Bitcoin News Today: MARA Acquires 64% Stake in Exaion for $168M to Expand AI and HPC Infrastructure

MARA Holdings, a leading Bitcoin miner and digital energy company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 64% majority stake in Exaion, a French high-performance computing (HPC) and AI infrastructure firm, for $168 million in cash [2]. The deal includes an option for MARA to increase its ownership to 75% by 2027 with an additional $127 million investment, contingent on meeting performance milestones [2]. Exaion, a subsidiary of EDF Group’s EDF Pulse Ventures, specializes in secure cloud and HPC solutions, having partnered with technology leaders such as NVIDIA and Deloitte [3].

The partnership is expected to allow MARA to accelerate its expansion into AI and HPC infrastructure, leveraging Exaion’s existing customer base and technical capabilities. MARA’s CEO and chairman, Fred Thiel, emphasized that the move aligns with growing demand for secure and energy-efficient computing solutions, particularly in the public and enterprise sectors [3]. Thiel noted that MARA deliberately chose not to rush into AI, preferring instead to partner with a firm that already has deep expertise and a proven track record in the field [3].

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions [2]. EDF will retain a minority stake and continue as a client of Exaion, reflecting the company’s confidence in its long-term potential [3]. MARA has stated that the integration of Exaion’s engineering and operational expertise will enhance its competitive edge as demand for secure computing infrastructure grows [3].

This acquisition marks a significant shift in MARA’s strategy, moving beyond Bitcoin mining to build a broader infrastructure platform that supports digital transformation. With Exaion’s HPC capabilities, MARA aims to strengthen its presence in the secure cloud and AI infrastructure markets [2]. The deal is also seen as a response to increasing competition in Bitcoin mining and the rising energy costs associated with it [2].

MARA’s decision to expand into AI comes at a time when the industry is seeing growing convergence between energy and computing technologies. The company has positioned itself as a leader in converting excess energy into digital capital, and this acquisition is expected to further that mission by diversifying into adjacent markets [3].

Source:

[1] MARA & EDF Pulse Ventures Sign Investment Agreement (https://www.mara.com/posts/mara-edf-pulse-ventures-sign-investment-agreement-in-subsidiary-exaion-to-expand-maras-global-ai-hpc)

[2] MARA to buy majority stake in EDF's AI infrastructure unit (https://seekingalpha.com/news/4483544-mara-to-buy-majority-stake-in-edfs-ai-infrastructure-unit-unit-for-168m-in-cash)

[3] MARA and EDF Pulse Ventures Sign Investment Agreement (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/11/3131341/0/en/MARA-and-EDF-Pulse-Ventures-Sign-Investment-Agreement-in-Subsidiary-Exaion-to-Expand-MARA-s-Global-AI-HPC-Capabilities.html)