Ripple reportedly raises offer to acquire Circle for $11B, intensifying competition in stablecoin market - IcoHolder.

Rumors are swirling that Ripple has dramatically increased its offer to acquire Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, from $5 billion to an eye-popping $11 billion. While neither Ripple nor Circle has confirmed the reports, the news has ignited speculation over whether this move is a strategic masterstroke or a sign of desperation amid mounting competition.

Ripple’s interest in Circle centers on USDC, one of the largest stablecoins with a market capitalization of $61 billion, viewed as a prized asset in the crypto ecosystem. After an initial $4–5 billion offer was reportedly rejected last month, Ripple seems ready to raise the stakes, especially as Coinbase enters the fray. Coinbase, with $8 billion in cash and public market backing, offers a formidable challenge and could leverage both cash and stock to compete.

Ripple’s financial strength is evident, holding over 4.5 billion XRP valued at more than $10 billion and another 37 billion XRP locked in escrow worth over $87 billion. This deep reserve could fuel bold acquisition moves. Experts like angel investor Paul Barron suggest Ripple aims to outpace Coinbase with bids between $9 billion and $11 billion.

However, Circle itself remains publicly silent on the potential sale, maintaining focus on long-term plans including an IPO and backed by major financial institutions such as JPMorgan and Citi. The possibility remains that Circle is leveraging acquisition interest to increase its valuation or gain strategic insights, rather than preparing for an immediate sale. As the battle for Circle unfolds, the outcome could reshape the future landscape of crypto finance.