EddieJayonCrypto
21 May 25
MetaLeX Labs founder Gabriel Shapiro warned that Ripple acquiring Circle could lead to a "crypto apocalypse" and likely face antitrust challenges from regulators concerned about Ripple gaining excessive control. Shapiro criticized Ripple's past tactics against competitors and highlighted the need fo...
MetaLeX Labs founder Gabriel Shapiro has issued a stark warning that Ripple’s potential acquisition of Circle could trigger a “crypto apocalypse” due to significant antitrust concerns.Regulatory authorities are expected to block Ripple’s takeover attempt to prevent the company from gaining excessive control over the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Shapiro criticized Ripple’s history of competitive tactics, which include spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) about rivals, such as its 2022 campaign against Bitcoin mining alongside Greenpeace.Ripple made a $5 billion bid for Circle, but this offer was previously deemed too low. Meanwhile, Coinbase is currently viewed as the favored contender to acquire Circle. Ripple’s large holdings of XRP tokens provide it with a strong position in the acquisition race.Legal experts advise Circle to carefully weigh antitrust risks and the interests of its shareholders under the Revlon doctrine, which mandates that a company must seek the best possible deal for its shareholders. Shapiro emphasized that if a definitive agreement is signed with Ripple, it will almost certainly face scrutiny from the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission due to Ripple’s controversial past actions.Making Ripple the largest asset issuer across multiple blockchains could be disastrous and anticompetitive, Shapiro warned, potentially destabilizing the broader crypto market.As Ripple vies with Coinbase for Circle, the outcome will not only hinge on financial offers but also on regulatory approval and the balancing of market competition concerns in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.