As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2024.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
____________________
Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its constitutional documents)
____________________
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands | | 6770 | | Not Applicable |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
221 W 9th St #848
Wilmington, DE 19801
909-214-2482
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
____________________
Robert W. Garner
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
221 W 9th St #848
Wilmington, DE 19801
909-214-2482
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
____________________
Copies to:
Arila E. Zhou, Esq. Robinson & Cole LLP Chrysler East Building 666 Third Avenue, 20th Floor New York, NY 10017 Tel: (212) 451-2908 | | Michael J. Blankenship, Esq. Winston & Strawn LLP 800 Capitol Street, Suite 2400 Houston, TX 77002 Tel: 713-651-2600 |
____________________
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | | ☐ | | Accelerated filer | | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | | ☒ | | Smaller reporting company | | ☒ |
| | | | Emerging growth company | | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
Table of Contents
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS | | SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 |
$75,000,000
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
7,500,000 Units
Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability for the purpose of effecting into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region.
This is an initial public offering of our securities. Each unit that we are offering has a price of $10.00 and consists of one Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, or “Class A ordinary shares”, and one right to receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share. Each eight rights entitle the holder thereof to receive one Class A ordinary share upon the consummation of our business combination. We will not issue fractional shares upon the conversion of the rights. As a result, you must hold rights in multiples of eight in order to receive shares for all of your rights upon the consummation of a business combination.
We are an “emerging growth company” under applicable federal securities laws and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. No offer or invitation to subscribe for securities may be made to the public in the Cayman Islands.
We have granted Clear Street LLC, or “Clear Street”, the representative of the underwriters of this offering, a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,125,000 units (over and above the 7,500,000 units referred to above) solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
We will provide the holders of our issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares that were sold in this offering, or the “public shares,” with the opportunity to redeem their public shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in a trust account, maintained in the U.S. by Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee (“Trust Account”), including interest (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then issued and outstanding public shares that were sold in this offering, no matter if they vote “for”, “against,” or abstain from voting on the business combination proposal. The redemption rights for the public shareholders are subject to certain limitations, including that (i) under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in this offering; and (ii) as our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that we may not consummate an initial business combination if we cannot maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001 upon such business combination, we may redeem up to such number of public shares that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001. If our business combination requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, the redemption threshold may be further limited. For further information, see “Prospectus Summary — Limitation on redemption rights of shareholders holding 15% or more of the shares sold in this offering if we hold shareholder vote” on page 27 and “Risk Factors — The ability of a large number of our shareholders to exercise redemption rights may not allow us to consummate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.” on page 61 of this prospectus.
However, if the business combination is not approved or consummated, the redeeming public shares will be returned to the respective holders, brokers or banks. In addition, holders of the units sold in this offering, or the “public units” (except with regard to the public shares underlying the public units), and holders of the rights sold in this offering, or the “public rights,” have not been provided with the opportunity to redeem their public units or public rights in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination.
We have 18 months from the closing of this offering to consummate our initial business combination (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus). In addition, after the closing of this offering, we may also hold a shareholder meeting to seek shareholders’ approval for an amendment to the then existing memorandum and articles of association, as amended,
Table of Contents
to modify the amount of time or substance we have to consummate an initial business combination (as well as to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we have not consummated an initial business combination within the time periods described herein or with respect to any other material provisions relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity), provided that we provide the holders of public shares the opportunity to redeem their public shares in connection with such amendment. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination within the time period described in this prospectus, unless we extend such period pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we will distribute the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), pro rata to our public shareholders, by redeeming 100% of the public shares at a per-share price, payable in cash, as described in this prospectus and thereafter cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up of our affairs, as further described herein.
Our insiders collectively own 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, or “insider shares” prior to this offering, including (i) 1,996,250 insider shares owned by our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited (up to 281,250 shares of which are subject to forfeiture depending on the extent to which the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised), 60,000 of which will be transferred to the independent directors of the Company immediately before the offering, (ii) 100,000 insider shares owned by our Chairman, CEO and Director, Robert (Will) W. Garner, and (iii) 60,000 insider shares owned by our CFO and Director, Yuanmei Ma.
The insider shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, except that (i) they will automatically convert into our Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination, (b) they are subject to certain transfer restrictions; (c) prior to our initial business combination, only holders of the insider shares have the right to vote on the appointment or removal of a member of the board of directors for any reason; (d) our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with us to waiver their redemption rights, rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Accounts and other shareholder rights enjoyed by holders of the Class A ordinary shares. For further information on the transfer restrictions, see “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of the prospectus; for other information, see “Description of Securities — Insider Shares” on page 132 of the prospectus.
In addition to the insider shares, our sponsor has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 240,000 units (or up to 256,875 units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) or “private units,” at $10.00 per private unit for a total purchase price of $2,400,000 (or $2,568,750, if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full or in part). The sale of the private units will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. These private units are identical to the public units, subject to limited exceptions as further described herein. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account.
Following this offering, our sponsor will own a total of 1,665,000 insider shares and 240,000 private units, representing 19.7% of the issued and outstanding shares following this offering. In total, the sponsor will pay for a nominal aggregate purchase price of $2,421,754 for an aggregate of 1,905,000 shares and 240,000 rights (which will be converted to 30,000 shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination).
Lastly, as of June 14, 2024, our sponsor had loaned to us an aggregate of $123,572 to be used to pay formation and a portion of the expenses of this offering, respectively. The loan is payable without interest on the date on which we consummate our initial public offering. If we determine not to proceed with the offering, such amounts would not be repaid. Additionally, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available.
Table of Contents
However, other than the foregoing, our sponsor or its affiliates have not received and will not receive any other form of compensation upon the closing of the offering. For further information about compensation received or to be received by our sponsor, its affiliates or promoters, the amount of securities issued or to be issued to our initial shareholders, see “Proposed Business — Our Sponsor” on page 93 of the prospectus.
Because of the nominal consideration of $21,754 the sponsor paid for the insider shares (the initial purchase price of $25,000 for the issuance of the 2,156,250 insider shares less the consideration price of $3,246 be received from directors and officers in exchange for the transfer of certain insider shares), upon the closing of this offering, your public shares will be significantly diluted. In addition, we will be issuing private units to our sponsor in connection with the closing of the offering. To illustrate, the table below shows possible sources of dilution and the extent of such dilution that non-redeeming public shareholders could experience in connection with the closing of this offering which we have assumed the issuance of one-eighth of a share for each right outstanding as such issuance will occur upon a business combination without the payment of additional consideration and the sale of the private units in connection with the closing of the offering. The table below assumes: Scenario A) 25% of our public shares are redeemed, Scenario B) 50% of our public shares are redeemed, Scenario C) 75% of our public shares are redeemed, and Scenario D) maximum of our public shares redemptions that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001 are redeemed.
| | Without Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
| | Scenario A 25% redemptions(1) | | Scenario B 50% redemptions(2) | | Scenario C 75% redemptions(3) | | Scenario D Maximum redemptions(4) |
Offering price of $8.89 included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights) | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share, as adjusted | | | 6.31 | | | 5.30 | | | 3.54 | | | 1.33 |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 2.58 | | $ | 3.59 | | $ | 5.35 | | $ | 7.56 |
| | With Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
| | Scenario A 25% redemptions(5) | | Scenario B 50% redemptions(6) | | Scenario C 75% redemptions(7) | | Scenario D Maximum redemptions(8) |
Offering price of $8.89 included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights) | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share, as adjusted | | | 6.32 | | | 5.32 | | | 3.56 | | | 1.18 |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 2.57 | | $ | 3.57 | | $ | 5.33 | | $ | 7.71 |
For further information on the dilutive effect of the insider shares, see “Dilution” on page 80, and “Risk Factor — The nominal purchase price paid by our sponsor for the insider shares may result in significant dilution to the implied value of your public shares prior to or upon the consummation of our initial business combination” on page 52 of this prospectus. In addition to the insider shares, the compensation received or to be received and the amount of securities issued or to be issued to our initial shareholders, including the issuance of working capital units that may be converted from the working capital notes and the issuance of extension units that may be converted from the extension notes, may have dilutive effect on the public shares you hold. However, the extent of such dilutive effect is uncertain. For further information, see “Proposed Business — Our Sponsor” on page 93 of the prospectus, and “Risk Factor — The conversion of any working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units may result in significant dilution to your
Table of Contents
public shares.” and “Risk Factor — We may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.” On pages 53 and 39 of the prospectus.
Mr. Sunny Tan Kah Wei, who is a Malaysian resident and citizen, is the sole director and the sole member of our sponsor and as such is deemed to have sole voting and investment discretion with respect to our shares held by our sponsor. As a result, we may be considered a “foreign person” under rules promulgated by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited. For further information, see “Risk Factor — We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.” on page 73 of this prospectus.
Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, our management including our officers and directors are all located in the United States. Our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether after the closing of this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or in connection with and following the consummation of our initial business combination, all officers and directors of the post-combination entity will be located in the Unites States. If we or post-combination entity has management members outside the United States either before or after the business combination, it may be difficult, or in some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon them and our sponsor, to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties on them under United States securities laws. For further information, see “Risk Factors — Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future those officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination.” on page 69 of this prospectus.
Each of our initial shareholders, including our sponsor, any affiliate of our sponsor, our directors or officers, may have interests that may be different from, in addition to or in conflict with yours. As more fully discussed in “Management — Conflicts of Interest,” on page 119 of the prospectus, if any of our initial shareholders become aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she has pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she may be required to present such business combination opportunity to such entity, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under the Cayman Islands law, prior to presenting such business combination opportunity to us.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our units, ordinary shares, or rights. We have applied to have our units listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “CHARU” on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The Class A ordinary shares and rights comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 52nd day after the closing of this offering unless Clear Street informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our satisfaction of certain conditions. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and rights will be traded on NASDAQ under the symbols “CHAR” and “CHARR,” respectively. We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq after this offering.
We are an “emerging growth company” under applicable federal securities laws and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 36 for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities. Investors will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Table of Contents
No offer or invitation to subscribe for units may be made to the public in the Cayman Islands.
| | Price to Public | | Underwriting Discounts and Commissions(1) | | Proceeds, before Expenses, to us |
Per Unit | | $ | 10.00 | | $ | 0.35 | | $ | 9.65 |
Total | | $ | 75,000,000 | | $ | 2,625,000 | | $ | 72,375,000 |
Upon consummation of the offering, $10.025 per unit sold to the public in this offering (whether or not the over-allotment option has been exercised in full or part) will be deposited into the Trust Account maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., acting as trustee. Such amount approximately includes $1,500,000, or $1,725,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, payable to the underwriters as deferred underwriting discounts and commissions. Except as described in this prospectus, these funds will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion of our initial business combination and our liquidation upon our failure to consummate a business combination within the required time period.
The underwriters are offering the units for sale on a firm-commitment basis. Delivery of the units will be made on or about __________, 2024.
Sole Book-Running Manager
Clear Street
The date of this prospectus is _______________, 2024
Table of Contents
i
Table of Contents
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. For a more complete understanding of this offering, you should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the risk factors and the financial statements. Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus, references to:
• “we,” “us” or “our company” refers to Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company;
• “second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association” are to our second memorandum and articles of association to be adopted immediately prior to or upon effectiveness of this prospectus;
• “Class A ordinary shares” refers to our Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share;
• “Class B ordinary shares” refers to our Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share;
• “Companies Act” refers to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time;
• “equity-linked securities” are to any securities of our company which are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, ordinary shares of our company, including but not limited to a private placement of equity or debt;
• “insiders” refers to all of our shareholders immediately prior to the date of this prospectus, including all of our officers and directors to the extent they hold such shares;
• “insider shares” refers to the 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares held by our insiders prior to this offering (including up to an aggregate of 281,250 Class B ordinary shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part);
• “initial shareholders” refers to our insiders with respect to their holding of insider shares, and/or their designee;
• “Letter Agreement” refer to the agreement to be executed among us, the sponsor, and each of our directors on the date that the registration statement is declared effective;
• “management” or our “management team” are to our officers and directors;
• “ordinary shares” are to our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, collectively;
• “private units” refer to the units issued in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of this offering;
• “private rights” refer to the rights underlying the private units;
• “private shares” refer to the Class A ordinary shares, underlying the private units;
• “public rights” refer to the rights underlying the public units;
• “public shares” refer to Class A ordinary shares which are being sold as part of the units in this offering (whether they are purchased in this offering or thereafter in the open market);
• “public shareholders” means the holders of the Class A ordinary shares which are being sold as part of the units in this public offering, or “public shares,” whether they are purchased in the public offering or in the aftermarket, including any of our insiders to the extent that they purchase such public shares (except that our insiders will not have redemption or tender rights with respect to any public shares they own).
1
Table of Contents
• “public units” are to units sold in this offering, each consisting of one public share and one right to receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share;
• “representative shares” refer to 75,000 Class A ordinary shares (or up to 86,250 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to be issued to Clear Street, and/or its designees, at the closing of this offering;
• “Trust Account” are to a trust account maintained by Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, in the U.S. for the benefits of the public shareholders;
• “US Dollars” and “$” refer to the legal currency of the United States;
• “sponsor” refers to ST Sponsor II Limited, a Cayman Islands limited liability company, the sole member and sole director of which is Mr. Sunny Tan Kah Wei;
• “working capital units” are to units issuable upon conversion of working capital loans, if any, at $10.00 per unit, upon the consummation of the initial business combination.
