Benzinga·2025-12-18 16:05Core Viewpoint - Trump Media & Technology Group is merging with TAE Technologies for $6 billion, which includes $200 million in cash at signing and $100 million upon filing of a Form S-4 [1] Group 1: TAE Technologies Overview - TAE Technologies, founded in 1998, aims to deliver commercial, utility-scale fusion energy through power plants [2] - The merger could make TAE Technologies one of the first publicly traded nuclear fusion power providers, expanding the nuclear stock options for investors [3] - TAE Technologies also owns TAE Power Solutions and TAE Life Sciences, focusing on energy storage systems and cancer radiotherapy, respectively [3] Group 2: Investment and Shareholder Structure - Existing TAE Technologies shareholders will own approximately 50% of the combined company post-merger [4] - TAE Technologies has raised over $1.3 billion in private investments, with notable investors including Google, Chevron, and Goldman Sachs [4] - A recent funding round in June raised $150 million, with participation from existing investors and new unnamed investors [5] Group 3: Future Plans and Developments - TAE Technologies plans to construct its first utility-scale fusion power plant by 2026, with a prototype named Da Vinci expected to be operational in the early 2030s [8] - The company has developed five generations of prototypes and is working on a sixth [8] - TAE Technologies is collaborating with Google to accelerate fusion science, which has been ongoing since 2014 [6][7] Group 4: Political and Corporate Governance - Donald Trump Jr. will serve on the board of directors of the combined company, which raises potential scrutiny regarding future pro-nuclear legislation [10] - Trump has shown support for nuclear energy, signing executive orders to bolster the sector throughout 2025 [9] Group 5: Market Reaction - Following the merger announcement, Trump Media & Technology shares increased by 30% to $13.62, despite being down 60% year-to-date in 2025 [11]