Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions operating as a holding company, today announced that in a groundbreaking initiative (initially revealed in Davos, Switzerland on January 18, 2024), has joined as a founder member of the newly launched Global Mergers, Acquisitions & Investment Council (GMAIC), which marks a significant expansion of the Asia Pacific M&A Association (APMAA).

Founded in 2017, by Dr. Wang Wei, founder of the China M&A Association and David Fergusson, Executive Managing Director – M&A of Generational Equity, the APMAA was established to enhance cross-border M&A transactions and industry advancement within Asia Pacific region. In 2018, plans to form GMAIC were unveiled, aimed at broadening the APMAA's mandate to include member countries from around the world. However, progress was impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic and growing geopolitical tensions.

2024 marks a renewed commitment to global economic growth, with a focus on the pivotal role of mergers, acquisitions, and investments. Under this vision, the APMAA and GMAIC founders have agreed to formally establish GMAIC as an association in Geneva, Switzerland, laying out clear objectives and strategies.

GMAIC aims to:

1. Create a global ambassador platform for enhancing cross-border M&A and foreign direct investment (FDI).
2. Lay the groundwork for cross-border M&A and FDI education and best industry practices.

The association's strategy includes:

• Establishing country chapters with leadership committees for national and cross-border activities.
• Developing a global membership database for networking and opportunity referrals.
• Creating an international deal portal for cross-border M&A and FDI.
• Promoting local M&A events for global relationship building and deal sourcing.

GMAIC emerges as a leader in socially responsible and environmentally sustainable M&A practices, and it is committed to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sustainable development in M&A and prioritizing low-carbon strategies, recognizing their importance in global business and environmental health. GMAIC underscores the role of digital assets in M&A, advocating for their efficiency, transparency, and security benefits.

Central to GMAIC’s philosophy is inclusive finance, ensuring that M&A activities contribute to the economic empowerment of diverse communities, fostering equitable global economic growth. GMAIC champions M&A strategies aligned with the sharing economy model, promoting collaborative consumption and broad stakeholder participation.

A Call to Global Action
Led by GMAIC Chairman, David Fergusson, co-founder, Dr Wang Wei and Secretary Treasurer, Carlos Moreira (Founder and CEO of WISeKey), GMAIC invites businesses, investors, and policymakers to join this transformative journey, reshaping the M&A landscape for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous global future. Membership information will shortly be forthcoming.

About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, and (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions.

Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

Press and investor contacts:
WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000 / info@wisekey.com

WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com
Katie Murphy
Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

Disclaimer:
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FInSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.