Except as specifically provided otherwise, the information in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option.
All references in this prospectus to our insider shares being forfeited shall take effect as surrenders for no consideration of such shares as a matter of the Cayman Islands law.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
General
We are a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on March 22, 2024 as an exempted company with limited liability (meaning that our public shareholders have no liability, as shareholders of our company, for the liabilities of our company over and above the amount paid for their shares). We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities, which we refer to as a “target business.” Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic location. We do not have any specific business combination under consideration and we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction. Additionally, we have not engaged or retained any agent or other representative to identify or locate any suitable acquisition candidate, to conduct any research or take any measures, directly or indirectly, to locate or contact a target business.
Our Insiders and Management
One of our insiders is our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company which is solely owned and controlled by Mr. Sunny Tan Kah Wei.
The other insiders are officers and directors of the Company. We believe that with their experience and skillsets in sourcing, investing, and value-enhancement, we are well positioned in pursuing opportunities that will offer risk-adjusted returns.
Our officers, directors and director nominees are as follows:
Robert (Will) W. Garner, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director, is an experienced attorney, advisor and investor. Since 2020, he has served as an advisor and attorney with Latitude Consultancy Limited, an investment-based immigration service provider, as a litigation discovery review attorney with several law firms, and as an advisor for Greenwing Ventures, a boutique Canadian merchant bank. Since 2013, Mr. Garner has also served
2
Table of Contents
as an advisor for Vulpes Investment Management Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based alternative investment manager, providing business development and fundraising advisory services for US clients and partners. Previously, from 2016 to 2020, he was the principal of Garner Law Group, an immigration law firm he founded. From 2016 to 2019, he also served as the founder and director of operations of Lucky Dawgs Brewing Company, a brewery based in Hong Kong. Mr. Garner received a J.D. degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a M.B.A. from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Georgia. He also received a certificate for the Stanford LEAD program for executive education at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is a member of the Florida Bar.
We believe that Mr. Garner’s broad-based experience in investment management and advisory makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Yuanmei Ma, Chief Financial Officer and Director, has extensive financial management experience for public companies. Most recently, Ms. Ma served as Chie Financial Officer and director of Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIEV), a Taiwanese electronic vehicle developer, after the company’s business combination with Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), from June 2024 to September 2024. Previously, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation from January 2022 to June 2024. Before that, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Aiways Group, an EV company in California from June 2022 to August 2023, and Mayrock Automotive Inc., a zero-emission commercial mobility company in California from September 2020 to June 2022. Between February 2021 and December 2022, Ms. Ma served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: FLFV), a Nasdaq listed SPAC. Ms. Ma was the director of investor relation at Highpower International Inc., from August 2016 to November 2019; when it was listed on Nasdaq (Formerly Nasdaq: HPJ). From July 2010 to June 2013, Ms. Ma was the Chief Financial Officer for Baosheng Steel Inc. She was Chief Financial Officer of Yihe Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. between August 2009 to June 2010; and Chief Financial Officer of Zhongpin Inc., (Formerly Nasdaq: HOGS), from September 2005 to October 2008. Ms. Ma holds an Executive MBA degree from both INSEAD Business School and Tsinghua University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Arkansas State University.
We believe that Ms. Ma’s track record in financial management and past experience as a SPAC executive make her well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Stephen Markscheid, Director Nominee, who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced public company director and advisor. Since 2019, he has served as the Managing Partner of Aerion Capital, a boutique investment firm. Most recently, he has served as a director for Monterey Capital Acquisition Corp. from December 2021 until its business combination with ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. in July 2024. Mr. Markscheid has continued to serve as the director of the post-combination entity, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., a clean energy solutions provider, since July 2024. He has also served as a director of Tristar Acquisition I Corp. from August 2023 until its business combination with Helport Limited in August 2024, at which point he resigned as director of the company. Mr. Markscheid has also served as director of Four Leaf Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FORL) since July 2022, a SPAC currently in search of a target for business combination. In addition, he also has extensive experience as a board member for several operating companies, including as a director for JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS), an international solar module manufacturer, since 2009; Kingwisoft Technology Group Co. Ltd. (HKX: 8295), a Hong Kong investment holding company, from 2016 to August 2014; Richtech Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: RR), a Nevada based robotics solutions company, since November 2023; QMIS TBS Capital Group Corp., a Malaysian financial advisory firm, from February to April 2024; Cenntro Inc. (Nasdaq: CENN), a New Jersey based electronic commercial vehicle developer, from November 2023 to April 2024; Fanhua, Inc. (Nasdaq: FANH), a China based financial service firm, from 2007 to 2024; Akso Health Group (Nasdaq: AHG), a Chinese e-commerce platform, from 2017 to 2022; UGE International (XTSX:UGE), a solar installation company, from August 2021 to July 2023. In addition, Mr. Markscheid serves as a Board Advisor to several companies, including NanoGraf Corporation, Intelligent Generation LLC, Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co. Ltd., Nulyzer Inc. and Hago Energetics, Inc., Mr. Markscheid also serves as a trustee emeritus of Princeton-in-Asia and Chairman Emeritus of KX Power, a UK based energy storage project developer. From 1998 to 2006, he worked for GE Capital. During his time with GE Capital, Mr. Markscheid led GE Capital’s business development activities in China and Asia Pacific, primarily acquisitions and direct investments.
3
Table of Contents
Prior to GE Capital, Mr. Markscheid worked with the Boston Consulting Group throughout Asia. He was a banker for ten years in London, Chicago, New York, Hong Kong and Beijing with Chase Manhattan Bank and First National Bank of Chicago. Mr. Markscheid began his career with the US-China Business Council, in Washington D.C. and Beijing. He earned a BA in East Asian Studies from Princeton University in 1976, an MA in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University in 1980, and an MBA from Columbia University in 1991, where he was class valedictorian. Mr. Markscheid has been nominated to serve as a director of Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation, which publicly filed a registration statement in July 2024.
We believe that Mr. Markscheid’s rich experience as a public company director and advisor makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Umesh Patel, Director Nominee, who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced advisor, investor and executive. Mr. Patel has served as a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Fuse Group Holding Inc. (OTC: FUST), a company exploring opportunities in the mining industry, since February 2017 and its Chief Financial Officer since November 2022. Since October 2016, Mr. Patel has served as a director of Nova Lifestyle Inc. (Nasdaq: NYFY), a home furniture design, marketing and manufacturing firm. Since December 2009, Mr. Patel has served as a managing partner of DviBri LLC, a California-based consulting company providing services to private companies interested in conducting initial public offerings, along with other associated securities and investment services. Since March 2013, Mr. Patel has also been a consultant and coordinator for Eos-Petro Inc., an international and domestic petroleum exploration and production company based in Southern California. Mr. Patel received his Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in audits and accounts, and an Associate degree in hotel management and catering from Maharaja Sayaji Rao University in Baroda, India in 1978.
We believe that Mr. Patel’s investment and regulatory experience makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Mark Chaney, Director Nominee who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced real estate developer and investor with more than 20 years of experience. He has served as the owner of M J Chaney, Inc., a California based real estate development and investment company, since 1995. In his role, Mr. Chaney has participated in the investment, development, renovation, and constructions of more than 50 real estate projects. In addition, he has also served a consultant to the PGA Tour since 1994, advising the professional golf tournament organizer on sports consulting and golf course design matters. Mr. Chaney received a degree in business from the University of California, Los Angeles.
We believe that Mr. Chaney’s track record in investment makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Among our management, Ms. Ma, our CFO and director, has previously served as the CFO of Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation, a position she held at the SPAC from February 2021 until December 2022. During her tenure, the SPAC announced and later terminated a proposed business combination with VCV Digital Technology in 2022. From January 2022 to June 2024, Ms. Ma also served as the CFO of Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation until its business combination with Thunder Power Holding Limited, after which she continued on as CFO and director of the post-combined entity, Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. from June 2024 to September 2024. In addition, Mr. Markscheid, our independent director nominee, has served as a director for Monterey Capital Acquisition Corp. from December 2021 until its business combination with ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. in July 2024. Mr. Markscheid has continued to serve as the director of the post-combination entity, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., a clean energy solutions provider, since July 2024. He has also served as a director of Tristar Acquisition I Corp. from August 2023 until its business combination with Helport Limited in August 2024, at which point he resigned as director of the company. Mr. Markscheid has also served as director of Four Leaf Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FORL) since July 2022, a SPAC currently in search of a target for business combination, and has been nominated to serve as a director of Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation, which publicly filed a registration statement in July 2024. Other than the foregoing, none of our management has been or is currently involved in any other SPACs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers and directors are not required to commit their full time to our affairs and will allocate their time to other businesses, and the collective experience of our officers and directors with blank check companies like ours is not significant. We presently expect each of our employees to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business (which could range from only a few hours a week while we are trying to locate a potential target business to a majority of their time as we move into serious negotiations with a target
4
Table of Contents
business for a business combination). The past successes of our executive officers and directors do not guarantee that we will successfully consummate an initial business combination. In addition, the members of the management team may not remain with us subsequent to the consummation of a business combination.
Our Sponsor
Our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited, is a Cayman Islands exempted company formed as an investment vehicle holding our securities of us and as the sponsor of the offering. Mr. Sunny Tan Kah Wei, a Malaysian citizen and resident, serves as its sole director and member with 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the sponsor.
Mr. Tan is an experienced Malaysian investor and corporate executive with more than a decade of experience in a variety of industries. Currently, Mr. Tan serves as director of Bellesome Capital Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based investment firm. He is also a director of MFSS Sdn. Bhd., an information technology company in Malaysia. He is also the sole director of a Cayman Islands holding company that serves as the sponsor of a different SPAC (the “Second SPAC”), which has made a confidential draft registration statement filing. Most recently, from 2018 to 2023, Mr. Tan served as the general manager of Mega Fortris Global Pte. Ltd., the Singapore subsidiary of Mega Fortris Bhd., a Malaysian security seal and cargo securing solutions manufacturer. Before that, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of ASA Multiplate, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based ASTI Holdings Limited, a semiconductor manufacturing solutions provider. Other than this Company and the Second SPAC, neither Mr. Tan nor the sponsor has previously organized any SPAC or is currently involved in any other SPAC at this time.
On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 insider shares to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. The insider shares held by our sponsor include an aggregate of up to 281,250 insider shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. Other than the foregoing, our sponsor is not expected to effect any direct transfer of the insider shares it held prior to the offering, and Mr. Tan is not expected to effect any indirect transfer of such insider shares by transferring any securities of the sponsor prior to the offering. As a result, prior to the offering, the sponsor holds 1,996,250 insider shares, or 92.6% of our issued and outstanding shares. Immediately after the offering, the sponsor is expected to hold 1,936,250 insider shares, or 89.7% of the issued and outstanding insider shares (without the exercise of the over-allotment option), with up to 281,250 ordinary shares of the 1,936,250 insider shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part.
The insider shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, except that (i) they will automatically convert into our Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination, (b) they are subject to certain transfer restrictions (see “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus); (c) prior to our initial business combination, only holders of the insider shares have the right to vote on the appointment or removal of a member of the board of directors for any reason; (d) our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into the Letter Agreement with us to waiver their redemption rights, rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Accounts and other shareholder rights enjoyed by holders of the Class A ordinary shares.
In addition, our sponsor has agreed and will enter into an agreement with us immediately prior to the effectiveness of this prospectus pursuant to which, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed
5
Table of Contents
initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.
Additionally, our sponsor has agreed to not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property (except as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus).
The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of our initial business combination which means that these securities will be transferable following the completion of our initial business combination.
Additional, although our sponsor is not expected to effect any direct transfer of the insider shares it held prior to the offering, certain transfers prior to the completion of our initial business combination are permitted for the insider shares and private units (including the underlying securities): (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent). In addition, our sponsor may effect any indirect transfer of the insider shares or private units it hold by transferring any securities of the sponsor after the offering, and any transferees would be subject to the same restrictions and other agreements of our sponsor and our directors and executive officers with respect to any insider shares or private units.
Following this offering, our sponsor will own a total of 1,665,000 insider shares and 240,000 private units, representing 19.6% of the issued and outstanding shares following this offering. In total, the sponsor will pay for a nominal aggregate purchase price of $2,421,754 for an aggregate of 1,905,000 shares and 240,000 rights (which will be converted to 30,000 shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination). However, other than the foregoing, our sponsor or its affiliates have not received and will not receive any other form of compensation upon the closing of the offering.
