape any shareholder vote.
  • Next steps to watch include whether Cohen can show concrete financing or investor backers, whether eBay’s board responds publicly or mounts defenses, and how shareholders react to a potential proxy fight or legal and governance challenges.