Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Hunan Ailingshi Technology Co., Ltd. by Three Squirrels has been terminated due to disagreements on key terms, primarily valuation discrepancies and power struggles between the parties involved [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Termination Details - Three Squirrels initially planned to acquire Ailingshi for no more than 200 million yuan, but the offer dropped to 20 million yuan, which Ailingshi's founder viewed as a "hush money" and rejected [1]. - The rapid decline in valuation was attributed to Ailingshi's underperformance in store expansion, with only 200 new stores opened against a target of 5,000 [1]. - Ailingshi's founder, Tang Guangliang, has indicated intentions to resolve the dispute through legal means, although specific claims have not been disclosed [1]. Group 2: Operational Conflicts - Prior to the formal acquisition, Three Squirrels intervened in Ailingshi's operations, leading to conflicts over control and independence, including directives for promotional events and supply chain management [2]. - Tang accused Three Squirrels of overstepping their bounds, while Three Squirrels claimed their actions were merely suggestions [2]. Group 3: Legal Disputes - Ailingshi's lawsuit centers on recovering costs incurred during the acquisition process, while Three Squirrels argues these expenses were independently decided by Ailingshi [3]. - Tang likened Three Squirrels' negotiation tactics to a "bad marriage," suggesting unethical pressure during discussions with competitors [3]. Group 4: Strategic Implications for Three Squirrels - The failed acquisition highlights Three Squirrels' ongoing challenges in offline retail, where it has only achieved 30% of its revenue target from offline channels, falling short of its goal of 10 billion yuan by 2026 [4]. - Following the termination, Three Squirrels quickly partnered with a competitor, Snack Selection, to focus on product development and channel integration, indicating a shift towards lighter cooperation and self-initiated brand incubation [5][6]. Group 5: Industry Dynamics - The snack industry is increasingly dominated by two major players, leading to a collapse in Ailingshi's valuation as it struggles to compete with larger brands [7]. - The competitive landscape is shifting from a focus on scale to one emphasizing quality, with leading brands innovating their product offerings to enhance profitability [8][9]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The termination of the acquisition may lead to a reevaluation of strategic approaches for both companies, with Three Squirrels needing to manage litigation risks while exploring new operational models [10][11]. - Ailingshi faces significant challenges in securing investment and maintaining market presence without the backing of Three Squirrels, especially amid fierce competition [11].