In a significant move within the e-commerce sphere, investment giants Permira and Blackstone have announced their intention to acquire Adevinta, the online classifieds group backed by eBay, in a landmark deal valued at approximately 141 billion Norwegian crowns ($13.06 billion).
The proposed acquisition involves offering Adevinta shareholders 115 Norwegian crowns per share, solidifying the substantial financial commitment from Permira and Blackstone to secure the online classifieds conglomerate.
As part of this transformative agreement, eBay is set to divest 50 percent of its current shares in Adevinta, a move estimated to fetch around $2.2 billion. Furthermore, eBay will convert its remaining stake in Adevinta into an equity position, securing approximately 20 percent ownership in the newly privatized entity.
This strategic maneuver marks a substantial shift in the ownership landscape of Adevinta, aligning with the broader trends of consolidation and strategic reshuffling within the digital marketplace realm. The infusion of capital and expertise from Permira and Blackstone is anticipated to fuel Adevinta’s growth trajectory and potentially unlock new avenues for innovation and market expansion.
The deal, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, signifies a milestone moment in the evolution of online commerce and sets the stage for potential reconfigurations within the digital classifieds industry. The transaction’s successful completion could pave the way for synergies, operational enhancements, and strategic alignments that may reshape the competitive dynamics in the global e-commerce landscape.
