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

MARA Holdings Inc. is set to acquire a 64% stake in Exaion, a high-performance computing and AI infrastructure provider under the French utility EDF, in a $168 million deal. The transaction, announced via an SEC filing, involves MARA France SAS acquiring 4.1 million newly issued shares for €115 million and 1.2 million existing shares for €33 million. Of the €33 million, €23 million will be paid at closing, with the remaining €10 million contingent upon Exaion meeting performance targets in 2027. A second phase in March 2027 could see MARA increase its stake to 75% with an additional €110 million investment [1].

The deal marks a strategic shift for MARA, which has traditionally focused on Bitcoin mining. By acquiring a controlling stake in Exaion, the company is expanding into AI infrastructure, a sector expected to benefit from growing demand for high-performance computing, cloud platforms, and advanced data center services [2]. Exaion’s expertise in sovereign data systems positions it to offer enterprises secure and customized AI inference solutions, which MARA plans to focus on rather than resource-intensive training services [3].

The acquisition reflects MARA’s broader diversification strategy. The company has continued its Bitcoin treasury initiative, raising $950 million in equity and debt to acquire and hold Bitcoin. This dual approach—investing in both digital assets and AI infrastructure—positions MARA to navigate the volatility of cryptocurrency markets while capitalizing on the rising demand for AI solutions [4].

The deal has already had a positive impact on MARA’s stock, with shares climbing 1.8% to $15.67, pushing the company’s market capitalization to $5.8 billion. Regulatory approvals from France and Canada are required before the transaction can close, which is expected by late 2025 or early 2026 [5].

MARA’s move into AI infrastructure aligns with industry trends, as companies increasingly seek customized computing solutions to manage data sovereignty and AI workloads. Unlike some competitors that target hyperscale cloud providers, MARA’s strategy emphasizes direct engagement with enterprise clients. This approach could allow the company to carve out a niche in the AI infrastructure market [6].

Sources:

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

[2] Bitcoin Miner Enters New Markets as Industry Demand Increases (https://coingape.com/bitcoin-miner-mara-eyes-ai-growth-in-168m-edf-deal/)

[3] Mara in Pact With EDF Pulse Ventures for 64% Stake in Exaion (https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankruptcy-law/mara-in-pact-with-edf-pulse-ventures-for-64-stake-in-exaion)

[4] MARA to Acquire 64% of EDF’s Exaion in $168M Deal, Expanding into AI Infrastructure (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689ab933790b292b8ac6c0c6/)

[5] Bitcoin Miner MARA Eyes AI Growth With $168M Deal for EDF’s Exaion (https://blockonomi.com/bitcoin-miner-mara-eyes-ai-growth-with-168m-deal-for-edfs-exaion/)