Insiders may stand to receive substantial financial benefits not available to ordinary shareholders. The proposed transactions may contain terms that could limit superior competing offers. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss their rights and options at no cost or obligation. We would handle any matter on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an ...

Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the merger between VerifyMe, Inc. and Open World Ltd, focusing on potential violations of federal securities laws by VerifyMe and its board of directors [1] Group 1 - The investigation is aimed at determining the rights and options available to VerifyMe shareholders [1] - Halper Sadeh encourages shareholders to contact them for more information regarding the investigation [1]

Core Viewpoint - The merger between VerifyMe, Inc. and Open World Ltd. aims to create a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset and tokenization sector, enhancing capabilities in regulated digital asset infrastructure and real-world asset tokenization [1][3][4] Company Overview - VerifyMe, Inc. specializes in authentication and precision logistics technologies, while Open World Ltd. focuses on blockchain infrastructure and real-world asset tokenization [1][11] - Open World has facilitated the growth of over 20 companies since 2023 and has helped launch more than $65 billion in aggregate network value [10] Merger Details - The Agreement and Plan of Merger has been executed, with both companies' boards unanimously approving the transaction [1][6] - The combined entity will focus on token listings, compliance frameworks, and institutional RWA tokenization across multiple jurisdictions [3][4] - The merger is expected to result in a new Nasdaq listing under a new ticker symbol, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals [6] Strategic Importance - The merger is seen as a significant inflection point, responding to increasing institutional demand for regulated digital asset infrastructure [4] - The combined platform is expected to support digital asset innovation and long-term shareholder value [3] Future Developments - Regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq are anticipated by the second quarter of 2026 [6] - Additional details regarding the transaction structure and timing will be disclosed in future filings [6]

Core Viewpoint - Open World and VerifyMe have signed a definitive merger agreement, indicating a strategic move to combine resources and capabilities in their respective markets [1] Group 1 - The merger aims to enhance operational efficiencies and expand market reach for both companies [1] - This agreement is expected to create significant value for shareholders through synergies and improved financial performance [1] - The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [1]

Core Viewpoint - VerifyMe, Inc. has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), confirming that its common stock has maintained a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for the last 10 consecutive business days, thus remaining listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol VRME [1][2]. Group 1 - The company received formal notice from Nasdaq that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement [1]. - Nasdaq confirmed that from January 13, 2026, to January 29, 2026, the closing bid price of the company's common stock was at or above $1.00 [1]. - The matter regarding compliance is now closed, allowing the company to continue its listing on Nasdaq [2]. Group 2 - On December 12, 2025, the company was notified by Nasdaq that it had not maintained the minimum bid price of $1.00 over the preceding 30 consecutive business days [2]. - The CEO of VerifyMe expressed satisfaction in regaining compliance in a timely manner and emphasized the company's focus on executing its strategy and driving long-term value for shareholders [3]. - VerifyMe, Inc. specializes in logistics for time and temperature-sensitive products, as well as brand protection and enhancement solutions [3].

Market Performance - U.S. stocks experienced gains, with the Dow Jones index increasing by 1.66% to 49,183.51, the NASDAQ rising by 0.80% to 23,420.85, and the S&P 500 up by 0.81% to 6,913.76 [1] - European shares also saw positive movement, with the eurozone's STOXX 600 gaining 0.94%, Spain's IBEX 35 Index rising by 0.70%, London's FTSE 100 up by 0.54%, Germany's DAX increasing by 1.34%, and France's CAC 40 climbing by 0.20% [5] - Asian markets closed mostly higher, highlighted by Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 2.97% and China's Shanghai Composite surging 1.38%, while India's BSE Sensex fell by 0.38% [6] Commodity Prices - In commodity trading, oil prices increased by 1.7% to $58.30, gold rose by 2.9% to $4,454.40, silver surged by 7.3% to $76.230, and copper climbed by 5.1% to $5.9815 [4] Company Developments - Momentus Inc (NASDAQ:MNTS) shares surged by 57% to $8.98 following the announcement of an additive-manufactured fuel tank for flight testing [8] - GH Research PLC (NASDAQ:GHRS) shares increased by 17% to $15.43 after the FDA lifted the clinical hold on its Investigational New Drug Application for GH001 [8] - VerifyMe Inc (NASDAQ:VRME) shares rose by 66% to $1.12 due to a strategic merger letter of intent with Open World [8] - Zenas Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:ZBIO) shares dropped by 57% to $14.94 after announcing results from the Phase 3 INDIGO trial [8] - Palisade Bio Inc (NASDAQ:PALI) shares fell by 16% to $2.10, and Palvella Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:PVLA) decreased by 14% to $86.16 [8] Economic Indicators - The ISM manufacturing PMI declined for the third consecutive month to 47.9 in December, marking the lowest reading since October 2024, down from 48.2 in November and below market estimates of 48.3 [2][7]

