Friday, May 8, 2026

FIFA and Fanatics Expand Wide-Ranging Relationship to Include Historic Exclusive Collectibles Agreement (Trading Cards, Stickers and Trading Card Games)


 NEW YORK - 

Partnership includes FIFA tournaments and events from 2031


Agreement encompasses both physical and digital collectibles, and for the first time brings the player jersey patch program to international football


Pre-match press conferences for the FIFA World Cup Final to take place at Fanatics Fest on Friday, 17 July 2026


 


(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a landmark agreement expanding their already successful wide-ranging commercial relationship, FIFA and Fanatics have signed a long-term, exclusive collectibles licensing deal that features trading cards, stickers, and trading card games. The agreement, which will begin in full in 2031, covers both physical and digital collectibles.


An example of the product innovations that will be brought to fans under this new partnership is the highly sought-after player jersey patch program, including debut patches, which will be inserted into football trading cards from 2031 onward. All products will be designed and developed through Fanatics Collectibles and produced under the Topps brand.


As a part of the deal, Fanatics will bring the magic to young people in every region of the world and support youth football globally by distributing more than $150 million in collectibles free of charge across the lifetime of the partnership.


“Across the sports landscape, we see that Fanatics are driving massive innovation in collectibles that provides fans with a new, meaningful way to engage with their favorite teams and with their favorite players,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “So, from FIFA’s point of view, we can globalize that fan engagement precisely thanks to our global tournament portfolio. And this provides another important commercial revenue stream that we channel back, as always, into the game, into football.”


Fanatics founder and CEO, Michael Rubin, said: “This is truly a historic day in our company’s history. Global football is the biggest growth opportunity in sports, and when you combine the power of FIFA with the innovation and entrepreneurial backbone of Fanatics, together we’re poised to elevate storytelling and collectibles around the game in a way that’s never been seen before.”


Fanatics Collectibles CEO, Mike Mahan, added: “We’re incredibly excited to partner with FIFA to deliver truly innovative products that bring fans and collectors closer to their favorite players in the biggest competitions. Through our cutting-edge offerings we look forward to helping grow both the hobby and the global game as a whole.”


For the first time, the pre-match press conferences for the FIFA World Cup Final will be hosted at Fanatics Fest

Fanatics Fest will also hold the official FIFA World Cup Final press conferences on Friday, 17 July 2026, two days before the FIFA World Cup Final, with coaches and players attending along with media availability for each team and an on-stage moment.


On Sunday, 19 July 2026, Fanatics Fest will also host a massive watch party and will air the FIFA World Cup Final live on all screens around the Javits Center for the tens of thousands expected attendees that day.


More on Fanatics Collectibles Innovation and Technology

Since joining Fanatics in 2022, Topps has been at the forefront of product innovation and enhancing every part of the collector experience. The company has pioneered the popular Rookie Debut Patch (MLB, NBA, NFL, WWE, F1, MLS) and other MVP patch programs, including the MLB Gold Logoman and the NFL Honors Gold Shield. Topps has also introduced new relics and game-used memorabilia pieces as well.


More on FIFA and Fanatics Partnerships Beyond Collectibles

The collectibles deal expands on FIFA and Fanatics’ already successful commercial relationship. Fanatics is the official on-site retail and merchandising operator for the FIFA World Cup 2026, including in-stadium retail operations and FIFA Fan Festival retail experiences. Just last month the pair also announced that FIFA will have a multi-day presence at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 (July 16-19), including integrated content moments within its branded appearances and activation space.


About FIFA

Since 1904, FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, has served as the global governing body for football. FIFA oversees and promotes the development of football at every level, from grassroots initiatives to elite international competitions. FIFA also sets the rules of the game, ensures their consistent application, and works to advance the sport through innovation, education, and collaboration with the 211 FIFA Member Associations. By organising iconic tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup™, the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and the FIFA Club World Cup™, FIFA provides a platform for players to showcase their talent on the biggest stage and to help inspire billions of fans around the globe.


