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Amber Group’s Subsidiary Amber DWM Holding Limited and Nasdaq-Listed iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited Enter into a Definitive Merger Agreement

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Amber DWM Holding Limited (“Amber DWM”), the holding entity of Amber Group’s digital wealth management business, known as Amber Premium (“Amber Premium”), today announced that it has entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited (“iClick” or the “Listco”) (NASDAQ: ICLK) and Overlord Merger Sub Ltd. (“Merger Sub”), a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Listco. Under the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Amber DWM, with Amber DWM continuing as the surviving entity and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Listco (the “Merger”). Amber DWM’s shareholders will exchange all of their issued and outstanding share capital for a mix of newly issued Class A and Class B ordinary shares of the Listco on the terms and conditions set forth therein in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933.

Wayne Huo, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Amber DWM, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with iClick. This merger represents a significant milestone, bringing together Amber Premium’s expertise in digital wealth management and iClick’s innovative marketing technology. Together, we aim to redefine the digital financial ecosystem, delivering unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders. By bridging the worlds of blockchain, fintech and digital marketing, we are unlocking new opportunities to revolutionize how value is created and exchanged in the digital economy.”

The transaction values Amber DWM at US$360 million and the Listco at US$40 million by equity value on a fully diluted basis (assuming completion of certain restructuring as set forth in the Merger Agreement). Upon closing of the Merger (the “Closing”), the Amber DWM shareholders and the Listco shareholders (including holders of ADSs) will own approximately 90% and 10%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the combined company, or 97% and 3% voting power, respectively. The Merger Agreement also contemplates that, upon the Closing, the Listco will change its name to “Amber International Holding Limited” and adopt the tenth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Listco,  in each case immediately before the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), following which the authorized share capital of the Listco shall only consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares (with different voting powers but equal economic rights), a par value of US$0.001 each. Please refer to the Merger Agreement filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Form 6-K furnished by the Listco to the SEC on November 29, 2024 for more details.

The Listco’s board of directors (the “Board”) approved the Merger Agreement and other transaction documents, including but not limited to the voting agreement entered into by and among certain shareholders of the Listco (who holds approximately 36% of the outstanding shares representing 71% voting power of the Listco as of the date of this press release), the Listco and Amber DWM (the “Voting Agreement”) (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), and the transactions contemplated thereunder (the “Transactions”), with the assistance of its financial and legal advisors. The Board also resolved to recommend that the Listco’s shareholders vote to authorize and approve the Transaction Documents and the Transactions when they are submitted for shareholder approval.

In connection with the Transaction, each of the shareholders of Amber DWM immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger is entering into a lock-up agreement with the Listco pursuant to which they have agreed not to transfer the shares received in consideration of the Merger for a period of 12 months following the Merger closing.

The completion of the Transactions is subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including, among other things, receipt of the Listco’s shareholder approval and regulatory/stock exchange approvals (if applicable). The Merger Agreement provides for a long-stop date for any party to terminate the agreement if the Merger is not completed by June 30, 2025.

“This merger represents a transformative opportunity to broaden our business portfolio by integrating Amber Premium’s state-of-the-art digital wealth management solutions. By uniting iClick’s robust data analytic and enterprise software expertise with Amber Premium’s advanced digital wealth management services, we aim to unblock synergies between traditional finance and the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem, particularly benefitting corporate and high net worth individual clients”, said Mr. Jian Tang, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of iClick.

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and the Voting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety to the full text of the Merger Agreement and the Voting Agreement, which are filed as Exhibits 99.2 and 99.3 to the Form 6-K furnished by the Listco to the SEC on 29, 2024, respectively.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to Amber DWM.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to iClick.

About Amber Premium
Amber Premium, the business brand behind Amber DWM Holding Limited, is a leading digital wealth management platform offering private banking-level solutions tailored for the dynamic crypto economy. Serving a premium clientele of esteemed institutions and qualified individuals, Amber Premium develops and supports innovative digital wealth management products. Its institutional-grade access and operations makes it the top choice for one-stop digital wealth management services, providing tailored, secure solutions that drive growth in the Web3 economy.

About iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited
Founded in 2009, iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited (NASDAQ: ICLK) is a renowned online marketing and enterprise solutions provider in Asia. With its leading proprietary technologies, iClick’s full suite of data-driven solutions helps brands drive significant business growth and profitability throughout the full consumer lifecycle. For more information, please visit https://ir.i-click.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements.” These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the pending transactions described herein, and the parties’ perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and shareholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from the expectations as a result of a variety of factors. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are hard to predict or control, that may cause the actual results, performance, or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) risks related to the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction, including the risk that the transaction may not close due to one or more closing conditions to the transaction not being satisfied or waived; (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the applicable transaction agreements; (iii) the risk that there may be a material adverse change with respect to the financial position, performance, operations or prospects of the Listco, Amber DWM or the combined entity; (iv) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (v) the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of the Listco’s securities; (vi) the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Amber DWM or the combined entity to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally; (vii) any changes in the business or operating prospects of Amber DWM and the combined entity or their businesses; (viii) changes in applicable laws and regulations; and (ix) risks relating to Amber DWM’s and the combined company’s ability to enhance their services and products, execute their business strategy, expand their customer base and maintain stable relationship with their business partners.

