GAMESTOP'S $20B EBAY BID HINGES ON RISKY CREDIT RATING

The retail company's bid assumes the combined entity would qualify for investment-grade credit ratings, a threshold that would significantly impact borrowing costs and deal feasibility. However, analysts and at least one major ratings firm have expressed skepticism about whether merged operations could achieve that status. Investment-grade ratings typically require stable cash flows and manageable debt levels—metrics that may prove challenging given GameStop's recent financial performance and the scale of the proposed acquisition. Ratings agencies scrutinize factors including revenue trends, profitability, and leverage ratios when assigning credit ratings. A sub-investment-grade (junk) rating would increase financing costs substantially and potentially threaten the deal's economics. The financing structure's viability depends heavily on successful debt placements at favorable terms. Without investment-grade status, GameStop would face higher interest rates and stricter covenants from lenders.