About Fanatics

Fanatics is a leading global sports platform redefining how fans connect with the teams, players, and moments they love. Backed by a team of more than 22,000 employees, Fanatics is committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience. Our businesses – Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, Fanatics Fest, and Fanatics Studios – maximize the presence and reach for hundreds of partners globally and create a one-stop experience that allows fans to buy, bet, and collect, while engaging with sports in deeper, more immersive ways. This includes licensed fan gear and lifestyle products, sportsbook, iGaming and prediction market platforms, physical and digital trading cards, live events, premium sports entertainment content, and more. Together, they form a powerful, integrated ecosystem delivering personalized experiences to over 100 million fans worldwide. Fanatics holds partnerships with over 900 sports properties, from professional leagues and players’ associations to teams, colleges, and retail partners; over 6,000 athletes and celebrities; and over 2,000 retail locations, including all Lids retail stores.


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507105628/en/



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Contacts

Zack Smith

zsmith@collectfanatics.com


 

Datavault AI Announces Board of Directors Has Requested Management’s Complete Plan for Dividend Spin-Out of Acoustic Sciences Division into Stand-Alone Public Company


 PHILADELPHIA -

Initial planning calls for Data Sciences Division to focus efforts in cyber secure infrastructure with dedication in fintech and patented Information Data Exchange® (IDE®)


Management will harness its API Media acquisition, robust patent portfolio, ADIO® Inaudible Tones, WiSA® and Dolby® partnerships to establish worldwide acoustic industry standards in high-definition wireless transmission, spatial-audio control and interoperability


Plan includes API media’s stand-alone and renewed execution of WiSA semiconductor and software modules strategy with an R&D effort targeted to new robotic and drone applications


(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:DVLT), a pioneering technology licensing company seeking to redefine data valuation, monetization, and secure Web 3.0 experiences, today announced that Company management has commenced its evaluation of a potential dividend spin-out of the Company’s Acoustic Sciences division which includes its ADIO®, WiSA®, Event Citadel™, and API Media operations into a new stand-alone public company, which is proposed to be named “API Media”. The Company has reserved the ticker symbol “ADIO” for the proposed spin-out entity and currently intends that API Media will be listed on NASDAQ following completion of the proposed transactions, which remain subject to approval by the Company’s board of directors, definitive agreement, and satisfaction of closing conditions, as well as any regulatory approvals that may be required in connection therewith.


The Company has engaged Houlihan Lokey as its financial advisor and Paul Hastings LLP as its legal advisor in connection with the proposed transaction. The Company has interviewed interested investment banks and will be naming the banking partner after negotiating the best terms for Datavault AI.


The Company expects the proposed creation of API Media to result in the creation of a dedicated, publicly traded entity focused on acoustic technologies and live events, while enabling Datavault AI to sharpen its focus on its core AI-driven data monetization platforms. It is currently anticipated that, if the proposed transaction were to be approved and completed, Datavault AI shareholders would receive shares of API Media as a dividend, providing them with direct ownership in both Datavault AI and API Media, and unlocking additional value from the Acoustic Sciences division’s growing portfolio patents and its development of new technologies targeted at interoperability and communications in large enterprise and high growth markets.


“We are excited to unlock the full potential of our Acoustic Sciences division by exploring a potential spin-out as API Media, a stand-alone public company that we anticipate will thrive independently on NASDAQ under the ticker ADIO,” said Nathaniel T. Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI. “This proposed dividend spin-out is designed to deliver immediate value to our shareholders while allowing both organizations to pursue their distinct missions with greater focus and agility. We have the utmost confidence in leadership to drive our Acoustic Sciences platform forward as it capitalizes on the booming events marketplace and next-generation acoustic technologies. We’re happy to now be looking at the company through the proper viewpoint of maximization of value for our shareholders. Management believes the Acoustic Division’s focus on creating social interoperable communication between drones, robots, and their human handlers along with building a new standard in audio transmission and spatial audio control is a mission worthy of dedicated valuation, management and governance. The ADIO technology creating private, secure non-invasive advertising, experiential and web 3.0 advertising will also be a tremendous revenue generative capability as proven by our recent successes.


