Acquisition of Giant Interactive Group Inc. by Private Equity Consortium May Not Be in Shareholders' Best Interests

SAN DIEGO and SHANGHAI, Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights attorneys at Robbins Arroyo LLP are investigating the potential acquisition of Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) by the company's chairman, Yuzhu Shi (and certain of his affiliated entities) and an affiliate of Baring Private Equity Asia (collectively, the "Consortium").  According to the non-binding proposal letter, the Consortium proposes to acquire all of the company's outstanding ordinary shares, including ordinary shares represented by the company's American depositary shares or "ADSs" at $11.75 in cash per ordinary share or ADS. 

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Is the Proposed Merger Best for Giant and Its Shareholders?

Robbins Arroyo LLP's investigation focuses on the board of directors' consideration of the Consortium's offer, such as whether it is undertaking a fair process to evaluate the proposal and negotiate the terms to obtain maximum value to adequately compensate Giant shareholders in the event of its acquisition by the Consortium. Notably, the Consortium collectively owns and has voting power over 49.5% of all outstanding ordinary shares.    

Giant released its third quarter 2013 earnings on November 6, 2013, revealing growth in its net revenue and gross profits over its prior year results for the same quarter. Specifically,

• Net revenue was up 8.6%, 
• Gross profit was up 9.5%,
• Net income attributable to the company's shareholders was up 14.1%,
• Active paying accounts for online games was up 4.2%, and
• Average revenue per user for online games was up 2.9%.

In its press release, Giant's Chief Executive Officer, Wei Liu, commented that, "Giant is today the premier content provider in the online game market in China. Looking ahead into 2014, we have a robust MMO pipeline, webgames will begin contributing to our top line, and we will launch several mobile games. We will continue our collaboration with third-party platforms while exploring newer and more cost effective distribution channels. We will achieve these goals while maintaining our industry-leading profitability driven by prudent spending and continuously improving efficiency."  Given the financials and Ms. Liu's statement, we are examining whether it is in shareholders' best interest for Giant to consider an acquisition proposal now rather than allow shareholders to continue to participate in the company's continued success and future growth prospects. 

Giant shareholders have the option to file a class action lawsuit to ensure the board properly evaluates the proposal to obtain the best possible price for shareholders and the disclosure of material information. Giant shareholders interested in information about their rights and potential remedies can contact attorney Darnell R. Donahue at (800) 350-6003, [email protected], or via the shareholder information form on the firm's website.

Robbins Arroyo LLP is a nationally recognized leader in securities litigation and shareholder rights law. The law firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested.   

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.  

Contact:
Darnell R. Donahue
Robbins Arroyo LLP
[email protected]
(619) 525-3990 or Toll Free (800) 350-6003
www.robbinsarroyo.com

SOURCE Robbins Arroyo LLP

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