CNET Adopts Stockholder Rights Plan

A shareholders rights’ plan recently adopted by CNET Networks' board of directors is intended to deter coercive takeover tactics and to prevent a buyer from gaining control of the company without offering a fair price to stockholders, the company said last week.

The plan, also known as a "poison pill," distributes one preferred stock purchase right as a dividend on each common share held of record at of the close of business on January 21, 2008.

CNET said in a statement that the rights’ plan will not prevent a takeover, but should encourage anyone seeking to acquire the company to negotiate with the board of directors prior to attempting a takeover.