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Ripple to Acquire Stablecoin Payments Platform Rail for $200 Million to Expand Market Leadership

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Ripple announced plans to acquire Rail, a Toronto-based stablecoin payments platform, for $200 million in a deal expected to close in Q4 2025 pending regulatory approval. The acquisition aims to enhance Ripple’s stablecoin infrastructure and strengthen its position in cross-border stablecoin payments.

Rail, backed by Galaxy Ventures and Accomplice, facilitates cross-border payments using stablecoins, boasting faster settlement times and lower transaction costs compared to traditional fiat payments. Rail currently processes around 10% of global stablecoin payment volume.

Ripple, closely associated with the XRP token and its own stablecoin RLUSD, highlighted that integrating Rail’s technology will bring virtual accounts and automated back-office operations to its payment solutions. Monica Long, Ripple’s president, emphasized that clearer regulations and market maturity have created ripe conditions for growth in stablecoin payments.

This move follows a recent U.S. law signed by President Donald Trump establishing a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of digital assets for everyday payments.

Ripple also disclosed an earlier acquisition plan for Hidden Road, a multi-asset prime broker, in a $1.25 billion deal intended to boost RLUSD’s utility.

RLUSD, launched last year, currently has a market cap exceeding $611 million, competing with dominant stablecoins like Tether and Circle’s USDC.

Blackstone to Acquire Energy Data Firm Enverus in $6.5 Billion Deal

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Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, announced on Wednesday it has agreed to acquire energy data and analytics provider Enverus. Sources indicate the deal could be valued at up to $6.5 billion if Enverus meets certain financial targets, with Blackstone committing between $6.1 billion and $6.4 billion for the acquisition. The transaction is expected to be partly financed by approximately $3 billion in debt.

This acquisition marks a sign of revival in private equity dealmaking following a slowdown caused by economic uncertainties and tariffs. Blackstone’s President Jonathan Gray recently noted that the “dealmaking pause was behind us.”

Enverus, based in Austin, Texas, provides analytics and benchmark data to over 8,000 customers worldwide, spanning energy producers, suppliers, utilities, and power companies. Founded in 1999, it leverages AI and real-time intelligence in the energy sector—a focus highlighted by Enverus CEO Manuj Nikhanj, who called the partnership a “launchpad” for growth.

Blackstone’s investment follows its recent moves in energy, including the acquisition of a large natural gas power plant in Virginia earlier this year. The deal, expected to close by the end of 2025, was advised by RBC Capital Markets and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, while Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Kirkland & Ellis advised Enverus and its current owner Hellman & Friedman.

Hellman & Friedman, which acquired Enverus in 2021 for $4.25 billion, initiated the current sale process, drawing interest from multiple buyout firms.

Zebra Technologies to Acquire Elo Touch Solutions for $1.3 Billion, Raises Full-Year Forecasts

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Barcode scanner and handheld device maker Zebra Technologies (ZBRA.O) announced a $1.3 billion all-cash deal to acquire Elo Touch Solutions, a touchscreen system maker, as it expands its retail-focused offerings. The acquisition follows strong second-quarter results driven by rising demand for Zebra’s devices and a recent acquisition of 3D imaging firm Photoneo.

Zebra’s shares jumped nearly 7% in premarket trading following the announcement and an upward revision of its annual revenue and profit guidance. The company benefits from increased digitization in retail and logistics, with its products aiding inventory management, warehouse operations, and shipment tracking.

The Elo Touch acquisition, expected to close in 2025, will add self-service kiosks, payment terminals, and touchscreen systems to Zebra’s portfolio, enabling frontline workers to better serve customers. CEO Bill Burns described the deal as a “next step” to accelerate frontline connectivity and estimated it expands Zebra’s addressable market by $8 billion.

Elo Touch, serving clients including JCPenney, has annual sales near $400 million. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings and to generate around $25 million in additional core profit three years after closing.

Zebra’s Q2 performance also benefited from lower tariffs than anticipated, with supply chain diversification across China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Mexico helping manage costs. In April, Zebra raised prices on most North American products to offset tariff-related pressures.

For the full year, Zebra now expects sales growth between 5% and 7%, up from a prior range of 3% to 7%. Adjusted earnings per share guidance has been raised to $15.25–$15.75 from $13.75–$14.75.

In Q2, sales rose 6.2% to $1.29 billion, meeting estimates, while adjusted EPS of $3.61 exceeded expectations of $3.32.