At the same time, the rise of AI and changes in consumer behavior have accelerated transformation and consolidation in the sector. In response to these changes, Advantech has been continuously increasing its presence and expanding its hardware and software product portfolio. Aures is a well-known brand in the Western market, with excellent design and development capabilities in POS and kiosk products. Thanks to Advantech's deep expertise in intelligent systems and its global logistics network, the collaboration between Advantech and Aures (A+A) offers a promising outlook for both companies, their employees, their customers, their partners, and the global smart retail sector as a whole.

Patrick Cathala, Founder and President of Aures, stated that Advantech possesses advanced product technology, an optimized global manufacturing and operations system, and a brand with a long-standing reputation. These factors were key in our decision to choose Advantech as a partner. We believe Advantech can help Aures strengthen its brand and value proposition, injecting energy to jointly create better solutions.

KC Liu, President of Advantech, commented on the acquisition, noting that Advantech has been actively initiating its third transformation in recent years, refocusing on a sector-driven strategy. Smart retail has been identified as one of these sectors due to its considerable potential. Aures and Advantech are highly complementary in terms of geographic reach, product portfolio, and organizational capabilities, which also reflects Advantech's evolution from a traditional product-centric approach to a broader presence and operations in each strategic sector. With a focus on IoT-AI and distributed computing, Advantech aims to create a deeper impact and greater value in the future.

As a company listed on the French stock exchange, Aures has established a strong presence for its point-of-sale equipment in Europe, Australia, and the United States, resulting in high brand recognition and a robust sales network. Specifically, its US-based subsidiary, Retail Technology Group, is one of the largest IT service providers in the retail sector, operating through a nationwide service network. This merger, combined with Advantech's long-standing commitment to the smart city and retail sectors, will significantly enhance A+A's global presence in the industry.