So here’s a plot twist nobody saw coming: Grindr stock just had its best day in forever, shooting up 21% faster than you can swipe right. And no, it wasn’t because they added a new filter or figured out how to make online dating less soul-crushing.
The real tea? Two big shots who already own most of the company decided they want to buy out everyone else and take this whole operation private. Think of it like when your rich friend decides to buy the entire bar instead of just buying rounds all night.
The Deal That Got Everyone Excited
Chairman James Fu Bin Lu and board member Raymond Zage (who sounds like he should be running a hedge fund, which… fair enough) filed some very official paperwork saying they want to buy all the Grindr shares they don’t already own for $18 each. These guys already control about 60% of the company, so they’re basically saying “we like this so much, let’s make it official.”
Here’s where it gets interesting for regular investors: the stock was trading around $15.35 when this news dropped, but the buyout offer is $18. That’s like finding a $20 bill in your old jeans – free money, assuming the deal actually happens.
Why This Matters (Beyond the Obvious Money Part)
Grindr went public back in 2022, which was… let’s call it “an interesting time” for tech IPOs. Since then, it’s been doing the whole public company dance – quarterly earnings calls, SEC filings, the works. But apparently, Lu and Zage think life would be simpler without all those pesky public shareholders asking questions.
The company’s actually been doing pretty well lately. Last quarter, they pulled in $104 million in revenue (up 27%) and managed to turn a profit of $16.6 million. Not bad for a dating app in a world where people are increasingly convinced that meeting someone online is like playing Russian roulette with your emotional well-being.
The Plot Thickens
Of course, because this is 2025 and nothing can be simple, there’s already drama. Some investment firm called Temasek apparently had to “seize and sell” shares from these guys over some personal loans gone wrong. It’s like a soap opera, but with more SEC filings.
Plus, lawyers are already circling like sharks, investigating whether the board is being fair to shareholders. Because apparently, even in the world of dating apps, someone’s always ready to lawyer up.
The Bottom Line
Analysts think Grindr stock could hit $22.50, which would be a nice 47% bump from current levels. Whether this buyout actually happens is anyone’s guess, but for now, investors are betting that love – or at least the business of helping people find it – conquers all.
Just remember: in the stock market, as in dating, sometimes the most unexpected matches work out the best. And sometimes they don’t. But hey, at least this time there’s an SEC filing to make it official.