WISeKey International Holding AG (Nasdaq: WKEY) and Columbus Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: COLA) Execute Business Combination Agreement to Publicly List WISeKey’s Subsidiary WISeSat.Space Corp. Under The Name WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp.
Globenewswire·2025-11-10 13:30

Core Viewpoint - WISeKey International Holding AG is set to receive $250 million in equity from the business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corp, which will result in the formation of WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp, a publicly listed company on Nasdaq, expected to close in the first half of 2026 [1][5][6] Company Overview - WISeSat, through its subsidiary WISeSat.Space AG, offers a next-generation satellite platform aimed at providing secure and cost-effective IoT connectivity globally, utilizing post-quantum cryptographic technology [2][15] - The company has launched 22 satellites, with 14 currently operational, and aims to expand its constellation to 100 satellites by 2030, targeting industries such as logistics, agriculture, energy, and defense [2][4] Business Combination Agreement - The Business Combination Agreement stipulates that WISeKey will receive 25 million shares of the new entity at an implied value of $10 per share, resulting in a $250 million equity valuation [1][5] - The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of WISeKey, WISeSat, and Columbus, and is subject to shareholder approval and customary closing conditions [6][10] Management Commentary - Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey, emphasized that this transaction is a significant milestone in building a secure satellite infrastructure and aims to enhance the company's capital base for future expansion [4][5] - Fen Zhang, CEO of Columbus, expressed excitement about the transaction, highlighting WISeSat's potential in secure satellite communications [5] Technological Advancements - WISeSat is preparing to launch a next-generation post-quantum-secure satellite equipped with SEALSQ's Quantum Shield technology, which will serve as a testbed for new communication protocols [3][4] - The satellites are designed to ensure data integrity and transparency, leveraging Hedera distributed ledger technology to support a decentralized network [2][4] Future Plans - The company plans to deploy a total of 100 satellites by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to secure, sovereign, and sustainable space communications [2][4] - The business combination is expected to accelerate the commercialization of WISeSat's satellite-based cybersecurity and IoT ecosystem [4][5]