Continuing global expansion: G+D acquires majority stake in Netcetera

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is further expanding its stake in the software company Netcetera. The Munich-based group will double its stake in Netcetera from 30 to 60 percent. The two market leaders are continuing the global expansion of Netcetera's business and investing in the innovative capabilities of both companies.

G+D joined Netcetera as a strategic partner in September 2020 to accelerate the innovative software company’s growth with digital payments solutions, among others.

To further support Netcetera’s international growth, G+D is increasing its stake in the company to 60 percent, with the share transfer planned for February 2023. Netcetera will remain an independent company. In the future, the new ownership structure will also be reflected in the board of directors, where G+D will have the majority of seats.

With the acquisition of the majority of shares, G+D and Netcetera open a new chapter in Netcetera's corporate history. Together with the Netcetera Board of Directors, CEO and co-founder Andrej Vckovski has decided to step down from the company’s operational management at the end of January 2023. He supports the transition and will continue to play a key role in future developments as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors thanks Andrej Vckovski for his many years of personal commitment and for building Netcetera into a globally operating brand.

New CEO as of 1 February 2023

The Board of Directors appoints Carsten Wengel as the new CEO of Netcetera as of 1 February 2023. Carsten Wengel heads up global sales and distribution for the digital and card-based payments business at G+D. He brings with him many years of international experience in various executive functions in the IT and financial sectors. Together with the new CFO Nanette Haubensak, announced on 21 September, he complements the existing management team as it pursues Netcetera’s expansion strategy. "With its focus on software solutions that are essential to the success of customers and their business processes, Netcetera complements and strengthens Giesecke+Devrient's digital portfolio." says Ralf Wintergerst, CEO of G+D and Chairman of the Board of Netcetera. "Expanding our partnership is the next logical step and confirms our mutual trust. Together, we are laying the foundation for further joint growth."

"As the market leader, Netcetera is excellently positioned, and I am pleased that our company is continuing to pursue its expansion strategy together with G+D. In the past two years, we have strengthened our innovative power and developed further international growth potential," emphasizes Andrej Vckovski, CEO and co-founder of Netcetera.

"I am very pleased to be entrusted by the Netcetera Board of Directors with the leadership of the company and to contribute to its ongoing development," underlines Carsten Wengel, future CEO at Netcetera. "Together with all Netceterians we will drive sustainable growth in our core markets with innovative and forward-looking digital solutions."

Media contacts:

Netcetera

Micaëla Raschle Grand

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Tel.: +41 76 389 85 69

Email: pr@netcetera.com

Giesecke+Devrient

Christoph Lang

Spokesperson

Corporate Brand Communications

Phone: +49 89 4119-2164

E-mail: christoph.lang@gi-de.com

PR-COM

Nadine Harbeck

Head of Unit

Tel.: +49 89 59997-761

E-mail: nadine.harbeck@pr-com.de

About Netcetera

Netcetera is a global software company with pioneering IT products and individual digital solutions in the areas of Secure Digital Payment, Financial Technologies, Media, Transportation, Healthcare and Insurance. More than 2,500 banks and issuers, and 160,000 merchants rely on the digital payment solutions and globally certified 3-D Secure products of the market leader for payment security. The company covers the entire IT lifecycle, from idea generation and strategy to implementation and operation. The balanced combination of the latest technologies and proven standards ensures investment security, both for large projects and innovative start-ups. Founded in 1996, Netcetera is a holding company with around 800 employees and headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, with locations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Further information: netcetera.com

About Giesecke+Devrient

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich, Germany. As a reliable partner for international customers with the highest standards, G+D's solutions safeguard the essential values of this world. The company develops customized technology with passion and precision in four core areas: Payment, Connectivity, Identities and Digital Infrastructures.

G+D was founded in 1852. In fiscal 2021, the company generated sales of 2.38 billion euros with around 11,800 employees. G+D is represented by 89 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 33 countries. Further information: www.gi-de.com.