The Crypto Giant Behind USDT Makes Major Agribusiness Move
Tether Investments, the company behind USDT — the world's largest stablecoin — has finalized a landmark $600 million acquisition of Argentina's Adecoagro, securing a 51% controlling stake in the agricultural powerhouse. This strategic investment marks Tether's growing interest in emerging markets with strong growth potential.
Key Details of the Transaction
- Purchase Price: $12.41 per share for 49.6 million shares (70% total ownership including existing stake)
- Current Valuation: Adecoagro estimated at $1.2-$1.4 billion
- Conditions: Deal requires Tether to acquire at least 51% of outstanding shares
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, emphasized the company's focus on sustainable investments: "We prioritize sectors that align with our vision of long-term value creation. Argentina's agricultural sector presents unique opportunities for high-quality land and production capacity."
👉 Discover how Tether is reshaping global finance
Why Adecoagro? Argentina's Agricultural Potential
Adecoagro stands as a leader in sustainable South American agricultural production, with operations spanning:
- Crop production
- Dairy operations
- Sugar, ethanol, and energy production
Mariano Bosch, Adecoagro's CEO, will continue leading operations post-acquisition. The deal follows Tether's gradual accumulation of shares, having already acquired 19.4% ownership in 2024.
Tether's Broader Investment Strategy
The stablecoin issuer has been actively diversifying its portfolio:
- $3 billion planned investments in 2025 across multiple industries
- Growing stake in Bioceres (Argentinian biotech firm specializing in sustainable agriculture)
- Focus on both emerging technologies and established industries with growth potential
"Our investment division identifies sectors with solid fundamentals and untapped potential," Ardoino told Forbes.
Tether's Financial Dominance
The company reported staggering 2024 results:
- $13.7 billion in profits
- **$143+ billion** USDT market capitalization (surpassing USDC's $58 billion)
- #19 holder of U.S. Treasury bonds ($102 billion as of Q3 2024)
👉 Explore Tether's expanding ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will this acquisition affect Adecoagro's operations?
A: Current management remains in place, with Tether providing capital for expansion while maintaining sustainable practices.
Q: Why is Tether investing in traditional agriculture?
A: The company seeks stable, long-term value in sectors complementing its crypto ventures, particularly in emerging markets.
Q: What other Argentine companies might Tether target?
A: Bioceres remains a potential candidate, with Tether already holding a minority stake in the biotech firm.
Q: How does Tether's USDT issuance relate to these investments?
A: Profits from USDT operations fund these ventures, while Treasury bond holdings back the stablecoin's value.
Strategic Implications for Argentina's Economy
This deal signals growing crypto industry interest in Latin America's agricultural sector. Experts highlight:
- Argentina's position as a global agricultural leader
- Potential for blockchain integration in supply chain management
- Opportunity for technological modernization in traditional sectors
As Tether continues expanding beyond digital assets, its investments may reshape how traditional industries access capital and implement innovation.
"We're not just investing in companies—we're investing in economies," Ardoino concluded in his Forbes interview.