Bakkt Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BKKT), a cryptocurrency infrastructure firm, has reported taking over around 30% of Tokyo-listed company Marusho Hotta Co., Ltd. (TSE: 8105) from RIZAP Group, Inc.
The strategic acquisition positions Bakkt as the largest shareholder of the Japanese company and represents a major milestone in its evolution as a Bitcoin-focused treasury company.
Under the agreement, Phillip Lord, President of Bakkt International, will become CEO of Marusho Hotta. In a bold switch, the firm will also integrate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into its corporate treasury approach.
Subject to shareholder approval, Marusho Hotta will be rebranded as Bitcoin.jp, keeping pace with Bakkt’s crypto-oriented vision. In support of this, Bakkt has also purchased the domain demonstrating strong brand commitment to digital asset integration.
This purchase fits into Bakkt’s overall strategic objectives. In June 2025, it registered a multi-security shelf offering to sell up to $1 billion of securities, then raised a $75 million public equity offering in July, both to finance its corporate Bitcoin initiative. Even with the decline in its stock price after announcing the funding, Bakkt is doubling down on its long-term ambitions.
Bakkt co-CEO Akshay Naheta noted that the transparent crypto regulations in Japan create a great setting to grow Bitcoin-centric business. “We look forward to partnering with MHT to develop a premier Bitcoin treasury firm,” Naheta said.
The deal terms were not revealed, but further information will be released as the transaction moves along. The treasury shift and rebranding are pending approval from Marusho Hotta shareholders.
Also Read: Smarter Web Raises $21M in UK’s First Bitcoin Convertible Bond Deal
