AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

• Three new Board members to be proposed: Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche
• Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche not standing for re-election to the Board
• Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, standing for re-election for a final term

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), the leading talent and technology consulting company, today announced that the Board of Directors will propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche as new members for election at the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 15, 2026. Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche, who joined the Board in 2015 and 2011 respectively, are not standing for re-election.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, the Adecco Group, said: “I thank Katie Taylor and Didier Lamouche on behalf of the Company and the Board of Directors for their significant strategic guidance and support to the Group. They have been outstanding Board members and have substantially contributed to the constructive collaboration with management. I wish them all the best for their future endeavors.

 “As part of our ongoing Board member succession planning, we are delighted to propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche to our Board. Having served as CFO in several publicly listed companies, Tobias Knechtle will further enhance the Board’s financial acumen. Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche have significant CEO experience. All three bring deep technology and digital expertise, which strongly complements the Board’s capabilities and will support the Group’s pioneering AI agenda.”

• Tobias Knechtle has been CFO and member of the Executive Board of Geberit since 2022 and has had Board and audit committee chair experience at V-Zug since 2020. Prior to Geberit, Tobias served as CFO of the Valora Group as well as their ad interim CEO. Previously, he held senior finance roles at Kudelski Group and was Managing Director Germany for Cinven Private Equity. He started his career as internal auditor at Nestlé and spent seven years as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in Switzerland and Brazil. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and is a Swiss citizen. The Adecco Group will be the only external board mandate for Tobias Knechtle.
• Matthias Rebellius has been CEO Siemens Smart Infrastructure and a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, Chair of the Board of Siemens Switzerland and member of the Board of the publicly listed Siemens India Ltd since 2020. He has also been a member of the Supervisory Board of the publicly listed, independent Siemens Energy AG, since 2020. He joined Siemens in 1990 and has held roles of increasing seniority across the industrial automation, building technologies and smart infrastructure businesses in Germany, the US and Switzerland. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and is a German and Swiss citizen. Matthias Rebellius has chosen to step down from his executive roles for Siemens AG at the end of September to concentrate on his non-executive career.
• Jacques Sanche has been CEO at Bucher Industries AG since 2016. He has also been Chair of the Board of Directors of Burkhardt Compression since December 2025. Previously, he was CEO of Belimo Holding AG for eight years. He started his career as a consultant, amongst others at the Boston Consulting Group in Germany. He then had several general management roles with increasing profit and loss responsibility at WMH – Walter Meier Group in Switzerland and the US. He was a member of the Board and chair of the nomination and compensation committee of Schweiter Technologies for fifteen years. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a PhD in Information Technologies from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is a Canadian and Swiss citizen. Jacques Sanche has decided to step down from his executive role at the end of April to concentrate on his non-executive career.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, the Chair of the Board of Directors, will stand for re-election for a final term that will run until the 2027 AGM, when he plans to step down after twelve years as a board member, including seven as Chair.

The following Board members will also stand for re-election: Rachel Duan, Martine Ferland, Stefano Grassi, Sandhya Venugopal and Regula Wallimann.

For further information please contact:

Benita Barretto

Head External Communications & Investor Relations, The Adecco Group
media@adeccogroup.com / investor.relations@adeccogroup.com
Tel: +41 (0) 75 443 93 24

Jürg Schneider

Group External Communications, The Adecco Group
media@adeccogroup.com
Tel: +41 (0) 79 876 09 21

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).
https://www.adeccogroup.com/

SYDNEY, Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the invitation of the Excellence in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (EODO), Smartee Denti-Technology held a specialized Master Class at the Dental Education Centre (DEC) in Sydney on February 7.  This session attracted 80 dental professionals, with 60 attending in person and 20 joining online, to study advanced protocols for treating complex jaw discrepancies using Smartee’s proprietary Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Technology (MART).

Since 2019, Smartee has been at the forefront of clear aligner innovation with its proprietary Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Technology (MART). This distinct therapy addresses a critical gap in the industry: while conventional solutions often focus primarily on dental alignment, MART treats the root etiology by repositioning the mandible to its physiological position, restoring both function and facial balance through simultaneous orthopedic and orthodontic correction.