6
Table of Contents
For a summary of the securities owned by the Sponsor and the relevant terms, see illustration below:
Types of Securities | | Number of Securities Before Offering Held | | Number of Securities After Offering Held (assuming no over-allotment option exercised) | | Purchase Price or Conversion Price Per Securities | | Parties subject to the Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement | | Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement | | Exceptions to Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement |
Insider Shares | | 1,996,250 | | 1,665,000 | | $0.0116 per share | | The Sponsor; Mr. Garner, Chairman, CEO and Director; Ms. Ma, CFO and Director; Mr. Markscheid, Director Nominee; Mr. Patel, Director Nominee; Mr. Chaney, Director Nominee | | With respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. | | Notwithstanding the lock-up terms, transfers are permitted: (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent). |
Private Shares | | 0 | | 240,000 | | $10 per Private Unit (including one Private Share and one Private Right) | | | | The Private Shares, Private Rights, Working Capital Shares, or Working Capital Rights will be released from lock-up and be transferrable after the completion of the initial business combination. | |
Private Rights | | 0 | | 240,000 | | | |
Working Capital Shares | | 0 | | Up to 300,000 | | $10 per Working Capital Unit (including one Working Capital Share and one Working Capital Right) | | | |
Working Capital Rights | | 0 | | Up to 300,000 | | | |
As of June 14, 2024, our sponsor had loaned to us an aggregate of $123,572 to be used to pay formation and a portion of the expenses of this offering, respectively. The loan is payable without interest on the date on which we consummate our initial public offering. If we determine not to proceed with the offering, such amounts would not be repaid. In addition, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or
7
Table of Contents
the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. The working capital units and extension units would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement. The terms of such loans by our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our insiders or an affiliate of our insiders as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account, but if we do, we will request such lender to provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account.
Other than the foregoing, the sponsor does not have any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with the Company regarding any compensation, reimbursement, or transfer of interests in relation to our initial business combination, nor is there any agreement between the sponsor and any unaffiliated shareholders of the Company regarding redemptions, payments, compensation, reimbursement, or transfer of interests.
In addition to the insider shares, the compensation received or to be received and the amount of securities issued or to be issued to our initial shareholders, including the issuance of working capital units that may be converted from the working capital notes and the issuance of extension units that may be converted from the extension notes, may have dilutive effect on the public shares you hold. However, the extent of such dilutive effect is uncertain. For further information, see “Risk Factor — The conversion of any working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units may result in significant dilution to your public shares.” and “Risk Factor — We may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.” On pages 53 and 39 of the prospectus.
Given that Mr. Tan is a Malaysian citizen and resident, and has sole voting and investment discretion with respect to our shares held by our sponsor, we may be considered a “foreign person” under rules promulgated by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited. See “Risk Factor — We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.” on page 73 of this prospectus.
Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, our management including our officers and directors are all located in the United States. Our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether after the closing of this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or in connection with and following the consummation of our initial business combination, all officers and directors of the post-combination entity will be located in the Unites States. If we or post-combination entity has management members outside the United States either before or after the business combination, it may be difficult, or in some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon them and our sponsor, to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties on them under United States securities laws. See “Risk Factors — Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future those officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination.” on page 69 of this prospectus.
As more fully discussed in “Management — Conflicts of Interest” on page 119 of this prospectus, if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she has pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she may be required to present such business combination opportunity to such entity, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under the Cayman Islands law, prior to presenting such business combination opportunity to us. Most of our officers and directors currently have certain pre-existing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations.
8
Table of Contents
Background and Competitive Strengths
We will seek to leverage our management team’s proprietary network of relationships with corporate executives, private equity, venture and growth capital funds, investment banking firms and consultants in order to source, acquire, and support the operations of the business combination target. For example, Mr. Garner, our CEO and Chairman of the board of directors, and Mr. Markscheid, our independent director nominee, have vast network across borders because of their extensive advisory and investment experiences in Asia and U.S. Ms. Ma, our CFO and Director, also has extensive experiences in managing SPACs and running business combination search. The background of our management will be instrumental in guiding our business combination search.
In addition, several members of our management team have extensive track record in managing or overseeing public companies as officers and directors in the past. Ms. Ma has served in financial management roles for several public companies in the past. Mr. Markscheid and Mr. Patel have both served as directors or officers for various public companies across various industries. They will contribute in providing unique and professional insights with regards to valuation of potential target(s), negotiation of transaction terms, and solicitation of transaction financing.
We believe that this combination of extensive relationships and expertise will make us a preferred partner for and allow us to source high-quality business combination targets. However, none of our management team is obligated to remain with the company after an acquisition transaction, and we cannot provide assurance that the resignation or retention of our current management will be a term or condition in any agreement relating to business combination. Moreover, despite the competitive advantages we believe we have, we remain subject to significant competition with respect to identifying and executing a business combination.
Business Strategy and Acquisition Criteria
Our management team intends to focus on creating shareholder value by leveraging its experience in the management and operation of businesses to improve the efficiency of operations while implementing strategies to scale revenue organically and/or through acquisitions. Consistent with our strategy, we have identified the following general criteria and guidelines that we believe are essential in evaluating prospective target businesses. While we intend to use these criteria and guidelines in evaluating prospective businesses, we may deviate from these criteria and guidelines should we consider it appropriate to do so:
• Strong Management Team
We will seek to acquire those businesses with reasoned and strong managements having a track record of driving growth and profitability; or having proposition of the businesses that may likely be well received by public investors.
• Niche Deal Size with Growth Potential
We intend to seek target companies that have underexploited expansion opportunities. This expansion can be accomplished through a combination of accelerating organic growth and finding attractive add-on acquisition targets. Our management team has significant experience in identifying such targets and in helping target management assess the strategic and financial fit. Similarly, our management has the expertise to assess the likely synergies and to help a target integrate acquisitions.
• Long-term Revenue Visibility with Defensible Market Position
In management’s view, the target companies should be close to an anticipated inflection point, such as those companies requiring additional management expertise, those companies able to innovate by developing new products or services, or companies where we believe we have ability to achieve improved profitability performance through an acquisition designed to help facilitate growth.
• Benefits from Being a U.S. Public Company (Value Creation and Marketing Opportunities)
We intend to search target companies that we believe will help offer attractive risk-adjusted equity returns for our shareholders. Amount other criteria, we expect to evaluate financial returns based on (i) the potential for organic growth in cash flows, (ii) the ability to achieve cost savings, (iii) the ability to accelerate
9
Table of Contents
growth, including through the opportunity for follow-on acquisitions, and (iv) the prospects for creating value through other value creation initiatives. We also plan to evaluate potential upside from future growth in the target business’ earnings and an improved capital structure.
These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria that our management may deem relevant.
In the event that we decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet the above criteria and guidelines, we will disclose that the target business does not meet the above criteria and guidelines in our shareholder communications related to our initial business combination, which, as discussed in this prospectus, would be in the form of proxy solicitation or tender offer materials that we would file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
We will either (i) seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which public shareholders may seek to redeem their public shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, into their pro rata portion of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) or (ii) provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to sell their public shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a shareholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our insiders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, not to redeem any public shares held by them into their pro rata portion of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account. The decision as to whether we will seek shareholder approval of our proposed business combination or allow shareholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek shareholder approval. If we so choose and we are legally permitted to do so, we will have the flexibility to avoid a shareholder vote and allow our shareholders to sell their shares pursuant to the tender offer rules of SEC. In that case, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, solely if we seek shareholder approval, a majority of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination.
We will have until 18 months from the consummation of this offering to consummate our initial business combination. If we anticipate that we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination within 18 months from closing of this offering, we may, but are not obligated to, extend the period of time to consummate a business combination two times by an additional three months each time (for a total of up to 24 months to complete a business combination), provided that our sponsor and/or designees must deposit into the Trust Account for each three months extension, $750,000, or $862,500 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,500,000 or $1,725,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline. There is no obligation for us or our sponsors to extend the time for us to complete our initial business combination. In the event that the time to complete an initial business combination is extended and our sponsors or their affiliates or designees make the payments necessary for such extension, they will receive a non-interest bearing, unsecured promissory note in the amount of any such deposit, which will not be repaid in the event that we are unable to close an initial business combination unless there are funds available outside the trust account to do so. We intend to issue a press release announcing any intention to extend the time to consummate an initial business combination at least three days prior to the applicable deadline. In addition, we intend to issue a press release or file a Current Report on Form 8-K promptly after the applicable deadline announcing whether or not the necessary funds had been timely deposited. Our public shareholders will not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our extension of time to consummate an initial business combination from 18 months to up to 24 months described above or redeem their shares in connection with such extensions. If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within such time period, unless we extend such period pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of our issued and outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the Trust
10
Table of Contents
Account, including a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), and then seek to liquidate and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public shareholders.
If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within this time period, we will liquidate the Trust Account and distribute the proceeds held therein to our public shareholders by way of redeeming their shares and dissolve. If we are forced to liquidate, we anticipate that we would distribute to our public shareholders the amount in the Trust Account calculated as of the date that is two (2) days prior to the distribution date (including any accrued interest net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses). Prior to such distribution, we would be required to assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us by our creditors for amounts they are actually owed and make provision for such amounts, as creditors take priority over our public shareholders with respect to amounts that are owed to them. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our shareholders could potentially be liable for any claims of creditors to the extent of distributions received by them as an unlawful payment in the event we enter an insolvent liquidation.
Nevertheless, if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within the period as provided in our governing documents then in effect and we do not seek or complete an extension of such period, we will be forced to liquidate the trust account and wind up. As a result, the insider shares and private shares held by our initial shareholders including our sponsor will become valueless and will not be entitled to any liquidating distribution from our Trust Account and thereby become valueless, and our sponsor has contractually agreed pursuant to a written agreement with us to be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are no reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that we owe money to. For more details of consequences to our sponsor if we do not complete a business combination timely or fail to extend the period under which we must complete a business combination, see “Proposed Business — Automatic Liquidation of Trust Account if No Business Combination” on page 104 of the prospectus.
Pursuant to the NASDAQ listing rules, our initial business combination must be with a target business or businesses whose collective fair market value is at least equal to 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for such business combination, although this may entail simultaneous acquisitions of several target businesses. The fair market value of the target business will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow and/or book value). Our board of directors will have broad discretion in choosing the standard used to establish the fair market value of any prospective target business. The target business or businesses that we acquire may have a collective fair market value substantially in excess of 80% of the Trust Account balance. We will not be required to comply with the 80% fair market value requirement if we are delisted from NASDAQ.
We are not required to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party that the target business we select has a fair market value in excess of at least 80% of the balance of the Trust Account unless our board of directors cannot make such determination on its own. We are also not required to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party indicating that the price we are paying is fair to our shareholders from a financial point of view unless the target is affiliated with our officers, directors, insiders or their affiliates.
We currently anticipate structuring our initial business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination where we merge directly with the target business or where we acquire less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital shares of a target. In this case, we could acquire a 100% controlling interest
11
Table of Contents
in the target; however, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our shareholders immediately prior to our initial business combination could own less than a majority of our issued and outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, only the portion of such target business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% fair market value test.
We have not selected any specific business combination target but intend to target businesses with enterprise values that are greater than we could acquire with the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units. As a result, if the cash portion of the purchase price exceeds the amount available from the trust account, net of amounts needed to satisfy any redemption by public shareholders, we may be required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial business combination. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to complete our initial business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. Further, we may be required to obtain additional financing in connection with the closing of our initial business combination for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, or to fund the purchase of other companies. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our rights will expire worthless. In addition, even if we do not need additional financing to complete our initial business combination, we may require such financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our officers, directors or shareholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after our initial business combination. Raising additional third party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. In addition, the amount of the deferred underwriting commissions payable to the underwriters will not be adjusted for any shares that are redeemed in connection with an initial business combination. The per share amount we will distribute to shareholders who properly exercise their redemption rights will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commission and after such redemptions, the amount held in trust will continue to reflect our obligation to pay the entire deferred underwriting commissions.
Emerging Growth Company Status and Other Information
We are an emerging growth company as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (which we refer to herein as the JOBS Act). As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1,235,000,000, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three year period.
12
Table of Contents
Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, or (2) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.
Private Placements
On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of $0.0001 each to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. We refer to these ordinary shares initially purchased by the sponsor throughout this prospectus as the “insider shares.” The insider shares held by our insiders include an aggregate of up to 281,250 Class B ordinary shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that our insiders will collectively own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering (without given effect to the sale of the private units and assuming our insiders do not purchase units in this offering). None of our insiders has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering.
In addition, our sponsor has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 240,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $2,400,000). The sale of the private units will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, it will purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per private unit an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 16,875 private units) pro rata with the amount of the over-allotment option exercised so that at least $10.025 per share sold to the public in this offering is held in trust regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full or part. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The proceeds from the private placement of the private units will be added to the proceeds of this offering and placed in the Trust Account. As a result, $75,187,500 (or up to $86,465,625 if the over-allotment option is exercised in part or in full) will be placed in the Trust Account, immediately following the offering. If we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months, if we extend the time to complete an initial business combination as described in this prospectus), the proceeds from the sale of the offering and private units deposited into the Trust Account including interests (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) will be included in the liquidating distribution to the holders of our public shares.
Additionally, we have committed to issue Clear Street LLC, or “Clear Street”, the representative of the underwriters, 75,000 Class A ordinary shares (or up to 86,250 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), or the “representative shares,” at the closing of this offering. We refer to Clear Street throughout this prospectus as the “underwriter”.
Following this offering, our sponsor will own a total of 1,665,000 insider shares and 240,000 private units, representing 19.7% of the issued and outstanding shares following this offering. In total, the sponsor will pay for a nominal aggregate purchase price of $2,421,754 for an aggregate of 1,905,000 shares and 240,000 rights (which will be converted to 30,000 shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination). However, other than the foregoing, our sponsor or its affiliates have not received and will not receive any other form of compensation upon the closing of the offering.
