Exclusive-EBay to lay off 9% of workforce in push to simplify operations, internal memo shows

By Jaspreet Singh and Aditya Soni

Oct 21 (Reuters) - EBay will lay off about 9% of its workforce as the online marketplace looks to simplify operations and shift resources to its fastest-growing areas, CEO Jamie Iannone told staff in a memo that was reviewed by Reuters.

A spokesperson for eBay confirmed the layoffs to Reuters on Wednesday.

The move will eliminate around 1,100 jobs, based on the 12,300 employees eBay had at the end of last year. The company also let go about 6% of its workforce, or 800 employees, in February as part of efforts to streamline operations.

EBay has set itself apart from rivals by pushing into authenticated luxury goods, collectibles and refurbished products, which draw enthusiasts willing to pay more for valuable items. That has helped its shares rise nearly 40% this year, outperforming the benchmark S&P 500's around 12% gain.

"Our strategy is working," Iannone said in the memo, adding that "continuing to capture the significant opportunity ahead requires us to make thoughtful choices about where we focus and invest."

He said affected staff would be informed in the coming days.

Shares of eBay were down 1.8% in premarket trading.

The company has this year also benefited from its $1.4 billion deal for ​fashion resale platform Depop, which expanded its reach among younger consumers ​and strengthened its position in the growing re-commerce market.

That helped eBay forecast third-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates when it last posted results, in August. The company is slated to report latest earnings next week.

Those efforts have also caught the eye of GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, who made an unsolicited $56 billion bid for the much larger eBay in May. EBay had rejected the offer, saying that it was "neither credible nor attractive."

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh and Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)