EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

Goonch · Post by **Goonch** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:42 am

The news sites are reporting this. Here is a partial quote:

GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME; GME.B) and Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq:ELBO) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger. The combined company, to be named GameStop Corp., will be a leading global video game retailer with annual revenues of approximately $3.8 billion, with over 3,200 stores located in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as nearly 600 international stores located throughout Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden.

Under the terms of the agreement, Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. (Electronics Boutique) shareholders will receive $38.15 in cash, plus the equivalent of 0.78795 shares of GameStop Corp. (GameStop) Class A common stock for each share of Electronics Boutique. Based on the closing price of GameStop's Class A common stock of $21.61 on Friday, April 15, 2005, the stock component of the per share merger consideration is $17.03. The total merger consideration per share of $55.18 represents a 34.2% premium to the closing price of Electronics Boutique's stock as of Friday, April 15, 2005. The total transaction value is approximately $1.44 billion with consideration consisting of approximately 70% cash and 30% common stock. GameStop intends to fund the cash portion of the transaction through the issuance of $950 million in senior bonds and excess cash.

wankerjr · Post by **wankerjr** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:53 am

Shocking news since I work for EB.

Here's the La Times link

The news of the merger is also posted on both corporate sites. The conference call about the deal is scheduled today at 1 pm EST.

The Preacher · Post by **The Preacher** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:55 am

Two great suckages that will suck great together.

Zap Rowsdower · Post by **Zap Rowsdower** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:32 am

Hurray! The slightly less annoying Gamestop will be taking over EB! I'm happy because the local Gamestops haven't started trying to sell me buyer protection plans on software yet. Maybe they'll nuke that policy, and just go back to asking me to preorder stuff instead.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:35 am

Zap Rowsdower wrote:Hurray! The slightly less annoying Gamestop will be taking over EB! I'm happy because the local Gamestops haven't started trying to sell me buyer protection plans on software yet. Maybe they'll nuke that policy, and just go back to asking me to preorder stuff instead.

Is it really that big of a deal to be asked to preorder something or asked to buy insurance? My EB does neither but if they did, I'd say 'no thanks' and if they asked me if I am sure, I'd tell them 'yes'.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:48 am

Now it can rename itself...
Consoles R Us
Fuck PC Games

JonathanStrange · Post by **JonathanStrange** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:51 am

How can we be gamers if we can't complain about games, game retailers, game developers, etc.?

Gamers and gamesellers are natural enemies, just like gamers and game designers, or gamers and game publishers or gamers and other gamers. Damn gamers! They ruined gaming!

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:57 am

What will this mean for my $10 EB gift certificate? Because that's all I really am concerned about. Me. Me. Me.

Papageno · Post by **Papageno** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:04 am

Oh great, less competition. So what will happen if the two chains have stores in the same mall?

And I'm betting this means no more used PC games, especially if GS is the major partner.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:09 am

Papageno wrote:
And I'm betting this means no more used PC games, especially if GS is the major partner.

That was my thought, too, and pretty much saves me a trip to the mall. New games = online shops.

Grievous Angel · Post by **Grievous Angel** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:10 am

The Gamestop and EB stores around me had pretty much the same layout, the same prices, and the same piddly PC section. I always thought they were owned by the same company anyway, so I doubt I'll see a lot of changes.

Kobra · Post by **Kobra** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:35 am

Wow, how crappy can this country get? First, we have the poorest selection of game stores on the planet. Then we have price fixing and almost no competition in the game market.

Now we have two giant and really sucky companies merging to form one giant sucky company that can monopolize and pricefix to their hearts content?

LOL how sad is that. Another monopoly under this administration, how quaint. I think I will just order everything from overseas vendors now to spite them all.

ChrisGrenard · Post by **ChrisGrenard** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:39 am

I'm telling you people, you only need two sources. For PC games, hit gogamer. Only if it is on sale should you hit CompUSA or Bestbuy. For consoles, hunt out those Rhino games stores I have been raving about.

Jeff Jones · Post by **Jeff Jones** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:40 am

www.gogamer.com <-- your friend

killbot737 · Post by **killbot737** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:46 am

Austin wrote:Is it really that big of a deal to be asked to preorder something or asked to buy insurance? My EB does neither but if they did, I'd say 'no thanks' and if they asked me if I am sure, I'd tell them 'yes'.

