VerifyMe Inc (NASDAQ:VRME) saw its shares climb 14.7% on Thursday following news that it intends to merge with Open World Ltd, a platform focused on blockchain infrastructure and the tokenization of real-world assets.
The announced transaction seeks to create an entity that combines VerifyMe’s authentication technology with Open World’s blockchain capabilities. Company executives said the pairing is meant to position the merged organization as a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset and tokenization space.
Adam Stedham, CEO of VerifyMe, commented on the agreement, saying, "We are pleased to announce the next step in our plan to merge with Open World to align our complementary strengths." He added, "We believe the combined platform will deliver durable infrastructure and governance that supports digital asset innovation and long-term shareholder value."
According to the companies, the combined firm will concentrate on token listings, regulated digital asset infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and institutional real-world asset tokenization across multiple jurisdictions. The plan calls for the merged company to list on the Nasdaq under a new ticker symbol.
Matt Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Open World, characterized the agreement as "a meaningful inflection point for both organizations" and framed it within accelerating institutional demand for regulated digital asset infrastructure.
Both companies' boards have given unanimous approval to the agreement. The companies anticipate completing regulatory filings with the SEC and Nasdaq and securing shareholder approvals by the second quarter of 2026.
As a preparatory step for the transaction, VerifyMe’s board has approved terminating its at-the-market equity program. Company statements indicate the move is intended to align the firm's capital structure with the proposed merger and its long-term strategic priorities.
Maxim Group LLC is serving as the exclusive financial adviser to Open World in the transaction.
Practical implications
- The transaction seeks to merge authentication and blockchain tokenization capabilities into a single infrastructure-focused company.
- The combined business intends to pursue regulated digital asset services and token listings, targeting institutional real-world asset tokenization across jurisdictions.
- Completion depends on regulatory filings and shareholder approvals, with a target timeline through the second quarter of 2026.