SYDNEY, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (“IBG” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: IBG), an innovative developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, today provided an update regarding its proposed merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc., a Texas corporation (“BFE”), including operational, financial, and strategic milestones that position the combined transaction parties as a capital-efficient energy pro ...

Core Insights - The stock market has seen significant declines among several companies, particularly Venus Concept Inc., IO Biotech, Inc., and Innovation Beverage Group Limited, with notable shifts in their stock values [1] Company Summaries Venus Concept Inc. (VERO) - The company experienced a 56.4% drop in stock price to $1.94, down from a year high of $14.5 to a low of $1.39 [2] - Challenges affecting investor confidence include the decision to voluntarily delist from the Nasdaq Capital Market and deregister with the SEC [2] IO Biotech, Inc. (IOBT) - IO Biotech's stock price decreased by 55.39% to $0.23, falling from a year high of $2.79 to a low of $0.20 [3] - The company focuses on immune-modulating cancer therapies and is exploring strategic alternatives, including a merger or potential liquidation, to enhance stockholder value [3] Innovation Beverage Group Limited (IBG) - The stock price of Innovation Beverage Group fell by 36.67% to $0.98, down from a year high of $9.85 to a low of $0.85 [4] - The company is pursuing energy expansion efforts and a proposed merger with BlockFuel Energy, aiming to advance its integrated energy and infrastructure strategy [4] Market Overview - The significant price movements of these companies highlight the volatile nature of the stock market and the various factors influencing investor sentiment and company valuations [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the strategic advancements of Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (IBG) and BlockFuel Energy Inc. (BlockFuel) as they work towards completing their proposed merger, which is expected to close by the end of Q1 2026 pending Nasdaq listing approval [1][14]. Group 1: Merger and Strategic Developments - The merger between IBG and BlockFuel aims to create a publicly traded platform that combines energy production and digital infrastructure [2][15]. - Both companies have made significant progress in executing their strategy, including energy asset acquisitions and digital asset development [2][15]. Group 2: Acquisition of Oklahoma Assets - BlockFuel has completed the acquisition of oil and gas production assets in Oklahoma for a total purchase price of $12.5 million, which includes cash, seller-financed considerations, and shares [3][4]. - The acquired portfolio consists of 46 previously producing horizontal oil and gas wells and 8 saltwater disposal wells across approximately 30,000 acres, with BlockFuel owning approximately 86% working interest and 70% net revenue interest in the wells [3][4]. Group 3: Operational Control and Production - Following the acquisition, BlockFuel assumed operational control of the assets and has initiated the process of restoring production, with initial oil sales already underway [5]. - The revenue generated from these sales is expected to support BlockFuel's energy-backed digital infrastructure initiatives [5]. Group 4: Digital Asset Mining Initiative - BlockFuel is planning to integrate natural gas-fueled power generation with digital asset mining operations at its Oklahoma asset base, evaluating the phased commissioning of approximately 6 megawatts of modular generation capacity [6][7]. - This strategy aims to monetize natural gas through on-site power generation, potentially allowing for the mining of up to approximately 4.5 bitcoin per month [7]. Group 5: Joint Venture in UAE - BlockFuel has entered a memorandum of understanding with Greenbelt Industries to develop a digital asset mining facility in Sharjah, UAE, forming a joint venture with a 50.75% ownership for Greenbelt and 49.25% for BlockFuel [8][10][11]. - The joint venture will leverage Greenbelt's regulatory licenses and biofuel-based power generation systems alongside BlockFuel's mining equipment and expertise [10][11]. Group 6: Equity Financing - BlockFuel has completed an equity financing led by Aegis Capital Corp., providing $2.0 million in working capital to support its operational and strategic initiatives [12].

Core Viewpoint - Innovation Beverage Group Ltd ("IBG") has received a notice from Nasdaq regarding non-compliance due to not holding an annual meeting of shareholders within the required timeframe [1][2] Group 1: Compliance and Regulatory Issues - IBG did not hold its annual meeting of shareholders within twelve months of the end of its fiscal year on December 31, 2024, leading to non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules [1] - The company has 45 calendar days to submit a compliance plan to regain compliance, with the possibility of an extension of up to 180 calendar days if the plan is accepted [2] Group 2: Company Overview - IBG is a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a beverage portfolio consisting of 60 formulations across 13 brands, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic [3] - The company focuses on premium and super premium brands, aiming to disrupt established brands in the market [3] - Established in 2018, IBG's headquarters and manufacturing center are located in Sydney, Australia, with a U.S. sales office in California [3]

Core Insights - Innovation Beverage Group (IBG) has entered into a definitive agreement for a reverse triangular merger with BlockFuel Energy (BFE), expected to close in Q4 2025 [1] - Upon completion, BFE will become a wholly owned subsidiary of IBG, with BFE's owners expected to hold 90% of IBG's total ordinary shares post-transaction [1] - The independent fairness analysis by Marshall & Stevens estimates the post-merger equity valuation of the combined entity to be between $220 million to $343 million [1] Financial Summary - Shareholders of IBG will own 10% of the combined entity, translating to an implied post-transaction equity value for IBG between $22 million to $34.3 million, compared to a pre-transaction valuation of $2.9 million to $6.3 million [1] - The merger is anticipated to significantly increase the equity valuation of IBG, indicating a substantial growth opportunity for the company [1] Leadership Changes - Daniel Lanskey, the current President and CEO of BlockFuel, will become the Chairman of the Board and CEO of the new combined entity [1] - Sahil Beri, the current Chairman and CEO of IBG, will resign from these positions and take on the role of President of a newly formed beverage subsidiary [1]

