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Mara has completed the acquisition of Exaion. The American company takes over EDF’s blockchain subsidiary, but a portion of the capital remains French.
Cofounders Claire Balva and Owen Simonin negotiated hard. French shareholders retain stakes in the company, preserving some of Exaion’s French DNA, which was established in 2019. The company made a name for itself in blockchain infrastructure, particularly in green energy. Mara aims to integrate these technologies to enhance its cloud and decentralization services. The deal is reportedly worth several hundred million euros, according to sources close to the matter.
No official amount has been disclosed.
John Parker, Mara’s CEO, has big plans for Europe. “We have enormous potential to expand our services thanks to Exaion’s expertise,” he stated during a press conference in New York on February 19. EDF also welcomes the agreement. A spokesperson explained that the sale allows them to refocus on pure energy. However, European regulators still need to give their approval. No specific date has been set for the final approval.
Mara promises to keep the majority of operations in France. This reassures local employees and partners, although details about the transition remain unclear. Uncertainty is likely to persist until the full regulatory review is completed.
Economy Minister Pierre Dupont sees an opportunity. “We must capitalize on these alliances to strengthen our digital ecosystem,” he said on France 24 on February 18. The French government applauds the transaction, pleased to maintain a French tech presence even in this international partnership.
And Mara is already exploring.
The American company is considering an R&D center in France, possibly in Lille, according to internal sources. This would consolidate local skills and promote collaborative innovation. Owen Simonin reveals that Exaion is working on a blockchain solution to improve energy traceability, with a launch planned for late 2026 during a Paris conference on February 19.
Financial analysts are divided on the deal. Some see it as an opportunity for Mara to strengthen its European position. Others point to the challenges of merging two different corporate cultures. Vigilance is advised for future results.
Integration could take several months, according to industry experts. In the meantime, Exaion continues to operate independently. This ensures a smooth transition for existing clients and partners. No immediate upheavals, therefore.
The context favors such operations. A PwC report from February 15 shows that foreign investments in European tech have risen by 25% compared to the previous year. European companies are increasingly attracting international investors. This dynamic highlights the growing appeal of the Old Continent.
Mara is betting on synergy between the two structures. The American company wants to expand its European services through Exaion’s expertise. EDF’s subsidiary brings its blockchain expertise and sustainable solutions. A union that could spark success if integration goes well.
It remains to be seen how regulators will react. European approval is crucial for the full completion of the acquisition. All eyes are on this critical decision. The crypto industry continues to grow, and this acquisition marks a key moment for transatlantic collaborations.
Other companies might follow this approach to strengthen their technological capabilities. The European blockchain sector is attracting increasing attention from across the Atlantic. Exaion becomes a case study for this type of strategic acquisition.
The future of Mara’s activities in Europe largely depends on this successful integration. Details about future investments in France remain to be clarified. The transition of employees as well. Many unclear elements that will likely become clearer in the coming months.
The European Commission is already examining similar cases with particular attention. Margrethe Vestager, Competition Commissioner, emphasized in January the importance of preserving European technological autonomy in strategic sectors. Her team has 90 working days to deliver its verdict on the Mara-Exaion operation. Past cases show that Brussels authorities have been closely scrutinizing American acquisitions of European tech companies since 2022.
The impact on the French blockchain ecosystem could extend beyond just Exaion. Ledger, Consensys France, and Blockchain Partner are closely watching this transaction, which could pave the way for other transatlantic mergers. French startups in the sector have seen their valuations rise since the deal’s announcement. Bpifrance launched a 500 million euro fund in January to support French gems against the growing appetite of foreign investors.
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