Because of the nominal consideration of $21,754 the sponsor paid for the insider shares (the initial purchase price of $25,000 for the issuance of the 2,156,250 insider shares less the consideration price of $3,246 be received from directors and officers in exchange for the transfer of certain insider shares), upon the closing of this offering, your public shares will be significantly diluted. In addition, we will be issuing private units to our sponsor in connection
13
Table of Contents
with the closing of the offering. To illustrate, the table below shows possible sources of dilution and the extent of such dilution that non-redeeming public shareholders could experience in connection with the closing of this offering which we have assumed the issuance of one-eighth of a share for each right outstanding as such issuance will occur upon a business combination without the payment of additional consideration and the sale of the private units in connection with the closing of the offering. The table below assumes: Scenario A) 25% of our public shares are redeemed, Scenario B) 50% of our public shares are redeemed, Scenario C) 75% of our public shares are redeemed, and Scenario D) maximum of our public shares redemptions that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001 are redeemed.
| | Without Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
| | Scenario A 25% redemptions(1) | | Scenario B 50% redemptions(2) | | Scenario C 75% redemptions(3) | | Scenario D Maximum redemptions(4) |
Offering price of $8.89 included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights) | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share, as adjusted | | | 6.31 | | | 5.30 | | | 3.54 | | | 1.33 |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 2.58 | | $ | 3.59 | | $ | 5.35 | | $ | 7.56 |
| | With Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
| | Scenario A 25% redemptions(5) | | Scenario B 50% redemptions(6) | | Scenario C 75% redemptions(7) | | Scenario D Maximum redemptions(8) |
Offering price of $8.89 included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights) | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 | | $ | 8.89 |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share, as adjusted | | | 6.32 | | | 5.32 | | | 3.56 | | | 1.18 |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 2.57 | | $ | 3.57 | | $ | 5.33 | | $ | 7.71 |
For further information on the dilutive effect of the insider shares, see “Dilution” on page 80, and “Risk Factor — The nominal purchase price paid by our sponsor for the insider shares may result in significant dilution to the implied value of your public shares prior to or upon the consummation of our initial business combination” on page 52 of this prospectus.
The private shares underlying the private units are identical to the Class A ordinary shares included in the units being sold in this offering. However, our initial shareholders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares for cash or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other
14
Table of Contents
shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.
Additionally, our insiders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property (except as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus). The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of our initial business combination (except to certain permitted transferees as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus). We refer to such transfer restrictions throughout this prospectus as the lock-up.
If public units or shares are purchased by any of our directors, officers or initial shareholders, they will be entitled to funds from the Trust Account to the same extent as any public shareholder upon our liquidation but will not have redemption rights related thereto.
The proceeds from the private placement of the private units will be added to the proceeds of this offering and placed in a Trust Account in the United States maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee. If we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) from the closing of this offering, the proceeds from the sale of the private units will be included in the liquidating distribution to the holders of our public shares.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive office is located at 221 W 9th St #848, Wilmington, DE 19801, and our telephone number is 909-214-2482.
15
Table of Contents
The Offering
In making your decision on whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account not only the backgrounds of the members of our management team, but also the special risks we face as a blank check company and the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act. You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. You should carefully consider these, and the other risks set forth in the section below entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 36 of this prospectus.
Securities offered | | 7,500,000 units, at $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one Class A ordinary share, and one right. Every eight rights entitle the holder to receive one Class A ordinary share upon consummation of our initial business combination. |
Listing of our securities and proposed symbols | | We anticipate the units, and the Class A ordinary shares, and rights, once they begin separate trading, will be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbols “CHARU,” “CHAR,” and “CHARR,” respectively.
|
| | Each of the Class A ordinary shares and rights may trade separately on the 52nd day after closing of this offering unless the underwriters determine that an earlier date is acceptable (based upon, among other things, its assessment of the relative strengths of the securities markets and small capitalization and blank check companies in general, and the trading pattern of, and demand for, our securities in particular). In no event will the underwriters allow separate trading of the Class A ordinary shares, and rights until we file an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds of this offering. |
| | Once the Class A ordinary shares and rights commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component pieces. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent in order to separate the units into separately trading Class A ordinary shares and rights. No fractional rights will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole rights will trade. Unless you purchase eight units, you will not receive an ordinary share underlying the rights upon the consummation of the business combination. |
| | We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC, including an audited balance sheet, promptly upon the consummation of this offering, which is anticipated to take place three business days from the date the units commence trading. The audited balance sheet will reflect our receipt of the proceeds from the exercise of the over-allotment option if the over-allotment option is exercised on the date of this prospectus. If the over-allotment option is exercised after the date of this prospectus, we will file an amendment to the Form 8-K or a new Form 8-K to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the over-allotment option. We will also include in the Form 8-K, or amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K, information indicating if the underwriters has allowed separate trading of the Class A ordinary shares, and rights prior to the 52nd day after the closing of this offering. |
16
Table of Contents
Units: | | |
Number outstanding before this offering | | 0 unit
|
Number outstanding after this offering and private placement | | 7,740,000 units(1)
|
Ordinary shares: | | |
Number issued and outstanding before this offering and the private placement | |
2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares(2)
|
Number to be issued and outstanding after this offering and sale of private units | |
7,815,000 Class A ordinary shares and 1,875,000 Class B ordinary shares(3)
|
Rights: | | |
Number issued and outstanding before this offering and the private placement | |
0 right
|
Number to be issued and outstanding after this offering and sale of private units | |
7,740,000 rights(5)
|
Terms of Rights | | Except in cases where we are not the surviving company in a business combination, each holder of a right will automatically receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share upon consummation of our initial business combination. In the event we will not be the surviving company upon completion of our initial business combination, each right will automatically be converted to receive the kind and amount of securities or properties of the surviving entity that each one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share underlying each right is entitled to upon consummation of the business combination subject to any dissenter rights under the applicable law. We will not issue fractional shares in connection with a conversion of rights. Fractional shares will either be rounded down to the nearest whole share or otherwise addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act and any other applicable Cayman Islands law. As a result, you must hold rights in multiples of eight in order to receive shares for all of your Class A ordinary shares underlying the rights upon closing of a business combination. If we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and we redeem the public shares for the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds for their rights and the rights will expire worthless. The Company shall reserve such amount of its profits or share premium in order to pay up the par value of each share issuable in respect of the rights. |
17
Table of Contents
Insider Shares | | On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares, or insider shares, of a par value of $0.0001 each to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. The insider shares held by our insiders include an aggregate of up to 281,250 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that our insiders will collectively own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering (without given effect to the sale of the private units and assuming our insiders do not purchase units in this offering). None of our insiders has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering. The insider shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, except that (i) they will automatically convert into our Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination, (b) they are subject to certain transfer restrictions; (c) prior to our initial business combination, only holders of the insider shares have the right to vote on the appointment or removal of a member of the board of directors for any reason; (d) our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into the Letter Agreement with us to waiver their redemption rights, rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Accounts and other shareholder rights enjoyed by holders of the Class A ordinary shares. In addition, our sponsor has agreed and will enter into an agreement with us immediately prior to the effectiveness of this prospectus pursuant to which, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated. |
18
Table of Contents
| | Additionally, our sponsor has agreed to not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property (except as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus). |
Private placement at time of offering | | Our sponsor has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 240,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $2,400,000). The sale of the private units will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, it will purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per private unit an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 16,875 private units) pro rata with the amount of the over-allotment option exercised so that at least $10.025 per share sold to the public in this offering is held in trust regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full or part. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The proceeds from the private placement of the private units will be added to the proceeds of this offering and placed in an account in the United States maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee. Each private unit shall consist of one Class A ordinary share and one right. The private shares underlying the private units are identical to the Class A ordinary shares included in the units being sold in this offering. However, our initial shareholders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares for cash or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash |
19
Table of Contents
| | from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated. The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of our initial business combination (except to certain permitted transferees as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus). We refer to such transfer restrictions throughout this prospectus as the lock-up. |
Transfer restrictions on insider shares and private units | | Our insiders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.
The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until the completion of our initial business combination (except to certain permitted transferees), which means that these securities will be transferable following the completion of our initial business combination. We refer to such transfer restrictions on insider shares, private units and units issuable upon the conversion of certain working capital loans (including any underlying securities) throughout this prospectus as the lock-up. |
20
Table of Contents
Representative Shares | | We will issue 75,000 shares of Class A ordinary shares (or 86,250 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) to the representative or its designee, for nominal consideration. The holders of the representative shares have agreed (i) that they will not transfer, assign or sell any such shares without our prior consent until the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) to waive their redemption rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (iii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, provided that our sponsor and/or designees must deposit into the Trust Account for each three months extension, $750,000, or $862,500 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,500,000 or $1,725,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, as described in more detail in this prospectus. The representative shares are deemed to be underwriters’ compensation by FINRA pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110. With regard to the representative shares, the underwriters have agreed to (a) not transfer, assign or sell any such shares without the Company’s written consent until the completion of Company’s initial Business Combination, (ii) to waive their redemption rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination, and (iii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus). |
Offering proceeds to be held in trust | | The rules of NASDAQ provide that at least 90% of the gross proceeds from this offering and the sale of the private units be deposited in a Trust Account. An aggregate of $75,187,500 (or an aggregate of $86,465,625 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) from the proceeds of this offering and the sales of the private units, or $10.025 per unit sold to the public in this offering (regardless of whether or not the over-allotment option is exercised in full or part), will be placed in a Trust Account in the United States, maintained by Wilmington Trust, acting as trustee pursuant to an agreement to be signed on the date of this prospectus. Such amount includes $1,500,000, or up to $0.20 per unit sold to the public in this offering (or $1,725,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), payable to the underwriters as deferred underwriting discounts and commissions. Pursuant to the investment management trust agreement that will govern the investment of such funds, the trustee, upon our written instructions, will invest the funds as set forth in such written instructions and to custody the funds while invested and until otherwise instructed in accordance with the investment management trust agreement. The remaining $600,000 of net proceeds of this offering will not be held in the Trust Account. |
| | Except as set forth below, the proceeds in the Trust Account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of an initial business combination within the required time period or our entry into liquidation if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period. Therefore, unless and until an initial business combination is consummated, the proceeds held in the Trust Account will not be available for our use for any expenses related to this offering or expenses which we may incur related to the investigation and selection of a target business and the negotiation of an agreement to acquire a target business. |
21
Table of Contents
| | Notwithstanding the foregoing, there will be released to us from the Trust Account any interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account that we need to pay our income or other tax obligations. With these exceptions, expenses incurred by us may be paid prior to a business combination only from the net proceeds of this offering not held in the Trust Account (estimated to initially be $600,000); provided, however, that in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering if the funds not held in the Trust Account are insufficient, or to extend our life, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates/designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit. If we do not complete a business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. |
Limited payments to insiders | | Prior to the consummation of a business combination, there will be no fees, reimbursements or other cash payments paid to our insiders, officers, directors or their affiliates prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of a business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is) other than: • repayment at the closing of this offering of an aggregate of approximately $500,000 of loans made by our sponsor; • repayment at the closing of this offering of loans which may be made by our insiders, officers, directors or any of its or their affiliates to finance transaction costs in connection with an initial business combination, the terms of which have not been determined; and • reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations. |
| | There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the Trust Account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to any initial shareholder or member of our management team, or their respective affiliates, and any reimbursements and payments made to members of our audit committee will be reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval. |
22
Table of Contents
Conditions to completing our initial business combination | | Our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriters’ fees and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. If we are no longer listed on Nasdaq, we will not be required to satisfy the 80% test.
If our board is not able to independently determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, we may obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking or accounting firm as to the fair market value of the target business. We will complete our initial business combination only if the post-transaction company in which our public shareholders own shares will own or acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% test, provided that in the event that the business combination involves more than one target business, the 80% test will be based on the aggregate value of all of the target businesses. |
Potential revisions to agreements with insiders | | We could seek to amend certain agreements made by our management team disclosed in this prospectus without the approval of shareholders, although we have no intention to do so. For example, restrictions on our executives relating to the voting of securities owned by them, the agreement of our management team to remain with us until the closing of a business combination, the obligation of our management team to not propose certain changes to our organizational documents or the obligation of the management team and its affiliates to not receive any compensation in connection with a business combination could be modified without obtaining shareholder approval. Although shareholders would not be given the opportunity to redeem their shares in connection with such changes, in no event would we be able to modify the redemption or liquidation rights of our shareholders without permitting our shareholders the right to redeem their shares in connection with any such change. We will not agree to any such changes unless we believed that such changes were in the best interests of our shareholders (for example, if such a modification were necessary to complete a business combination).
|
23
Table of Contents
Shareholder approval of, or tender offer in connection with, initial business combination | |
In connection with any proposed initial business combination, we will either (1) seek shareholder approval of such initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which public shareholders may seek to redeem their public shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) or (2) provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to sell their public shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a shareholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our initial shareholders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, not to redeem any public shares held by them into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account. If we determine to engage in a tender offer, such tender offer will be structured so that each public shareholder may tender any or all of his, her or its public shares rather than some pro rata portion of his, her or its shares. If enough shareholders tender their shares so that we are unable to satisfy any applicable closing condition set forth in the definitive agreement related to our initial business combination, or we are unable to maintain net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon consummation of the proposed business combination, we will not consummate such initial business combination. The decision as to whether we will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow shareholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction, or whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek shareholder approval. If we so choose and we are legally permitted to do so, we will have the flexibility to avoid a shareholder vote and allow our shareholders to sell their shares pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers. In that case, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, solely if we seek shareholder approval, a majority of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination.