With over 100,000 global cases to date, this technology has demonstrated proven clinical success in treating complex jaw discrepancies. It represents a significant breakthrough in modern clear aligner therapy and stands as a testament to Smartee’s robust R&D capabilities.

The Australian clear aligner market is dynamic and growing. Market observations reveal a strong patient-driven demand: a significant portion of Australian adults are actively seeking to improve their smiles and are open to treatment. This high level of patient awareness, coupled with a preference for aesthetic solutions, is a primary driver behind the expansion of the local clear aligner sector.

The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants. Many attendees expressed strong interest in deepening their understanding of MART protocols, recognizing the value of expanding their clinical capabilities to better serve patients with complex jaw discrepancies.

Mr. Garie Zhou, International Business Development Director, commented: “Australia is a strategically important market for Smartee, and we are committed to growing here with a long-term perspective. Our approach is rooted in rigorous academic exchange and genuine clinical education rather than purely commercial expansion. We aim to collectively raise the standard of care in clear aligner treatments alongside local professionals.”

ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today released the 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, revealing that cybercriminals are exploiting basic security gaps at dramatically higher rates, now accelerated by AI tools that help attackers identify weaknesses faster than ever. IBM X‑Force observed a 44% increase in attacks that began with the exploitation of public-facing applications, largely driven by missing authentication controls and AI-enabled vulnerability discovery.

IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026

Some of the key highlights include:

• Active ransomware and extortion groups surged (49%) year over year, marking ecosystem fragmentation, while publicly disclosed victim counts rose roughly 12%.
• Large supply chain and third-party compromises nearly quadrupled since 2020, as attackers increasingly exploit environments where software is built and deployed or SaaS integrations.
• Vulnerability exploitation became the leading cause of attacks, accounting for 40% of incidents observed by X-Force in 2025.

“Attackers aren’t reinventing playbooks, they’re speeding them up with AI,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, IBM. “The core issue is the same: businesses are overwhelmed by software vulnerabilities. The difference now is speed. With so many vulnerabilities requiring no credentials, attackers can bypass humans and move straight from scanning to impact. Security leaders need to shift to a more proactive approach, using agentic-powered threat detection and response to identify gaps and catch threats before they escalate.”

AI’s Mounting Identity Problem

Infostealer malware led to the exposure of over 300,000 ChatGPT credentials in 2025, signaling that AI platforms have reached the same credential risk as other core enterprise SaaS solutions.

Compromised chatbot credentials create AI-specific risks beyond simple account access. Attackers can manipulate outputs, exfiltrate sensitive data or inject malicious prompts. This underscores the need to assess enterprise-wide AI adoption and enforce strong authentication, and conditional access controls.

AI, Leaked Tooling Lower Barriers to Ransomware Ecosystem

In 2025, X-Force observed a 49% increase in active ransomware groups compared to the prior year, as smaller, transient operators whose low volume campaigns complicate attribution. This trend is accelerated by collapsing barriers to entry as threat actors reuse leaked tooling, rely on established playbooks and increasingly tap AI to automate operations. As multimodal AI models mature, X-Force expects adversaries to automate complex tasks like reconnaissance and advanced ransomware attacks, driving faster-moving, more adaptive threats.

Pressure on Supply Chains Poised to Grow

X-Force identified a nearly 4X increase in large supply chain or third-party compromises since 2020, mainly driven by attackers exploiting trust relationships and CI/CD automation across development workflows and SaaS integrations. With AI-powered coding tools accelerating software creation, and occasionally introducing unvetted code, the pressure on pipelines and open‑source ecosystems is expected to grow in 2026.

This rise is also attributed to the blurring line between nation-state and financially motivated actors. As tactics and techniques spread across underground forums, and AI streamlines reconnaissance and exploitation, techniques once reserved for nation-state actors are now being adopted by financially motivated groups.