Bradley went on to say, “We believe, the Data Sciences Division, and DVLT are extremely special in that it rivals NYSE and OKX in a transaction valued at approximately $25 billion. We enjoy the freedom to operate on patented capabilities with a cybersecure and compliant trading platform that will be upon its launch, second to none. The additional advantage of our planning for our spin out of our Acoustic Division is that our solid focus on creating the greatest tokenization platform on the planet in our Data Division is unleashed in this move. We are genuinely excited about what comes next at Datavault AI regarding both our exceptional divisions. API Media’s culture of excellence, superior customer focused quality, and their winning ways will always endure in the company now and in both companies into the future.”


Targeted Timeline


Datavault AI’s Board of Directors has directed management to begin the planning process with a targeted completion date to coincide with close of its 2026 operations. This target is subject to many factors and regulatory compliance approvals from multiple organizations that may require a longer duration to complete. These factors are the focal point of management’s planning and subsequent execution with aim of concluding all necessary components of the transaction on or before the conclusion of 2026 operations with our partners.


Valuation


Datavault AI has selected partners Houlihan Lokey and with long tenures and respect in the fields of securities and public market valuation, management believes the current market capitalization doesn’t reflect the independent value of each of the divisions of the company. The planning for the spin-off of the Acoustic Division contemplates a value proposition and the Data Division presents another. Both require licensing and operational compliance that makes the separation both economical and advantageous for both divisions of the company.


Acoustic Division Delivers Proven Sound Technology at Top Events: The Acoustic Division has successfully completed technology delivery for technology, network, sound and audio systems at the Kentucky Derby this past weekend. The team is now on site for the deployment at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. These milestones build on the division’s established work with major sports and entertainment venues. Key highlights include the deployment of WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® wireless audio technologies that deliver clear, high-definition sound to large audiences without the need for complex wiring. This practical technology improves the experience for fans at live events and venues.


Data Division Achieves Tangible Milestones in Data Solutions: The Data Division continues to make steady progress in helping organizations understand, protect, and earn value from their data. Key highlights include signing $750 million in tokenization contracts in Q1 2026, generating approximately $77 million in associated fees — building toward the Company’s full-year 2026 revenue guidance of at least $200 million — and the rollout of secure edge computing infrastructure in major cities. The division also supports real-world applications such as credential verification, digital asset tracking, and secure data partnerships across sports, entertainment, finance, and other industries. These efforts are backed by completed projects and partnerships that turn data into practical business value and liquidity.


About Datavault AI


Datavault AI™ (NASDAQ:DVLT) is a Philadelphia-based artificial intelligence and data infrastructure company building enterprise-grade computing platforms for high-performance data processing, edge GPU deployment, and quantum-ready network architectures. The Company’s quantum-ready edge GPU fleet, running on Available Infrastructure’s SanQtum AI platform, delivers distributed GPU infrastructure across U.S. metropolitan markets, supporting AI inference workloads, real-time data analytics, and secure enterprise computing for customers across financial services, sports, media, and life sciences.


Through its Acoustic Sciences and Data Science divisions, Datavault AI develops patented technologies and applications, including WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® acoustic infrastructure and a portfolio of data-licensing and analytics solutions. The Company also operates platforms supporting digital asset licensing and data-monetization workflows for enterprise clients.


Datavault AI is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with operations supporting customers across North America. For more information about Datavault AI Inc., visit www.dvlt.ai


Forward-Looking Statements


This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s evaluation of a potential dividend spin-out of its Acoustic Sciences division, the intention to list the new stand-alone company on NASDAQ, the expected structure of the proposed transaction, including the anticipated distribution of shares to Company shareholders as a dividend; the expected strategic, operational, and financial benefits of the transaction, including unlocking additional value from the Acoustic Sciences division and enabling the Company to sharpen its focus on its AI-driven data monetization platforms, the anticipated completion of the proposed spin-out transaction within the 2026 operating calendar, the Company’s intended selection of an investment banking partner for the proposed transaction, and the Company’s broader strategy of building a scalable, revenue-generating AI infrastructure platform. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain.


Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the risk that the Company’s board of directors may ultimately determine not to proceed with the proposed transaction; the failure to negotiate, finalize, and execute a definitive transaction agreement; the inability to satisfy the conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction on the anticipated schedule or at all; the failure to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals, clearances, or NASDAQ listing approval for the new entity; the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in a manner that achieves the intended tax treatment; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the spin-out, including the expected unlocking of value and enhanced strategic focus, will not be realized; the potential diversion of management’s attention and resources from the Company's ongoing business operations; the costs and expenses associated with evaluating and executing the proposed transaction; risks related to the Company’s ability to select and engage an investment banking partner for the proposed transaction on commercially acceptable terms; risks that the current market capitalization may not reflect the independent value of the Company’s divisions during the evaluation period; competitive risk in the AI infrastructure and high-performance computing markets; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions, including evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to securities offerings, AI infrastructure, and digital assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other filings the Company makes from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.


Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect on new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Datavault AI’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments it may make.


Industry and Market Data


Within this press release, we reference information and statistics regarding the market for our products and the markets in which we operate. We have obtained some of this information and statistics from various independent third-party sources, including independent industry publications, reports by market research firms, and other independent sources. Some data and other information contained in this press release are also based on management’s estimates and calculations, which are derived from our review and interpretation of internal surveys and independent sources. Data regarding the industries in which we compete and our market position and market share within these industries are inherently imprecise and are subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties beyond our control, but we believe they generally indicate size, position, and market share within this industry. While we believe such information is reliable, we have not independently verified any third-party information. While we believe our internal company research and estimates are reliable, such research and estimates have not been verified by any independent source. In addition, assumptions and estimates of our and our industries’ future performance are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. As a result, you should be aware that market, ranking, and other similar industry data included in this press release, and estimates and beliefs based on that data, may not be reliable.


Trademarks, Trade Names, Service Marks and Copyrights


We own or have rights to use various trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights, which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws. This press release also contains trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights of other companies, including Dolby® (Dolby Laboratories, Inc.), which are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, certain trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights referred to in this press release may appear without the ©, ®, and ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights. We do not intend our use or display of other parties’ trademarks, trade names, service marks, or copyrights to imply, and such use or display should not be construed to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties.


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507194860/en/



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Contacts

Media Contact:

marketing@dvlt.ai


Investor Contact:

Edward Barger

VP, Investor Relations

ebarger@dvlt.ai | ir@dvlt.ai


 

Group-IB désigné comme leader dans le premier Magic Quadrant™ de Gartner® pour les technologies de renseignement sur les cybermenaces

 Dubaï, Émirats arabes unis - jeudi, 07. mai 2026



Reconnu comme l'un des cinq seuls leaders parmi 18 fournisseurs évalués lors de la toute première évaluation Gartner® du marché du renseignement sur les menaces, la plateforme de renseignement sur les menaces prédictive et centrée sur l'adversaire de Group-IB offre aux organisations la visibilité nécessaire pour stopper les menaces avant qu'elles ne les atteignent.


 


Group-IB, un des principaux créateurs de technologies de cybersécurité prédictives pour enquêter sur la cybercriminalité, la prévenir et la combattre, a été désigné comme leader dans le Magic Quadrant™ 2026 de Gartner® pour les technologies de renseignement sur les cybermenaces. Cette distinction place Group-IB parmi les cinq seuls fournisseurs à avoir obtenu le statut de leader dans le premier Magic Quadrant™ jamais publié par Gartner® pour le marché du renseignement sur les menaces, une évaluation qui a analysé dix-huit fournisseurs selon l'exhaustivité de leur vision et leur capacité d'exécution.


Cette reconnaissance témoigne de plus de vingt ans de recherche axée sur les adversaires, de l'envergure et de la sophistication de sa plateforme de gestion des risques unifiée, ainsi que de son avantage en matière de renseignement prédictif sur les menaces. Ce dernier repose sur des sources uniques de renseignements sur les menaces, 21 ans de télémétrie propriétaire, plus de 1 500 enquêtes conjointes avec les forces de l'ordre et une surveillance continue du dark web 24h/24 et 7j/7.


