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Hope or hazard? Generative AI takes center stage for Fraud Week 2023

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As anti-fraud pros and organizations across industries unite around International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 12-18, SAS examines how the rise of generative AI will impact the global fraud landscape

CARY, N.C., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the sun rises on another International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 12-18, 2023, it shines on a world perhaps more fraud conscious than at any time in history. A recent consumer fraud study, based on a survey of 13,500 adults by AI and analytics leader SAS, revealed that:

Seven in 10 people have fallen victim to fraud at least once; 40% reported suffering fraud twice or more.A vast majority (86%) are more wary of fraud now compared to previously.Three-quarters are fearful of experiencing future fraud.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8827856-sas-international-fraud-awareness-week/ 

“Even as consumers signal increased fraud vigilance, generative AI and deepfake technology are helping fraudsters hone their lucrative craft,” said Stu Bradley, Senior Vice President of Risk, Fraud and Compliance at SAS. “Phishing messages are becoming more polished. Replica websites look stunningly like the ones they mean to imitate. It takes just $5 and a few seconds of audio to clone someone’s voice with readily available online tools.”

Turning the tide on fraudsters: ways to engage
With stakes so high, SAS is again joining forces with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and more than 1,000 supporting organizations around one goal: to curb fraud and its financial and social harms by driving anti-fraud awareness and education. Seize these complimentary opportunities to become more fraud savvy with SAS throughout Fraud Week:

SAS webinar: The Fraud Arms Race: How Governments and Fraudsters are Battling for Advantage. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m. ET (and later on demand). Join public sector experts from SAS to explore how fraudsters are using generative AI and other innovations to exploit and plunder – and discover the latest countermeasures governments worldwide are using to stop them.Live Twitter/X chat: What’s Next? Fraud & AML Trends for 2024 (and Beyond). Thursday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. ET. Will generative AI live up to the hype? How will today’s prevailing digital fraud trends influence the anti-fraud tools and strategies used in sectors like banking, government, health care and insurance? Join SAS’ Stu Bradley and other cross-industry fraud experts on Twitter/X for a lively #SASchat.ACFE webinar: Fighting Financial Crime in the Generative AI Age. Friday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. ET. Open for the first time to ACFE members and nonmembers alike, the ACFE will align experts from SAS, Datos Insights and Unconventional Ventures to examine the threats posed by generative AI’s explosive growth – and how organizations can mitigate them. Nonmember participation is limited to the live broadcast (register here); the webinar will be available on demand to ACFE members starting Dec. 7.

Supporters can also lend their voices on social media to share fraud fighting tips and resources from SAS. Follow #FraudWeek on Twitter/X for real-world expertise and discussions on a variety of fraud topics, including global fraud trends, the impacts of generative AI (good and bad), digital and payments fraud, identity crime, claims fraud, tax compliance, social program integrity, health care fraud and cost containment, and more.

“Anti-fraud professionals can’t afford to ignore the scams and frauds coming to the fore in these challenging economic times – nor can the organizations that employ them afford to disregard the public’s changing expectations around fraud protection,” said ACFE President John Gill. “Keeping up with anti-fraud innovation will be critical across industries as fraudsters take advantage of generative AI and other emerging technologies.”

SAS’ research showed how important fraud protection has become to consumers. “Consider that nine in 10 consumers think organizations should be doing more to safeguard them from fraud, and that two-thirds said they would change service providers due to a fraud experience or for better fraud protection,” Bradley said. “These proof points – and the real-world gains achieved by SAS customers – underscore the tremendous potential of businesses’ anti-fraud investments to help them grow and flourish.”

Using AI to stop financial fraud in real time
Beyond serving as Italy’s national postal service, Poste Italiane is among the country’s leading financial institutions, providing banking, insurance and even telecommunications services to 35 million customers. Protecting the 11 million customers who interact with Poste Italiane each day from fraud, abuse and improper payments is a foremost priority for the 160-year-old institution. That’s why the company uses advanced analytics and AI from SAS to detect fraud more precisely.

“Machine learning techniques provide that layer of intelligence that allows us to identify risk situations, analyze them very quickly and intervene when necessary,” said Raffaele Panico, Head of Fraud Management and Security Intelligence at Poste Italiane. “We have reduced false positives by 40% and increased our ability to handle anomalies by more than 20%.”

On the e-money side, Panico reported that Poste Italiane’s fraud ratio dropped by 50% in just three months after the launch of the anti-fraud service. “This is an astonishing figure, especially when we consider that in the last two years fraud has increased by 90% worldwide,” said Panico.