|
| | However, if we seek to consummate a business combination with a target business that imposes any type of working capital closing condition or requires us to have a minimum amount of funds available from the Trust Account upon consummation of such business combination, the net tangible asset requirement may limit our ability to consummate such a business combination and may force us to seek third party financing which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. As a result, we may not be able to consummate such business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. |
24
Table of Contents
| | Our initial shareholders, officers and directors, have agreed (i) to vote their insider shares, private shares and any public shares purchased in or after this offering in favor of any proposed business combination and (ii) not to redeem any shares (including the insider shares or private shares) in connection with a shareholder vote to approve, or sell their shares to us in any tender offer in connection with, a proposed initial business combination. Assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised and the initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering or units or shares in the after-market, our initial shareholders including our sponsor, directors, and officers, collectively represent 21.8% of issued and outstanding ordinary shares on converted basis. As a result, for purpose of seeking shareholder approval for our initial business combination, in addition to our insider shares and private shares, we would need additional 2,730,001 public shares to vote in order to obtain a quorum which will be, pursuant to the second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that we will adopt immediately prior to or upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, a majority of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares entitled to vote at the meeting. Once a quorum is obtained, (i) assuming only a quorum is present and voted at such meeting held to vote on our initial business combination, 307,501 public shares, or 4.1% of the 7,500,000 public shares sold in this offering are needed to be voted in favor of a transaction, or (ii) assuming all issued and outstanding shares are present and voted, we need additional 2,730,001, or 36.4%, of the 7,500,000 public shares sold in this offering are needed to be voted in favor of a transaction (none of our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or Class A ordinary shares in the open market or in private transactions (other than the private units)). Additionally, each public shareholder may elect to redeem its public shares irrespective of whether it votes for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed transaction (subject to the limitation described in this prospectus). However, if a significant number of shareholders vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against a proposed business combination, our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions in order to influence the vote. There is no limit on the number of shares that may be purchased by the insiders. Any purchases would be made in compliance with federal securities laws, including the fact that all material information will be made public prior to such purchase, and no purchases would be made if such purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, which are rules designed to stop potential manipulation of a company’s shares. |
Redemption rights | | In connection with a business combination, public shareholders will have the right to redeem their public shares for cash at an amount equal to (1) the number of public shares being redeemed by such public holder divided by the total number of public shares multiplied by (2) the amount then in the Trust Account (initially $10.025 per share), which includes the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions plus a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account less any amounts necessary to pay our taxes. At any meeting called to approve an initial business combination, public shareholders may elect to redeem their share for cash regardless of whether or not they vote to approve the business combination. |
25
Table of Contents
| | Whether we elect to effectuate our initial business combination via shareholder vote or tender offer, we may require public shareholders wishing to exercise redemption rights, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender the certificates they are seeking to redeem to our transfer agent or to deliver the shares they are seeking to redeem to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, at any time at or prior to the vote on the business combination. There is a nominal cost associated with this tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $120 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. The foregoing is different from the procedures used by traditional blank check companies. In order to perfect redemption rights in connection with their business combinations, many traditional blank check companies would distribute proxy materials for the shareholders’ vote on an initial business combination, and a holder could simply vote against a proposed business combination and check a box on the proxy card indicating such holder was seeking to exercise its redemption rights. After the business combination was approved, the company would contact such shareholder to arrange for it to deliver its certificate to verify ownership. As a result, the shareholder then had an “option window” after the consummation of the business combination during which it could monitor the price of the company’s shares in the market. If the price rose above the redemption price, it could sell its shares in the open market before actually delivering his shares to the company for cancellation. As a result, the redemption rights, to which shareholders were aware they needed to commit before the shareholder meeting, would become an “option” right surviving past the consummation of the business combination until the redeeming holder delivered its certificate. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the closing of the shareholder meeting ensures that a holder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the business combination is completed. |
| | Pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we are required to give a minimum of only five days’ notice for each general meeting. As a result, if we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their ordinary shares into the right to receive a pro rata portion of the funds in the Trust Account to comply with the foregoing delivery requirements, holders may not have sufficient time to receive the notice and deliver their shares for redemption. Accordingly, investors may not be able to exercise their redemption rights and may be forced to retain our securities when they otherwise would not want to. |
| | If we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their ordinary shares to comply with specific delivery requirements for redemption described above and such proposed business combination is not consummated, we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public shareholders. |
26
Table of Contents
| | For relevant discussion on potential risks associated with the redemption rights, see “Risk Factor — In connection with any shareholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require shareholders who wish to redeem their public shares to comply with specific requirements for redemption that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their redemption rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights” and “If we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their public shares to comply with the delivery requirements for redemption, such redeeming shareholders may be unable to sell their securities when they wish to in the event that the proposed business combination is not approved” on pages 50 and 51 of this prospectus. |
| | Once the shares are tendered by the holder, and effectively redeemed by us under the Cayman Islands law, the transfer agent will then update our Register of Members to reflect all redemptions and cancel such shares. |
Limitation on redemption rights of shareholders holding 15% or more of the shares sold in this offering if we hold shareholder vote | |
Notwithstanding the foregoing redemption rights, if we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in this offering. We believe the restriction described above will discourage shareholders from accumulating large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to redeem their shares as a means to force us or our management to purchase their shares at a significant premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. Absent this provision, a public shareholder holding more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in this offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights against a business combination if such holder’s shares are not purchased by us or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. By limiting our shareholders’ ability to redeem to no more than 15% of the shares sold in this offering, we believe we will limit the ability of a small group of shareholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability to complete our business combination, particularly in connection with a business combination with a target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including all shares held by those shareholders that hold more than 15% of the shares sold in this offering) for or against, or abstain from voting on, our business combination.
|
27
Table of Contents
Redemption rights in connection with proposed amendments to our articles of association | |
Some other blank check companies have a provision in their charter which prohibits the amendment of certain charter provisions. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that any of its provisions, including those related to pre-business combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of this offering and the private placement of units into the Trust Account and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public shareholders as described herein) may be amended if approved by holders of at least two thirds of our ordinary shares entitled to vote thereon, subject to applicable provisions of the Cayman Islands law, or the Companies Act, or applicable stock exchange rules. Corresponding provisions of the trust agreement governing the release of funds from our Trust Account may be amended if approved by holders of two thirds of our ordinary shares entitled to vote thereon. We may not issue additional securities that can vote on amendments to our second amended and restated articles of association or in our initial business combination or that would entitle holders to receive funds from the Trust Account. Our initial shareholders, who will collectively beneficially own 21.8% of our Class A ordinary shares upon the closing of this offering (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised and they do not purchase any units in this offering), will participate in any vote to amend our second amended and restated articles of association and/or trust agreement and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. Our initial shareholders have agreed, pursuant to the Letter Agreement with us (filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part), that they will not propose any amendment to our second amended and restated articles of association (i) that would modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) or (ii) with respect to any other material provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of then issued and outstanding public shares. Our initial shareholders have entered into the Letter Agreement with us pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any insider shares, private shares, and any public shares held by them in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and to waive their redemption rights with respect to their insider shares, private shares, and public shares in connection with a shareholder vote to approve an amendment to our second amended and restated articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity.
|
28
Table of Contents
Release of funds in Trust Account on closing of our initial business combination | |
On the completion of our initial business combination, all amounts held in the Trust Account will be released to us. We will use these funds to pay amounts due to any public shareholders who exercise their redemption rights as described above under “Redemption rights” on page 25 of this prospectus, to pay the underwriters their deferred underwriting compensation, to pay all or a portion of the consideration payable to the target or owners of the target of our initial business combination and to pay other expenses associated with our initial business combination. If our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt instruments, or not all of the funds released from the Trust Account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with our initial business combination, we may apply the balance of the cash released to us from the Trust Account for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other assets, companies or for working capital.
|
Automatic liquidation if no business combination | | As described above, if we fail to consummate a business combination within 18 months from the consummation of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus), it will trigger our automatic winding up, liquidation and subsequent dissolution pursuant to the terms of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. As a result, this has the same effect as if we had formally gone through a voluntary liquidation procedure under the Companies Act. Accordingly, no vote would be required from our shareholders to commence such a voluntary winding up, liquidation and subsequent dissolution.
|
| | The amount in the Trust Account (including the deferred underwriting compensation) under the Companies Act will be available for distribution under the Companies Act provided that immediately following the date on which the proposed distribution is to be made, we are able to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business, and the value of the Company’s assets exceed its liabilities. If we are forced to liquidate, we anticipate that we would distribute to our public shareholders the amount in the Trust Account calculated as of the date that is two (2) days prior to the distribution date (including any accrued interest net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses). |
| | Prior to such distribution, we would be required to assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us by our creditors for amounts they are actually owed and make provision for such amounts, as creditors take priority over our public shareholders with respect to amounts that are owed to them. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our shareholders could potentially be liable for any claims of creditors to the extent of distributions received by them as voidable transaction in the event we enter an insolvent liquidation. Furthermore, while we will seek to have all vendors and service providers (which would include any third parties we engaged to assist us in any way in connection with our search for a target business) and prospective target businesses execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the Trust Account, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements. Nor is there any guarantee that, even if such entities execute such agreements with us, they will not seek recourse against the Trust Account or that a court would conclude that such agreements are legally enforceable. |
29
Table of Contents
| | The holders of the insider shares and private units will not participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to such securities. Our sponsor has contractually agreed pursuant to a written agreement with us that, if we liquidate the Trust Account prior to the consummation of a business combination, it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us. Accordingly, if a claim brought by a target business or vendor did not exceed the amount of funds available to us outside of the Trust Account, our sponsor would not have any obligation to indemnify such claims as they would be paid from such available funds. However, if a claim exceeded such amounts, the only exceptions to our sponsor’s obligations to pay such claim would be if the party executed an agreement waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind it has in or to any monies held in the Trust Account. We cannot assure you that our sponsor will be able to satisfy these obligations if it is required to do so. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the per-share redemption price from the Trust Account, if we liquidate the Trust Account because we have not completed a business combination within the required time period, and assuming that we do not extend our life beyond 18 months (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) prior to a business combination, will not be less than $10.025. Up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account will be released to us to pay dissolution expenses including the liquidation expenses of Trust Account. If we incur additional dissolution or liquidation expenses in excess of $100,000, our sponsor has contractually agreed to advance us additional funds necessary to complete such liquidation and has contractually agreed not to seek repayment for such expenses. The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions held in the Trust Account in the event we do not consummate a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) and in such event, such amounts will be included with the funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of our public shares. |
Indemnity | | Our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we have entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of (i) $10.025 per public share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account, if less than $10.025 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less taxes payable, provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the Trust Account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) nor will it apply to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. However, we have not asked our sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations, nor |
30
Table of Contents
| | have we independently verified whether our sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believe that our sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses. |
Audit Committee | | Subject to phase-in rules, we will establish and maintain an audit committee, which will be composed entirely of independent directors to, among other things, monitor compliance with the terms described above and the other terms relating to this offering. If any noncompliance is identified, then the audit committee will be charged with the responsibility to immediately take all action necessary to rectify such noncompliance or otherwise to cause compliance with the terms of this offering. For more information, see “Management — Audit Committee” on page 118 of this prospectus. |
Conflicts of Interest | | • Our initial shareholders will directly or indirectly own 2,156,250 insider shares (up to 281,250 shares of which are subject to forfeiture depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised) and, accordingly, may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination. • The $0.0116 per share price that our initial shareholders paid for the insider shares creates an incentive whereby our sponsor, directors and officers could potentially make a substantial profit even if the company selects an acquisition target that subsequently declines in value and is unprofitable for public investors. • In the event we do not consummate a business combination within the proscribed period, the insider shares, private units and their underlying securities will expire worthless, which could create an incentive our initial shareholders to complete any transaction, regardless of its ultimate value. • Each of our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination. • Each of initial shareholders presently has, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entity. • Our sponsor, officers and directors, may in the future sponsor or form other special purpose acquisition companies similar to ours or may pursue other business or investment ventures during the period in which we are seeking an initial business combination. |
31
Table of Contents
| | • The controlling shareholder of our sponsor, Mr. Tan, has sponsored the Second SPAC, which has made a confidential draft registration statement filing. The Second SPAC may engage in a potential business combination during a time when we are seeking an initial business combination. • Our sponsor, officers and directors, may receive certain reimbursement or repayment of loans that may be dependent on the closing of our initial business combination. For more details, see “Prospectus Summary — Limited payments to insiders” on page 22 of this prospectus. • Our officers and directors are not required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs, and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities, including selecting a business combination target and monitoring the related due diligence. For more information, see “Management — Conflicts of Interest” page 119 of this prospectus |
32
Table of Contents
RISKS FACTORS SUMMARY
We are a blank check company that has conducted no operations and has generated no revenues. Until we complete our initial business combination, we will have no operations and will generate no operating revenues. In making your decision on whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account not only the background of our management team, but also the special risks we face as a blank check company, as well as the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act and, therefore, you will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. For additional information concerning how Rule 419 blank check offerings differ from this offering, see “Proposed Business — Comparison to offerings of blank check companies subject to Rule 419” on page 106 of this prospectus. You should carefully consider these, and the other risks set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 36 of this prospectus.
