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Rumble to Acquire Germany’s Northern Data in $767 Million AI Cloud Deal

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Rumble, the U.S.-based video platform that also hosts Donald Trump’s Truth Social, announced on Monday that it will acquire German AI cloud company Northern Data in an all-stock deal worth about $767 million, sending Rumble’s shares up more than 25% in premarket trading.

Under the terms of the agreement, Northern Data shareholders will receive 2.0281 newly issued Rumble Class A shares for each share held, representing a 12.99% discount to Northern Data’s last closing price. The acquisition gives Rumble access to Northern Data’s AI computing arm, Taiga, and its large-scale data center unit, Ardent.

The deal also includes a $150 million GPU-leasing agreement with Tether, the cryptocurrency firm that owns roughly 48% of Rumble, as well as $200 million in tax liability support from Rumble. Upon completion, Rumble will gain control of 22,400 Nvidia GPUs, significantly boosting its AI computing capacity.

Tether, which invested $775 million in Rumble in December 2024, has agreed to become an anchor customer of the combined group, supporting long-term AI infrastructure demand.

Following the merger, Northern Data shareholders will hold 30.4% of the new company, which will operate under Rumble’s name. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, after which Northern Data will delist from the stock market.

Northern Data had withdrawn its 2025 forecast in October amid volatility in the GPU market, but the merger positions both companies to capitalize on rising global demand for AI data centers.

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile to Build Europe-Led Satellite Constellation for Secure Connectivity

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Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile announced plans on Friday to develop a Europe-led satellite constellation designed to provide direct satellite-to-smartphone connectivity for both commercial and government applications.

The joint venture will establish its European operational headquarters in Germany, with potential sites near Munich or Hannover under consideration. The new system will serve as a “sovereign satellite solution”, providing secure communications to European mobile network operators, public agencies, and emergency services.

According to the companies, the constellation will feature a “command switch” to ensure European oversight, with built-in encryption and control systems for secure communication and satellite management.

The initiative aims to enhance broadband access and improve disaster relief capabilities across the continent, particularly in underserved regions. Industry analysts estimate the satellite-to-phone connectivity market could surpass $10 billion by 2033, reflecting growing demand for broadband in remote areas.

The announcement follows Elon Musk’s Starlink striking a deal with Veon on Thursday to deliver direct-to-cell connectivity to up to 150 million users across its markets. SpaceX also expanded its U.S. spectrum holdings, signaling intensified competition in the satellite communications sector.

AST SpaceMobile, which currently operates six satellites and plans to expand to 60 by 2026, is positioning itself as Europe’s alternative to U.S.-based Starlink. Vodafone, a major investor in AST, said that operators in 21 EU member states have expressed interest in joining the project, which is slated for commercial launch in 2026.

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle said the initiative will provide Europe with secure, sovereign satellite communications that complement terrestrial networks, strengthening the continent’s digital autonomy.

Prosus Eyes Possible Bid for Germany’s Largest Online Auto Marketplace Mobile.de

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Dutch tech investment giant Prosus has shown early-stage interest in acquiring Mobile.de, Germany’s biggest online auto marketplace, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Current owners Permira and Blackstone are leaning toward an initial public offering (IPO) rather than an outright sale, but Prosus — through its classifieds division OLX — could enter the race depending on market conditions. The company’s tentative approach underscores growing competition for digital auto platforms across Europe.

The private equity funds have enlisted JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs to prepare Mobile.de for a potential IPO that could value the company at up to €10 billion ($11.7 billion), sources said. The listing could take place next year, though no formal sale process has yet begun.

Alongside Prosus, private equity groups EQT, Cinven, and Apax have also expressed interest, according to the report. All parties declined to comment.

Mobile.de’s parent company, Adevinta, was purchased by Permira and Blackstone in 2023 for around 141 billion Norwegian crowns. Since then, the new owners have begun breaking up Adevinta’s holdings, including selling its Spanish classifieds business to EQT and its Austrian subsidiary Willhaben to Sprints and Styria Media Group.

Prosus, the investment arm of South Africa’s Naspers, has recently expanded its automotive footprint, buying France’s La Centrale platform for €1.1 billion earlier this month.

The early-stage talks reflect the growing investor appetite for online vehicle marketplaces, which have proven resilient and profitable amid a broader slowdown in tech valuations.