Improving claims fraud detection with predictive analytics and real-time decisioning
Since 2016, HDI Seguros has collaborated with SAS to combat evolving fraud risks and improve the customer experience. Using SAS solutions, the Brazilian insurer has transformed its existing anti-fraud system in recent years with new predictive modeling and decisioning tools to better identify and mitigate shifting fraud threats in real time.

These ongoing anti-fraud modernizations have helped HDI reduce false positives while improving its fraud detection rates. The insurer reported a 43% increase in the number of frauds identified from 2021 to 2022.

“SAS brought technology that helped us analyze external and internal data for greater accuracy,” said Leandro Bordon, Director of Operations and Claims at HDI Seguros. “We are able to look at the relationship network of fraudsters and customers with more intelligence, as it involves the complex interconnection of several elements, such as location, contacts, credit score, damages reported in the claim and other information.”

Enhancing anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud surveillance capabilities
By deploying SAS® Anti-Money Laundering on cloud-native AI platform SAS® Viya®, Treezor enhanced its AML and fraud surveillance capabilities. The European Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) leader, based in Paris, operates in 25 countries, serving more than 100 fintech and large business customers. It has processed more than EUR€58 billion in transactions and issued more than 4.6 million payment cards.

Treezor deployed SAS Viya for monitoring transaction compliance, facilitating systematic coverage of anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and fraud risks. All teams, from compliance managers to analysts, collaborate on the platform, benefiting from prioritized alerts, robust case management capabilities and audit trail precision.

“Treezor plays a pivotal role in AML/CFT vigilance by reinforcing its monitoring capabilities, offering security to its customers and their end customers,” said Adin Buhks, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Treezor. “We are the first BaaS player to partner with SAS, who helped us implement a state-of-the-art solution in a tight time frame. Our AML analysts quickly adapted to the new solution, and the network capabilities are a game changer.”

Fighting tax evasion in freight transport
The Department of Economy of the State of Goiás in Brazil adopted SAS technology – SAS® Enterprise Guide® and SAS Visual Analytics on SAS Viya – to combat tax evasion in freight transport. The initiative uses monitoring and AI technologies to cross-check tax data in real time. Optical character recognition (OCR)-equipped antennas throughout the state’s highways enable the department to track roughly 30,000 cargo trucks daily.

Within a month of deployment, the system generated 300 alerts of possible tax inconsistencies each day. By better identifying irregularities – e.g., forged invoices, missing electronic manifests mandated for freight transport vehicles, and cargo exceeding declared quantity – the department increased fines by 54% compared to the same month last year.

“This project has greatly changed the department’s operational efficiency, bringing benefits to society and increased transparency for the department,” said Giovana Amorim Zanato, Manager of Prospecting and Auditing for the Department of Economy of the State of Goiás. “We combined SAS technology with other technologies to prevent tax evasion and created something innovative to serve as an example for other states’ departments.”

About SAS
SAS is a global leader in AI and analytics software, including industry-specific solutions. SAS helps organizations transform data into trusted decisions faster by providing knowledge in the moments that matter. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2023 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contact:
Danielle Bates
danielle.bates@sas.com  
919-531-1959
sas.com/news

 

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hope-or-hazard-generative-ai-takes-center-stage-for-fraud-week-2023-301984233.html

SOURCE SAS Institute

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SK Group Establishes Foundation for AI Collaboration with Vietnam

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SK Telecom and SK Innovation sign separate MOUs with Vietnam’s Nghe An Province and the National Innovation Center (NIC) to foster artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem development.From AI data center (AIDC) construction to stable power supply, Korea’s full-stack AI is poised for its first overseas expansion.SK Chairman Chey Tae-won: “SK Group will contribute to the advancement of Vietnam’s AI industry through its comprehensive AI portfolio.”

SEOUL, South Korea, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK Group announced it will collaborate with Vietnam to build the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry ecosystem and develop core AI infrastructure.

At the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum held in Hanoi on April 23, SK Group signed separate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Nghe An Provincial Government and Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC) to foster AI ecosystem development.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea, and Ngo Van Tuan, Minister of Finance of Vietnam.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee and SK Group was signed by Vo Trong Hai, Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee; Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation; and Jung Jai-hun, President & CEO of SK Telecom.

Another MOU between the National Innovation Center (NIC) and SK Group was signed by Vu Quoc Huy, Director General of NIC; Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation; and Jung Jai-hun, President & CEO of SK Telecom.

Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group and Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), also attended the ceremony.

Earlier, at the Korea–Vietnam Summit, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in future growth sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and energy. SK Group’s MOUs with Vietnam represent this bilateral cooperation being put into action by the private sector.

Through these partnerships, SK Group plans to support Vietnam’s growth as a key partner in its national AI strategy. In addition, building on AI data center development and stable power supply, SK Group is expected to lay the groundwork for the first overseas expansion of its “Korean-style AI full-stack” model, linking AI model development and validation with the rollout of industry-specific AI services.

Joint AIDC feasibility study in Nghe An linked to the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed an MOU with the Nghe An provincial government to jointly explore developing an AIDC and related infrastructure projects in the region. Nghe An is a major economic hub in north-central Vietnam and has emerged as a fast-growing region for manufacturing, energy and advanced industries, supported by its port and logistics infrastructure.

SK Innovation will explore broad cooperation opportunities in energy solutions, including supplying electricity to the data center and building dedicated generation facilities connected to the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project, for which it was recently selected as the developer.

SK Telecom plans to review options for developing, building, and operating the AIDC while also seeking to secure global demand. The Nghe An provincial government agreed to discuss support measures to help advance the partnership, including permits, administrative procedures, inter-ministerial coordination and incentive programs.

In February, SK Innovation was selected as a developer for the Quynh Lap LNG power project in Nghe An Province, together with PV Power, a power generation subsidiary of Vietnam’s state-owned oil and gas group PVN, and local company NASU. The project is a large-scale energy infrastructure initiative that includes the development of a 1,500-MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant, an LNG terminal, and a dedicated port, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion targeted for 2030. From the proposal stage, SK Innovation also presented a model to foster high value-added industries by integrating SK Group’s AI and semiconductor capabilities in areas near the power plant, thereby laying the foundation for the current partnership.

At the forum, the Nghe An government also presented the SK Innovation consortium with the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) for the Quynh Lap Power Project, reaffirming its commitment to the development.

“Drawing on SK Group’s experience in operating large-scale power generation and diverse energy solution businesses, we will ensure the successful development of the local power infrastructure,” said Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation, during a presentation titled “Vietnam’s Economic Leap through AI + Energy Innovation.”

Cooperation with NIC to Build Vietnam’s AI Ecosystem

SK Telecom and SK Innovation also signed a comprehensive MOU with Vietnam’s NIC to support the development of the country’s AI ecosystem.

The two sides agreed to cooperate on AIDC development, energy infrastructure development and the establishment of policy and institutional frameworks to foster the AI industry.

Under the agreement, SK Telecom will support AI ecosystem development in Vietnam through technology collaboration and investment promotion, and SK Innovation will provide energy solutions for AIDCs and related industries. The NIC will provide institutional support, such as coordinating with government agencies, improving regulations and developing policy, while also identifying and connecting local partners to facilitate project execution.

Established in 2019 by the Vietnamese government, NIC serves as the country’s national innovation hub, leading initiatives in AI, semiconductors and investment promotion. SK Group has maintained a close partnership with NIC, including a previous $30 million contribution toward its establishment.

Jung Jai-hun, President and CEO of SK Telecom, said, “AI data centers are key infrastructure that underpins the growth of the AI industry. Building on SK Group’s accumulated capabilities in the development, construction, and operation of AI data centers, we will further refine a collaboration model tailored to the Vietnamese market.”

First Overseas Expansion of Chairman Chey Tae-won’s “AI Full-Stack Provider” Vision

This partnership in Vietnam is significant as it could mark SK Group’s first overseas expansion of the “AI full-stack provider” strategy, integrating capabilities in AIDC, power, and energy solutions.

Chairman Chey Tae-won has consistently articulated his vision of transforming SK Group into an “AI full-stack provider.” Leveraging SK Group’s strengths across the AI value chain—including semiconductors, data centers, power and energy solutions, and AI services—the Group aims to build the most efficient AI infrastructure model.

Under this vision, SK Group is advancing the development of the 100-MW hyperscale “SK AI Data Center Ulsan,” targeted for completion in 2027. The Group has also been laying the groundwork for Korea to emerge as an Asia-Pacific AI hub by engaging in discussions with OpenAI on collaboration for AI data center development in Korea.

Ahead of the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum, Chairman Chey Tae-won said at a business roundtable, “AI will play a critical role in Vietnam’s continued growth. SK Group has a portfolio spanning the entire AI ecosystem—from energy and semiconductors to AI models and applications—and we will leverage this to make tangible contributions to the development of Vietnam’s AI industry.”

