Riot Platform, a prominent player in the Bitcoin mining industry, has announced the acquisition of Kentucky-based Block Mining for a total consideration of $93 million. The deal comprises a cash payment of $18.5 million from Riot’s existing balance sheet, along with $74 million worth of Riot’s common stock. Block Mining operates two facilities in Kentucky, currently boasting a capacity of 60 megawatts. Riot has ambitious plans to expand this capacity to 110 megawatts by the end of 2024.
This strategic acquisition is set to bolster Riot’s position in the market. The integration of Block Mining’s operations will immediately increase Riot’s hashrate, a crucial metric in Bitcoin mining, by one exahash per second. Furthermore, the deal diversifies Riot’s geographical footprint, extending its reach beyond the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region.
Riot’s CEO, Jason Les, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting its role in expanding the company’s operations nationwide. The deal marks another aggressive move by Riot, following its recent attempt to acquire rival mining firm Bitfarms for a substantial $950 million. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, such strategic acquisitions underscore the competitive landscape and the drive for industry consolidation.
