In a strategic move to counter a potential hostile takeover, Bitfarms has appointed a new independent board member amid tensions with Riot Platforms. This development follows Riot’s recent efforts to increase its stake and influence within Bitfarms.
Riot Platforms’ Initial Offer and Withdrawal
Riot Platforms, which holds a 14.9% stake in Bitfarms, initially proposed buying all Bitfarms’ shares at $2.30 per share. However, Riot withdrew this offer, citing difficulties in cooperating with Bitfarms’ current board. Riot then announced plans on June 24 to replace three members of Bitfarms’ board with independent directors, aiming to increase its control and ownership beyond 15%.
Bitfarms’ Strategic Response
In response, Bitfarms appointed Fanny Philip as an independent board member on June 27. This appointment means that four out of the five board members are now independent. Riot had suggested replacing the original board members with John Delaney, Amy Freedman, and Ralph Goehring, who would be completely independent of both Riot and Bitfarms. Philip brings significant expertise to the board as a member of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium’s mining committee and the president of its Québec Chapter.
Also Read: Bernstein Advises Buying Bitcoin Miners Riot and CleanSpark Before Halving
Context of Increasing Bitcoin Mining Investments
The ongoing rivalry between Riot Platforms and Bitfarms is set against a backdrop of growing interest in Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI). As demand for computational power surges, investors are increasingly focusing on Bitcoin miners. For instance, Bitcoin miner Hut 8 recently secured a $150 million investment from Coatue Management, owned by billionaire Philippe Laffont. This investment aims to accelerate Hut 8’s computing capacity and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the AI sector.
Philippe Laffont expressed confidence in Hut 8’s prospects, stating, “We are committed to supporting innovators advancing AI and believe that compute capacity is crucial to unlocking significant growth across the ecosystem.” The transaction is expected to be finalized by July 11, following Hut 8’s filing of the investment agreement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on June 21. Hut 8, with a market capitalization of $1.1 billion, remains one of the largest public mining companies in terms of computing power.
