Coinbase to acquire options trading platform Deribit for $2.9B

Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the US by trading volume, has agreed to acquire Deribit, one of the world’s biggest crypto derivatives trading platforms.

Coinbase Global will acquire Deribit for about $2.9 billion, the exchange announced on May 8.

The acquisition will allow Coinbase to expand into the profitable crypto derivatives market and continue scaling the platform’s global growth, Greg Tusar, Coinbase’s vice president of institutional product, said in the announcement.

“With Deribit’s strong presence and professional client base, Coinbase is making its most substantial move yet to accelerate our international growth strategy,” he said.

Deal follows reports of Dubai regulatory steps

The $2.9 billion deal includes $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase Class A common stock, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

“This transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close by year-end,” the announcement said.

Previous reports in March suggested that Coinbase and Deribit had alerted regulators in Dubai about the potential deal, as Deribit holds a license in Dubai, which would need to be transferred to Coinbase if the deal is successful.

The reports also previously suggested that a deal with Coinbase could value Deribit at between $4 billion and $5 billion.

Cointelegraph approached Deribit for comment regarding the deal but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

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