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Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Hunan Ailing Snack Technology Co., Ltd. by Three Squirrels has been terminated after eight months of negotiations due to disagreements on core terms, marking a setback in the company's offline expansion strategy [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Three Squirrels planned three acquisitions in 2024, with the largest being the proposed acquisition of Ailing Snack for up to 200 million yuan, part of a total investment of no more than 360 million yuan across all three deals [2][5]. - The acquisition aimed to leverage Ailing Snack's extensive network of over 2,000 stores to strengthen Three Squirrels' offline presence and tap into new market segments [2][5]. - Ailing Snack has been actively expanding, having acquired several snack brands and increasing its store count from approximately 1,800 to over 2,000 in 2023 [3][5]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The failure of the acquisition is seen as a significant obstacle to Three Squirrels' goal of balancing its revenue structure from 70% online to 50% offline over the next 2-3 years [4][5]. - The company has been facing declining revenues since 2019, with a notable recovery in 2024, achieving a revenue of 10.622 billion yuan, a 49.3% increase year-on-year [5][6]. - Three Squirrels is now seeking alternative opportunities to pursue its offline strategy, although it has not disclosed plans for new acquisition targets [6][7]. Group 3: New Strategic Direction - Three Squirrels has shifted its strategic focus from solely snacks to a broader "all-category, all-channel" approach, aiming to provide high-quality products across various categories [7][8]. - The company has recently entered the beverage market and plans to open all-category lifestyle stores and convenience shops, indicating a significant shift in its business model [7][8]. - The founder has positioned 2025 as a "year of rebirth" for the company, suggesting a transformative phase ahead [9].