Bestore(SH:603719) Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-10-20 00:47Core Viewpoint - The acquisition deal involving the snack company Liangpinpuzi has been terminated due to unmet conditions, leading to significant implications for the company's control and financial performance [2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Liangpinpuzi's controlling shareholder, Ningbo Hanyi, announced the termination of the share transfer agreement with Wuhan Yangtze International Trade Group due to failure to meet the agreed conditions by the deadline of October 15, 2025 [2]. - The agreement initially involved the transfer of 21% of shares from Liangpinpuzi at a price of 12.42 yuan per share, with an additional 8.99% from the second-largest shareholder, totaling approximately 30% of shares [2]. - If completed, the deal would have made Wuhan Yangtze the new controlling shareholder with a 29.99% stake, changing the actual controller to the Wuhan State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission [2]. Group 2: Legal Issues - Following the announcement of the potential acquisition, a lawsuit was filed by Guangzhou Light Industry Group against Ningbo Hanyi regarding a share transfer dispute, leading to the freezing of 79.76 million shares held by Ningbo Hanyi [3]. - Prior to the agreement with Wuhan Yangtze, Ningbo Hanyi had discussions with Guangzhou Light Industry regarding a share transfer, which included a clause granting Guangzhou Light Industry a right of first refusal [3][4]. - The lawsuit arose after Ningbo Hanyi's unexpected agreement with Wuhan Yangtze, resulting in a "double sale" controversy over the shares [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Liangpinpuzi reported a revenue of 2.829 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decline of 27.21%, and a net loss of 935.53 million yuan, marking a significant downturn from profitability [4]. - The company experienced a net reduction of 259 stores in the first half of the year, with a total of 2,445 stores remaining, indicating challenges in maintaining its retail presence [4]. - The company faced scrutiny over a marketing error related to a product advertisement, which was attributed to the misuse of AI-generated images, leading to a public relations issue [4]. Group 4: Investor Sentiment - As Liangpinpuzi's performance declined, strategic investor Today Capital began to exit its position, while Hillhouse Capital reduced its stake from 11.67% to nearly zero by 2024 [5]. - Experts have indicated that the freezing of shares held by Ningbo Hanyi could delay the transfer of control and introduce additional uncertainties regarding the acquisition [5]. - The termination of the control transfer is stated not to adversely affect the company's governance structure or ongoing operations, according to the company's announcement [5].