China-based internet company Qihoo 360 may delist from the New York Stock Exchange as the company’s chairman Hongyi Zhou leads a proposed buyout that values the company at approximately $9bn.
Qihoo, which set up a corporate venturing division in Silicon Valley in July 2014, floated in 2011.
Qihoo closed a $20m series C round in 2010. It previously attracted $25m for a series B round in 2008 and $14m series A round in 2006, both backed by technology and media company International Data Group (IDG).
Remaining investors included Highland Capital Partners, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia Capital and Matrix Partners.
Zhou proposes to buy American depository shares at $77 each. Qihoo is due to set up a special committee to consider the buyout.