Coinbase is in advanced talks to acquire Deribit, a leading trading platform for bitcoin and ether options. This information comes from Bloomberg, which cites anonymous sources. Both companies have informed Dubai regulators about these discussions, as Deribit holds a license there. Any buyer would take over this license.
Coinbase is the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., while Deribit is the biggest for options trading. Coinbase has not confirmed the rumors. A spokesperson stated that the company is always looking for ways to enhance economic freedom and is open to building, buying, partnering, or investing to achieve its goals.
In January, Deribit hired a financial adviser to explore potential opportunities. This move attracted interest from possible buyers. Reports suggested that Kraken, another crypto exchange, might also be interested in acquiring Deribit. However, Kraken has not engaged in any discussions regarding a purchase.
Bloomberg’s report indicates that there is no final agreement between Coinbase and Deribit yet. The potential value of Deribit has been estimated to be between $4 billion and $5 billion.
