Day: February 4, 2026

AUSTRIACARD Successfully Achieves mada Card Chip Profile Certification

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Major Milestone Enables AUSTRIACARD to Serve Banking Sector in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – EQS Newswire – 4 February 2026 – AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS is proud to announce it has successfully obtained the Card Chip Profile certification (Certificate No. CV071) with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for the mada debit card scheme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.

This certification represents a major and important achievement for AUSTRIACARD, demonstrating the company’s commitment to meeting the highest international standards for payment card technology. The successful completion of SAMA’s rigorous certification process validates AUSTRIACARD’s technical excellence and quality standards in chip card manufacturing.

“We are immensely proud of this achievement,” said Mohamed Chemloul, Group CTO of AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS. “This certification stands as a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence and our commitment to delivering world-class payment solutions. This achievement allows AUSTRIACARD to add KSA banks and financial institutions to our growing family of satisfied customers worldwide, further strengthening our position as a trusted partner in the global payments industry.”

Burak Bilge, EVP Türkiye, Middle East and Africa at AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, emphasized: “This certification enables us to bring our full suite of payment card solutions to the Saudi market. We are committed to being a long-term partner in the KSA and the broader Middle East region’s success journey, supporting the digital transformation initiatives. We look forward to partnering with banks and financial institutions to support their growth objectives and enhance their customer’s experience.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving financial markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. With Vision 2030 driving digital transformation across all sectors, Saudi Arabia’s payment ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth and modernization. The mada scheme, as the national payment network, plays a crucial role in the KSA’s financial infrastructure, processing millions of transactions daily.

AUSTRIACARD is a global provider of identity and payment solutions with a strategic focus on digital transformation technologies powered by proprietary technology and AI capabilities. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the company operates 9 manufacturing hubs across strategic markets in Europe and the United States, maintaining a global sales footprint that ensures client proximity and service excellence.

ABOUT AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG

AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG leverages over 130 years of experience in information management, printing, and communications to deliver secure and transparent experiences for its customers. They offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, including payment solutions, identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization solutions, and secure data management. ACAG employs a global workforce of 2,400 people and is publicly traded on both the Athens and Vienna Stock Exchanges under the symbol ACAG. www.austriacard.com

Contact Person: Theoni Dimopoulou, Group Communications & Marketing Manager
Tel.: T: +43 (1) 61065 – 355
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.austriacard.com
Symbol: ACAG
ISIN: AT0000A325L0
Stock Exchanges: Vienna Prime Market, Athens Main Market

Daimler Buses teams up with FEV to launch the first hydrogen-powered Setra demonstrator vehicle

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AACHEN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 4 February 2026 – Aachen, FEV has teamed up with Daimler Buses to create the first coach with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system. The starting point for the “H₂ Coach” technology demonstrator, which is intended for testing purposes, was a conventional Setra coach. This marks an important step toward locally emission-free long-distance travel: short refueling times, ranges of at least 800 kilometers per tank filling, and quiet operation underscore its practicality.

FEV and Daimler Buses have jointly developed the “H2 Coach”, the first coach with a hydrogen-based fuel cell drive system. Source: Daimler Buses

Daimler Buses and FEV jointly carried out the complete system transformation from diesel drive to fuel cell electric vehicle. After creating the overall vehicle concept, FEV took over the mechanical and E/E integration.  One distinguishing feature is that the individual components deployed – including fuel cells, high-voltage components (such as batteries and electric motors), H₂ tank assemblies, control units including software – originate from different technology platforms from Daimler Buses and Daimler Truck. FEV integrated the systems into a functional powertrain in the overall vehicle.

An important factor in the development process was safety. Measures were developed for various crash load cases as well as for functional, high-voltage, and hydrogen safety.

“The ‘H₂ Coach’ impressively demonstrates how complex subsystems can be integrated into a testable, safe complete vehicle when vehicle, powertrain, and E/E expertise come from a single source,” said Klaus Wolff, Vice President Project Management at FEV. “With our one-stop-shop approach, we quickly and efficiently delivered the desired customized solution to our customer – from concept to approval.”

After successful approval by German technical inspection authority TÜV and passing electromagnetic compatibility tests, FEV handed over the vehicle to Daimler Buses in the summer of 2025 after approximately two years of joint project work.