About SK Telecom 

SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life. 

For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom

About SK Innovation

Founded in 1962 as Korea Oil Corporation, SK Innovation has been at the forefront of Korea’s energy industry for over six decades. The company has pioneered numerous milestones, including Korea’s first overseas oil field development, the vertical integration of its energy and chemical businesses, the nation’s first private LNG import, and a strategic entry into the electric vehicle battery business.

Now, SK Innovation has reached a transformative turning point in its journey to become a Comprehensive Global Energy Company. Extending beyond its traditional oil business to encompass the entire energy value chain -spanning LNG & Power, Renewable Energy, and Energy Solutions- the company is driving global expansion, including in Vietnam.

For more information, please visit the official SK Innovation website at www.skinnovation.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sk-group-establishes-foundation-for-ai-collaboration-with-vietnam-302752442.html

SOURCE SK Group; SK Telecom

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Ace Green Recycling, Inc. and Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II Announce $32 Million PIPE Investment to Support Proposed Business Combination

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Investment led by seasoned sector-focused institutional investors supports development of Ace’s Texas facility and international operations

HOUSTON, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ace Green Recycling, Inc. (“Ace” or the “Company”), a leading provider of sustainable battery recycling technology solutions, and Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II (“ATEK II” or “Athena”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, today announced that they have entered into securities purchase agreements with certain investors for an aggregate $32 million private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) financing to support their previously-announced proposed business combination (the “Proposed Business Combination”), with the common stock of the combined company expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker “AGXI” following the consummation of the Proposed Business Combination.

The PIPE financing includes participation from sector-focused institutional investors, and is expected to support Ace’s differentiated recycling platform for lithium (nickel-manganese-cobalt & lithium iron phosphate) and lead batteries and its role in enabling domestic supply chains for critical battery materials supporting a circular economy for batteries. The financing is a key milestone toward the completion of the Proposed Business Combination and supports the Company’s strategy to scale its U.S. footprint, global supply chain management platform, and commercialize its next-generation battery recycling technology.

“This investment accelerates our mission to redefine battery recycling at a global scale,” said Ace CEO Nishchay Chadha. “At Ace, we are deploying GREENLEAD® and LithiumFirst™ as a new standard – fully electrified, Scope 1 emissions-free solutions designed to replace legacy processes and unlock a cleaner supply chain for critical materials. We believe that the future of electrification depends on how efficiently and sustainably we recover these resources, and this milestone brings us meaningfully closer to that future.”

Concurrent with and contingent upon the closing of the Proposed Business Combination, Ace expects to receive approximately $32 million in gross proceeds from the PIPE financing before transaction expenses. The Company expects to use these proceeds primarily to fund capital expenditures related to the development of its Texas recycling facility as well as for general corporate purposes, including supporting the expansion of operations and to fund the purchase of other companies , as described in the registration statement on Form S-4 most recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Athena and Ace on March 24, 2026.

We believe that investor participation in this PIPE reflects confidence in Athena’s ability to bring together exceptional talent and partner with high-quality companies through complex transactions and the public market process. We also believe that Ace is well positioned to support a more resilient domestic supply chain for critical battery materials, and this marks an important step toward closing the Proposed Business Combination,” said Isabelle Freidheim, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Athena

Advisors

Rimon P.C. is serving as legal counsel to Ace. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to ATEK II.

About Ace Green Recycling

Ace Green Recycling, Inc., incorporated in Delaware, is an innovative battery recycling technology platform offering sustainable end-of-life solutions. It has deployed modular, Scope 1 carbon emissions-free recycling facilities for lithium (nickel-manganese-cobalt & lithium iron phosphate) and lead batteries used in various industries including electronics, automotive and energy storage. Ace was founded by Nishchay Chadha, Chief Executive Officer and a veteran in recycling, mining and global supply chain industries, and Dr. Vipin Tyagi, Chief Technology Officer, with extensive experience in battery materials recycling technologies. For more information, please visit www.acegreenrecycling.com.

About Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II

Athena Technology Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination. Athena is part of the broader Athena platform founded by Isabelle Freidheim and supported by a senior leadership team with deep experience across public transactions, private M&A, growth investing and technology leadership. The broader Athena platform brings differentiated transaction experience, investor alignment and partnership-oriented execution to the business.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains statements regarding Athena, Ace, the Proposed Business Combination and other matters that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “approximate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “could,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “intend,” “may” and other similar expressions or the negative of such words or expressions. Statements in this report concerning (i) Athena’s or Ace’s expected future financial position, business strategy, production capacity, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management and (ii) the expected benefits of the Proposed Business Combination, together with other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are estimates reflecting management’s best judgment based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and stockholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from expectations as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed below. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which Athena and Ace are unable to predict or control, that may cause actual results, performance or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

Ace has a limited operating history at scale and is developing a flagship and new facility in the United States; scaling up its operations and expansion in the U.S. may carry uncertainties and pose liquidity risks to Ace;Ace may not be able to secure adequate capital to execute its business plan;If Ace is unable to overcome the workforce and engineering challenges arising from scaling up production from its existing capacities, it may not succeed in executing its growth and expansion plans;Successful or timely implementation of Ace’s planned U.S. facility may be delayed due to licensing or regulatory issues;A large portion of Ace’s profit is derived from a relatively small number of major customers, and its business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if its key customers fail to meet their contractual obligations;Prices for recovered materials are subject to global market fluctuations and price instability may negatively impact Ace’s financial performance;Ace relies on third-party vendors for key machineries and failure to acquire and maintain them may adversely disrupt its operations;A decline in green energy adoption may inhibit future recycling opportunities and may result in decreased demand for Ace’s products;Ace’s proprietary know-how may be rivaled by competitors, which may erode the technological edge it has established;Unfavorable economic or geopolitical conditions could constrain Ace’s expansion, inhibit its further growth and otherwise have a material adverse effect its business, results of operations, prospects and financial condition;Athena and Ace may not obtain the requisite stockholder approvals for the Proposed Business Combination;Nasdaq may not list the common stock of the surviving company following the Proposed Business Combination, which could limit investors’ ability to effect transactions following the Proposed Business Combination;An event, change or other circumstance could result in the termination of the Proposed Business Combination;A condition to the closing of the Proposed Business Combination may not be satisfied;There may be delays in completing the Proposed Business Combination;Any announcement or news coverage relating to the Proposed Business Combination could have adverse effects on the market price of Athena common stock or Ace common stock;The risk of litigation related to the merger; andOther risks and uncertainties identified in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” sections of Athena’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other risks as identified from time to time in its SEC reports.

All of the forward-looking statements Athena and Ace make in or in connection with this report are qualified by the information contained or incorporated by reference in a registration statement filed by Athena and Ace on Form S-4, that includes a proxy statement and a prospectus, to register the shares of Athena stock that will be issued to Ace’s stockholders (the “Registration Statement”). For additional information, see the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on pages 18 and 208, respectively, of the Registration Statement.

Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Except to the extent required by applicable law, neither Athena nor Ace undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION

This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy, subscribe for or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, subscribe for or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

This release is being made in respect of the Proposed Business Combination between Athena and Ace. In connection with the Proposed Business Combination, Athena and Ace filed with the SEC the Registration Statement, as well as other relevant documents regarding the Proposed Business Combination. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT REGARDING THE TRANSACTION THAT HAS BEEN FILED AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

A free copy of the Registration Statement, as well as other filings containing information about Athena, may be obtained at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You will also be able to obtain these documents, free of charge, from Athena by calling (970) 925-1572.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

Athena, Ace and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from its respective stockholders in respect of the Proposed Business Combination contemplated by the Registration Statement. Information regarding the persons who are, under the rules of the SEC, participants in the solicitation of the stockholders of Athena in connection with the Proposed Business Combination, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, are set forth in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Information regarding Athena’s directors and executive officers is contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which is filed with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is or will be contained in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Business Combination when such materials become available. Investors and security holders should read the Registration Statement carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of any of the documents referenced herein using the sources indicated above.

Contacts:

Media
Media@ace-green.com

Investors
Investors@ace-green.com

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TOTAL PLAY ANNOUNCES REVENUE OF Ps.11,177 MILLION AND EBITDA OF Ps.4,849 MILLION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026

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—Growth of 115,020 net subscribers in Totalplay Residencial in the period strengthens the company’s service revenues—

 —EBITDA less Capex and interest reached Ps.883 million, the highest level ever recorded for a first quarter—

—A 9% reduction in debt with cost from loans provides additional strength to the company’s capital structure—

MEXICO CITY, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Total Play Telecomunicaciones, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“Total Play”), a leading telecommunications company in Mexico, which offers internet access, pay television and telephony services, through one of the largest 100% fiber optic networks in the country, announced today financial results for the first quarter of 2026.

