EQS-PVR: ZEAL Network SE: Release according to Article 40, Section 1 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution

On 15 January 2025, we received the following notice from UBS Group AG:

We hereby provide you with the details required under section 43 (1) WpHG, as the voting rights of UBS Group AG and UBS AG (together the ‘UBS Companies’) in ZEAL Network SE have reached and exceeded the 15% threshold pursuant to sections 33 and 34 WpHG.

     A. Objectives of the acquisition of the voting rights (Section 43 (1) sentence 3 WpHG)

With regard to the voting rights held or attributed to us directly and indirectly in accordance with Section 43 (1) sentence 3 WpHG, we provide the following information about the objectives pursued with the acquisition of the voting rights:

The investment does not serve the implementation of strategic objectives, nor the realisation of trading profits of a UBS company.

None of the UBS Companies currently intends to obtain further voting rights in ZEAL Network SE by acquisition or other means within the next 12 months. This does not include acquisitions made in the ordinary course of the activities of a global financial services company.

No influence on the composition of the administrative, management and supervisory bodies of ZEAL Network SE is currently sought.

No significant change in the capital structure of ZEAL Network SE, in particular with regard to the ratio of equity and debt financing and the dividend policy, is currently sought.

     B. Origin of the funds used to acquire the voting rights (Section 43 (1) sentence 4 WpHG)

With regard to the origin of the funds used, we would like to point out that the acquisition and attribution of voting rights by the UBS Companies was carried out in the context of their activities for clients as part of their usual business activities. No equity or debt funds were used to finance the acquisition of voting rights.