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Bitcoin

In a significant move on Wednesday, <a href="https://bitwiseinvestments.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bitwise</a>, the largest crypto index fund manager in the US, announced the acquisition of Osprey Funds’s Bitcoin Trust (BITB) assets. The BIT Journal reports that this acquisition marks a remarkable moment in the crypto world. The deal was <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240827146280/en/Osprey-Funds-and-Bitwise-Asset-Management-Announce-the-Bitwise-Bitcoin-ETF-to-Acquire-the-Assets-of-the-Osprey-Bitcoin-Trust" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">announced</a> on August 27, with Bitwise revealing its intentions to integrate OBTC into its growing portfolio. 
The acquisition of Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust by Bitwise is seen as a strategic step forward. Bitwise plans to provide OBTC unitholders with shares in BITB through a liquidating distribution. The transaction is structured to be tax-free under U.S. federal income tax laws. This deal is expected to close later this year, pending the usual closing conditions. 
<h2 id="strong-osprey-funds-and-the-strategic-acquisition-strong">Osprey Funds and the Strategic Acquisition</h2> 
Osprey has been exploring various strategic alternatives to enhance the value for its unitholders. This acquisition by Bitwise follows Osprey’s earlier announcement about potential sales or mergers of the Trust. The move to join forces with Bitwise is seen as a significant step forward for Osprey, providing OBTC unitholders with an opportunity to benefit from Bitwise’s scale and expertise. 
<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-42461 size-full" src="https://thebitjournal.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_4285.jpeg" alt="Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets" width="1024" height="585" title="Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets 8"> 
The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but Osprey reported that the trust had over $123 million in assets under management as of August 26. The trust’s unitholders will receive BITB shares, ensuring they continue to have equivalent exposure to Bitcoin via the new structure. 
The BIT Journal also reported that further details of this acquisition will be outlined in a registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The report underscored that no changes are expected for existing BITB holders, maintaining stability for investors. 
<h2 id="strong-osprey-funds-unitholders-to-benefit-strong">Osprey Funds Unitholders to Benefit</h2> 
Osprey unitholders are at the center of this acquisition. The move is designed to be in their best interest, offering them continued exposure to Bitcoin without disruption. Osprey Funds’ decision to align with Bitwise is expected to bring added value to its unitholders through the expertise and scale that Bitwise brings to the table. 
<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-42462 size-full" src="https://thebitjournal.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_4286.jpeg" alt="Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets" width="1024" height="585" title="Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets 9"> 
Bitwise’s acquisition of Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust comes on the heels of Bitwise’s expansion into the European market. Recently, Bitwise acquired ETC Group, a London-based crypto exchange-traded product issuer managing over $1 billion in assets. This European expansion is seen as a significant step in Bitwise’s international growth. By acquiring Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust, Bitwise further cements its position as a leading player in the global crypto market. 
<h2 id="strong-osprey-funds-and-the-future-of-crypto-strong">Osprey Funds and the Future of Crypto</h2> 
The future looks promising for Osprey’s unitholders as they transition into Bitwise’s broader portfolio. According to news sources, Osprey sees this acquisition as a major win for its unitholders, allowing them to benefit from Bitwise’s proven track record in managing crypto assets. 
<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-42463 size-full" src="https://thebitjournal.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_4287.jpeg" alt="Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets" width="1024" height="585" title="Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets 10"> 
Founded in 2019, ETC Group, now under Bitwise’s umbrella, is known for its physical Bitcoin ETP. Bitwise plans to rebrand all of ETC Group’s offerings under its own name, further expanding its reach in the crypto market. The acquisition of Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust aligns with Bitwise’s strategy of growth and expansion, ensuring that unitholders receive the best possible management and exposure to Bitcoin. 
With over $123 million in assets under management, Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust was already a significant player in the market. Now, with Bitwise stepping in, unitholders can expect even greater benefits. 
This acquisition is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The move is seen as a positive development for Osprey’s unitholders, offering them continued exposure to Bitcoin with the added advantage of being under Bitwise’s management. 
Osprey’s decision to join forces with Bitwise marks a significant moment in the crypto world. As the acquisition unfolds, Osprey’s unitholders are positioned to benefit from this strategic move, with <a href="https://thebitjournal.com/">The BIT Journal</a> keeping a close eye on the developments.

Bitwise Acquires Osprey Funds’ Bitcoin Trust Assets

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The Bit Journal

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