“The growing preference of millions of homes for our technologically advanced internet services, with superior stability and speed, resulted in a net increase of 115,020 subscribers in the quarter, which continued to drive the company’s revenue,” commented Eduardo Kuri, CEO of Total Play. “The growth of our operations was consistent with the Capex which represented only 22% of revenue, and interest payments that decreased double-digit, in the context of lower debt with cost at the company. This resulted in a 51% increase in cash generation — defined as EBITDA less Capex and interest paid — reaching a record high of Ps.883 million in the period.”

“Regarding the balance sheet, we began this quarter with the amortization schedule for the Senior Secured Notes due 2028 — through a principal payment of US$15 million for the period — which adds to the US$56 million amortization of the remaining balance of the Senior Notes due in 2025 — done in the previous quarter — which, among other debt payments, contributed to a 9% reduction in our balance of debt with cost from loans,” added Mr. Kuri. “Simultaneously, we were able to decrease our lease liabilities by 30% and our trade payables by 22%, further strengthening Total Play’s solid capital structure.”

First quarter results 

Revenue for the quarter was Ps.11,177 million, 3% higher than Ps.10,843 million for the same period of the previous year. Total costs and expenses were Ps.6,328 million, compared to Ps.5,761 million in the prior year.

As a result, Total Play’s EBITDA was Ps.4,849 million, from Ps.5,082 million a year ago; the quarter’s EBITDA margin was 43%. The company reported operating profit of Ps.301 million, compared to Ps.763 million a year earlier.

Total Play reported a net loss of Ps.1,327 million from a loss of Ps.1,961 million in the same quarter of 2025.

   Q1 2025 

   Q1 2026 

 Change 

Ps. 

%

Revenue from services 

$10,843

$11,177

$334

3 %

EBITDA  

$5,082

$4,849

$(233)

(5) %

Operating income 

 

$763

 

$301

 

$(462)

 

(61) %

 

Net result 

$(1,961)

$(1,327)

$634

32 %

Amounts in millions of pesos.
EBITDA: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Revenue from services 

The company’s revenue increased 3%, as a result of 3% growth in sales in the residential segment and 4% growth in revenue from the enterprise segment.

Totalplay Residential’s revenue increase to Ps.9,848 million, up from Ps.9,570 million the previous year, is related to a 4% increase in the number of the company’s service subscribers compared to the same quarter of the previous year, reaching 5,554,374 this period — a figure that includes 67,856 small and medium-sized businesses. Compared to the previous quarter, the subscriber base increased by 115,020 users. The company believes that the number of subscribers achieved this quarter reflects its remarkable ability to offer technologically advanced internet services — with superior stability and speed — continuous innovation in its entertainment platform, and service excellence.

Average revenue per subscriber (ARPU) for the quarter was Ps.588, compared to Ps.597 a year ago. The decrease in ARPU is largely related to a growing proportion of double-play subscribers compared to triple-play subscribers within the total residential subscriber base.

The number of homes passed by Total Play in Mexico at the end of this period was 19.5 million, compared to 17.6 million a year ago.

Penetration — the proportion of homes passed by Total Play that have the company’s telecommunications services — was 28.5% at the end of the quarter from 30.2% a year ago.

Revenue from the enterprise segment was Ps.1,329 million, up from Ps.1,273 million in the previous year, as a result of contracting Total Play services for the development of corporate client projects.

Costs and expenses 

Total costs and expenses increased 10% as a result of a 4% increase in service costs and a 12% increase in expenses.

The increase in costs to Ps.1,663 million from Ps.1,597 million in the previous year, results mainly from higher costs related to memberships, maintenance and support, partially offset by lower content costs — as a result of a higher proportion of double play users in the mix of residential service subscribers and the negotiation of terms, in an optimal way, with content producers —.

The increase in expenses to Ps.4,665 million from Ps.4,164 million reflects higher maintenance, personnel, advertising and promotion expenses, in the context of the company’s growing operations.

EBITDA and net result 

Total Play’s EBITDA was Ps.4,849 million compared to Ps.5,082 million the previous year.

Relevant variations below EBITDA were the following:

An increase of Ps.229 million in depreciation and amortization, as a result of user acquisition costs — telecommunications equipment, labor and installation in the period.

A Decrease of Ps.189 million in accrued interest payable, in the context of reducing the company’s debt with cost balance during the period.

Changes in the fair value of financial instruments of Ps.921 million, due to costs related to hedging options in the previous year.