When they go on and on for five minutes with "are you SURE? It's a great deal! C'mon, you know you want it." like Best Buy was with their just as useless protection scheme then yes, it is that bad.

The Meal · Post by **The Meal** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:57 am

killbot737 wrote:
Austin wrote:Is it really that big of a deal to be asked to preorder something or asked to buy insurance? My EB does neither but if they did, I'd say 'no thanks' and if they asked me if I am sure, I'd tell them 'yes'.
When they go on and on for five minutes with "are you SURE? It's a great deal! C'mon, you know you want it." like Best Buy was with their just as useless protection scheme then yes, it is that bad.

That's just sweet justification for you saying something extremely snide back in return.

ElectronicStopPlebe: We're selling the newfangled Disk Repair Kit for a mere $25, and no gamer should be without one.

SavvyShopper: Nah, thanks. Just my game.

ESP: But if your disks get scratched, you won't be able to play.

SS: It's okay, I'm fine.

ESP: But you won't even be able to return the games with our recent changes in corporate management. Wouldn't you be disappointed if when you get home to install your shiney new copy of --

SS: Listen up fuckwad. I don't want to hear your pathetic goddamned badgering and I sure as fuck don't want your fucking overpriced piece of shit plastic novelty ripoff. And neither do the 8-year olds in line behind me. Got it?

ESP: >whimper<

~Neal

Sterling · Post by **Sterling** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:05 pm

Austin wrote:
Zap Rowsdower wrote:Hurray! The slightly less annoying Gamestop will be taking over EB! I'm happy because the local Gamestops haven't started trying to sell me buyer protection plans on software yet. Maybe they'll nuke that policy, and just go back to asking me to preorder stuff instead.
Is it really that big of a deal to be asked to preorder something or asked to buy insurance? My EB does neither but if they did, I'd say 'no thanks' and if they asked me if I am sure, I'd tell them 'yes'.

It is when they charge you for insurance without asking. Or mentioning it. And there was nothing attached to the game about it.

Yes, it happened to me, and I was going to call the attorney general's office to let them know. Not that 3 bucks is a huge deal, but maybe they've gotten complaints before. Now I'm wondering if I should even bother since they're getting bought out anyway.

Faldarian · Post by **Faldarian** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:37 pm

Grievous Angel wrote:The Gamestop and EB stores around me had pretty much the same layout, the same prices, and the same piddly PC section. I always thought they were owned by the same company anyway, so I doubt I'll see a lot of changes.

Actually, I had gotten the same impression. Even their websites have been extremely similar for a long time. That and my head had never clicked that "Electronics Boutique" could be related to "EBGames" somehow... I'm a little slow some days I guess. Or most days, I'm not sure.

I like my local Gamestop. I buy most of my PC games online anyway, but for some reason I hate shopping for console games without being able to see the box/case/thing.

I wonder if they'll even consolidate. There's a decent amount of name recognition to go with keeping EB as a separate chain even if it's owned by the same company.

Cylus Maxii · Post by **Cylus Maxii** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:40 pm

Doesn't reuniting clones require black kryptonite or something?

Butterknife · Post by **Butterknife** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:45 pm

This is bad in the long run. But, I am a pessimist when it comes to this sort of thing.

However, personally it won't effect me much. I will be doing most of my purchases at gogamer.com, the same as many here (heck, they even sent me a free game the other day! It's been a year since they did that).

When I have some sort of impulse-purchase going on, I'll probably hit Best Buy, their PC section is far larger than the Gamestop one. Gamestop for bargain-bin shopping is about the only reason I go over there.

D.A.Lewis · Post by **D.A.Lewis** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:50 pm

Papageno wrote:Oh great, less competition. So what will happen if the two chains have stores in the same mall?

And I'm betting this means no more used PC games, especially if GS is the major partner.

That is the exact situation in my local mall. It remindes me of a few years back when we had both Software Etc and Babbages. Software Etc bought out Babbages and the two opperated together for a while until the parent company filed BK. Then we only had one until EB game to the mall.

I liked having two options. And while the price of the new games was pretty much the same. The two almost former companies had diffeent stratagies regarding discounting older games. Many times an older game would remain at 39.99 at one store and be discounted to 19.99 or less at the other.

