Rumble to Acquire German AI Firm Northern Data for Around US$767 Million, Shares Soar

Video-platform company Rumble Inc. has announced it will purchase German AI-cloud specialist Northern Data AG in an all-stock deal valued at approximately US$767 million.

Under the terms, Northern Data shareholders will receive 2.0281 newly issued Class A shares of Rumble for each Northern Data share they hold. Post-deal, they will own about 30.4% of Rumble. Rumble’s shares surged more than 25% in pre-market trade following the announcement.

The acquisition includes a strategic GPU-leasing arrangement with stablecoin issuer Tether, valued at US$150 million, and tax-liability support of US$200 million from Rumble. The deal also grants Rumble access to 22,400 NVIDIA graphics-processing units, underpinning its expansion into AI infrastructure.

Northern Data will delist after the transaction closes, expected in the second quarter of 2026.

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Analysis / Impact:
This move marks a significant pivot for Rumble—from video platform into AI infrastructure. By acquiring Northern Data’s GPU-rich cloud assets, Rumble positions itself to compete in the fast-growing AI compute sector. The transaction reflects how GPU and data-centre capacity are becoming strategic assets in the broader AI arms race.

For Northern Data, the deal provides an exit route amid pressure from market volatility and GPU pricing shifts, while giving its shareholders immediate liquidity and a stake in a larger U.S.-listed entity.

More broadly, the transaction highlights how “AI infrastructure” is now a prominent area for consolidation and capital deployment. As compute demand grows, companies with large GPU stockpiles and scalable data-centre infrastructure are commanding higher valuations and strategic value.

That said, significant execution risk remains: integrating operations across countries, aligning cloud and GPU-leasing contracts, and capturing value beyond the hype will be crucial for success.