Other financial income of Ps.31 million, compared to other expenses of Ps.200 million in the previous year, as a result of costs related to debt issuances a year ago.

A, increase of Ps.109 million in exchange losses as a result of net liability monetary position in foreign currency, together with greater depreciation of the peso against the basket of currencies in which the company’s monetary liabilities are denominated this quarter, compared to the previous year.

Total Play reported a net loss of Ps.1,327 million from a net loss of Ps.1,961 million in the same period of 2025.

Balance sheet

As of March 31, 2026, the company’s debt with cost from loans was Ps.55,477 million, 9% lower than the Ps.60,806 million of the previous year. The reduction resulted from various debt with cost amortizations during the period, including US$15 million of the company’s Senior Secured Notes due 2028 this quarter and US$56 million of the remaining Senior Notes due 2025, done last November, partially offset by the issuance of US$200 million in Additional Notes to the Senior Secured Notes due 2032, announced in April 2025.

Lease liabilities were Ps.2,756 million, 30% lower compared to Ps.3,917 million in the previous year.

Cash and cash equivalents, as well as restricted cash in trusts, was Ps.6,477 million, compared to Ps.10,008 million a year ago. As a result, the company’s net debt was Ps.51,756 million, 5% lower compared to Ps.54,715 million in the previous year.

The debt ratio — Net Debt / EBITDA of the last two quarters annualized — was 2.62 times.

Total Play’s fixed assets — which include accumulated investment in fiber optics, telecommunications equipment and subscriber acquisition costs, among other assets — were Ps.79,312 million, compared to Ps.85,944 million a year ago.

About Total Play

Total Play is a leading Triple Play provider in Mexico that, thanks to the widest direct-to-home fiber optic network in the country, offers entertainment and technologically advanced services with the highest quality and speed in the market. For the latest news and updates about Total Play, visit: www.totalplay.com.mx.

Total Play is a Grupo Salinas company (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating economic value through market innovation and goods and services that improve standards of living; social value to improve community well-being; and environmental value by reducing the negative impact of its business activities. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors, and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. The group of companies shares a common vision, values, and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results, and world-class performance.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are concepts about the future that involve risks and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Other risks that may affect Total Play and its subsidiaries are presented in documents sent to the securities authorities.

Investor Relations:

Bruno Rangel

Rolando Villarreal

+ 52 (55) 1720 9167

+ 52 (55) 1720 9167

jrangelk@totalplay.com.mx

rvillarreal@totalplay.com.mx

Press Relations:

Luciano Pascoe

Tel. +52 (55) 1720 1313 ext. 36553

lpascoe@gruposalinas.com.mx

 

TOTAL PLAY TELECOMUNICACIONES, S.A.P.I. DE C.V.

Consolidated Quarterly Income Statements

(Millions of Mexican pesos)

1Q 25

1Q 26

Change

$

%

$

%

$

%

Revenue from services

10,843

100 %

11,177

100 %

334

3 %

Cost of services

(1,597)

(15 %)

(1,663)

(15 %)

(66)

(4 %)

Gross profit

9,246

85 %

9,514

85 %

268

3 %

General expenses

(4,164)

(38 %)

(4,665)

(42 %)

(501)

(12 %)

EBITDA

5,082

47 %

4,849

43 %

(233)

(5 %)

Depreciation and amortization

(4,319)

(40 %)

(4,548)

(41 %)

(229)

(5 %)

Operating profit 

763

7 %

301

3 %

(462)

(61 %)

Financial cost:

     Interest revenue

56

1 %

30

0 %

(26)

(46 %)

     Accrued interest expense

(1,770)

(16 %)

(1,581)

(14 %)

189

11 %

     Change in fair value of financial instruments

(924)

(9 %)

(3)

(0 %)

921

100 %

     Other financial (expenses) income

(200)

(2 %)

31

0 %

231

     Foreign exchange (loss) – Net

(40)

(0 %)

(149)

(1 %)

(109)

n.m. 

