Payments company Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have made a joint offer to acquire PayPal Holdings Inc. for $60.50 per share, valuing the digital payments pioneer at more than $53 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter reported by Reuters earlier this month.
The offer, submitted in early July, is backed by approximately $50 billion in committed bank financing and represents a 28% premium to PayPal’s closing share price on Tuesday. The deal discussions remain confidential, and both PayPal and Stripe have declined to comment, while Advent also declined to respond to requests for comment.
The proposal marks a significant moment for PayPal, whose stock has faced considerable pressure throughout 2026. As of July 14, the company’s market capitalization stood at approximately $40.86 billion, with shares trading around $47.37. The stock price has declined roughly 36% over the past year, according to market data, as the company grappled with slowing growth and competitive pressures in the payments sector.
Advent International has emerged as a major player in fintech and payments consolidation. The firm recently closed a $26 billion buyout fund and has invested or committed more than $7.8 billion in 18 payments and fintech companies globally since 2008, according to its sector report. The firm’s track record includes its 2024 agreement to take Canadian fintech company Nuvei private in a $6.3 billion all-cash deal, demonstrating its appetite for large-scale payments acquisitions.
Stripe, the Irish fintech giant, has been exploring a potential acquisition of PayPal since early 2026, when Bloomberg first reported in February that the payments processor was considering a bid for all or parts of the company. That initial report sent PayPal shares surging nearly 7% as investors reacted to the takeover speculation. The company’s preliminary interest came at a time when PayPal was navigating a strategic reorganization and leadership changes, including the appointment of a new CEO tasked with revitalizing growth.
The current formal offer represents a substantial escalation from the exploratory discussions earlier in the year. With committed financing in place and a specific price per share, the proposal signals serious intent from both Stripe and Advent to move forward. The deal would combine Stripe’s modern payment infrastructure and technology with PayPal’s established consumer and merchant base, creating a formidable global payments platform.
The discussions are confidential, meaning neither party has publicly disclosed details about negotiation status or likelihood of completion. PayPal’s board and management will need to evaluate the offer against other strategic alternatives and the company’s standalone prospects. Regulatory approval from financial authorities would be required for any such transaction to proceed.
Sources
- The Economic Times / Reuters — Stripe and Advent International joint offer to acquire PayPal for $60.50 per share, valuing the company at more than $53 billion, backed by approximately $50 billion in committed bank financing, representing a 28% premium to PayPal’s closing share price.
- Macrotrends — PayPal Holdings market cap as of July 14, 2026 is $40.86 billion; stock price history and closing price of $47.37 on July 14, 2026.
- Morningstar — PayPal market cap of $41.79 billion as of July 14, 2026.
- Bloomberg — February 2026 report that Stripe was considering an acquisition of PayPal; June 2026 report that Advent International was nearing the final close of a $26 billion buyout fund.
- Advent International — Payments sector report stating the firm has invested or committed more than $7.8 billion in 18 payments and fintech companies globally since 2008.
- FinTech Futures — Advent International’s April 2024 agreement to take Nuvei private in a $6.3 billion all-cash deal.