Such risks include, but are not limited to:
Risks Associated with Our Business
• If we are unable to consummate a business combination, our public shareholders may be forced to wait more than 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) before receiving liquidation distributions.
• We may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to complete a business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.
• Holders of rights will not have redemption rights if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period.
• Our officers and directors have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations and accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
• Our public shareholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination, which means we may consummate our initial business combination even though a majority of our public shareholders do not support such a combination.
• The value of the insider shares following completion of our initial business combination is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of our ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than $10.00 per share.
• Our outstanding rights may have an adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
• You will not have any rights or interests in funds from the Trust Account, except under certain limited circumstances. To liquidate your investment, therefore, you may be forced to sell your public shares, potentially at a loss.
• The excise tax included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may decrease the value of our securities following our initial business combination, hinder our ability to consummate an initial business combination, and decrease the amount of funds available for distribution in connection with a liquidation.
Risks Associated with Acquiring and Operating a Business Outside of the United States
• Because of the costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations, our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
• Many countries have difficult and unpredictable legal systems and underdeveloped laws and regulations that are unclear and subject to corruption and inexperience, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
33
Table of Contents
• If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such company will likely govern all of our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.
• Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination.
• We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.
34
Table of Contents
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes the relevant financial data for our business and should be read with our financial statements, which are included in this prospectus. We have not had any significant operations to date, so only balance sheet data are presented.
| | June 14, 2024 (Unaudited) |
Balance Sheet Data: | | Actual | | As Adjusted |
Working capital (deficiency)(1) | | $ | (83,097 | ) | | $ | 508,477 | |
Total assets(2) | | $ | 143,494 | | | $ | 75,802,897 | |
Total liabilities(3) | | $ | 128,097 | | | $ | 1,606,920 | |
Value of ordinary shares subject to possible redemption(4) | | $ | — | | | $ | 75,187,500 | |
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)(5) | | $ | 15,397 | | | $ | (991,523 | ) |
If no business combination is completed within 18 months from the consummation of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus), the proceeds then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes as well as expenses relating to the administration of the Trust Account (less up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), will be used to fund the redemption of our public shares. Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into the Letter Agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any insider shares and private shares held by them if we fail to complete our initial business combination within such time period.
35
Table of Contents
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the material risks described below, which we believe represent the material risks related to the offering, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our units. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks described below.
Risks Associated with Our Business
We are a blank check company with no operating history and no revenues, and, accordingly, you will not have any basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.
We are a blank check company with no operating results to date. Therefore, our ability to commence operations is dependent upon obtaining financing through the public offering of our securities. Since we do not have an operating history, you will have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective, which is to acquire an operating business. We have not conducted any discussions and we have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective acquisition candidates. We will not generate any revenues until, at the earliest, after the consummation of a business combination.
There is currently no market for our securities and a market for our securities may not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.
There is currently no market for our securities. Shareholders therefore have no access to information about prior market history on which to base their investment decision. Following this offering, the price of our securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations and general market or economic conditions. Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.
Our search for a business combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected by the continued effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the status of debt and equity markets, as well as protectionist legislation in our target markets.
Since late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruption to global economies and markets and the virus has continued to spread on a global scale. A significant outbreak of the COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, including the resurgence or variants thereof, could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect economies and financial markets worldwide, business operations and the conduct of commerce generally and could have a material adverse effect on the business of any potential target business with which we complete a business combination. Furthermore, we may be unable to complete a business combination if continued concerns relating to COVID-19 continue to restrict travel, limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel, vendors and services providers are unavailable to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner or even to conduct requisite due diligence. In addition, countries or supranational organizations in our target markets may develop and implement legislation that makes it more difficult or impossible for entities outside such countries or target markets to acquire or otherwise invest in companies or businesses deemed essential or otherwise vital. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for a business combination will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity and new variants of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. While vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed, there is no guarantee that such vaccines will be durable. The treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 and any potentially emerging variants may be ineffective or underutilized. If the disruptions posed by COVID-19 or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummate a business combination, or the operations of a target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected. In addition, our ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing which may be impacted by COVID-19 and other events, including as a result of increased market volatility, decreased market liquidity and third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to us or at all. Finally, the outbreak of COVID-19 may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section.
36
Table of Contents
Recent increases in inflation in the United States and elsewhere could make it more difficult for us to consummate a business combination.
Recent increases in inflation in the United Stated and elsewhere may be leading to increased price volatility in publicly traded securities, including ours, and may lead to other national, regional and international economic disruptions, any of which could make it more difficult for us to consummate a business combination.
Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going concern”.
As of June 14, 2024, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of this offering as well as our acquisition plans following this offering respectively. Management’s plans to address this need for capital through this offering are discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page 86 of this prospectus. Our plans to raise capital and to consummate our initial business combination may not be successful. The report of our independent registered public accountants on our financial statements includes an explanatory paragraph stating that our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the consummation of this offering. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from our inability to consummate this offering or our ability to continue as a going concern. Moreover, there is no assurance that we will consummate our initial business combination. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
If we are unable to complete our initial business combination within prescribed time frame, we may further extend the time period that we need to complete the initial business combination provided that we have sought and obtained an approval from our shareholders for such extension by amending our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and provided public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares in connection with such extension.
We will have 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) from the consummation of this offering in which to complete a business combination. If we cannot complete our initial business combination within prescribed time frame, we may seek to further amend our then existing second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to extend the time period under which we may complete our initial business combination. As provided in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may be amended if approved by holders of at least two-thirds of such company’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting or by way of unanimous written resolution, and that our public shareholders shall be provided with the opportunity to redeem their public shares upon the approval of any such amendment, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then issued and outstanding public shares. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to complete our initial business combination within the time period given by our current second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, and, if not, predict the length of the extended time period that we may seek under the amendment to our then existing charter, as that may depend on the nature and complexity of the initial business combination, the progress we will have made with regard to the initial business combination by the time we seek additional extension, and other factors (including regulatory factors that may delay our initial business combination) beyond our control.
If we are unable to consummate a business combination, our public shareholders may be forced to wait more than 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) before receiving liquidation distributions.
We will have 18 months from the consummation of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) in which to complete a business combination. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to such date unless we consummate a business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors have sought to redeem their shares. Only after the expiration of this full time period will public shareholders be entitled to liquidation distributions if we are unable to complete a business combination. Accordingly, investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until after such date and to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your securities potentially at a loss.
37
Table of Contents
We may not be able to complete our initial business combination within the completion window, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate.
We may not be able to find a suitable target business and complete our initial business combination within the completion window. An increasing number of SPACs have liquidated beginning in the second half of 2022 due to an inability to complete an initial business combination within their allotted time period. Our ability to complete our initial business combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions, volatility in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein. If we have not completed our initial business combination within such time period, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account (which interest shall be net of permitted withdrawals and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. In such case, our public shareholders may only receive $10.025 per share. In certain circumstances, our public shareholders may receive less than $10.025 per share on the redemption of their shares. See “— If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.025 per share” on page 42 of this prospectus and other risk factors herein.
The requirement that we complete an initial business combination within a specific period of time may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating our initial business combination and may limit the amount of time we have to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to consummate our initial business combination on terms that would produce value for our shareholders.
We have 18 months from the consummation of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) to complete an initial business combination. Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware of this requirement. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete a business combination with that particular target business, we may be unable to complete a business combination with any other target business. This risk will increase as we get closer to the time limits referenced above. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may enter into our initial business combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.
You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of blank check companies.
Since the net proceeds of this offering are intended to be used to complete a business combination with a target business that has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities laws. However, since we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful consummation of this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors of blank check companies such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules which would, for example, completely restrict the transferability of our securities, restrict the use of interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and require us to complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of the offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus). Because we are not subject to Rule 419, our units will be immediately tradable, we will be entitled to withdraw amounts from the funds held in the Trust Account prior to the completion of a business combination and we may have more time to complete an initial business combination. For a more detailed comparison of this offering to offerings that comply with Rule 419, see “Proposed Business — Comparison to offerings of blank check companies subject to Rule 419” on page 106 of this prospectus.
38
Table of Contents
We may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association currently authorize the issuance of 445,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, with par value of $0.0001 per share, 50,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, with par value of $0.0001 per share and 5,000,000 preference shares of par value of $0.0001 per share. Pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that we will adopt immediately prior to or upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, we will be authorized to issue 445,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, 50,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, and 5,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately after this offering, there will be 7,815,000 Class A ordinary shares and 1,875,000 Class B ordinary shares (assuming, in each case, that the underwriters have not exercised their over-allotment option and 281,250 insider shares have been forfeited as a result) issued and outstanding. As a result, there will be 436,217,500 unissued Class A ordinary shares with the consideration of 967,500 Class A ordinary shares underlying the rights issuable upon the consummation of our initial business combination, 48,125,000 unissued Class B ordinary shares and 10,000,000 unissued preferred shares available for issuance, respectively, which amount does not take into account the Class A ordinary shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of any outstanding rights. Immediately after the consummation of this offering, there will be no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
We may need additional financing to complete our initial business combination, or to fund the operations or growth of the target business, in the form of equity or debt financing. Although we have no commitment as of the date of this offering, we may issue a substantial number of additional ordinary shares or preferred shares or debt securities, or a combination of thereof, to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination (although our second amended and restated articles of association will provide that we may not issue securities that can vote with ordinary shareholders on matters related to our pre-initial business combination activity). However, our initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.
The issuance of additional ordinary shares or preferred shares:
• may significantly reduce the equity interest of investors in this offering;
• may subordinate the rights of holders of ordinary shares if we issue preferred shares with rights senior to those afforded to our ordinary shares;
• may cause a change in control if a substantial number of ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors;
• may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and
• may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our ordinary shares.
39
Table of Contents
Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:
• default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after a business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;
• acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
• our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; and
• our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding.
• our inability to pay dividends on our ordinary shares;
• using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends on our ordinary shares if declared, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
• limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
• increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation;
• limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes; and
• other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.
The provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that relate to the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares (and corresponding provisions of the agreement governing the release of funds from our Trust Account) may be amended with the approval of a special resolution which requires the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the Company, which is a lower amendment threshold than that of some other blank check companies. It may be easier for us, therefore, to amend our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to facilitate the completion of an initial business combination that some of our shareholders may not support.
Some other blank check companies have a provision in their charter which prohibits the amendment of certain of its provisions, including those which relate to the rights of a company’s shareholders, without approval by a certain percentage of the company’s shareholders. In those companies, amendment of these provisions typically requires approval by between 90% and 100% of the company’s shareholders. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that any of its provisions related to the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units into the Trust Account and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public shareholders as described herein), may be amended if approved by special resolution, meaning holders of at least two-thirds of our shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the Company for which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been given, or by a unanimous written resolution of all of our shareholders, and corresponding provisions of the trust agreement governing the release of funds from our Trust Account may be amended if approved by holders of at least 65% of our ordinary shares; provided that the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association governing (i) the appointment or removal of directors and (ii) continuation of the company in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands, in each case prior to our initial business combination, may only be amended by a special resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of our shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the Company for which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been given, or by a unanimous written resolution of all of our shareholders. Our sponsor and its permitted transferees, if any, who will collectively beneficially own, on an as-converted basis, approximately 20% of our Class A ordinary shares upon the closing of this offering (not
40
Table of Contents
including the private shares and assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering), will participate in any vote to amend our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and/or trust agreement and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. As a result, we may be able to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association which govern our pre-business combination behavior more easily than some other blank check companies, and this may increase our ability to complete a business combination with which you do not agree. Our shareholders may pursue remedies against us for any breach of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
Our sponsor, executive officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to agreements with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) that would modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide holders of our Class A ordinary shares the right to have their shares redeemed in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months, as applicable) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares, unless we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes, if any, divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares. Our shareholders are not parties to, or third party beneficiaries of, these agreements and, as a result, will not have the ability to pursue remedies against our sponsor, executive officers or directors for any breach of these agreements. As a result, in the event of a breach, our shareholders would need to pursue a shareholder derivative action, subject to applicable law.
Holders of Class A ordinary shares will not be entitled to vote on any appointment of directors we hold prior to our initial business combination as long as we have Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding.
Prior to our initial business combination, pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, only holders of Class B ordinary shares, or insider shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares will not be entitled to vote on the appointment of directors as long as we have Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding. In addition, prior to our initial business combination, only holders of a majority of our Class B ordinary shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason. Accordingly, holders of Class A ordinary shares may not have any say in selecting management of our company prior to the consummation of an initial business combination as long as we have class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding.
We may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to complete a business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.
Since we have not yet identified any prospective target business, we cannot ascertain the capital requirements for any particular transaction. If the net proceeds of this offering prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of the business combination, the depletion of the available net proceeds in search of a target business, or the obligation to redeem into cash (or purchase in any tender offer) a significant number of shares from redeeming shareholders, we will be required to seek additional financing. Such financing may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to consummate a particular business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we may require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our officers, directors or shareholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after a business combination.
The redemption of a large number of our shares could increase the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful and that you would have to wait for liquidation in order to redeem your shares.
If our initial business combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price, or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful is increased. If our initial business combination is unsuccessful, you would not receive your pro rata portion of the trust account until we liquidate the trust account. If you are in need of immediate
41
Table of Contents
liquidity, you could attempt to sell your shares in the open market; however, at such time our shares may trade at a discount to the pro rata amount per share in the trust account. In either situation, you may suffer a material loss on your investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with your exercise of redemption rights until we liquidate or you are able to sell your shares in the open market.