Additional findings from the 2026 report include:

• AI accelerating attacker lifecycle. Attackers are using AI to speed research, analyze large data sets and iterate on attack paths in real time. For example, North Korean IT worker schemes are using AI to scale operations, including AI-driven image manipulation for synthetic identities and translation tools to interact across global marketplaces.
• Security fundamentals still lacking. X-Force Red penetration tests reveal persistent weaknesses in credential hygiene and software configuration, with misconfigured access controls as the most common entry point for these engagements.
• Manufacturing tops the target list for the fifth year. The sector accounted for 27.7% of incidents observed by X-Force, with data theft being the most common.
• North America emerged as the most‑attacked region. Accounting for 29% of total cases observed by X-Force, and up from 24% in 2024, North America became the most attacked region for the first time in 6 years.

Additional resources:

• Read the full IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026.
• Sign up for the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence 2026 webinar on March 17 at 11 am ET.
• Connect with the IBM X-Force team for a tailored review of the findings.
• Read more about the report’s top findings in this blog.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Michele Brancati
IBM Communications
Mbrancati@ibm.com

TAIPEI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As cold fronts roll in one after another, Taiwanese travelers’ getaway plans are shifting south in search of sunshine. Digital travel platform Agoda observed accommodation search trends for early-year trips (Jan–Feb) and found that warm-weather escapes have become the go-to travel mindset. From islands and vibrant cities to easy short breaks, travelers are favoring destinations that are warm, packed with good food and great shopping, and easy to reach, turning winter into a quick dose of summer.

According to Agoda data, based on searches made by travelers from Taiwan in November–December 2025 for stays in January–February 2026, Okinawa Main Island remains Taiwan travelers’ top winter getaway for a dose of sun and sea. Okinawa is followed by Bangkok, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City, Pattaya, Bali, Phu Quoc Island, Kuala Lumpur, and Da Nang as the top ten warm weather getaways.

The ranking suggests Taiwanese travelers are not looking for long, “moving-house” holidays, but rather short-haul trips that can turn a few days off into summer mode, whether that means switching off on an island, eating their way through a city, or adding a touch of culture and light adventure for a quick recharge at the start of the year.

Looking at year-on-year changes, Ho Chi Minh City recorded the strongest growth among the top ten warm-weather destinations, with a 64% increase in searches on Agoda, reflecting rising interest in nearby city breaks built around food, cafés, and shopping. Other notable movers include Okinawa (+51%), as well as Vietnam’s Da Nang (+25%) and Hanoi (+15%), making Vietnam’s multi-city presence a standout theme for warm winter travel this season.

Jishan Chai, Country Director for Taiwan at Agoda shared, “When temperatures dip at the start of the year, Taiwanese travelers tend to look for destinations that are short-haul, warm, and flexible, so they can relax more efficiently. From the blue waters of Okinawa to Vietnam’s lively coastal and urban destinations, the data shows travelers care about more than just the weather. Convenience, food experiences, and overall value matter too. As a one-stop platform for accommodations, flights, and activities, Agoda helps travelers quickly find stays that match their budget and style.”

Travelers planning a smoother, better-value start to the year can explore Agoda’s extensive offerings of over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences. With easy filters for destination, price, ratings, and amenities, travelers can tailor the perfect warm-weather escape on the Agoda app or at Agoda.com.

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Guangdong held Provincial High-quality Development Conference on Feb. 24, the first working day of the Year of the Horse. At the conference, the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province focused on the coordinated development of the manufacturing and services sectors, holding in-depth discussions on advancing high-quality development to a higher level, cultivating new competitive strengths, achieving fresh breakthroughs, and securing a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). Huang Kunming, secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, addressed the conference. Meng Fanli, governor of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, presided. Huang Chuping, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress, and Lin Keqing, chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, also attended.

Guangdong holds 2026 Provincial High-quality Development Conference.

