Stripe, Advent Offer $53 Billion Deal to Acquire PayPal: Reuters

Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have submitted a joint bid to acquire PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) in a deal valued at more than $53 billion, according to a Reuters report citing people familiar with the matter.

The offer values PayPal at $60.50 per share, representing a 28% premium over the company's closing stock price on Tuesday. The proposed acquisition highlights growing interest in the digital payments giant as competition in the fintech sector continues to intensify.

Reuters reported that Stripe and Advent formally submitted the offer earlier this month after making an initial approach in April. The proposal is supported by approximately $50 billion in committed financing from a group of banks, underscoring the financial backing behind one of the largest potential fintech buyouts in recent years.

Under the proposed transaction, Stripe and Advent would each hold an equal ownership stake in PayPal following the acquisition. The two firms are reportedly aiming to finalize an agreement by the end of the month, although discussions remain ongoing.

According to the report, PayPal has not responded to either the earlier approach or the latest acquisition proposal. The company also did not immediately reply to Reuters' request for comment regarding the reported bid.

If completed, the transaction would rank among the biggest deals in the payments industry and could reshape the competitive landscape for digital payment services. Stripe, one of the world's leading privately held fintech companies, would significantly expand its global footprint by combining its payment infrastructure with PayPal's extensive consumer and merchant network. Advent International, meanwhile, would bring its deep experience in technology and financial services investments to the partnership.

Investors will be closely watching for any response from PayPal or further developments as the reported month-end target for a deal approaches. The proposed acquisition comes at a time when consolidation in the fintech and digital payments sectors continues to accelerate amid evolving consumer payment trends and increased competition.