MARA Secures Controlling Interest in AI Data Center Company Exaion
Bitcoin mining giant MARA takes a 64% controlling position in Exaion, a French operator of computing infrastructure, as part of a strategic shift toward AI services and cloud computing revenue streams in the data center sector.
In a move that signals an accelerating expansion into artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services, MARA Holdings has finalized its acquisition of a controlling position in Exaion, a French operator specializing in computing infrastructure.
Following an initial agreement reached in August 2025 with EDF Pulse Ventures, MARA France now controls a 64% ownership stake in Exaion after obtaining all necessary regulatory clearances, according to a Friday statement released by the Bitcoin mining company. The French energy powerhouse EDF will maintain its position as a minority stakeholder while continuing its relationship with the company as a client.
Beyond the direct acquisition, the transaction establishes a wider strategic collaboration. Through a partnership arrangement with MARA, NJJ Capital—the investment entity controlled by telecom industry entrepreneur Xavier Niel—will obtain a 10% ownership interest in MARA France.
The revised ownership arrangement will be mirrored in Exaion's governance framework. MARA will appoint three members to the company's board of directors, while EDF Pulse Ventures will also designate three representatives and NJJ will name one board member, joined by Exaion's co-founder and chief executive. Both Xavier Niel and MARA's CEO Fred Thiel will occupy board positions.
Bitcoin miners pivot to AI amid pressure
The Bitcoin mining sector is experiencing a notable shift toward AI computing and data center operations as economic headwinds intensify for traditional mining activities. Following the 2024 halving event that reduced block rewards by half and the continuous increase in network difficulty that compressed profit margins, numerous publicly listed mining companies have embraced a dual-revenue approach, maintaining mining operations for cash generation while developing more predictable income streams through AI cloud infrastructure and high-performance computing offerings.
HIVE Digital Technologies represents a clear illustration of this transformation. The firm delivered robust financial performance even during periods of softer Bitcoin valuations, bolstered by its growing AI business segment. CoreWeave has similarly transitioned from cryptocurrency mining operations to establish itself as a prominent AI infrastructure service provider following the collapse in demand for GPU mining.
Additional companies in the space, including TeraWulf, Hut 8, IREN and MARA, are similarly converting their mining infrastructure and energy resources into AI-focused data center facilities.
Last November, CleanSpark revealed intentions to generate approximately $1.13 billion in net proceeds, potentially reaching $1.28 billion if optional notes are exercised, via a $1.15 billion senior convertible note offering designated to finance the expansion of both its Bitcoin mining capabilities and data center infrastructure.
Bitcoin mining difficulty jumps 15%
In related developments, Bitcoin's mining difficulty experienced an approximately 15% surge to 144.4 trillion on Friday, reversing course from an 11% decrease recorded earlier this month, which marked the most significant drop since China implemented its 2021 mining prohibition. The previous decline occurred in the aftermath of harsh winter weather systems that swept across the United States, causing widespread power grid disruptions and temporarily forcing numerous mining operations offline, which significantly reduced the network hash rate.
Although the elevated difficulty level strengthens Bitcoin's overall network security, it simultaneously increases the computational resources required to successfully mine new blocks, creating additional margin challenges for operators who are already contending with escalating operational costs.