WSJ: PayPal in talks to sell to Stripe and Advent after rejecting $60.50 a share bid
- Deal value
- $53B
- Place in VP50
- #6
- Sources
- 2
- Claims verified
- 6 of 6
What happened
The Wall Street Journal reported on August 14, 2026 that PayPal Holdings was in talks to sell itself to Stripe and the private-equity firm Advent International. Investing.com, relaying the WSJ report, said the buyers had proposed $60.50 a share in July, valuing PayPal at about $53 billion, in an all-cash offer. PayPal rejected the offer as insufficient, and the sides were continuing to negotiate a higher price. Stripe would take an equal stake alongside Advent in the combined company. Investing.com added that Reuters had reported the buyers would not break up PayPal's business, and that WSJ sources said a deal could materialize within weeks.
The financing structure was not disclosed publicly, and it was unresolved how the two buyers would split the funding. Investing.com said PayPal had not publicly confirmed or commented on the report. It also noted that PayPal shares rose about 1.7% on Friday afternoon, after a 32.5% gain in July. No agreement had been announced. The $53 billion is the value of the July offer for PayPal, not a price PayPal accepted and not a valuation of Stripe.
Key points
- WSJ reported on August 14, 2026 that PayPal was in talks to sell itself to Stripe and Advent International.12
- The July offer was $60.50 a share, about $53 billion, all cash; PayPal rejected it as insufficient.2
- The sides were negotiating a higher price, and WSJ sources said a deal could materialize within weeks.2
- Stripe would take an equal stake alongside Advent in the combined company.2
- The financing structure was not disclosed, and PayPal did not publicly comment.2
Why it matters
The $53 billion is the value of the July offer for PayPal. The sources give no price or valuation for Stripe shares, so this event sets no new mark for Stripe.
Stripe is reported to take an equal stake alongside Advent, which makes it a co-owner rather than the sole buyer. How the two split the funding was not disclosed.
PayPal rejected the $60.50 a share offer as insufficient and talks on a higher price continued, so no agreed terms had been reported.
In context
| Round | Date | Post-money valuation | Raised | Led by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series D | Nov 25, 2016 | $9.2B | $150M | CapitalG and General Catalyst |
| Series F | Jan 29, 2019 | $23B | $100M | Unknown |
| Series G extension | Apr 16, 2020 | $36B | $600M | Unknown |
| Series H | Mar 14, 2021 | $95B | $600M | Unknown |
| Series I | Mar 15, 2023 | $50B | $6.5B | Unknown |
Updated
Fact-check
- WSJ reported on August 14, 2026 that PayPal was in talks to sell itself to Stripe and Advent International.Confirmed by [2] Investing.com, published August 14, 2026, which relays the WSJ report from that Friday. [1] WSJ could not be read directly.Verified
- The July offer was $60.50 a share, about $53 billion, in cash.Confirmed by [2] Investing.com, citing the WSJ: $60.50 a share proposed in July, valuing PayPal at about $53 billion, described as all-cash.Verified
- PayPal rejected the offer as insufficient and the sides continued to negotiate a higher price.Confirmed by [2] Investing.com: PayPal rejected that offer as insufficient and talks on a higher price are ongoing.Verified
- Stripe would take an equal stake alongside Advent in the combined company.Confirmed by [2] Investing.com.Verified
- WSJ sources said a deal could materialize within weeks; Reuters reported the buyers would not break up PayPal.Confirmed by [2] Investing.com, which relays both. They are reports of sources' views, not company statements.Verified
- PayPal shares rose about 1.7% on Friday afternoon, after a 32.5% gain in July.Confirmed by [2] Investing.com, which gives both share-price moves.Verified
Sources
- [1]The Wall Street Journal (opens in a new tab)PayPal in Talks to Sell Itself to Stripe, Private-Equity Firm
- [2]Investing.com (citing WSJ) (opens in a new tab)Stripe and Advent bid $60.50 a share for PayPal as talks advance, WSJ reportsPayPal rejected that offer as insufficient