Additionally EB had a better pipline at the new games than Gamestop. I remember Wizardy 8 was not available at Gamestop when it was released. And Euroopa 1400 was at EB way before Software Etc (Gamestop). Gamestop seems to selective in what they get. Another thing about Gamestop is they make buying decision on how many preorders they get. Gamestop has a ton of problems but the people that worked there were gamers and it was pretty cool going in the store and talking about games.

My most recent purchases have been thought Gogamer but I will truly miss EB.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:06 pm

I miss EB / Software Etc circa 1990-1996 . Those were the best years. For the last few Ive bought at GoGamer. Maybe with them merging they'll becoema monopoly and run themselves out of business along with thier damn console game trade ins only. Someday PC will be back on top and the little company stores and mom and pops will return....someday

Caine · Post by **Caine** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:57 pm

for me, it is looking like more of fry's for game buying anyways. i cannot remember willingly buying a game at either gamestop/eb except for using a gift card birthday present. fry's has had awesome sales on new games the week they release (no way a sale at gs/eb, unless you count trade in deals, and i don't )

they also tend to have more than 5 copies of any game in stock, which is also a big problem for me. i don't have time to stand in line before a store opens for anything anymore, so having the chance to buy a game on release without pre-ordering it is much better. i did preorder the ut2k4 dvd version on release day, but that was the first time (and last) in a long, long time.

i will miss the used game section though, if it gets dropped. nice way to find some golden oldies for cheap and decent condition.

Kratz · Post by **Kratz** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 3:01 pm

D.A.Lewis wrote:It remindes me of a few years back when we had both Software Etc and Babbages. Software Etc bought out Babbages and the two opperated together for a while until the parent company filed BK. Then we only had one until EB game to the mall.

Both of these companies were bought by Gamestop, actually... and they are all owned by Barnes & Noble.

Kagath · Post by **Kagath** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:20 pm

I am a sales monkey at a Software, Etc here in Grand Rapids, but I try not to be overly pushy when it comes to ringing up my customers. My managers and the people above me when I am there tell us to try and get reservations and subscriptions, but I see it as if you treat the customers right they will be back for other stuff. If the people say they don't buy a lot of used stuff from us or aren't interested I don't try to push the issue. I'd rather have the returning regulars for business rather than some pissed off person who won't return because he feels like he was forced into buying something he wont ever use.

Dhruin · Post by **Dhruin** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:22 pm

D.A.Lewis wrote:Additionally EB had a better pipline at the new games than Gamestop. I remember Wizardy 8 was not available at Gamestop when it was released.

I'm guessing that's because EB "published" Wiz8 initially.

Ridah · Post by **Ridah** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:27 pm

Definately shocking news as a GameStop employee, even though its my last week. Believe it or not, I think this is going to be a good thing based on some of the talk I've heard which trickled down from the top. My store in particular they are doing all sorts of readjusting, were getting new lighting and fixtures, and now we are going to start having tournaments with prizes. Hopefully the same positive effect will come across on all the stores. If GameStop bought EB though then most likely there will be no more used PC games and retarded EB offers, which is fine with me.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:09 pm

Are those felons that run EB going to have anything to do with the resulting company? If so, now I'll have a reason (besides shitty selection) to never go to Gamestop again.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:21 pm

This will suck as it reduces my chances of walking into a mall ever again. Big malls usually have both Gamestop AND EB. Now there will be only one.

Figure there will be some "closing sales"?

Octavious · Post by **Octavious** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 11:21 am

I'm sure they will tell the EB employees nothing is going to change except the name... And then bam they will shut down all the redundent stores when they don't need the workers any longer. I went through 2 bank mergers and that's what they do each time. They try and make it seem like everything is okay so you don't bolt before they don't need you anymore.

God I love big business.

edosan · Post by **edosan** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 11:33 am

Octavious230 wrote:I'm sure they will tell the EB employees nothing is going to change except the name...

Isn't that the truth.

Step 1: Tell the employees that they are the company's greatest asset.
Step 2: Tell the employees the llatest merger/downturn/whatever won't affect them (to keep the from looking for jobs)
Step 3: Massive layoffs
Setp 4: Expenses go down, stock prices go up, and big bonuses for all the execs.