Market Overview - U.S. stocks traded higher, with the Dow Jones index gaining over 250 points, up 0.54% to 48,641.58, NASDAQ up 0.65% to 23,386.57, and S&P 500 up 0.63% to 6,901.52 [1] - Energy shares increased by 2.9% on Monday [1] Sector Performance - Consumer staples stocks dipped by 0.4% [2] Commodity Prices - Oil traded up 1.4% to $58.12, gold up 2.4% to $4,433.50, silver up 7.5% to $76.320, and copper rose 4.1% to $5.9260 [5] European Market Performance - Eurozone's STOXX 600 gained 0.5%, Spain's IBEX 35 Index rose 0.3%, London's FTSE 100 up 0.4%, Germany's DAX gained 0.2%, and France's CAC 40 climbed 0.1% [6] Asian Market Performance - Asian markets closed mostly higher, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 2.97%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index up 0.03%, China's Shanghai Composite surging 1.38%, while India's BSE Sensex fell 0.38% [7] Company News - The FDA lifted the clinical hold on GH Research Plc's Investigational New Drug Application for GH001 [3] - Momentus Inc shares surged 94% to $11.14 after announcing the development of an additive-manufactured fuel tank [9] - TMD Energy Ltd shares increased by 76% to $0.78 [9] - VerifyMe Inc shares rose 40% to $0.94 following a strategic merger announcement [9] - Zenas Biopharma Inc shares dropped 55% to $15.54 after Phase 3 trial results [9] - Signing Day Sports Inc shares fell 37% to $0.60, and Lavoro Ltd shares decreased by 26% to $0.82 [9]

Core Viewpoint - VerifyMe and Token Economy Leader Open World have announced a strategic merger aimed at enhancing their market position and expanding their service offerings in the blockchain and digital identity sectors [1] Company Summary - VerifyMe specializes in digital identity verification and authentication solutions, focusing on enhancing security and trust in transactions [1] - Open World is recognized as a leader in the token economy, providing innovative solutions that leverage blockchain technology for various applications [1] Industry Summary - The merger is expected to create a stronger entity capable of addressing the growing demand for secure digital identity solutions and tokenization in various industries [1] - The combined expertise of both companies is anticipated to drive innovation and improve service delivery in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape [1]

Core Insights - VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME) specializes in authentication and anti-counterfeiting solutions, facing challenges in capital efficiency as indicated by its negative Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of -14.96% compared to a Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of 5.86% [1][2][6] Financial Performance - VRME's negative ROIC suggests inefficiencies in capital utilization, indicating that the company is not generating sufficient returns to cover its cost of capital [2][6] - In comparison, Oblong, Inc. (OBLG) has a significantly worse ROIC of -114.45% against a WACC of 18.35%, resulting in a ROIC to WACC ratio of -6.24, highlighting severe capital efficiency issues [3] - Usio, Inc. (USIO) also shows a negative ROIC of -86.25% with a WACC of 9.66%, leading to a ratio of -8.93, further indicating poor capital utilization [3] Peer Comparison - Wilhelmina International, Inc. (WHLM) stands out with a positive ROIC of 1.12% and a WACC of 6.94%, resulting in a ROIC to WACC ratio of 0.16, making it more attractive to investors focused on capital efficiency [4][6] - SilverSun Technologies, Inc. (SSNT) and MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) also report negative ROICs of -1.29% and -6.53%, respectively, with WACCs of 14.77% and 6.61%, indicating similar inefficiencies in capital utilization as VRME [5][6]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]