Stripe, Advent in advanced PayPal sale talks

Stripe and private equity firm Advent International are in advanced negotiations to acquire digital payments company PayPal, according to people familiar with the matter, potentially bringing a deal to purchase the once-dominant fintech pioneer closer to fruition within weeks. The renewed talks follow PayPal's rejection of an initial joint offer of $60.50 per share submitted in July, which the company's board deemed insufficient.

The discussions represent the latest development in a long-speculated deal for PayPal, which has seen its market value decline dramatically from its peak. The companies have continued negotiating since the summer, aiming to reach an improved valuation. While no agreement is guaranteed, sources indicate a transaction could materialize in the coming weeks. Following the report of renewed talks on Friday, PayPal's shares rose approximately 1.8%, bringing the company's market capitalization to nearly $53 billion.

The initial July proposal would have valued PayPal at roughly $53 billion, a figure close to its current market cap but representing an approximate 85% decline from its 2021 peak, when shares exceeded $300 and the company was valued at over $280...