Capital One Acquires Discover in $35 Billion Deal

MCLEAN, Va. and RIVERWOODS, Ill. (PRNewswire) — Capital One Financial Corporation and Discover Financial Services  announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Capital One will acquire Discover in an all-stock transaction valued at $35.3 billion.

The transaction brings together two companies with long-standing track records of delivering attractive and resilient financial results, award-winning customer experiences, breakthrough innovation, and financial inclusion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Discover shareholders will receive 1.0192 Capital One shares for each Discover share, representing a premium of 26.6% based on Discover’s closing price of $110.49 on February 16, 2024. At close, Capital One shareholders will own approximately 60% and Discover shareholders will own approximately 40% of the combined company.

“From Capital One’s founding days, we set out to build a payments and banking company powered by modern technology. Our acquisition of Discover is a singular opportunity to bring together two very successful companies with complementary capabilities and franchises, and to build a payments network that can compete with the largest payments networks and payments companies,” said Richard Fairbank, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Capital One. “Through this combination, we’re creating a company that is exceptionally well-positioned to create significant value for consumers, small businesses, merchants, and shareholders as technology continues to transform the payments and banking marketplace.”

Michael Rhodes, CEO and President of Discover, said the deal “brings together two strong brands with enhanced ability to accelerate growth and maximizes value for our shareholders.”

“This agreement underscores the strength of our business and is a testament to the hard work of Discover employees,” Rhodes said. “We look forward to a bright future as part of the Capital One family and to providing expanded opportunities for our loyal customers.”