Sohu says no plan for privatization (2)

Sohu's market value totals $1.86 billion, lower than major rival NetEase Inc's $6.96 billion and SINA Corp's $3.34 billion, and even lagging behind some single-focus businesses such as video website Youku Tudou Inc's $3.09 billion. Charles Zhang has long criticized Wall Street for undervaluing his company.

Analysts believe that Sohu will privatize sooner or later in order to restructure the assets of its expanded business lines, even if it does not plan to delist at the moment.

For similar considerations, Internet firms Shanda Interactive Entertainment and alibaba.com both privatized in 2012, and display advertising firm Focus Media also sought privatization last year.

A total of 22 US-listed Chinese companies had completed privatization or were in the process of privatizingbetween January 1 and November 20, 2012, imeigu.com said.