Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, is reportedly still in informal acquisition talks even as it moves forward with plans for a $5 billion IPO.
Sources close to the matter say both Coinbase and Ripple are exploring a potential deal, with Coinbase emerging as the more likely buyer.
Despite having filed for a public listing in April, Circle hasn’t ruled out selling if the right offer comes along. Ripple previously made a bid—believed to be in the $4–5 billion range—but it was turned down.
While no formal negotiations are underway, insiders claim Circle would seriously consider a higher bid, particularly from Coinbase.
The interest comes amid rising crypto M&A activity. Coinbase recently acquired Deribit for nearly $3 billion, while Ripple spent $1.25 billion acquiring Hidden Road. Ripple’s deep reserves of XRP could help fund another bid, though its motivations remain unclear as it also develops its own stablecoin, RLUSD.
Circle plays a crucial role in the stablecoin sector, with USDC widely used across both centralized exchanges and DeFi platforms. A takeover by a major player could reshape the competitive landscape and influence how stablecoins are integrated into global crypto infrastructure.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain and fintech industries, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/circle-draws-acquisition-interest-from-coinbase-and-ripple-despite-ipo-plans/