EddieJayonCrypto
19 May 25
Circle is advancing plans for a $5 billion IPO but is also exploring a potential sale to Coinbase or Ripple. Early-stage talks are informal with no formal offers yet, though Coinbase is seen as the most logical buyer due to its integration with Circle's USDC stablecoin. Circle and Coinbase have a cl...
Circle is advancing plans for a $5 billion IPO while simultaneously exploring a potential sale to Coinbase or Ripple, with early-stage talks ongoing and no formal offers yet.Coinbase stands out as the most logical buyer due to its deep integration with Circle’s USDC stablecoin, sharing significant revenue streams and governance ties. The relationship between the two stems from their joint venture in the Centre Consortium, dissolved in 2023, which left Circle controlling USDC governance but granted Coinbase an equity stake and a lucrative revenue-sharing arrangement.Ripple submitted a $4 billion to $5 billion bid involving cash and XRP, which Circle rejected as too low. Despite Ripple’s substantial holdings of XRP and recent acquisitions, Coinbase’s strong $8 billion cash reserves and recent purchases—including crypto derivatives exchange Deribit and onchain ads platform Spindle—position it better for acquiring Circle.Circle’s official stance remains focused on the IPO, yet insiders suggest the acquisition landscape is fluid and subject to rapid changes as market conditions evolve. The interdependence between Circle and Coinbase, especially related to USDC revenue and governance, makes a Coinbase acquisition highly plausible if interest is expressed.Overall, Circle’s path forward balances public listing ambitions with the possibility of a strategic acquisition, highlighting the dynamic nature of crypto sector deals today.