A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC by the Listco in connection with the proposed transactions, and other documents that the parties may file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Listco, Amber DWM and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation.

No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the transactions described above and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Amber DWM, the Listco or the combined company, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Participants in the Solicitation
The Listco, Amber DWM and their respective directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Listco in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed transaction will be included in the proxy statement pertaining to the proposed transaction when it becomes available for the proposed transaction.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
The Listco will file with the SEC and mail to its shareholders a proxy statement in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and securityholders are urged to read the proxy statement when it becomes available because it will contain important information regarding the proposed arrangement. You may access the proxy statement (when available) and other related documents filed by the Listco with the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You also may obtain the proxy statement (when it is available) and other documents filed by the Listco with the SEC relating to the proposed arrangement for free by accessing the Listco’s website at ir.i-click.com.

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SOURCE Amber Group

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IGT Maintains Responsible Gaming Leadership with World Lottery Association Recertification

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LONDON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its lottery and iLottery operations have been recertified by the World Lottery Association (“WLA”) for WLA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Responsible Gaming Framework for Suppliers. WLA’s responsible gaming standards, a worldwide accreditation program for gaming industry operators and suppliers, were created to minimize the impact of problem gambling. This global certification confirms IGT’s alignment with the WLA’s standards.

“WLA’s recertification of IGT’s lottery and iLottery operations validates our responsible gaming industry leadership and our ongoing commitment to providing our lottery customers worldwide with effective responsible gaming technologies,” said Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability. “Advancing Responsibility is a key pillar in IGT’s Sustainable Play program and serves as a guiding principle for everything we do. We operate with the highest level of integrity to protect our people, products and processes, and this certification endorses those efforts.”

To determine IGT’s WLA recertification, WLA-approved assessor Gambling Integrity Services conducted a thorough assessment into IGT’s lottery operations that culminated in an independent auditor’s report on IGT’s alignment with the eight sections of the WLA standards. These standards include research, employee programs, product and service development, remote gaming environment, advertising and marketing communications, client awareness, stakeholder engagement and reporting.

For more information on IGT’s global sustainability program, visit IGT.com, or follow IGT on LinkedIn.

About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, products and services, customer relationships, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, including the various environmental, social, governance and sustainability initiatives, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “shall,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 and other documents led from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:
Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Matteo Selva, Italian media inquiries, +39 366 6803635
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190

© 2025 IGT

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.

 

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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC

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Gov. Moore Launches $1 Billion “Capital of Quantum” Initiative Anchored by UMD

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Strategic Partnership Aims to Cement State and Greater-D.C. Region as a World-leading Hub for Quantum Science and Innovation

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Governor Wes Moore today joined University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines and IonQ President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chapman to announce the “Capital of Quantum” Initiative – a landmark public-private partnership that will catalyze $1 billion in investments to position Maryland as a global leader in quantum information science and technology. The initiative was announced during an event highlighting the Governor’s economic growth agenda for the 2025 Legislative Session and hosted at IonQ, a leading quantum computing and networking firm partially founded on UMD research and headquartered in the university’s Discovery District.

“Quantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society, from national security to health care,” said Gov. Moore. “With extraordinary assets and partnerships, Maryland can—and should—lead in this new emerging sector, and we are moving forward with a clear strategy to make that vision a reality. Together, we will make Maryland the quantum capital of the world.”

This strategic partnership between the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland and private and federal partners, aims to unlock more than $1 billion in investments — a combination of state funds, matching federal grants, private sector investments and philanthropic contributions — over the next five years. It will firmly establish the greater D.C. region, anchored by the University of Maryland, as one of the world’s top quantum epicenters.

Recognizing Maryland’s unique assets and strategic advantages to grow the state’s quantum science and technology sector, Gov. Moore last month signed an executive order that identified quantum computing as an industry that the Moore-Miller Administration will be prioritizing through state investment and support. 

Gov. Moore’s FY 2026 budget submission includes $27.5 million as the state’s initial investment toward the Capital of Quantum initiative, which is expected to spur more than $200 million in University of Maryland and partner investments to support academic, technical, workforce and ecosystem support. The Moore-Miller Administration has also committed continued funding for the construction of Zupnik Hall, a new $244 million state-of-the-art facility that includes more than $58 million in private investments and $185.4 million from the state, that will feature quantum labs on the University of Maryland campus. With additional funding over the next several years from the state, federal agencies, private sector partners and other sources, state and university leaders are driving toward a $1 billion investment. 

“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Moore for his visionary investment in building a brighter future for Maryland’s economy,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “He recognizes the immense potential of quantum technology and the possibilities we can explore if we work together to position our region as the global Capital of Quantum. We look forward to collaborating with the Governor’s office and regional partners to ensure that this investment yields lasting benefits for all Marylanders.”

