Northern Data sold its Bitcoin mining subsidiary Peak Mining for up to $200 million to companies linked to Tether executives.
The buyers include entities directed by Tether co-founder Giancarlo Devasini and CEO Paolo Ardoino.
This transaction highlights interconnected investments in the crypto sector and raises questions about related-party dealings.
Northern Data, the German AI data center operator backed by stablecoin issuer Tether, has completed the sale of its Bitcoin mining business, Peak Mining, in a deal valued at up to $200 million. The buyers—Highland Group Mining Inc., Appalachian Energy LLC, and 2750418 Alberta ULC—are controlled by Tether’s key executives, according to U.S. regulatory filings. This move comes as Tether continues to deepen its involvement in Bitcoin (BTC) mining operations.
The sale follows a prior nonbinding agreement in August 2025 to divest Peak Mining to Elektron Energy, another firm linked to Devasini, for $235 million, which ultimately did not proceed. Northern Data’s decision to sell aligns with its shift toward AI infrastructure, especially amid its pending acquisition by Rumble, a platform in which Tether holds a significant stake.
Tether, issuer of the USDT stablecoin with approximately $186 billion in circulation, owns about 54% of Northern Data. The deal includes provisions for Tether’s €610 million loan to Northern Data, with half converting to Rumble stock and the remainder restructured as a new secured loan. Additionally, Tether has committed to $150 million in GPU services and a $100 million advertising agreement with Rumble post-acquisition.
Potential conflicts of interest arise from the related-party nature of the transaction, as Northern Data’s listing on a secondary German exchange does not mandate disclosure of such deals. Analysts note this could invite regulatory scrutiny, particularly given Tether’s ambitions in the sector. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated that the company aims to become “the largest bitcoin miner globally by the end of 2025” to secure its holdings, which include over $10 billion in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
The transaction occurs against a backdrop of challenges for Northern Data, including September 2025 raids by European authorities investigating alleged VAT fraud exceeding €100 million. The company denies wrongdoing, attributing it to a misunderstanding of tax treatments for its GPU and legacy mining operations, and affirms compliance with international standards.
Market implications include a nearly 13% drop in Northern Data shares following the announcement. Experts suggest this deal underscores the opacity in crypto investments, potentially affecting investor confidence. Balanced views from stakeholders highlight risks such as undercollateralization in downturns, as noted by recent S&P ratings on USDT.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
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