Paypal Stock Draws Takeover Interest After Slide That Wiped Out Almost Half

Feb 23 — paypal stock was last up 9% in late-morning trading after News said potential buyers have approached PayPal following a slide that wiped out almost half of its value. The moves come as the payments firm has held meetings with banks amid unsolicited interest from suitors.

Buyers have met banks as suitors circle

The report said PayPal has fielded meetings with banks as at least some potential acquirers press their interest. It said at least one large rival is looking at the whole company, while some other suitors are focused only on certain PayPal assets. Those details mirror the immediate market reaction: shares climbed 9% in late-morning trading on Feb 23.

Paypal Stock, valuation and company response

PayPal’s market capitalization stood at roughly $38. 35 billion, based on data compiled by LSEG cited in the report. The story said the stock slide that prompted takeover interest wiped out almost half of the company’s value. PayPal declined to comment on the report, and could not independently verify the details in the News item.

What this means now

The coming steps described in the coverage center on the meetings with banks and the interest from potential buyers. The immediate, confirmed facts are: a broad wave of unsolicited interest has prompted bank talks; at least one large rival is assessing a full-company bid; and other parties are targeting specific assets. Beyond that, PayPal offered no comment and no timetable for any sale or asset transaction was provided in the material available on Feb 23.

Market watchers will likely focus on any filings or formal announcements that follow the meetings with banks. For now, the only confirmed next items are the continued market trading of the shares and the media coverage of suitors' activity; PayPal has not announced any next steps.