Shares of PayPal moved higher after reports surfaced that payments giant Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have jointly submitted a takeover proposal worth more than $53 billion. The consortium reportedly offered $60.50 per share—about 28% above PayPal’s recent closing price—and has secured around $50 billion in bank commitments to support the deal.
Stripe and Advent Await PayPal’s Response
According to sources familiar with the matter, Stripe and Advent submitted the latest proposal earlier this month, following an initial approach in early April. PayPal’s board has not yet responded, but the two firms hope to move discussions forward in the coming weeks. Under the proposed structure, Stripe and Advent would each hold a 50% stake and keep PayPal intact rather than splitting its operations. The acquisition would give Stripe access to PayPal’s broad consumer network, including Venmo and Braintree.
PayPal’s Strong First-Quarter Results
The takeover interest follows stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings from PayPal. Revenue rose 7% year-over-year to $8.35 billion, beating analysts’ estimate of $8.05 billion. Currency-neutral total payment volume increased 8% to approximately $464 billion. Adjusted earnings came in at $1.34 per share. Despite the solid results, investors have been seeking clearer evidence that PayPal’s turnaround can sustain growth. Management has been pursuing operational improvements through artificial intelligence, expecting AI tools and organizational changes to reduce duplicated work and generate about $1.5 billion in savings over the next two to three years, which will be directed toward growth initiatives.
PayPal Shares Slip Before Reported Offer
PayPal shares fell 0.59% during Monday’s regular trading session, closing at $47.37, according to Google Finance. The stock recovered slightly after hours, edging 0.06% higher to $47.40. The proposed $60.50 price stands well above the latest closing level. Stripe remains one of the world’s most valuable privately held fintech companies, valued at approximately $159 billion in a February employee tender offer. The company reported that businesses using its platform generated $1.9 trillion in payment volume during 2025, up 34% from the previous year. Advent would bring private equity capital and payments-sector experience, managing about $94 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026.
What’s Next?
Any completed acquisition would require financing, shareholder, and regulatory reviews. The reported proposal remains pending while Stripe and Advent wait for PayPal’s response. Investors will watch the next trading session for any reaction to the acquisition news.
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