Dans son rapport Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ 2026 sur les technologies de renseignement sur les cybermenaces, Gartner® a souligné l'expertise verticale de Group-IB en matière de renseignement, notamment sa capacité à combiner l'accès au dark web et aux groupes restreints, la validation des réponses aux incidents, la télémétrie propriétaire sur la fraude et des fonctionnalités uniques telles que la surveillance des menaces BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) et son modèle Cyber ​​Fraud Fusion. Ces atouts confèrent à Group-IB une expertise particulière dans les secteurs des services financiers, des télécommunications, ainsi que des administrations publiques et des forces de l'ordre.


Gartner® a également salué l'étendue et la prévisibilité des coûts de la plateforme de gestion des risques unifiée de Group-IB, un lac de données consolidé couvrant le renseignement sur les menaces, la fraude, la gestion des incidents de sécurité (XDR), le sandboxing et les enquêtes. La trajectoire d'innovation de Group-IB a par ailleurs été soulignée, Gartner® reconnaissant une évolution clairement définie de sa feuille de route, passant d'une approche axée sur la détection à une défense privilégiant la prédiction.


« Être désigné comme leader dans le tout premier Magic Quadrant™ de Gartner® pour les technologies de renseignement sur les cybermenaces est une étape majeure pour Group-IB et confirme la pertinence de notre stratégie depuis 2003. La cybersécurité ne peut plus se contenter de réagir ; les organisations ont besoin de renseignements prédictifs, axés sur l’adversaire et provenant de sources uniques, pour anticiper les attaques avant qu’elles ne se concrétisent. Cette reconnaissance témoigne de la performance de notre plateforme de gestion des risques unifiée, de la richesse de notre système de télémétrie propriétaire et de l’expertise de nos équipes internationales qui œuvrent quotidiennement pour aider nos clients, nos partenaires et les forces de l’ordre à garder une longueur d’avance sur les cybercriminels », a déclaré Dmitry Volkov, PDG de Group-IB.



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https://www.aetoswire.com/fr/news/0705202654868


Contacts

Lalla Islam Drissi


l.drissi@group-ib.com

Group-IB named a Leader in the inaugural Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cyberthreat Intelligence Technologies

 Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, 07. May 2026



Recognized as one of just five Leaders out of 18 evaluated vendors in the first-ever Gartner® evaluation of threat intelligence market, Group-IB’s adversary-centric, predictive threat intelligence platform delivers visibility organizations need to stop threats before they land


 


Group-IB, a leading creator of predictive cybersecurity technologies to investigate, prevent, and fight digital crime, has been named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cyberthreat Intelligence Technologies. This recognition places Group-IB among just five vendors to achieve Leader status in the first Magic Quadrant™ Gartner® has ever published for the threat intelligence market, an evaluation that assessed eighteen vendors across completeness of vision and ability to execute.



This recognition is a testament to more than two decades of adversary-centric research, the scale and sophistication of its Unified Risk Platform, and the predictive threat intelligence advantage built on unique sources of threat intelligence and 21 years of proprietary telemetry, over 1,500 joint investigations with law enforcement agencies, and continuous 24/7 dark-web monitoring.


In its 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cyberthreat Intelligence Technologies report, Gartner® highlighted Group-IB’s verticalized intelligence as a key strength, specifically the platform’s ability to combine dark web and closed-group access, incident response validation, proprietary fraud telemetry, and unique capabilities such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) threat monitoring and its Cyber Fraud Fusion model. These give Group-IB particular depth in financial services, telecommunications, and government and law enforcement sectors.


Gartner® also recognized the breadth and cost predictability of Group-IB’s Unified Risk Platform, a consolidated intelligence data lake spanning threat intelligence, fraud, Managed XDR, sandboxing, and investigations. Group-IB’s innovation trajectory was further noted, with Gartner® acknowledging a clearly articulated roadmap shift from detection to prediction-first defense.


