CoinShares has confirmed the exercise of its strategic option to acquire Valkyrie Funds, thereby bolstering its entrance into the U.S. market.

CoinShares International Limited, announced it has exercised the option to acquire Valkyrie Funds LLC (“Valkyrie Funds”), the U.S. digital asset manager’s investment advisory business specialising in actively managed cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds, from Valkyrie Investments Inc. (“Valkyrie Investments”).

CoinShares’ decision to exercise this option comes as a direct result of SEC approval for the issuance of Valkyrie’s spot Bitcoin ETF, The Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR), which commenced trading on Thursday 11th January 2024 at 09:30 am ET on Nasdaq as part of the first cohort of issuers for such products in the U.S. This move aligns with the positive developments in the US  regulatory landscape and CoinShares’ strategy to expand its digital asset offerings in the U.S. market.

Upon completion, the acquisition is expected to bolster CoinShares’ existing AUM, currently at $4.5 billion by approximately $110 million, being the current level of AUM within Valkyrie’s existing ETF products: The Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (Nasdaq: BRRR), The Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (Nasdaq: BTF) and The Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (Nasdaq: WGMI).

The exercise of this option signifies a pivotal step in the acquisition process, clearly demonstrating CoinShares’ commitment to acquiring Valkyrie Funds. Once finalised, this will lead to the direct integration of Valkyrie’s’ funds and operations into the CoinShares group.

CEO of CoinShares, Jean-Marie Mognetti, commented: “Since our inception in 2014, CoinShares has consistently led the European digital asset industry, setting benchmarks for transparency and investor protection with its regulated digital asset products. Our expertise has enabled us to dominate the European market, commanding over 40% of all assets under management in crypto ETPs. Exercising our option to acquire Valkyrie Funds aims at extending our European success in the U.S, offering unparalleled access to regulated digital asset products to American investors. This expansion is a clear statement of our appetite for acquisition to support our ambition to be a global leader in the digital asset space.”

Leah Wald, CEO of Valkyrie Funds, stated: “CoinShares has established itself as a premier player in the digital asset space and we’re excited to see how they continue advancing the space by leveraging Valkyrie’s team and expertise. CoinShares’ renowned capabilities and proven success in combination with our strengths promise to propel us forward in the American digital asset investment sphere, particularly within the digital asset ETF market. Being part of such a strong and successful group marks a promising new chapter for us.”

The acquisition is pending the completion of satisfactory due diligence, the finalisation of necessary legal agreements and final Company board approval. Valkyrie Funds is maintaining its operational independence until the acquisition is fully executed and finalised.

Source: CoinShares