‫OnGreen تعيّن BlueRock Capital Limited كمستثمر استراتيجي لإطلاق منصة Oasis Journey في التوسع بمنطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا

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دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 فبراير 2026 – أعلنت OnGreen، وهي منصة تكنولوجيا خضراء مدعومة بتقنية Web3 موجهة نحو منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، يوم الاثنين أن شركة BlueRock Capital Limited قد وافقت على تقديم استثمار استراتيجي لدعم التوسع الإقليمي.

ستوفر BlueRock Capital Limited تمويلاً مرحليًا محتملاً بمبلغ يصل إلى مليون دولار أمريكي في الشريحة الأولى، بالإضافة إلى الدعم الاستشاري الاستراتيجي، والوصول إلى الأسواق الإقليمية، وشبكات الشركاء، وذلك حسبما أفادت OnGreen.

يأتي الاستثمار في ظل سعي الحكومات في جميع أنحاء المنطقة إلى تسريع برامج الاستدامة واسعة النطاق، بما في ذلك المبادرة الخضراء السعودية، التي خصصت أكثر من 186 مليار دولار أمريكي للمشاريع البيئية والمتعلقة بالمناخ.

قالت OnGreen إن الشراكة ستدعم نشر منصتها المتكاملة “Oasis Journey”، التي تجمع بين مكافحة التصحر، وتقنيات البناء محايد الكربون، وتحسين الذكاء الاصطناعي، والتحقق القائم على تقنية البلوكتشين.

قال شير علي، الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة BlueRock Capital Limited “يمثل الشرق الأوسط إحدى أكبر فرص التحول الأخضر في العالم، ونحن منجذبون بشكل خاص لمفهوم Oasis Journey الخاص بـ OnGreen – وهو نهج متكامل يربط بين استعادة الأراضي والبناء الأخضر ورصيد الكربون والتحقق الرقمي في دورة اقتصادية واحدة. تتوافق هذه المنهجية الشاملة بشكل مثالي مع رؤيتنا لخلق تأثير تحويلي عبر منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا.”

قالت OnGreen إن دعم BlueRock Capital Limited سيعجل من مشاريع التجريب والطرح التجاري في جميع أنحاء المملكة العربية السعودية والإمارات العربية المتحدة وأسواق الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا الأخرى.

 

 

 

 

 

 

عن OnGreen

OnGreen هي منصة تكنولوجيا خضراء مدعومة بـ Web3 تحول منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا من الرمل إلى البذرة، ومن البني إلى الأخضر، ومن الصحراء إلى الواحة. من خلال قياس التأثير المُتحقق من البلوكتشين ونموذج نظام Oasis Journey البيئي، تخلق OnGreen تحولاً بيئياً شفافاً وسهل الوصول إليه وموجهاً نحو المجتمع. توفر رموز ESG الخاصة بالمنصة وسجل رصيد الكربون وبورصة الأصول الخضراء البنية التحتية الرقمية لانتقال منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا نحو اقتصاد مستدام.

عن BlueRock Capital Limited

BlueRock Capital Limited هي شركة إدارة صندوق رأس مال مخاطر مقرها دبي، مرخصة وخاضعة للرقابة من قِبل سلطة الخدمات المالية بدبي. وتتمتع بموقع متميز في قلب النظام البيئي المالي والابتكاري بالإمارات العربية المتحدة، حيث تحدد BlueRock Capital Limited الفرص عالية الإمكانيات عبر قطاعات التكنولوجيا والاستدامة والبنية التحتية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. تجلب الشركة خبرة إقليمية عميقة وشبكات استراتيجية للمشاريع التحويلية المتوافقة مع أهداف التنويع الاقتصادي والاستدامة البيئية في الشرق الأوسط.

 

OnGreen Names BlueRock Capital Limited as Strategic Investor for the Launch of Oasis Journey in MENA Expansion

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – OnGreen, a Web3-enabled green technology platform focused on the Middle East and North Africa, said on Monday that BlueRock Capital Limited has agreed to make a strategic investment to support regional expansion.

BlueRock Capital Limited will provide potential staged funding with the first tranche of up to US$1 million, as well as strategic advisory support, regional market access, and partner networks, OnGreen said.

The investment comes as governments across the region accelerate large-scale sustainability programmes, including Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative, which has committed more than US$186 billion to environmental and climate-related projects.

OnGreen said the partnership would support deployment of its integrated “Oasis Journey” platform, which combines desertification control, carbon-neutral construction technologies, artificial intelligence optimisation, and blockchain-based verification.

