GNK Holdings Proposes to Acquire BARK at $1.10 per Share
GNK Holdings LLC, together with Marcus Lemonis, announced that they have submitted a preliminary, non-binding indication of interest to acquire BARK, Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.10 per share. The proposed transaction would value BARK at an implied enterprise value of approximately $188.7M, representing a 22% premium to the previously announced proposal by Great Dane Ventures, LLC. Under the terms of the GNK proposal, the Group would acquire all outstanding shares of BARK not already owned by members of the Group, subject to customary conditions and confirmatory due diligence. Proposed Transaction Highlights: All-cash consideration of $1.10 per share; Financed through equity capital and debt; Accelerated and highly certain timeline, with confirmatory diligence expected to be completed within approximately 30 days; Target execution of definitive agreements within approximately five weeks, subject to customary conditions. "This proposal reflects our strong conviction in BARK's brand, customer loyalty, and long-term potential," said Nachum Klugman, President of GNK Holdings. "With aligned capital, experienced leadership, and a clear operational playbook, we believe this transaction delivers compelling and certain value for BARK shareholders." The Group has engaged Haynes and Boone, LLP as legal counsel and Palladium Capital Group, LLC to assist with financing, transaction diligence, and capital structure analysis. The proposal is non-binding and subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive transaction documents, completion of due diligence, and customary approvals. There can be no assurance that any definitive agreement will be entered into or that any transaction will be consummated. Any potential transaction would be subject to the availability of financing on terms satisfactory to the Group. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on BARK
About BARK
About the author

- Acquisition Proposal: GNK Holdings LLC and Marcus Lemonis have proposed an all-cash acquisition of BARK at $1.10 per share, representing a 22% premium over the CEO's $0.90 offer, indicating a strong recognition of the company's value and commitment to shareholder interests.
- Board Response: Despite the formation of a Special Committee by BARK's Board to evaluate acquisition proposals, there has been no substantive discussion with the Group, which may undermine corporate governance transparency and shareholder trust.
- Legal Controversy: The Group has strongly opposed the Board's demand for a restrictive non-disclosure agreement, arguing that it is unreasonable and potentially violates Delaware law, reflecting the tense relationship between the parties in the acquisition negotiations.
- Market Transparency: GNK Holdings emphasizes its intention to publicly disclose its acquisition interest, aiming to increase market awareness of the BARK acquisition process and ensure shareholders are informed about the Board's stance on the low-ball offer.
- Acquisition Proposal: GNK Holdings LLC and Marcus Lemonis have proposed an all-cash acquisition of BARK at $1.10 per share, representing a 22% premium over the CEO's $0.90 offer, indicating a strong belief in the company's value and commitment to shareholder interests.
- Board Response: Despite the formation of a Special Committee by BARK's board to review acquisition proposals, there has been no substantive discussion with the Group, which could undermine corporate governance transparency and shareholder trust.
- Legal Controversy: GNK opposes the non-disclosure agreement proposed by BARK, arguing that its terms are unreasonable and potentially violate Delaware law, highlighting the legal and ethical risks involved in the acquisition process.
- Market Transparency: GNK emphasizes its intention to publicly announce its acquisition interest, urging the market to scrutinize the board's response to the CEO's low-ball offer, aiming to enhance corporate governance transparency and the board's accountability to maximize shareholder value.
- Financial Performance Overview: BARK reported total revenue of $98.4 million for Q3, falling short of expectations primarily due to a $11 million reduction in marketing spend, while adjusted EBITDA remained negative at $1.6 million, consistent with last year, indicating a sustained focus on profitability.
- Margin Improvement: The consolidated gross margin improved to 62.5% from 57.9% in Q2, reflecting successful cost management and tariff mitigation strategies, which enhance the company's competitive position in a volatile market.
- Diversified Revenue Growth: The Air and Commerce segments accounted for 23% of total revenue, up from 18% last year, with Air generating $3.4 million in revenue, a 71% year-over-year increase, demonstrating ongoing progress in revenue diversification.
- Cost Control Measures: Management reported G&A expenses of $25.4 million, down $2.1 million from last year, attributed to lower headcount and ongoing cost management initiatives, which are expected to yield over $2 million in annual savings.
- Earnings Beat: BARK's Q3 non-GAAP EPS of -$0.03 exceeded expectations by $0.01, indicating improvements in cost management, although the company remains in negative earnings territory.
- Significant Revenue Decline: The revenue for Q3 was $98.45 million, a 22.1% year-over-year decrease, missing the market expectation of $102.63 million, which highlights the competitive pressures and sales challenges the company is facing.
- Acquisition Interest: The entry of Marcus Lemonis and GNK into a bidding war for BARK has generated significant market interest, potentially opening new strategic opportunities and capital influx for the company.
- Historical Performance Insight: Historical earnings data for BARK indicates that despite current challenges, the company has previously demonstrated strong growth, suggesting potential for recovery in profitability in the future.

- Star-Studded Lineup: The new video series 'Who's A Good Guest?' features celebrities like Bob Odenkirk, Zoey Deutch, and Dylan O'Brien alongside their dogs, showcasing their lives and careers, which enhances BARK's influence in the pet entertainment sector.
- Innovative Format: Each episode combines interviews with humor and genuine interactions, as guests share their deep bonds with their dogs, increasing viewer engagement and the show's appeal.
- Creative Business Inspiration: Guests are challenged to invent a dog-themed business idea, which BARK transforms into a humorous pop-up brand, demonstrating the company's innovative capabilities and market acumen in the pet industry.
- Charitable Impact: Every interaction with the pop-up brand triggers meal donations to dogs in need, reflecting BARK's commitment to blending business with social responsibility, thereby enhancing the brand's social image.

- Acquisition Proposal: GNK Holdings and Marcus Lemonis have made a cash offer of $1.10 per share for BARK, valuing the transaction at approximately $188.7 million, which represents a 22% premium over the bid from Great Dane Ventures.
- Market Reaction: BARK's stock surged 20.7% in early trading and has risen over 64% in the past week, indicating strong market enthusiasm for the acquisition proposal.
- Value Unlocking Potential: GNK and Lemonis believe BARK has the potential to unlock value through disciplined execution, enhanced merchandising, and deeper customer engagement, reflecting confidence in the brand and customer loyalty.
- Leadership Changes: While Lemonis remains CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, he recently stepped down from his CEO role at Camping World, potentially allowing him to focus more on the acquisition and development of BARK.






