PayPal rejects takeover offer from Stripe and Advent International

PayPal has rejected an initial takeover offer from a group consisting of Stripe and the private equity firm Advent International. The reported deal, valued at approximately $53 billion, involved an initial bid of $60.50 per share in July, which PayPal's board deemed insufficient.

Negotiations are reportedly continuing to discuss a higher purchase price. If the deal were to proceed, Stripe and Advent International would become equal 50% co-owners. The proposed structure would not involve splitting the business into separate entities. A combined group would process roughly $3.7 trillion in annual payments, significantly altering the competitive landscape of the digital payments sector.

The potential sale comes as PayPal undergoes internal reorganization under CEO Enrique Lores. The company has divided its operations into three units—checkout, Venmo, and payments/crypto assets—to regain momentum against competitors such as Adyen and Block.