CoinDesk bought by crypto exchange Bullish

In a significant move within the cryptocurrency industry, Bullish, a crypto exchange led by former New York Stock Exchange president Tom Farley, has acquired the renowned cryptocurrency news site CoinDesk. This acquisition comes after the financial difficulties faced by CoinDesk's parent company following the collapse of FTX.

CoinDesk, known for its critical role in exposing the financial discrepancies in FTX's balance sheet last November, has been a pivotal player in the crypto journalism space. The deal, which was finalized in an all-cash transaction, was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal. The specifics of the deal, however, remain undisclosed.

Despite the change in ownership, CoinDesk will continue to operate under its existing management team as an independent subsidiary within Bullish. Additionally, the news outlet is set to establish an editorial committee led by Matt Murray, the former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal.

The backdrop of this acquisition is the tumultuous journey of CoinDesk's parent company, Digital Currency Group (DCG). Acquired by DCG in 2016 for $500,000, CoinDesk has been one of the company's most successful investments. DCG's subsidiary, Genesis, a crypto lender, faced a downfall with funds tied up in FTX, leading to a lawsuit against DCG to recover $620 million in unpaid loans. Both DCG and Genesis are also embroiled in a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleging investor deception and a loss exceeding $1 billion.

Barry Silbert, the founder of DCG, expressed his pride in CoinDesk's growth and transformation into a leading media and events company over the past seven years. Despite the sale, CoinDesk's influence in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem remains significant, with its editorial coverage, events, and market-leading data and indices.

Bullish's acquisition of CoinDesk marks a new chapter for the news outlet, with Farley announcing plans to inject capital into several of CoinDesk's growth initiatives. These investments are expected to facilitate the launch of new services, events, and products, further cementing CoinDesk's position in the industry.

Interestingly, Bullish is also reportedly in contention to acquire remnants of FTX, potentially allowing the company to revive the beleaguered exchange.

This acquisition highlights the ongoing consolidation and strategic realignments within the cryptocurrency sector, as companies navigate through market volatility and regulatory challenges.

Read more about the CoinDesk acquisition by Bullish.