“Being named a Leader in the first-ever Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cyberthreat Intelligence Technologies is a milestone for Group-IB, and a validation of the direction we have taken since 2003. Cybersecurity can no longer be reactive, and organizations need adversary-centric, predictive intelligence from unique threat intelligence sources that helps them anticipate attacks before they materialize. This recognition reflects the strength of our Unified Risk Platform, the depth of our proprietary telemetry, and the expertise of our global teams who work every day to help customers, partners, and law enforcement stay ahead of cybercriminals,” said Dmitry Volkov, CEO of Group-IB.



Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/7052026548544


Contacts

Lalla Islam Drissi


l.drissi@group-ib.com

UAE commits $49bn to local manufacturers

 UAE to localize 5,000+ products in push for industrial sovereignty – Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber


 


The United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledged $49 billion in industrial procurement opportunities on Monday and announced plans to localize more than 5,000 products as the Gulf state doubled down on its industrial sovereignty agenda.


Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, made the announcement at the opening of the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates, which follows a period that has tested the region.


“History remembers the challenges nations face. But it also remembers how nations respond to them and what they build next,” he said.


TA’ZIZ announced $40.5 billion worth of agreements aimed at expanding UAE chemical production capacity. The opportunities include offtakes and $2 billion of financing for the UAE’s first world-scale methanol plant.


A $270 million National Industrial Resilience Fund (NIRF) was also launched, which will create 4,000 jobs and eventually substitute up to $24.5 billion industrial imports ($820 million a year). On Sunday, ADNOC unveiled $54.4 billion in procurement opportunities and planned projects.


Billions more in deals and investments are expected throughout the week.


Dr. Al Jaber described the UAE’s departure from OPEC and OPEC+ as “a carefully considered strategic decision” aligned with the country's long-term economic ambitions.


“It is not directed against anyone,” he said, adding that the decision “gives us greater ability to accelerate investment, expand, and create value.”


Dr. Al Jaber said the UAE’s industrial sector contribution has reached $54.5 billion, a 70% increase on 2021, while industrial exports climbed to $71.4 billion — including $25.1 billion in advanced industrial exports.


The new $49 billion offtake commitment is to be deployed over the next decade and targets sectors critical to economic, food, and healthcare security.


“Economic security cannot be imported — it must be built and protected,” Dr. Al Jaber said.


Dr. Al Jaber added: “When a vital artery such as the Strait of Hormuz is closed, it does not only affect one region – it affects the entire global economy.”


“Freedom of international navigation is non-negotiable and cannot be compromised.”


Addressing international investors directly, Dr. Al Jaber positioned the UAE as a global manufacturing platform — citing flexible regulation, advanced logistics, and connectivity to international markets.



Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0705202654859


Contacts

Sara Alqarout


00971529456243

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Andersen Consulting Strengthens Organizational Transformation Capabilities with Afiniti

 SAN FRANCISCO - Thursday, 07. May 2026 AETOSWire Print 


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Andersen Consulting announces a Collaboration Agreement with Afiniti, a global business transformation consultancy headquartered in the United Kingdom that helps organizations deliver and sustain complex change programs.


Founded in 2003, Afiniti is a global business change consultancy based in the UK and U.S., supporting clients through complex transformation across people, process, systems, and data, and bringing change to life through creative consulting services. The firm primarily serves highly regulated, safety-driven, and asset-intensive organizations with large, geographically dispersed workforces across sectors including energy, utilities, life sciences, transport, and construction. Afiniti works with well-known brands to deliver end-to-end expertise across organizational, digital and AI, cultural, and operating model transformation, particularly in complex scenarios such as mergers and acquisitions, large-scale technology adoption, and underperforming change programs that have yet to realize their intended value.


“Our engagements focus on helping organizations translate strategic ambition into lasting behavioral and operational change,” said Corrina Jorgensen, senior partner at Afiniti. “Successful transformation depends on inspiring people to adapt and adopt new ways of thinking and working, not solely on technology and process enhancements. Collaborating with Andersen Consulting allows us to broaden the reach of our people-focused approach while supporting clients managing increasingly complex transformation programs. Together, we can help organizations create meaningful change that is adopted, sustained, and embedded into the way they operate.”


“Organizations today face increasing pressure to adapt quickly while ensuring change is adopted across the business,” said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “Afiniti’s experience guiding large-scale transformation initiatives adds an important dimension to our consulting platform and strengthens our ability to support clients navigating complex change.”


Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507937822/en/



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Contacts

mediainquiries@Andersen.com


Apis Partners Announces Final Close of $1.23 Billion Fund III, Double its Predecessor

 


Fund III closes 23% above target, more than double Fund II

Around 50% of capital raised from existing LPs increasing commitments

Fund III to invest in tech-enabled financial infrastructure and services companies across Europe and growth markets

 


(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Apis Partners Group (UK) Limited (“Apis”), a private equity firm investing in tech-enabled businesses in financial infrastructure and services, today announced the final close of Apis Global Growth Fund III and Apis Growth Markets Fund III (the “Funds” or “Fund III”), with combined commitments of $1.23 billion excluding co-investments, more than double its predecessor, Apis Growth Fund II, at $563 million.


The Funds closed 23% above target. Reflecting the strong performance of previous funds, which have already generated in excess of $1 billion in realisations to date, over 70% of existing LPs have re-upped and increased on their previous fund’s commitments, accounting for around 50% of the total capital raised in Fund III. The significant increase in fund size allowed Apis to welcome a number of new investors to its global institutional investor base, including sovereign and supranational investors alongside banks, insurers, pension funds, funds of funds and foundations.


Fund III will build on the strength of Fund II to invest meaningful minority stakes in high growth, profitable financial infrastructure and services businesses in Europe and select growth markets globally. An active deployer of capital in the sector, Apis has invested approximately $400 million from Fund III across seven investments to date. These include MoneyBox, a leader in the UK digital wealth management space, Coda Recharge, a leading European and Asian platform for prepaid digital goods, and Thunes, a global provider of cutting-edge digital payments infrastructure enabling instant cross-border money transfers, payment acceptance, and acquiring services headquartered in Singapore.


Matteo Stefanel, Apis Co-Founder and Managing Partner said: “We are delighted to welcome so many new and returning investors into Fund III. We continue to see opportunities in our target segment of profitable, high growth, tech-enabled financial infrastructure and services companies. We are well on our way to replicating the success of previous funds, by leveraging our experience in this sector and bringing capital and connectivity to our portfolio companies as we invest in the conduits to global economic activity, the pipes of the finance industry.”


Udayan Goyal, Apis Co-Founder and Managing Partner added: “We are incredibly grateful to our investors for their strong support of our sector-focused strategy, validating our belief that specialist funds outperform generalist funds. We look forward to continuing to invest in our key themes of embedded finance, democratisation of finance and the deepening of the digital economy through capital-light, high growth disruptive business models around the world whilst applying our proprietary impact methodology.”


The close of Fund III marks an active 12 months including three investments and realisations including exiting iKhokha and Baobab to Nedbank and Beltone Capital respectively. Apis was the highest ranked European private equity firm in HEC Dow-Jones’ 2025 growth capital private equity performance ranking and second globally, underscoring its consistent outperformance in delivering strong returns to investors.


Notes to Editors


Headquartered in London, Apis Partners (“The Firm”) is a private equity firm investing in tech-enabled financial infrastructure and services across Europe and growth markets, with US$2.3 billion AUM. The Firm invests in profitable, proven business models, partnering with management teams to support long-term growth and value creation.


For over a decade, we have invested in businesses across payments, insurance, and lending, that are the conduits through which the global economy flows. These businesses sit within regulatory and operational frameworks, and are attractive to strategic acquirers globally.


With over 40 professionals across three locations in London, Dubai and Singapore, responsible investment is embedded in how we operate, with ESG and impact considerations fully integrated throughout our investment process


Apis was the highest-ranked financial sector-focused firm and #2 globally in the 2025 HEC Paris-Dow Jones Growth Equity Investor Ranking.


www.apis.pe


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apis-partners/


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506645124/en/



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Contacts

Media Contacts

Global

Stephanie Mullard | stephanie.mullard@apis.pe | +44 7377 952886

Camarco | apis@camarco.co.uk | +44 7972 013 692


Middle East

APCO Worldwide

Georgine Whittle | gwhittle@apcoworldwide.com | +971 52 762 5998