Tether Acquires 70% Stake in Adecoagro, Advancing Tokenization and Real-World Asset Strategy
Tether, the company behind the $150 billion USDT stablecoin, has acquired a 70% controlling interest in Adecoagro (AGRO), a major agricultural and bioenergy producer in Latin America with a market capitalization approaching $1 billion.
The acquisition marks Tether’s most significant move yet beyond the crypto ecosystem. It began with a $100 million investment for a 9.8% stake in September 2024, followed by a bid to raise its ownership to 51% in February, ultimately securing a 70% stake in March.
With this deal, Tether gains control over Adecoagro’s expansive portfolio, which includes sugar mills, rice production, dairy farms, and renewable energy operations across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The company plans to scale these operations while aligning them with its broader mission to promote “economic freedom” via decentralized finance in underserved regions.
The acquisition also reinforces Tether’s growing focus on real-world asset tokenization. Last year, the company introduced Hadron, a platform designed to streamline the digitization of tangible assets—ranging from stocks and bonds to commodities and stablecoins—into blockchain-based tokens.
“We see Adecoagro’s agricultural and renewable energy expertise as a perfect match for our mission to bridge traditional sectors with decentralized finance,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. “This is another step toward empowering global markets through blockchain technology.”
As part of the deal, Adecoagro’s board underwent a leadership shake-up. Five members stepped down and were replaced by individuals closely aligned with Tether’s vision. Uruguayan entrepreneur and politician Juan Sartori has assumed the role of board chairman.
The move adds to Tether’s expanding portfolio, which now includes initiatives in bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence, and secure communications. Adecoagro’s stock rose 2.6% on the news Wednesday.