“The Middle East represents one of the world’s largest green transformation opportunities,” Sher Ali, Chief Executive Officer, BlueRock Capital Limited said. We are particularly drawn to OnGreen’s Oasis Journey concept – an integrated approach that links land restoration, green construction, carbon credits and digital verification in a single economic cycle. This holistic methodology aligns perfectly with our vision of creating transformative impact across the MENA region.

OnGreen said BlueRock Capital Limited’s backing would accelerate pilot projects and commercial rollouts across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other MENA markets.

 

 

 

 

 

About OnGreen

OnGreen is the Web3-enabled green technology platform transforming the Middle East and North Africa region from Sand to Seed, Brown to Green, Desert to Oasis. Through blockchain-verified impact measurement and the Oasis Journey ecosystem model, OnGreen creates transparent, accessible, and community-driven environmental transformation. The platform’s ESG Token, Carbon Credit Registry and Green Asset Exchange shall provide the digital infrastructure for MENA’s transition to a sustainable economy.

About BlueRock Capital Limited

BlueRock Capital Limited is a Dubai-based Venture Capital fund manager, authorized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, Positioned at the heart of the UAE’s financial and innovation ecosystem, BlueRock Capital Limited identifies high potential opportunities across technology, sustainability, and infrastructure sectors in the MENA region. The firm brings deep regional expertise, strategic networks to transformative ventures aligned with the Middle East’s economic diversification and environmental sustainability objectives.

The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet: the global coffee ranking will be unveiled in Madrid

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The list will be announced on February 16 during CoffeeFest Madrid, after evaluating more than 15,000 coffee shops from around the world

A key benchmark for the global coffee community: over 800 industry experts and 350,000 public votes shaped the final ranking

The list reflects the rise of quality coffee in countries such as the United States, Australia, Colombia, Peru, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, Korea, UAE, Chile and Spain

MADRID, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The new edition of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops with Davinci Gourmet will be officially announced on February 16 at 1:00 PM during CoffeeFest Madrid, the international event that brings together the best of the coffee world.

After evaluating more than 15,000 coffee shops worldwide and combining the insights of over 800 expert judges with 350,000 public votes, this ranking has become a global guide for specialty coffee and high-quality coffee experiences.

The list highlights both emerging and consolidated coffee scenes in countries such as the United States, Australia, Colombia, Peru, The Philippines and Spain, showcasing the strength of a global movement that continues to grow across regions.

“This ranking is more than just a list of exceptional coffee shops; it’s a snapshot of the cultural, creative, and professional moment coffee is experiencing around the world,” says César Ramírez, CEO of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops with DaVinci Gourmet.

“Our partnership with The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and passion in the coffee world. As a global beverage solutions brand that champions the café culture and coffee community, we at DaVinci Gourmet are proud to support an initiative that recognises the most inspiring coffee shops on the planet — evaluated by experts, voted by coffee lovers,” says Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Foodservice Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

A global evaluation process

To ensure a fair, rigorous, and representative process, the ranking relies on an international jury made up of more than 800 professionals from the coffee and gastronomy sectors, who lead the evaluation in different regions around the world.

The selection process combines expert criteria (70%) and public voting (30%), ensuring a comprehensive, diverse, and representative perspective of the sector.

The evaluation criteria, applied uniformly around the world, are:

Coffee quality: The flavour profile, aroma, consistency, and use of high-quality beans are assessed.

Barista expertise: The skill and knowledge of baristas are key. Their ability to craft exceptional beverages, understand coffee origins, and master various preparation techniques is valued.

Sustainability practices: Commitment to ethically sourced beans, environmentally friendly practices, and local community engagement is considered.

Customer service: Exceptional service translates into a memorable experience. Staff attentiveness, friendliness, and knowledge are evaluated.

Ambience and atmosphere: The setting is crucial to the overall experience. Décor, seating layout, lighting, music, and the overall vibe of the place are all analysed.

Food and pastry quality: While coffee is the main focus, the quality and variety of accompanying food and pastries are also important.

Innovation: Coffee shops that stand out for their creativity, innovative brewing techniques, and unique offerings are recognised.

Consistency: Maintaining high standards of quality and service, regardless of the time or occasion, is essential.

The selected coffee shops stand out not only for their coffee offering, but also for their ability to deliver an integral, distinctive, and consistent experience over time.

