Agreement is first step to advance critical minerals shipment assurance, digital chain-of-custody, and authenticated marketplace transactions Atlanta, GA and Reno, NV, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- M2i Global, Inc. (“M2i,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) (OTCQB: MTWO), a company specializing in the development and execution of a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals, along with Volato Group, Inc. (“Volato”) (NYSE American: SOAR), a technology-driven company, is pleased to announce ...

Core Viewpoint - The proposed merger between M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc. aims to create a robust platform for critical minerals supply chain management, aligning with U.S. policies to enhance domestic and allied supply chains for processed critical minerals and their derivatives [1][3][4] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is expected to enhance logistics, technology, and operational execution capabilities, positioning the combined company to better support sectors affected by evolving critical minerals policies [3][4] - The merger is anticipated to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [7] - The combined company is projected to tap into a U.S. critical minerals market estimated to exceed $320 billion annually, emphasizing the strategic importance of domestic sourcing and logistics [8] Group 2: Policy Context - On January 14, 2026, the White House announced actions to adjust imports of processed critical minerals under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, highlighting national security concerns [2] - The U.S. government is initiating negotiations to address the threat of imported minerals, with potential tariffs if agreements are not reached promptly [6] - The State Department is hosting a critical minerals ministerial in February 2026 to discuss supply chains and counteract Chinese dominance in the sector [6] Group 3: Company Strategies - M2i Global is focused on building a critical minerals supply chain with sourcing partners in Australia, gaining access to essential minerals such as titanium, graphite, copper, gallium, antimony, and tungsten [4] - The merger aims to enhance operational reliability, secure logistics, and disciplined execution in line with U.S. regulatory and security priorities [4][5] - The companies emphasize that their transaction is grounded in broader objectives and not solely dependent on any single policy outcome, reflecting adaptability in a changing regulatory environment [5]

Core Insights - M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc. support the U.S. Department of State's Pax Silica initiative aimed at establishing a secure and innovative silicon supply chain for critical minerals and advanced technologies [1][2][3] Company Overview - M2i Global specializes in developing a global value supply chain for critical minerals, focusing on sourcing, processing, and technology to ensure reliable access for national defense and economic security [4] - Volato Group is a technology-driven company that enhances business decision-making through scalable software solutions and is expanding into the critical minerals sector through its acquisition of M2i Global [4] Strategic Initiatives - The Pax Silica initiative is a U.S.-led effort to create a resilient ecosystem across the global technology supply chain, involving multiple countries including Japan, South Korea, and Australia [2][3] - M2i Global's partnerships with Australian companies like NT Minerals and Nimy Resources align with the goals of the Pax Silica initiative, enhancing mineral sourcing capabilities [2] Industry Context - The initiative reflects a broader commitment to securing the supply chain for critical minerals essential for future technologies, including semiconductors and AI infrastructure [3]

Core Viewpoint - The proposed business combination between Volato Group, Inc. and M2i Global, Inc. aims to create a public company that enhances U.S. mineral independence and diversifies Volato's industrial platform, integrating aviation technology with critical minerals supply chain solutions [1][2][6] Company Overview - Volato is a technology-driven private aviation company focused on innovative solutions in aviation software and on-demand flight access, with a proprietary Mission Control software that enhances operational efficiency [19] - M2i Global specializes in developing a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals, aiming to establish a U.S. Strategic Mineral Reserve in partnership with the government [20] Transaction Details - Volato will acquire 100% of M2i Global's outstanding shares, with M2i Global shareholders expected to own approximately 85% of the combined company, while Volato shareholders will own about 15% [4][17] - The transaction will be structured as a reverse triangular merger, allowing M2i Global to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volato [17] Leadership Changes - Following the acquisition, Matt Liotta will transition from CEO of Volato to President of its aviation technology business lines, while Major General (Ret.) Alberto Rosende will assume the role of CEO of Volato [5][9] Strategic Rationale - The combination is positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for domestic sourcing of critical minerals, driven by national security concerns and geopolitical pressures [7][8] - The merged entity will leverage Volato's operational discipline and M2i Global's expertise in government and private sector channels to accelerate growth and deliver value [8][22] Financial Highlights - Volato reported Q1 2025 revenue of $25.5 million with a net income of $0.5 million, and expects Q2 2025 revenue between $25 million and $4 million in net income [16] - M2i Global has secured an exclusive offtake agreement for 88,000 tonnes of copper, valued at approximately $850 million based on current market prices [16]