What happened
Shares of DiDi Global (DIDI 0.43%) jumped on Thursday following reports that the Chinese ride-hailing giant could go private. As of 11:33 a.m. EDT, DiDi's stock price was up more than 10% after rising as much as 19.8% earlier in the session.
So what
DiDi is considering going private to appease Chinese regulators and allow investors to recoup some of their losses, according to The Wall Street Journal. The plan could reportedly include a tender offer for its newly public shares at a price equal to its $14 initial public offering (IPO) price.
DiDi held its IPO on June 30, despite reports that Chinese regulators recommended it delay its stock offering so it could conduct an intensive cybersecurity review before its public debut. Didi pressed forward with its IPO, and China's Cyberspace Administration responded by ordering it to cease new user registrations. The regulatory crackdown blindsided many investors, and DiDi's stock price plunged in response.
DiDi Global's shares rallied on Thursday. Image source: Getty Images.
Investors reacted to the Journal's report by bidding up Didi's shares. Those gains were pared, however, after DiDi denied that it was planning to go private.
Now what
Whether it does decide to eventually go private or not, Didi needs to find a way to satisfy Chinese regulators. Restrictions on new user sign-ups and app downloads are taking a heavy toll on its business, and the longer these penalties last, the worse the effect will be.