The international jury is made up of leading figures from the coffee, gastronomy, and hospitality industries. Among the professionals leading the regional evaluations are Kat Melheim and Pack Katisomsakul (North America), Michalis Dimitrakopoulos and Dara Santana (Europe), Darveris Rivas (South America), Tanty Hartono, Sunghee Tark, and Mariam Erin (Asia and the Middle East), Jack Simpson (Oceania), and Jolie Marlene (Africa). This global committee ensures an inclusive and expert-driven perspective, capable of reflecting the richness, evolution, and diversity of the coffee ecosystem on a global scale.

A global stage: CoffeeFest Madrid

The award ceremony will take place during CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, Europe’s leading festival for quality coffee and trendsetting hospitality, which will be held from February 14 to 16 at IFEMA Madrid. Organised by Neodrinks, CoffeeFest is an international gathering for brands, roasters, professionals, and coffee lovers who want to stay at the forefront of global coffee culture.

About Neodrinks
Neodrinks is a platform focused on activating trends in hospitality, food & beverage, and commerce. It is behind leading industry initiatives such as The Drinks Show, Madrid Cocktail Week, Top Cocktail Bars, and CoffeeFest, and it organises the official championships of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in Spain.

About DaVinci Gourmet

DaVinci Gourmet is a global beverage brand that emphasizes innovation and sustainability while offering beverage solutions for the Foodservice channels. At DaVinci Gourmet, our passion for coffee is at the heart of everything we do. We provide a vibrant palette of authentic flavors crafted from the highest quality ingredients, empowering drink artists to create their next masterpieces. ​

Sponsors

The 2026 edition of The World’s 100 Best with DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Shops is supported by DaVinci Gourmet as Global and Title Sponsor; Slayer, Markibar, Cropster, and CoffeeFest Madrid as Main Sponsors; and Fidatec and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (Craft Specialty Coffees) as Sponsors. Their commitment strengthens the international reach of this initiative and reinforces coffee’s value as a cultural and gastronomic force.

Media inquiries or interviews:
Be Cooltural
[email protected]

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WENDEL: Agreement to sell Stahl, the global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials, to Henkel

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PRESS RELEASE – FEBRUARY 4, 2026

Agreement to sell Stahl, the global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials, to Henkel

Estimated net proceeds of €1.2 billion for Wendel, representing an annualized IRR of over 15% since 2006

Wendel (Euronext: MF.FP) announces it has entered into an agreement to sell its stake in Stahl (excluding Muno) for an enterprise value of €2.1 billion to Henkel, a German-headquartered global coatings and adhesives leader serving a broad range of industrial and consumer end markets. Henkel benefits from a strong track record in innovation, technology leadership and sustainability.

The contemplated transaction values Stahl at a level that would yield total net proceeds at completion (after debt and transaction costs) of c.€1.2 billion for Wendel. This corresponds to a multiple of 6.6 times (net) Wendel’s total investment since 2006, including €427m of past proceeds thanks to Stahl’s robust cash generation. This represents an annualized IRR of over 15% over 20 years. This compares with a value of €960 million in Wendel’s net asset value (“NAV”) published before the transaction announcement, as of September 30, 2025.

In addition to Wendel (68.5% of the capital), BASF (16.1%), Clariant (14.6%) and other minority shareholders will also sell their interests in Stahl to Henkel. The transaction is subject to mandatory consultation processes and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

A 20-year successful transformation and development under Wendel’s ownership

Stahl is the global leader in specialty coatings for flexible materials. The Group benefits from favourable end-market trends – particularly in premium consumer segments – strong exposure to high-growth regions (such as Asia), and a product portfolio driven by sustainable, water-based technologies. In addition, Stahl has successfully built attractive positions in fast-growing niches for specialty coatings. The early identification of consolidation and expansion opportunities, combined with rigorous financial discipline throughout Wendel’s ownership, has enabled Stahl to broaden its expertise and further strengthen its market leadership.

Between 2006 and 2024, under Wendel’s ownership, Stahl’s global sales nearly tripled, from €316 million to €930 million (including wet-end leather chemicals activities, now operating under Muno and not part of the current transaction). This remarkable growth was supported by a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Clariant’s Leather Services business in 2013, Eagle performance in 2016, BASF’s Leather Chemicals business in 2017, ICP Industrial Solutions Group in 2023, and Weilburger Graphics in 2024.

Over the same period, Stahl’s profitability improved materially, with adjusted operating income increasing fourfold, from €44 million to €181 million, and adjusted operating margin expanding by 550 bps to 19.5% in 2024.