Core Viewpoint - Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (IBG) has entered into a definitive agreement for a reverse triangular merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc (BFE), aiming to leverage BFE's energy innovation and Bitcoin mining capabilities, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 2025 and the combined entity to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker "FUEL" [1][2][5] Group 1: Transaction Details - The merger will result in BFE becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of IBG, with BFE's owners expected to hold 90% of the post-transaction ordinary shares of IBG [2] - The post-transaction combined entity is projected to have an equity valuation between US$220 million and US$343 million, significantly increasing IBG's implied post-transaction equity value from US$2.9 million to US$6.3 million to a range of US$22 million to US$34.3 million [2][5] Group 2: Leadership Changes - Upon closing, Daniel Lanskey, the current President and CEO of BFE, will become the Chairman and CEO of the new combined entity, while Sahil Beri, the current CEO of IBG, will transition to President of a newly formed beverage subsidiary [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The merger is seen as a pivotal milestone for IBG, providing a public vehicle for BFE to access capital markets and enhancing IBG's growth potential as a subsidiary of BlockFuel [5][6] - The integration of IBG's market presence with BFE's energy and Bitcoin mining technologies is expected to create long-term value and opportunities in the digital asset and energy sectors [6]

Group 1: Beneficient (BENF) - Beneficient experienced a significant stock price increase of 123.50%, reaching a day high of $1.05, with 487,058,365 shares traded [1][5] - The company has reported reduced operating costs and new product launches, positioning it for growth in adjacent markets [1] Group 2: Iron Horse Acquisitions Corp. Warrant (IROHW) - Iron Horse Acquisitions Corp. Warrant saw a 71.43% increase in stock price, reaching $0.12, with 292,633 shares traded, indicating growing interest in the company's business prospects [2] Group 3: Sunrise New Energy Co., Ltd. (EPOW) - Sunrise New Energy Co., Ltd. experienced a 57.95% increase in stock price, reaching $1.42 with a day high of $1.59, trading 48,846,415 shares, and is involved in graphite anode material for electric vehicles [2] Group 4: Innovation Beverage Group Limited (IBG) - Innovation Beverage Group Limited saw a 50.79% increase in stock price, reaching $4.74 with 58,516,680 shares traded, and is exploring a potential merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc. to expand its portfolio and market reach [3] Group 5: Market Overview - The recent price movements across various sectors indicate a dynamic market environment, with companies experiencing significant changes that attract investor and analyst attention [4][5]

Company Developments - Innovation Beverage Group Limited (NASDAQ:IBG) experienced a 312% surge in stock price to $2.37, driven by strategic expansion in the beverage sector and a potential merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc. [2] - bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. (BIAFW) saw a 265% jump in stock price to $0.28, linked to the release of three new case studies demonstrating the clinical value of its product, CyPath® Lung, in detecting early-stage lung cancer [3] - MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:MRM) recorded a 116% rise in stock price to $3.13, attributed to the adoption of its REMONY system by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force [4] - Applied Therapeutics, Inc. (APLT) experienced a 71% increase in stock price to $0.95, driven by progress in clinical trials for its lead product candidate AT-007 and advancements in the CMT-SORD program [5] Market Trends - Recent market trends indicate significant price changes for several companies, reflecting key developments and heightened investor interest [1] - The dynamic nature of the stock market is underscored by how company developments and investor sentiment can significantly influence stock prices [6]

Market Overview - Recent market surge has highlighted remarkable performances from companies across diverse sectors including gaming, beverages, professional networking, data management, and medical technology [1][7] Company Performances - Super League Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLE) saw a stock price increase of 150.91% to $8.23, driven by innovative metaverse gaming strategies and planned investments aimed at enhancing shareholder value [2][8] - Innovation Beverage Group Limited (NASDAQ:IBG) experienced a 99.97% rise in stock price to $0.73, linked to successful expansion efforts and a potential merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc. [3][8] - Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (NASDAQ:IPDN) reported a 56.64% increase in stock price to $4.48, supported by a strategic partnership with OOKC Group to create a compliance-driven Web 3.0 joint venture [4][8] - Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT) rose by 54.61% to $0.63, reflecting the growing importance of data security and attracting attention with its AI offerings despite a small market cap of $53 million [5][8] - STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSKN) experienced a 53.27% increase to $2.60, attributed to innovative treatments for skin conditions, particularly a combination therapy for vitiligo [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (IBG) has announced a non-binding letter of intent for a merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc (BFE), aiming to combine beverage development with energy solutions for bitcoin mining and data centers [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger will be structured as a reverse triangular merger, with a newly formed subsidiary of IBG merging into BFE, making BFE the surviving entity [2]. - BFE's owners will receive IBG common stock equal to 90% of the total issued shares of IBG post-transaction [2]. - Daniel Joseph Lanskey, current President and CEO of BFE, is expected to become Chairman and CEO of IBG, while Sahil Beri will transition to President of a new Australian beverage subsidiary [2]. Group 2: Valuation and Financial Implications - The post-merger equity valuation of the combined company is projected to be between US$220 million and US$343 million [3]. - Shareholders of IBG will own 10% of the combined entity, implying a post-transaction equity value for IBG of US$22 million to US$34.3 million, compared to a pre-transaction valuation of US$2.9 million to US$6.3 million [3]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - BFE has engaged Needham & Company as its investment banking partner for the merger [4]. Group 4: Company Backgrounds - IBG is a developer and marketer of a diverse beverage portfolio with 60 formulations across 13 brands, focusing on premium products [7]. - BFE specializes in oil and gas exploration, utilizing natural gas for power generation to support bitcoin mining and data centers, aiming to innovate within the energy sector [9].