Italian aerospace and defense conglomerate Leonardo has taken a significant step into the cybersecurity sector by acquiring a 24.55% stake in Finland's SSH Communications Security Corporation. This strategic investment, valued at approximately €20 million, positions Leonardo as the largest shareholder in SSH, surpassing Accendo Capital, which will retain a 20.87% stake post-transaction. The move underscores Leonardo's commitment to expanding its cybersecurity capabilities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

The partnership between Leonardo and SSH is set to leverage SSH's expertise in Secure Shell (SSH) protocol and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions, areas critical for securing digital communications and access to sensitive systems. SSH's global reputation and technological advancements, including quantum-safe encryption technologies, align with Leonardo's strategic objectives to enhance its cybersecurity offerings. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation in protecting critical infrastructure and digital assets against evolving cyber threats.

Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, highlighted the acquisition as a pivotal element of the company's industrial plan, aiming to establish Leonardo as a leader in the Zero Trust revolution in Europe. The deal not only expands Leonardo's international portfolio but also strengthens its position in the cybersecurity market, which is anticipated to experience double-digit growth in the coming years.

The transaction, subject to certain conditions, marks a significant milestone for both companies. For SSH, the investment by Leonardo opens new avenues for growth and collaboration in the defense sector, a market with compelling opportunities. For Leonardo, the stake in SSH represents a strategic move to bolster its cybersecurity business, reflecting the growing importance of cyber defense in modern warfare and security strategies. Together, Leonardo and SSH are poised to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in an era of digital transformation and geopolitical tensions.

Swedish digital asset manager Virtune has launched what it claims is Europe's most cost-efficient Sui exchange-traded product (ETP) on Euronext Paris, marking another step in the company's expansion across European markets. The Virtune Sui ETP, with the ticker VRTU, provides investors with exposure to the Sui cryptocurrency through a regulated, physically backed investment vehicle. This launch comes as Virtune continues to build its position as one of the leading issuers of regulated crypto ETPs in Europe.

The new ETP features an industry-leading 0.95% annual management fee, making it the most cost-efficient Sui ETP available to European investors. Virtune plans to further expand the product's distribution by listing it on local German exchanges, including gettex and Tradegate, to improve accessibility for German investors. The company has established itself as a trusted provider in the digital asset space, serving over 150,000 investors since its launch just over two years ago.

Security and regulatory compliance remain central to Virtune's approach, with Coinbase serving as the crypto custodian for all of the company's ETPs. The underlying crypto assets are held in cold storage, providing institutional-grade security for investors. This infrastructure supports Virtune's commitment to offering European investors secure, transparent, and regulated access to digital asset markets through traditional investment channels.

Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune, emphasized the company's mission to make innovative digital assets more accessible to investors. "We are excited to launch the most cost-efficient Sui ETP in Europe, reinforcing our mission to make innovative digital assets more accessible to investors," Kock stated. The launch strengthens Virtune's position as it manages more than $475 million in assets across its product offerings, continuing its growth trajectory in the European digital asset management landscape.