If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and the per-share redemption price received by shareholders may be less than $10.025.
Our placing of funds in trust may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we will seek to have all vendors and service providers we engage and prospective target businesses we negotiate with execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of our public shareholders, they may not execute such agreements. Furthermore, even if such entities execute such agreements with us, they may seek recourse against the monies held in the Trust Account. A court may not uphold the validity of such agreements. Accordingly, the proceeds held in trust could be subject to claims which could take priority over those of our public shareholders. If we liquidate the Trust Account before the completion of a business combination, our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us and which have not executed a waiver agreement. However, it may not be able to meet such obligation. Therefore, the per-share redemption price from the Trust Account in such a situation may be less than $10.025, plus interest, due to such claims.
Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, or if we otherwise enter compulsory or court supervised liquidation, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, we may not be able to return to our public shareholders at least $10.025 per share.
If, after we distribute the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and the members of our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors, thereby exposing the members of our board of directors and us to claims of punitive damages.
If, after we distribute the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our shareholders. In addition, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying public shareholders from the Trust Account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.
If, before distributing the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over the claims of our shareholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our shareholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.
If, before distributing the proceeds in the Trust Account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our shareholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.
42
Table of Contents
Our shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption of their shares.
If we are forced to enter into an insolvent liquidation, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed as an unlawful payment if it was proved that immediately following the date on which the distribution was made, we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover some or all amounts received by our shareholders. Furthermore, our directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to us or our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and our company to claims, by paying public shareholders from the Trust Account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons. We and our directors and officers who knowingly and willfully authorized or permitted any distribution to be paid out of our share premium account while we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business would be guilty of an offence and may be liable for a fine of approximately $18,000 and imprisonment for five years in the Cayman Islands.
Holders of rights will not have redemption rights if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period.
If we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and we redeem the funds held in the Trust Account, the rights will expire and holders will not receive any of such proceeds with respect to the rights.
We have no obligation to net cash settle the rights.
If we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and we redeem and distribute the funds held in the Trust Account, the rights will expire and holders will not receive any of such proceeds with respect to the rights.
Because each unit contains one right with eight rights to receive one ordinary share, the units may be worth less than units of other blank check companies.
Each unit contains one ordinary share and one right to receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share. Accordingly, you must hold rights in multiples of eight in order to receive shares underlying the rights upon the consummation of our initial business combination. This is different from other offerings similar to ours whose units include one ordinary share, and one right to receive one whole share. We have established the components of the units in this way in order to reduce the dilutive effect of the rights upon completion of an initial business combination since the rights will be converted in the aggregate for one-eighth of the number of shares compared to units that each contain one right to receive one whole share, thus making us, we believe, a more attractive merger partner for target businesses. Nevertheless, this unit structure may cause our units to be worth less than if they included a right to receive one whole share.
Since we have not yet selected a particular industry or target business with which to complete a business combination, we are unable to currently ascertain the merits or risks of the industry or business in which we may ultimately operate.
We are not limited to those locations and may consummate a business combination with a company in any location or industry we choose. Accordingly, there is no current basis for you to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the particular industry in which we may ultimately operate or the target business which we may ultimately acquire. To the extent we complete a business combination with a company in its development stage, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations of those entities. If we complete a business combination with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk, we may be affected by the currently unascertainable risks of that industry. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular industry or target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors in this offering than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in a target business.
43
Table of Contents
The requirement that the target business or businesses that we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the Trust Account (less any deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on interest earned and less any interest earned thereon that is released to us) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination may limit the type and number of companies that we may complete such a business combination with.
Pursuant to the NASDAQ listing rules, the target business or businesses that we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account and less any interest earned thereon that is released to us for our taxes) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination. This restriction may limit the type and number of companies with which we may complete a business combination. If we are unable to locate a target business or businesses that satisfy this fair market value test, we may be forced to liquidate and you will only be entitled to receive your pro rata portion of the funds in the Trust Account.
If NASDAQ delists our securities from trading on its exchange after this offering, we would not be required to satisfy the fair market value requirement described above and could complete a business combination with a target business having a fair market value substantially below 80% of the balance in the Trust Account.
Our ability to successfully effect a business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following a business combination. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct.
Our ability to successfully effect a business combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key personnel, at least until we have consummated our initial business combination. We cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain with us for the immediate or foreseeable future. In addition, none of our officers are required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly, they will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities, including identifying potential business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. We do not have employment agreements with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our officers. The unexpected loss of the services of our key personnel could have a detrimental effect on us.
The role of our key personnel in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may remain with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following a business combination, it is likely that some or all of the management of the target business will remain in place or be hired after consummation of the business combination. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a public company which could cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues which may adversely affect our operations.
Our officers and directors may not have significant experience or knowledge regarding the jurisdiction or industry of the target business we may seek to acquire.
As our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, we may consummate a business combination with a target business in any geographic location or industry we choose. We cannot assure you that our officers and directors will have enough experience or have sufficient knowledge relating to the jurisdiction of the target or its industry to make an informed decision regarding a business combination. If we become aware of a potential business combination outside of the geographic location or industry where our officers and directors have the most experience, our management may retain consultants and advisors with experience in such industries to assist in the evaluation of such business combination and in our determination of whether or not to proceed with such a business combination. However, our management is not required to engage consultants
44
Table of Contents
or advisors in any situation. If they do not engage any consultants or advisors to assist them in the evaluation of a particular target business or business combination, our management may not properly analyze the risks attendant with such target business or business combination. Even if our management does engage consultants or advisors to assist in the evaluation of a particular target business or business combination, we cannot assure you that such consultants or advisors will properly analyze the risks attendant with such target business or business combination. As a result, we may enter into a business combination that is not in our shareholders’ best interests.
Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business combination. These agreements may provide for them to receive compensation following a business combination and as a result, may cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination is the most advantageous.
Our key personnel will be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements or other arrangements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business.
Our officers and directors may allocate their time to other businesses and may become officers or directors of other special purpose acquisition companies including a special purpose acquisition company that certain of our directors are currently serving as officer and directors of, thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs and whether to present a target to us instead of our competitors. This conflict of interest could have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.
Our officers and directors have fiduciary duties to dedicate substantially all their business time to their respective affairs and their respective portfolio companies. However, this responsibility does not require any of our officers or directors to commit his or her full time to our affairs in particular, which may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search for a business combination and their other businesses, including other business endeavors for which he or she may be entitled to substantial compensation. Furthermore, our officer and directors may become an officer or director of another special purpose acquisition company with a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act even before we enter a definitive agreement regarding our initial business combination. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination. In addition, each of our officers and certain of our directors are employed by or affiliated with our founders, which makes investments in securities or other interests of or relating to companies in industries we may target for our initial business combination. Our independent directors also serve as officers or board members for other entities. If our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs in excess of their current commitment levels, it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs; or if they have fiduciary duty to present a target company to our competitor instead of us, which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination. For a complete discussion of our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs, see “Management — Conflicts of Interest” on page 119 of this prospectus.
Our officers and directors have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations and accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Our officers and directors have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations to other companies, including other companies that are engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us. Accordingly, our officers and directors may participate in transactions and have obligations that may be in conflict or competition with our consummation of our initial business combination. As a result, a potential target business may be presented by our management team to another entity prior to its presentation to us and we may not be afforded the opportunity to engage in a transaction with such target business. For a more detailed description of the pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations of our management team, and the potential conflicts of interest that such obligations may present, see “Management — Conflicts of Interest” on page 119 of this prospectus.
45
Table of Contents
Our officers’ and directors’ personal and financial interests may influence their motivation in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a business combination.
Our officers and directors have waived their right to redeem (or sell to us in any tender offer) their insider shares or any other ordinary shares acquired in this offering or thereafter (although none of these insiders have indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or thereafter), or to receive distributions with respect to their insider shares upon our liquidation if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination. Our sponsor has also waived its right to redeem (or sell to us in any tender offer) its private shares or any other ordinary shares acquired in this offering or thereafter (although it has not indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or thereafter), or to receive distributions with respect to their private shares upon our liquidation if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination. Accordingly, these securities will be worthless if we do not consummate our initial business combination. In addition, our officers and directors may loan funds to us after this offering and may be owed reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with certain activities on our behalf which would only be repaid if we complete an initial business combination.
The personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting a target business and completing a business combination. Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate and in our shareholders’ best interest. If this were the case, it would be a breach of their fiduciary duties to us as a matter of Cayman Islands law and we might have a claim against such individuals. However, we might not ultimately be successful in any claim we may make against them for such reason.
Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares or rights from public holders, which may influence a vote on a proposed initial business combination and reduce the public “float” of our public securities.
Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or public rights or a combination thereof, in privately-negotiated transactions or in the open market, either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination, although they are under no obligation to do so and they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. Moreover, none of the funds in the Trust Account would be used to purchase shares or public rights in such transactions. See “Proposed Business — Permitted Purchases of Our Securities” on page 102 of this prospectus for a description of how our sponsor, directors, officers or any of their affiliates will select which shareholders to purchase securities from in any private transaction.
Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of our shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately-negotiated transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The purpose of such purchases could be to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public rights could be to reduce the number of public rights outstanding. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.
46
Table of Contents
In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our ordinary shares or public rights and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange. However, in the event our sponsor, directors, officers or their affiliates were to purchase shares or rights from public shareholders, such purchases would by structured in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act including, in pertinent part, through adherence to the following:
• the Company’s registration statement/proxy statement filed for its business combination transaction would disclose the possibility that the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or rights from public shareholders outside the redemption process, along with the purpose of such purchases;
• if the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates were to purchase shares or rights from public shareholders, they would do so at a price no higher than the price offered through the Company’s redemption process;
• the Company’s registration statement/proxy statement filed for its business combination transaction would include a representation that any of the Company’s securities purchased by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates would not be voted in favor of approving the business combination transaction;
• the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers or their affiliates would not possess any redemption rights with respect to the Company’s securities or, if they do acquire and possess redemption rights, they would waive such rights; and
• the Company would disclose in its Form 8-K, before to the Company’s security holder meeting to approve the business combination transaction, the following material items:
i. the amount of the Company’s securities purchased outside of the redemption offer by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates, along with the purchase price;
ii. the purpose of the purchases by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates;
iii. the impact, if any, of the purchases by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates on the likelihood that the business combination transaction will be approved;
iv. the identities of Company security holders who sold to the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates (if not purchased on the open market) or the nature of Company security holders (e.g., 5% security holders) who sold to the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates; and
v. the number of Company securities for which the Company has received redemption requests pursuant to its redemption offer.
Members of our management team may in the future be involved in governmental investigations and civil litigation relating to the business affairs of companies with which they are, were or may in the future be affiliated with.
Members of our management team may in the future be involved in governmental investigations and civil litigation relating to the business affairs of companies with which they are, were or may in the future be affiliated with. Any such investigations or litigations may divert our management team’s attention and resources away from searching for an initial business combination, may be detrimental to our reputation, and thus may negatively affect our ability to complete an initial business combination.
We may become involved in litigation that may materially adversely affect us.
From time to time, we may become involved in various legal proceedings relating to matters incidental to the ordinary course of our business, including litigation and claims, and governmental and other regulatory investigations and proceedings. Such matters can be time-consuming, divert management’s attention and resources, cause us to incur significant expenses or liability or require us to change our business practices. Because of the potential risks, expenses
47
Table of Contents
and uncertainties of litigation, we may, from time to time, settle disputes, even where we believe that we have meritorious claims or defenses. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, we cannot assure you that the results of any of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our share price may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their share or stock have been subject to securities litigation, including class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future.
Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.
Members of our management team have significant experience as founders, board members, officers, executives or employees of other companies. Certain of those persons have been, are, or may become, involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings, including related to those companies or otherwise. The defense or prosecution of these matters could be time-consuming and could divert our management’s attention, and may have an adverse effect on us, which may impede our ability to consummate an initial business combination.
During the course of their careers, members of our management team have had significant experience as founders, board members, officers, executives or employees of other companies. As a result of their involvement and positions in these companies, certain of those persons have been, are or may in the future become involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings, including relating to the business affairs of such companies, transactions entered into by such companies, or otherwise. Individual members of our management team and board of directors also may become involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings involving claims or allegations related to or as a result of their personal conduct, either in their capacity as a corporate officer or director or otherwise, and may be personally named in such actions and potentially subject to personal liability. Any such liability may or may not be covered by insurance and/or indemnification, depending on the facts and circumstances. The defense or prosecution of these matters could be time-consuming. Any litigation, investigations or other proceedings and the potential outcomes of such actions may divert the attention and resources of our management team and board of directors away from identifying and selecting a target business or businesses for our initial business combination and may negatively affect our reputation, which may impede our ability to complete an initial business combination.
Our insiders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our interests.
We have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our founders or their respective affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. We do not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.
NASDAQ may delist our securities from trading on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
We anticipate that our securities will be listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, a national securities exchange, upon consummation of this offering. Although, after giving effect to this offering, we expect to meet on a pro forma basis the minimum initial listing standards of NASDAQ, which generally only requires that we meet certain requirements relating to shareholders’ equity, market capitalization, aggregate market value of publicly held shares and distribution requirements, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on NASDAQ in the future or prior to an initial business combination. Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, it is likely that NASDAQ will require us to file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient continued listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.
