Cryptocurrency platform Coinbase plans to ramp up its activities in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) following its recent acquisition of the options exchange Deribit for $2.9 billion. CEO Brian Armstrong commented on these intentions, emphasizing that the company is always looking for new opportunities for strategic mergers.
This is reported by Бізнес • Медіа
Armstrong noted, “We are always considering M&A opportunities. We have a strong balance sheet to leverage. Being a public company means we have a liquid instrument for such deals. This does not mean we are jumping at every offer. We are looking for the right opportunities.”
Strategic Focus on International Companies
The company is focusing on international enterprises that can accelerate the development of its products. When asked about the possibility of acquiring Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, Armstrong said, “I have nothing to announce at this time.”
It is worth noting that Ripple previously expressed interest in acquiring Circle, but its offer was rejected. Meanwhile, Circle has already filed for a public stock offering.
Entry into the S&P 500 Index and Future Prospects
Coinbase continues to be one of the leading players in the cryptocurrency acquisition market. The acquisition of Deribit was partially financed with $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of the company, taking into account standard deal value adjustments.
Additionally, the company will soon enter the S&P 500 index, replacing Discover Financial Services. In light of this news, Coinbase’s shares rose by 24%, and by 4% since the beginning of the year. Armstrong emphasized that “Joining the S&P 500 is proof that the crypto industry remains and is becoming part of the financial system.”
Furthermore, Coinbase is focusing on expanding the use of crypto payments and is monitoring the stablecoin regulation bill in the U.S. Senate. According to data published for the first quarter of 2025, the company’s total revenue was $2.03 billion, with an adjusted net profit of $527 million.