Bakkt Agrees to Acquire Distributed Technologies Research Ltd.

Core Insights - Bakkt Holdings, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Distributed Technologies Research Ltd. (DTR), enhancing its global stablecoin settlement and programmable payments strategy [1][2] - The company will operate under the name "Bakkt, Inc." starting January 22, 2026, and plans to host an Investor Day on March 17, 2026 [1][4] Acquisition Details - Bakkt will issue shares of its Class A common stock representing 31.5% of the "Bakkt Share Number" as consideration for DTR, amounting to approximately 9,128,682 shares [2] - The final number of shares will be determined according to the Cooperation Agreement and may change before the transaction closes [2] - The acquisition is expected to accelerate Bakkt's time-to-market for stablecoin settlement and reduce third-party dependency [2] Governance and Approval - The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and stockholder approval [3] - An independent special committee of Bakkt's Board of Directors evaluated and approved the transaction to ensure robust governance [3] Strategic Implications - The acquisition is seen as a strategic fit that will consolidate Bakkt's stablecoin settlement infrastructure and support its neobanking strategy [4] - Bakkt aims to create a unified global financial infrastructure platform by integrating DTR's technology with its own market presence and regulatory framework [4] - The transaction is expected to unlock new capabilities and efficiencies for merchants, financial institutions, and end users [4]