Ripple Doubles Its Bid to \$11B to Acquire Circle — but Coinbase Wants In Too!$USDC
The crypto space is buzzing with major acquisition rumors. Ripple has reportedly doubled its offer to acquire Circle — the firm behind the USDC stablecoin — from \$5 billion to a massive **\$11 billion**. And now, **Coinbase** might be joining the race too.
While none of the parties have confirmed the deal, speculation is growing: *Is Ripple making a brilliant strategic move — or is this a high-stakes gamble?
Why Is Ripple After Circle?
Just weeks ago, Ripple reportedly made an offer of **\$4–5 billion** for Circle, which was rejected. Now, with **Coinbase potentially entering the bidding war**, Ripple may have upped its offer dramatically in an attempt to secure the deal.
If confirmed, this would be one of the boldest takeover attempts in crypto since the collapse of FTX.
The key reason for the scramble? **USDC**,
Circle’s flagship stablecoin, which boasts a market cap of **\$61 billion**. It's considered one of the most valuable assets in the digital economy.
Adding more intrigue is the improving U.S. regulatory outlook — with pro-crypto signals coming from Trump’s camp, including a planned *Crypto Dinner* for the top 220 holders of the TRUMP meme coin.
Ripple Has the Firepower
According to Ripple’s **Q1 2025 Markets Report**, the company holds around **4.56 billion XRP** worth approximately **\$10.72 billion** in its wallets. It also controls **37.13 billion XRP** in escrow — valued at over **\$87 billion**.
With reserves like that, Ripple has the financial strength to make a splash.
Notably, crypto analyst and angel investor **Paul Barron** tweeted:
“BREAKING: @Ripple and @coinbase now in a bidding war for @circle – Sources say @ripple has the upper hand at a \$9–11 billion price tag. #XRP #USDC #CRYPTO”
What’s Coinbase’s Play?
Coinbase isn’t backing down either. With **\$8 billion in cash reserves** reported in Q1 2025 — and the ability to raise more through public markets — Coinbase has the flexibility to compete. It could structure its offer with a mix of **cash and stock**, potentially outbidding Ripple depending on how aggressive it wants to get.
Is Circle Even Selling?
Here’s the twist: **Circle hasn’t confirmed** any intent to sell. The company has publicly stated its commitment to long-term growth and is reportedly still planning an **IPO**.
Backed by financial giants like **JPMorgan** and **Citi**, Circle holds considerable leverage in any negotiations. It’s possible that the company is simply entertaining offers to gauge market interest or increase its valuation before going public.
This developing story could reshape the crypto landscape. Whether Ripple or Coinbase comes out on top — or whether Circle holds its ground — one thing is clear: **The stablecoin race just got serious.**