With the launch of the Capital of Quantum Initiative, the University of Maryland will move forward with plans to:

Recruit top quantum scientists and engineers from around the world to join the ranks of 200+ UMD quantum faculty – one of the largest concentrations in the world – to usher in a new wave of discovery and innovation.Expand access to the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), a unique UMD partnership with IonQ that provides students, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world with hands-on access to quantum computers and scientists.Hire highly skilled test and evaluation experts to support quantum-focused projects and construct a new building for UMD’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, one of only 15 designated Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) around the nation and the only UARC dedicated to intelligence and security.Create additional facilities to house an expanded Quantum Startup Foundry, a business accelerator based in UMD’s Discovery District that provides resources and support for entrepreneurs and startups bringing quantum technologies to market.Launch education, outreach and training initiatives to include high school quantum curriculum, masters and certificate programs and workforce retraining opportunities.

Subject to the Governor’s budget being approved, IonQ, an anchor partner in the initiative, will grow its corporate headquarters into a 100,000 square feet facility with data center, laboratories, and office space within UMD’s Discovery District. IonQ also intends to double its corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 people in the Maryland region over the next five years. Today’s announcement, once approved by the legislature, is expected to create high paying and skilled jobs in diverse fields such as construction, software and hardware engineering, operations, applied physics, networking and more.

“Investing in quantum computing is investing in Maryland’s future,” said Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ. “Through Governor Moore’s strategic economic development initiative and proposed investment in quantum, he is not only supporting cutting-edge research and innovation but fostering economic growth and job creation in the state. The Governor’s commitment is a testament to his vision for the pivotal role that quantum science will play in the state’s economic development and technological leadership. This investment will also enhance our collaboration with the University of Maryland to solidify the region as a global leader in quantum innovation.”

Quantum and the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is home to one of the world’s largest cohorts of quantum scientists and engineers, built on decades of foundational research and deep partnerships with government labs, agencies and industry. As understanding of the quantum universe expands, UMD fosters new tools to grow the state of Maryland’s and the nation’s economies and solve society’s biggest challenges.

Quantum technologies harness fundamental properties of nature to open new frontiers in computing power, precision sensing, secure communications and more. They hold promise for a wide range of breakthroughs, such as accelerating the design of new chemicals and materials, revolutionizing data encryption and creating advanced medical diagnostic tools. According to a 2024 analysis by McKinsey & Company, quantum technology is expected to generate up to $2 trillion in value for businesses by 2035. 

UMD’s vibrant quantum business ecosystem includes IonQ, a leading quantum computing firm headquartered in UMD’s Discovery District; a growing roster of firms in other quantum subfields; and a university-run business accelerator, the Quantum Startup Foundry. Fueled by graduates of our quantum academic programs, the university is sparking an industry that could one day become a major high-tech sector centered in the state of Maryland.

Learn more at quantum.umd.edu. 

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SOURCE University of Maryland

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Zoomd’s Director and former CEO, Ofer Eitan, Establishes Automatic Share Disposition Plan

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TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomd Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: ZOMD) (OTC: ZMDTF) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Zoomd Ltd. (collectively, “Zoomd” or the “Company”), the marketing tech (MarTech) user-acquisition and engagement platform, announced today that Ofer Eitan, one of the Company’s directors, former CEO, who previously served as the founder and CEO of Moblin (which merged with Zoomd in 2017) has established an Automatic Securities Disposition Plan (“ASDP”) in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation and the Company’s insider trading policy.

The ASDP permits trades to be made in accordance with pre-arranged instructions given to the independent broker administering the ASDP, which include a general 10% daily volume restriction  when Mr. Eitan was not in possession of any material undisclosed information. The terms of the ASDP prohibit the broker administering the ASDP from consulting with Mr. Eitan regarding any sales under the ASDP and otherwise prohibits Mr. Eitan from exercising any discretion or influence over how dispositions will occur.

Up to two million (2,000,000) may be sold under the ASDP, subject to a minimum floor price set in the ASDP. The ASDP is designed to allow for an orderly disposition of such securities to be sold until December 31, 2025. The first trades under the ASDP will not occur before May 5, 2025.

The ASDP prohibits Mr. Eitan from amending, suspending or terminating the ASDP.

This announcement is made and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.SEDARplus.ca pursuant to the recommended practices set forth in Staff Notice 55-317 – Automatic Securities Disposition Plans of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“SN 55-317”). Dispositions pursuant to the ASDP will be reported by Mr. Eitan in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation and SN 55-317.

ABOUT ZOOMD:

Zoomd (TSXV: ZOMD, OTC: ZMDTF), established in 2012 and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange since September 2019, provides an innovative mobile app user-acquisition platform that integrates with numerous global digital media outlets. This platform presents a unified view of multiple media sources, thereby serving as a comprehensive user acquisition control center for advertisers. It streamlines campaign management through a single point of contact, simplifying customer acquisition efforts. The consolidation of media sources onto one platform enables Zoomd to offer advertisers substantial savings by reducing the need for disparate data source integration, enhancing data collection and insights, and minimizing resource expenditure.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Company Media Contacts:
Amit Bohensky
Chairman
Zoomd
ir@zoomd.com
Website: www.zoomd.com

Investor relations:
Lytham Partners, LLC
Ben Shamsian
New York | Phoenix
ZOMD@lythampartners.com

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SOURCE Zoomd Technologies Ltd.

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