Not in negotiations regarding the sale of all or part of eBay, ICE clarifies

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), a leading operator of global exchanges and clearing houses, has made an offer to take over online marketplace eBay, The Wall Street Journal reported.

ICE is the parent firm of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the bitcoin futures exchange Bakkt, which went live with its bitcoin futures contract in September 2019.

The derivatives and equities trading giant has reportedly approached eBay in the past as well. The takeover offer is expected to bring eBay’s valuation to over $30 billion, the report said. However, the companies have not yet held formal discussions on the matter.

Following the WSJ report, ICE has issued an official statement, saying:

“ICE approached eBay to explore a range of potential opportunities that might create value for the shareholders of both companies. eBay has not engaged in a meaningful way. We are not in negotiations regarding the sale of all or part of eBay.”

Shares of eBay surged almost 9 percent on the news on Tuesday.

Last November, ICE announced the launch of the Bakkt Bitcoin (USD) Cash Settled Monthly Futures contract. ICE Futures Singapore also listed the contract in December.

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