In parallel, Stahl has established itself as a recognized ESG frontrunner in its industry. The Group has built a leading sustainability track record, reflected in four consecutive Ecovadis Platinum ratings since 2021, set ambitious SBTi validated reduction targets, and developed strong capabilities in sustainable innovation. With a product portfolio increasingly aligned with customer sustainability expectations and tightening regulatory requirements, Stahl is well positioned to support its customers’ ESG transition while delivering long-term, responsible growth.

Early 2026, Stahl announced the completion of its multi-year strategic transformation, marking its evolution into a pure-play speciality coatings formulator for flexible materials, by divesting its wet-end leather chemicals activities. The wet-end business is now a standalone company named Muno, majority-owned by Wendel, together with minority shareholders BASF and Clariant.

Laurent Mignon, Wendel Group CEO, commented: “Over the last 20 years, Wendel has worked alongside Stahl’s talented and committed management teams to transform the company into the undisputed global leader in its sector. After two decades of active support, we are proud to see Stahl continue its industrial and commercial development within an industrial leader such as Henkel.

The transaction announced today is fully in line with our capital allocation strategy announced during our December 2025 Capital Market Day and is a great illustration of the quality of Wendel Principal Investments (WPI) assets and the cautiousness of their value in our Net Asset Value, with a value to be realized representing a premium of over 20%. It also represents a first successful illustration of the efficiency of the advisory mandate given to IK Partners.

The sale of Stahl is a key milestone in the execution of the roadmap presented early December and will allow Wendel to fulfil its objectives of long-term value creation through its private assets investments, the development of Wendel Investment Managers (WIM) as a first-class private asset management platform and superior return to shareholders. It will allow us to execute the share buyback programme as announced at the Capital Market Day, after the release of our 2025 earnings.”

Maarten Heijbroek, CEO of Stahl: “We are deeply grateful to Wendel for the long-term partnership and support that have shaped Stahl’s trajectory over the past two decades. Under Wendel’s ownership, Stahl has undergone a significant transformation into a focused, pure‑play specialty coatings company with a strong global footprint, strengthened technologies, and a resilient market position. This transformation means we are now well‑positioned for further growth.”

As we move into our next chapter under the Henkel umbrella, we believe this transaction will further strengthen our leadership position in specialty coatings for flexible materials. Henkel’s strong innovation capabilities will further enhance the value we deliver to our customers, and our shared values make this a natural and exciting next step for Stahl.”

Agenda 

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Full-Year 2025 Results – Publication of NAV as of December 31, 2025, and Full-Year consolidated financial statements (before-market release)

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Q1 2026 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of March 31, 2026 (before-market release)

Thursday, May 21, 2026
Annual General Meeting

Thursday, July 30, 2026
 H1 2026 results – Publication of NAV as of June 30, 2026, and condensed Half-Year consolidated financial statements (before-market release)

About Wendel
Wendel is one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms. Regarding its Principal Investments strategy, the Group invests in companies which are leaders in their field, such as ACAMS, Bureau Veritas, Crisis Prevention Institute, Globeducate, IHS Towers, Scalian, Stahl, Muno and Tarkett. In 2023, Wendel initiated a strategic shift into third-party asset management of private assets, alongside its historical principal investment activities. In May 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in IK Partners, a major step in the deployment of its strategic expansion in third-party private asset management ,completed in March 2025 the acquisition of 72% of Monroe Capital and announced the acquisition of Committed Advisors in October 2025. As of September 30, 2025, Wendel Investment Managers manages 46 billion euros on behalf of third-party investors, pro forma of the acquisition of Committed Advisors, and c.5.3 billion euros invested in its Principal Investments activity.
Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.
Standard & Poor’s ratings: Long-term: BBB, stable outlook – Short-term: A-2

Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of “Grand Mécène de la Culture” in 2012.

For more information: wendelgroup.com
Follow us on LinkedIn @Wendel 

Press contacts  Analyst and investor contacts
Christine Anglade: +33 6 14 04 03 87 Olivier Allot: +33 1 42 85 63 73
[email protected] [email protected]
Caroline Decaux: +33 1 42 85 91 27 Lucile Roch: +33 1 42 85 63 72
[email protected] [email protected]
Primatice
Olivier Labesse: +33 6 79 11 49 71
[email protected]
Hugues Schmitt: +33 6 71 99 74 58
[email protected]
Kekst CNC
Todd Fogarty: +1 212 521 4854
[email protected]

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