(2,878)

(27 %)

(1,672)

(15 %)

1,206

42 %

Loss before income tax provisions

(2,115)

(20 %)

(1,371)

(12 %)

744

35 %

Income tax provision

154

1 %

44

0 %

(110)

(71 %)

Net loss for the period

(1,961)

(18 %)

(1,327)

(12 %)

634

32 %

 

TOTAL PLAY TELECOMUNICACIONES, S.A.P.I. DE C.V.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Millions of Mexican pesos)

As of March 2025

As of March 2026

Cambio

$

%

$

%

$

%

ASSETS

Current Assets:

   Cash and cash equivalents

7,132

6 %

4,342

4 %

(2,790)

(39 %)

   Restricted cash in trusts

2,876

3 %

2,135

2 %

(741)

(26 %)

   Customers – net

2,902

3 %

3,016

3 %

114

4 %

   Recoverable taxes

3,365

3 %

2,293

2 %

(1,072)

(32 %)

   Inventories

2,416

2 %

2,146

2 %

(270)

(11 %)

   Derivative financial instruments 

193

0 %

0 %

(193)

(100 %)

   Other current assets

873

1 %

883

1 %

10

1 %

Total current assets

19,757

18 %

14,815

15 %

(4,942)

(25 %)

Non-Current Assets:

   Property, plant and equipmente – Net

85,944

77 %

79,312

81 %

(6,632)

(8 %)

   Rights-of-use assets -Net

2,849

3 %

1,652

2 %

(1,197)

(42 %)

   Trademarks and other assets

2,620

2 %

2,464

3 %

(156)

(6 %)

Total non-current assets

91,413

82 %

83,428

85 %

(7,985)

(9 %)

Total assets

1,11,170

100 %

98,243

100 %

(12,927)

(12 %)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Short-Term Liabilities

   Financial debt

9,240

8 %

5,435

6 %

(3,805)

(41 %)

   Lease liabilities

2,367

2 %

1,749

2 %

(618)

(26 %)

   Trade payables

12,719

11 %

9,913

10 %

(2,806)

(22 %)

   Reverse factoring

1,483

1 %

278

0 %

(1,205)

(81 %)

   Other short-term liabilities

3,814

3 %

3,255

3 %

(559)

(15 %)

Total short-term liabilities

29,623

27 %

20,630

21 %

(8,993)

(30 %)

Long-Term Liabilities

   Financial debt

51,566

46 %

50,042

51 %

(1,524)

(3 %)

   Lease liabilities

1,550

1 %

1,007

1 %

(543)

(35 %)

   Employee benefits

101

0 %

148

0 %

47

47 %

   Deferred income tax

12,950

12 %

13,741

14 %

791

6 %

Total liabilities

95,790

86 %

85,568

87 %

(10,222)

(11 %)

EQUITY:

   Capital stock

8,201

7 %

8,060

8 %

(141)

(2 %)

   Retained earnings

(15,836)

(14 %)

(17,171)

(17 %)

(1,335)

(8 %)

   Other comprehensive income

23,015

21 %

21,786

22 %

(1,229)

(5 %)

Total equity

15,380

14 %

12,675

13 %

(2,705)

(18 %)

Total liabilities and equity

1,11,170

100 %

98,243

100 %

(12,927)

(12 %)

 

TOTAL PLAY TELECOMUNICACIONES, S.A.P.I. DE C.V.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Millions of Mexican pesos)

3M 25

3M 26

$

$

Operating activities:

Loss before income tax provision

(2,115)

(1,371)

Items not requiring the use of resources:

    Depreciation and amortization

4,320

4,548

    Employee benefits

9

10

Items related to investing or financing activities:

    Accrued interest income

(56)

(30)

    Accrued interest expense 

1,770

1,581

    Other financial transactions

1,122

(27)

    Unrealized exchange (gain) loss

(89)

262

4,961

4,973

Resources (used in) generated by operating activities:

   Customers and unearned revenue

315

134

   Other receivables

2

   Related parties, net

53

(104)

   Taxes to be recovered

353

260

   Inventories

292

400

   Advance payments

(76)

(179)

   Trade payables

(906)

(1,092)

   Other payables

299

434

Cash flows generated by operating activities

5,291

4,828

Investing activities: 

   Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

(2,601)

(2,425)

   Other assets

(234)

75

   Collected interest

56

31

Cash flows used in investing activities

(2,779)

(2,319)

Financing activities:

   Capital repayments

   Loans (paid) received

4,312

(58)

   Leasing cash flows

(822)

(449)

   Restricted Cash in Trusts

(488)

(371)

   Reverse factoring

(107)

(80)

  Derivative financial instruments

265

  Interest payment

(1,895)

(1,541)

Cash flows used in financing activities

1,265

(2,499)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

3,777

10

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

3,355

4,332

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

7,132

4,342

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/total-play-announces-revenue-of-ps11-177-million-and-ebitda-of-ps4-849-million-in-the-first-quarter-of-2026–302752403.html

SOURCE Total Play Telecomunicaciones, S.A.P.I. de C.V.

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