Huang Kunming said that promoting coordinated development between manufacturing and services is essential to aligning with industrial evolution trends and advancing industrial upgrading. As both a major manufacturing base and a major services hub, Guangdong aims to move from being a large industrial province to a strong one by deepening integration between the two sectors and building a modern industrial system in which industries reinforce one another and develop in tandem. With cutting-edge digital and intelligent technologies, abundant data resources, and a wide range of application scenarios, the province is well positioned to seize new opportunities and leverage its strengths to take the lead in building such a system.

Huang Kunming stressed an unwavering commitment to strengthening the real economy and prioritizing manufacturing, advancing high-quality and efficient development of the services sector, and deepening coordination between the two sectors through AI technologies to enhance Guangdong’s overall competitiveness in “advanced manufacturing + modern services.” Efforts will be made to energize micro-level market entities, cultivate ecosystem-oriented leading enterprises, and support them in becoming comprehensive champions capable of delivering integrated “manufacturing + services” solutions. Strong support will also be given to “pioneer enterprises” focused on their core businesses, helping them grow into “little giant” firms that apply specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and distinctive products, as well as single-product manufacturing champions and “benchmark enterprises” in the services sector. Hub platform enterprises will be carefully nurtured to drive broader and deeper coordination between manufacturing and services. The province will promote joint research and development in common technologies and innovate organizational models to address fundamental and shared needs, ensuring that scientific and technological innovation permeates every industry and enterprise. Guangdong will also advance the development of a high-level talent hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and fully implement the Action Plan to Introduce 1 Million Talents to Guangdong, building an interdisciplinary workforce that is sufficient in scale and high in quality. To remain at the forefront of coordinated development between manufacturing and services, Guangdong will further expand opening-up, accelerate the aggregation of global manufacturing and services resources, and strengthen the twin brands of “Guangdong Manufacturing” and “Guangdong Services” as it attracts high-quality international resources and expands globally with high standards.

During the conference’s speech session, Ke Jixin, vice minister of Industry and Information Technology, offered opinions and suggestions on Guangdong’s work. Principal officials from several cities and counties (districts), along with representatives of provincial enterprises and institutions, delivered remarks. Focusing on coordinated development between manufacturing and services and accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system, they outlined work plans tailored to local conditions and presented their goals, tasks, and supportive policy measures.

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From March 18 to 20, 2026, a working delegation from the Canton Fair will visit South Korea to conduct a series of promotion activities. This year’s activities take on added significance as the visit is designed to strengthen engagement with South Korean buyers and enhance awareness of the Canton Fair’s latest developments, exhibition structure, and service innovations.

The promotion conference will adopt a more targeted, industry‑focused approach, reflecting evolving sourcing needs and consumption trends in the South Korean market. Building on established demand in Electronics & Appliances, Building & Furniture, and Health & Recreation products, the outreach will also spotlight special exhibition zones such as service robots and intelligent healthcare, aligning with broader industrial and lifestyle shifts.

The conference will follow a structured, multi‑city format. Centered in Seoul, the program will extend to key commercial hubs including Busan and Incheon, combining in‑person conference with online engagement. This multi‑layered approach is intended to reach buyers with diverse profiles and sourcing objectives, while improving the efficiency and precision of participation planning.

Enhancing buyer experience will remain a central theme of the promotion. The delegation will introduce the Canton Fair’s upgraded smart services, including digital booth-level navigation, intelligent trade matching, and tools supporting the full participation cycle—from pre‑fair preparation to on‑site sourcing and post‑fair follow‑up. These features aim to help international buyers engage more effectively with exhibitors and product categories.

In parallel, the delegation will seek to expand cooperation at multiple levels. Engagements with leading South Korean retail companies will be pursued, while partnerships with leading business organizations will help connect with high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises.

As part of its broader international outreach efforts, the campaign highlights the Canton Fair’s sustained development as a global trade platform, focused on improving buyer access, advancing digital and smart services, as well as supporting long‑term participation across successive sessions of the Fair.

For more information, please click：

http://survey.cantonfair.org.cn/vm/hTmoYZR.aspx