Purchase of Compute Infrastructure

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20 February 2026

Sterling Digital plc

("Sterling" or the "Company")

Purchase of Compute Infrastructure

Sterling Digital plc (AQSE: ASIC), a company established to develop low-energy-cost digital asset mining operations in the United States, is pleased to announce the acquisition of modular, high-density, hydro-cooled data centre infrastructure to support the recently acquired ASIC mining servers,  as announced on 17 February 2026.

The infrastructure comprises purpose-built containerised units, engineered for high-performance computing applications. Each unit integrates industrial-grade power distribution systems, advanced airflow and thermal management design, and network-ready architecture suitable for scalable deployment.

Importantly, the infrastructure has been selected for its flexibility. In addition to supporting Bitcoin mining operations, the modular design is compatible with broader high-performance compute applications, including AI and machine learning workloads, should market conditions warrant such deployment.

The Board believes that securing flexible, compute-optimised infrastructure at this stage enhances operational readiness while preserving strategic optionality across digital asset mining and AI-driven compute markets.

This acquisition represents a key milestone in the Company's transition from equipment procurement to physical site deployment. Installation and integration with the Company's planned U.S. energy site is progressing in line with its objective of commencing initial production in the second quarter of 2026.

Stefan Michaelides, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Digital plc, commented:

"Sterling Digital is building infrastructure, not just installing miners. By securing modular high-density compute units that can support both Bitcoin mining and AI workloads, we are positioning the Company with flexibility to respond to evolving compute demand. This approach strengthens our long-term strategy while keeping us focused on delivering first production in Q2 2026."

Further updates will be provided as deployment milestones are achieved.

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

For further information please contact:

About Sterling

Sterling Digital plc was incorporated for the purpose of establishing a Bitcoin mining business and was admitted to trading on the AQSE Growth Market on 1 December 2025. The Company intends to locate modular, self-contained Bitcoin mining operations directly on stranded gas fields in the United States, providing the Company with a low-cost energy solution for its mining operations.

The Company's objective is to deliver sustainable long-term capital growth for shareholders via:

• compounding Bitcoin exposure via cheapest-in-class mining; and

• active management of the Company's Bitcoin reserves.

Sterling Digital's strategy of utilising stranded natural gas to generate its electricity requirements enables the Company to produce Bitcoin at materially lower costs than comparable grid-connected miners, while simultaneously achieving ESG alignment by monetising gas resources that are otherwise flared as a by-product of the oil and gas industry.  This model delivers both enhanced mining efficiency and a significant competitive cost advantage within the Bitcoin mining sector.

The Company benefits from a highly experienced management team with proven track records across Bitcoin mining, energy management, fintech and capital markets. Their combined expertise spans modular mining deployments, power infrastructure, capital raising, and regulated crypto exchange operations.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "believe", "could", "should", "envisage'', "estimate", "intend", "may", "plan", "potentially", "expect", "will" or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.