The major US crypto exchange Coinbase has acquired the originally Dutch crypto company Deribit. The acquisition has a value of 2,9 billion dollars. Deribit was founded by the Dutch brothers John and Marius Jansen. Although the company once started in Stadskanaal in Groningen, it now operates from Dubai.
The current CEO of Deribit, Luuk Strijers, is enthusiastic about the acquisition: “Together with Coinbase, we will shape the future of the global crypto derivatives market.” Coinbase itself also calls the deal a 'important step in our global expansion strategy'.
The transaction consists of $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase stock, though the final price is subject to customary adjustments.
Within the crypto industry, the acquisition is seen as one of the largest deals ever between two crypto companies. For Deribit, it means joining one of the largest players in the global crypto market — a remarkable move for a platform that started out in a provincial Dutch town.
Deribit left the Netherlands in 2020 due to strict laws and regulations around cryptocurrencies. The company first chose to set up shop in Panama, and later moved to Dubai, where it eventually received an official license to operate in the crypto markets.
1. Why did Coinbase buy Deribit? Coinbase aims to strengthen its position in the global crypto derivatives market and sees Deribit as a strategic addition to its offering.
2. What is special about this acquisition? It is one of the largest deals ever between crypto companies, and marks the entry of an originally Dutch company into the world top in crypto.
3. Why did Deribit leave the Netherlands? Due to strict regulations for crypto companies in the Netherlands, Deribit decided in 2020 to move to locations with a more favorable regulatory climate, such as Dubai.