BIT Mining to Acquire Ethiopian Mining Data Centers and Mining Machines

Rhea-AI Summary

BIT Mining (NYSE: BTCM) has announced a US$14.28 million acquisition of 51-megawatt crypto mining data centers in Ethiopia and 17,869 Bitcoin mining machines. The deal includes a US$2.265 million cash payment and company shares worth US$12.015 million.

The acquisition will be completed in two phases: first, a 35-megawatt operational data center and all mining machines will be transferred, followed by the remaining data centers upon construction completion. This strategic move follows BIT Mining's divestiture of its mining pool business, focusing on mining machine innovation, self-operated mining, and data center operations.

Positive

• Acquisition of 51MW data centers and 17,869 Bitcoin mining machines expands operational capacity
• Strategic expansion into Ethiopia enhances global market presence
• Majority of acquisition (84%) funded through share issuance, preserving cash reserves
• First phase includes immediately operational 35MW data center

Negative

• US$2.265 million cash expenditure impacts liquidity
• Share issuance worth US$12.015 million will dilute existing shareholders
• Second phase completion dependent on construction timeline, creating execution risk

Insights

Financial Analyst

This strategic acquisition significantly expands BIT Mining's operational footprint with a $14.28 million deal structured through minimal cash outlay of $2.265 million. The transaction's structure, heavily weighted towards equity payment ($12.015 million in shares), preserves cash while adding substantial assets including 51MW of data center capacity and 17,869 BTC mining machines.

The phased approach is prudent - securing operational assets first (35MW center and all mining machines) followed by the remaining facilities upon completion. This acquisition could materially boost mining capacity and revenue generation, though exact hash rate contribution isn't specified. The Ethiopia location likely offers competitive power costs, potentially improving margins.

However, investors should note the equity dilution impact and geopolitical risks of operating in Ethiopia. The company's pivot from mining pool operations to focus on self-operated mining and infrastructure ownership marks a significant strategic shift.

Tech Expert

The acquisition of 17,869 mining machines represents a significant hardware expansion, though the machines' specifications and hash rate capabilities aren't disclosed. The 51MW total power capacity suggests a substantial operation - for context, modern Bitcoin miners typically consume 3-3.5KW each, indicating this facility could potentially support 14,000-17,000 machines at full capacity.

The immediate operationalization of the 35MW facility with all mining machines indicates a ready-to-mine setup, which should translate to immediate revenue generation. The phased approach minimizes operational risks while allowing time for proper infrastructure setup of the remaining capacity.

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BIT Mining Limited (NYSE: BTCM) ("BIT Mining" or the "Company"), a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire 51-megawatt crypto mining data centers in Ethiopia (the "Data Centers") and 17,869 high-quality Bitcoin ("BTC") mining machines (the "BTC Mining Machines").

Under the Agreement, the Company will indirectly acquire the Data Centers and BTC Mining Machines for a total consideration of US$14.28 million. The consideration comprises a cash payment of US$2.265 million and the issuance of Class A ordinary shares of the Company with a par value of US$0.00005 per share, amounting to an aggregate value of US$12.015 million.

The transaction will be executed in two phases. Upon completion of the first phase, a 35-megawatt operational and electrified crypto mining data center and all the BTC Mining Machines will be transferred to the Company. The first phase is expected to close in the next few days. The second phase, which involves transfer of the remaining Data Centers to the Company, is expected to close upon completion of construction of the remaining Data Centers.

"This transaction represents a significant milestone in advancing our global development strategy," remarked Mr. Xianfeng Yang, CEO of BIT Mining, "Following the divestiture of our mining pool business, we have sharpened our focus on bolstering core competencies by dedicating resources to mining machine innovation, self-operated mining, and mining data center operations. With our expanded market presence and robust operational capabilities, we are well-equipped to further solidify our competitive edge and enhance our profitability and financial standing, paving the way for long-term, sustainable growth."

About BIT Mining

BIT Mining (NYSE: BTCM) is a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company with operations in cryptocurrency mining, data center operation and mining machine manufacturing. The Company is strategically creating long-term value across the industry with its cryptocurrency ecosystem. Anchored by its cost-efficient data centers that strengthen its profitability with steady cash flow, the Company also conducts self-mining operations that enhance its marketplace resilience by leveraging self-developed and purchased mining machines to seamlessly adapt to dynamic cryptocurrency pricing. The Company also owns 7-nanometer BTC chips and has strong capabilities in the development of LTC/DOGE miners and ETC miners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target," "going forward," "outlook" and similar statements. Forward looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements on the potential impact of the proposed acquisition and whether the Company will complete the proposed acquisition. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause BIT Mining's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any adverse change in the business and financial performance of the Company or the landscape of the cryptocurrency mining industry, the inability of the Company or the counterparty to satisfy the closing conditions of the proposed acquisition, and the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

For more information:

BIT Mining Limited
ir@btcm.group
Ir.btcm.group
www.btcm.group 

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1 (212) 481-2050
Email: BITMining@thepiacentegroup.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bit-mining-to-acquire-ethiopian-mining-data-centers-and-mining-machines-302320767.html

SOURCE BIT Mining Limited

FAQ

What is the total value of BIT Mining's (BTCM) Ethiopian data center acquisition?

The total acquisition value is US$14.28 million, comprising US$2.265 million in cash and US$12.015 million in Class A ordinary shares.

How many Bitcoin mining machines is BTCM acquiring in Ethiopia?

BIT Mining (BTCM) is acquiring 17,869 Bitcoin mining machines as part of the transaction.

What is the total power capacity of the Ethiopian data centers BTCM is acquiring?

The total power capacity of the data centers being acquired is 51 megawatts.

How is BIT Mining (BTCM) structuring the Ethiopian acquisition phases?

The acquisition is structured in two phases: first phase includes a 35-megawatt operational data center and all mining machines, while the second phase involves the transfer of remaining data centers upon construction completion.