Kratz · Post by **Kratz** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 11:40 am

Them saying they are rebranding everything as 'Gamestop' is a sure sign of the EB branded stores being closed... no point in having two stores named the same thing in the same mall...

Interesting reading some of the comments in here - apart from the one time I bought a game in EB where it had been opened and they 'refilled' my box when I purchased, I've had 100% better experiences at EB than at Gamestop... better selection, more PC stuff, more on-time new games, and (this probably mostly dependent on the location - Flatiron's Crossing in CO) much, much better customer service. The Gamestop there was always a problem, whereas the people working at EB were always pretty cool and helpful.

Octavious · Post by **Octavious** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:06 pm

The gamestops in my area are 100 percent better then the local EB's. It really depends on who's running that particular store. The only thing EB had going for it were the pc tradins but they have such low prices that it's not even worth it. Then they resell it at a price I usually don't want to pay. Yippie I can get a whole f'n 5 bucks off...BAH

Butterknife · Post by **Butterknife** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:48 pm

Just called the two Gamestop stores nearest me, and they don't have any copies of Heretic Kingdoms in stock. Nobody preordered it, so they don't have any in.

Called Best Buy and they have 3 copies. I'm off to get the game. Gamestop sucks.

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:04 am

Grievous Angel wrote:The Gamestop and EB stores around me had pretty much the same layout, the same prices, and the same piddly PC section. I always thought they were owned by the same company anyway, so I doubt I'll see a lot of changes.

It's a classic case of the bland leading the bland. I haven't been in a boutique game store in ages. Matter of fact, I haven't really seen a game store I liked since Egghead went out of business. I'm not much of a shopper.

Octavious · Post by **Octavious** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:04 am

Just called the two Gamestop stores nearest me, and they don't have any copies of Heretic Kingdoms in stock. Nobody preordered it, so they don't have any in.

Ya that seems like the in thing for them to do now. They only get preorders in the first week. Seems pretty silly to me that they scorn me for trying to buy something when it comes out!! "Sir you should have preordered it" Well hell I'm trying to give YOU money how about you have it in stock so that I can buy it. I'm not big on floating a loan to a game store so that I make sure I get a game the day it comes out.

morlac · Post by **morlac** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:42 am

Yea I got the same tag line at an EB recently...well when Silent Storm came out. I asked why they didn't have any in stock when even Target had some copies(had a $50 game card for EB). He said they don't carry many niche games and that If I wanted them to carry more PC games I should preorder and/or buy more PC games. This being a failry new strip center store in the 'burbs' they had determined it to be a console store. Intresting logic there, so in order for you to carry more pc games I need to buy more of them from you, yet you hardly have any to begin with. How many copies of Half Life 2 do I need to buy to = 1 niche game?
Whats a gamer to do?

Cylus Maxii · Post by **Cylus Maxii** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:04 pm

There are both an EB and a Gamestop in shopping malls on opposite corners of a major intersection near my house. I'm guessing that the EB location (Which has a better street visibility and is a new building) will stay open and be rebranded as Gamestop, and the Gamestop will eventually close.

Oh - and the Gamestop has tons more PC games than the new EB. EB has almost none. And the Gamestop mangement and crew are far nicer.

(Just a comparison between those two specific stores - not a generalization)

knob · Post by **knob** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:52 pm

I really don't see the big deal. I just go wherever is cheapest. Name on the store doesn't matter to me. Cheapest is usually Wal Mart or Best Buy anyways.

I rarely order online, as I'm usually too impatient (and too much of an impulse buyer) to wait a few days.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:38 pm

You want to know what's pathetic? Was just in Serramonte Mall last night. This mall has both EBX and GameStop on two separate branches. Any way, two Samoans (or similar sized folks) are trying to trade-in a PS2, and they're claiming that the salesperson misinformed them and they're getting short-changed by $20 or so. These guys are relentless. The store has the "manager" out and this guy ain't giving an inch either. He claims it ain't his fault, corporate gave him the wrong info, blah blah blah. I have to follow the rules, blah blah blah. I was browsing for a whole 10 minutes (I can't find their used PC game section at all) and by the time I walked out they're still at it.

Octopus Overlords

EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

Re: EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

Re: EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

Re: EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

Re: EB and Gamestop have merged!!!

Re: EB and Gamestop have merged!!!