The proposed deal would see Stripe and Advent divide ownership of the payments giant equally. Despite the immediate market enthusiasm, the offer price remains significantly lower than the stock’s valuation of $78.22 a year ago and pales in comparison to its July 2021 peak of $308.52. Representatives for PayPal and Stripe did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while Advent International declined to address the speculation.

Industry analysts remain skeptical regarding the strategic logic of the move. Simon Taylor of Fintech Brainfood noted that the acquisition risks distracting Stripe from its own rapid growth while saddling the buyer with PayPal’s complex internal infrastructure. Thomas Hayes, chairman of Great Hill Capital, argued the bid fundamentally undervalues the company, citing PayPal’s robust free cash flow and margin expansion as reasons why even an $80-per-share offer would fall short of the firm’s true potential.