48
Table of Contents
If NASDAQ delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
• a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
• reduced liquidity with respect to our securities;
• a determination that our ordinary shares are “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our ordinary shares to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our ordinary shares;
• a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and
• a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
We may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of this offering, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services.
We may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of this offering. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments. Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may be:
• solely dependent upon the performance of a single business, or
• dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.
This lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination.
Alternatively, if we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple business combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks, it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.
The ability of our public shareholders to exercise their redemption rights or sell their public shares to us in a tender offer may not allow us to effectuate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.
If our business combination requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, because we will not know how many public shareholders may exercise redemption rights or seek to sell their public shares to us in a tender offer, we may either need to reserve part of the Trust Account for possible payment upon such redemption, or we may need to arrange third party financing to help fund our business transaction. In the event that the business combination involves the issuance of our shares as consideration, we may be required to issue a higher percentage of our shares to make up for a shortfall in funds. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate the most attractive business combination available to us.
49
Table of Contents
We may be unable to consummate a business combination if a target business requires that we have cash in excess of the minimum amount we are required to have at closing and public shareholders may have to remain shareholders of our company and wait until our liquidation to receive a pro rata share of the Trust Account or attempt to sell their shares in the open market.
A potential target may make it a closing condition to our business combination that we have a certain amount of cash in excess of the $5,000,001 of net tangible assets we are required to have pursuant to our organizational documents available at the time of closing. If the number of our shareholders electing to exercise their redemption rights or sell their shares to us in a tender offer has the effect of reducing the amount of money available to us to consummate a business combination below such minimum amount required by the target business and we are not able to locate an alternative source of funding, we will not be able to consummate such business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. In that case, public shareholders may have to remain shareholders of our company and wait the full 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) in order to be able to receive a pro rata portion of the Trust Account, or attempt to sell their shares in the open market prior to such time, in which case they may receive less than a pro rata share of the Trust Account for their shares and suffer an entire loss on your investment.
Our public shareholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination, which means we may consummate our initial business combination even though a majority of our public shareholders do not support such a combination.
We intend to hold a shareholder vote before we consummate our initial business combination. However, if a shareholder vote is not required, for business or legal reasons, we may conduct redemptions via a tender offer and not offer our shareholders the opportunity to vote on a proposed business combination. Accordingly, we may consummate our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our public shares do not approve of the business combination.
In connection with any meeting held to approve an initial business combination, we will offer each public shareholder the option to vote in favor of a proposed business combination and still seek redemption of his, her or its public shares, which may make it more likely that we will consummate a business combination.
In connection with any meeting held to approve an initial business combination, we will offer each public shareholder the right to have his, her or its public shares redeemed for cash (subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this prospectus) regardless of whether such shareholder votes for or against, or abstain from voting on, such proposed business combination. Furthermore, we will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and a majority of the issued and outstanding shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination. Accordingly, public shareholders owning shares sold in this offering may exercise their redemption rights and we could still consummate a proposed business combination so long as a majority of shares voted at the meeting are voted in favor of the proposed business combination. This is different than other similarly structured blank check companies where shareholders are offered the right to redeem their shares only when they vote against a proposed business combination. This is also different than other similarly structured blank check companies where there is a specific number of shares sold in the offering which must not exercise redemption rights for the company to complete a business combination. The lack of such a threshold and the ability to seek redemption while voting in favor of a proposed business combination may make it more likely that we will consummate our initial business combination.
In connection with any shareholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require shareholders who wish to redeem their public shares to comply with specific requirements for redemption that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their redemption rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights.
In connection with any shareholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, each public shareholder will have the right, regardless of whether it is voting for or against, or abstain from voting on, such proposed business combination, to demand that we redeem its public shares for cash of the Trust Account. Such redemption will be effectuated under Cayman Islands law and our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association as a redemption of the shares, with the redemption price to be paid being the applicable pro rata portion of the monies held in the Trust Account. We may require public shareholders who wish to redeem their public
50
Table of Contents
shares in connection with a proposed business combination to either tender their certificates (if any) to our transfer agent or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, at any time at or prior to the vote taken at the shareholder meeting relating to such business combination. In order to obtain a physical share certificate, a shareholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC and our transfer agent will need to act to facilitate this request. It is our understanding that shareholders should generally allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. However, because we do not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC, it may take significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical share certificate. It is also our understanding that it takes a short time to deliver shares through the DWAC System. However, this too may not be the case. Accordingly, if it takes longer than we anticipate for shareholders to deliver their shares, shareholders who wish to redeem may be unable to meet the deadline for exercising their redemption rights and thus may be unable to redeem their shares.
Investors may not have sufficient time to comply with the delivery requirements for redemption.
Pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we are required to give a minimum of only five days’ notice for each general meeting. As a result, if we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds in the Trust Account to comply with specific delivery requirements for redemption, holders may not have sufficient time to receive the notice and deliver their shares for redemption. Accordingly, investors may not be able to exercise their redemption rights and may be forced to retain our securities when they otherwise would not want to.
If we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their public shares to comply with the delivery requirements for redemption, such redeeming shareholders may be unable to sell their securities when they wish to in the event that the proposed business combination is not approved.
If we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their public shares to comply with specific delivery requirements for redemption described above and such proposed business combination is not consummated, we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public shareholders. Accordingly, investors who attempted to redeem their shares in such a circumstance will be unable to sell their securities after the failed acquisition until we have returned their securities to them. The market price for our shares may decline during this time and you may not be able to sell your securities when you wish to, even while other shareholders that did not seek redemption may be able to sell their securities.
Because of our limited resources and structure, other companies may have a competitive advantage and we may not be able to consummate an attractive business combination.
We expect to encounter intense competition from entities other than blank check companies having a business objective similar to ours, including venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds and operating businesses competing for acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources than we do, and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe that there are numerous potential target businesses that we could acquire with the net proceeds of this offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Furthermore, seeking shareholder approval of a business combination may delay or prevent the consummation of a transaction, a risk a target business may not be willing to accept. Any of the foregoing may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination.
Our insiders control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.
Upon consummation of our offering and the private placement, our insiders will collectively own approximately 21.8% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering). Accordingly, they may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our memorandum and articles of association. None of our officers, directors, insiders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or ordinary shares from persons in the open market or in private transactions (other than the private units). However, if our initial shareholders purchase any units in this offering or if our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their
51
Table of Contents
affiliates determine in the future to make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions, to the extent permitted by law, in order to assist us in consummating our initial business combination, this would increase their control. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our ordinary shares. In connection with any vote for a proposed business combination, all of our initial shareholders, as well as all of our officers and directors, have agreed to vote the ordinary shares owned by them immediately before this offering as well as any ordinary shares acquired in this offering or in the aftermarket in favor of such proposed business combination.
There is no requirement under the Companies Act for us to hold annual or general meetings to elect directors. Accordingly, shareholders would not have the right to such a meeting or election of directors. As a result, it is unlikely that there will be an annual general meeting to elect new directors prior to the consummation of a business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the consummation of the business combination. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your voting rights for up to 18 months (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus). If there is an annual general meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will be considered for election and our insiders, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, our insiders will continue to exert control at least until the consummation of a business combination.
The nominal purchase price paid by our sponsor for the insider shares may result in significant dilution to the implied value of your public shares prior to or upon the consummation of our initial business combination.
We are offering our units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit and the amount in our Trust Account is initially anticipated to be $10.025 per public share, implying an initial value of $10.025 per public share. However, prior to this offering, our insiders paid a nominal aggregate purchase price of $25,000 for 2,156,250 ordinary shares, or the insider shares, at approximately $0.0116 per share. As a result, your public shares will be significantly diluted, subject to certain anti-dilution exceptions. Upon closing of this offering, and assuming no value is ascribed to the private units included in the units, you and the other public shareholders will incur an immediate and substantial dilution of approximately 103.5% (or $9.20 per share, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), the difference between the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering of $(0.31) and the effective initial offering price of $8.89 per share included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights). For example, the following table shows the dilutive effect of the insider shares on the implied value of the public shares upon fully redemption of the insider shares at the discretion of the holders or the consummation of our initial business combination assuming that our equity value at that time is $75,187,500, which is the amount we would have for our initial business combination in the Trust Account assuming the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised, no interest is earned on the funds held in the Trust Account, and no public shares are redeemed in connection with our initial business combination, and without taking into account any other potential impacts on our valuation at such time, such as the trading price of our public shares, the business combination transaction costs (excluding payment of $1,500,000 of deferred underwriting commissions), any equity issued or cash paid to the target’s sellers or other third parties, or the target’s business itself, including its assets, liabilities, management and prospects. At such valuation, each of our ordinary shares would have an implied value of $7.05 per share upon the conversion of all of our insider shares, which is a 29.6% decrease as compared to the initial implied value per public share of $10.025.
Public shares(1) | | | 8,437,500 |
Private shares(2) | | | 270,000 |
Insider shares(3) | | | 1,875,000 |
Representative shares | | | 75,000 |
Total shares | | | 10,657,500 |
Total funds in trust available for initial business combination | | $ | 75,187,500 |
Initial implied value per public share | | $ | 10.025 |
Implied value per share upon the conversion of insider shares | | $ | 7.05 |
52
Table of Contents
The value of the insider shares following completion of our initial business combination is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of our ordinary at such time is substantially less than $10.00 per share.
Upon the closing of this offering, our sponsor will have invested in us an aggregate of $2,425,000, comprised of the $21,754 purchase price for the insider shares (the initial purchase price of $25,000 for the issuance of the 2,156,250 insider shares less the consideration price of $3,246 be received from directors and officers in exchange for the transfer of certain insider shares) and the $2,400,000 purchase price for the private shares. Assuming a trading price of $10.00 per share upon consummation of our initial business combination, the 1,875,000 insider shares (assuming the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised), 240,000 private shares and 30,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying the rights issuable upon the consummation of our initial business combination would have an aggregate implied value of $21,450,000. Even if the trading price of our ordinary shares was as low as $1.13 per share, the value of the insider shares and private shares would be equal to the sponsor’s initial investment in us. As a result, our sponsor is likely to be able to make a substantial profit on its investment in us at a time when our public shares have lost significant value. Accordingly, our management team, may be more willing to pursue a business combination with a riskier or less-established target business than would be the case if our sponsor had paid the same per share price for the insider shares as our public shareholders paid for their public shares.
Our outstanding rights may have an adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
We will be issuing rights that will result in the issuance of up to 967,500 Class A ordinary shares as part of the units offered by this prospectus and private rights that will result in the issuance of an additional up to 30,000 Class A ordinary shares. The potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares upon the conversion of the rights could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle in the eyes of a target business. Such securities, when converted, will increase the number of issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination. Accordingly, our rights may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business. Additionally, the sale, or even the possibility of sale, of the shares underlying the rights could have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain future financing. If and to the extent these rights are converted, you may experience dilution to your holdings.
The conversion of any working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units may result in significant dilution to your public shares.
In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. Our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may but are not required to convert such working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units.
The amount of working capital loans or extension loans our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may provide to us is uncertainly, and it is even less certain the amount of such loans may be converted into working capital units or extension units by such lender. The conversion of such loans and the issuance of such working capital units or extension units, including the issuance of the ordinary shares and rights underlying such working capital units or extension units may significantly reduce the equity interest of investors in this offering; may cause a change in control if a substantial number of ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our ordinary shares.
53
Table of Contents
If our shareholders exercise their registration rights with respect to their securities, it may have an adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares and the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
Our insiders are entitled to make a demand that we register the resale of their insider shares 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares, including up to an aggregate of 281,250 Class B ordinary shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part) at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which their shares may be released from lock-up. Additionally, the purchasers of the private units and our initial shareholders, officers and directors are entitled to demand that we register the resale of the 240,000 Class A ordinary shares (or 256,875 Class A ordinary shares if the overallotment is exercised in full) underlying the private units, and 30,000 Class A ordinary shares (or 32,109 Class A ordinary shares if the overallotment is exercised in full) underlying the private rights, and any securities our insiders, officers, directors or their affiliates or designees may be issued in payment of working capital loans or loans to extend our life made to us at any time after we consummate a business combination. The presence of these additional securities trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities. In addition, the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business, as the shareholders of the target business may be discouraged from entering into a business combination with us or will request a higher price for their securities because of the potential effect the exercise of such rights may have on the trading market for our ordinary shares.
If we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.
There is currently uncertainty concerning the applicability of the Investment Company Act to a special purpose acquisition company such as the Company, and we may in the future be subject to a claim that we have been operating as an unregistered investment company.
On January 24, 2024, the SEC adopted the final rules (the “SPAC Final Rules”), relating to, among the others, the extent to which special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act. The SPAC Final Rules provide that whether a SPAC is an investment company subject to the Investment Company Act is a fact specific inquiry. A specific duration period of a SPAC is not the sole determinant, but one of the longstanding factors to consider in determination of a SPAC’s status under the Investment Company Act. A SPAC could be deemed as an investment company at any stage of its operation. The determination of a SPAC’s status as an investment company includes analysis of a SPAC’s activities, depending upon the facts and circumstances, including but not limited to, the nature of SPAC assets and income, the activities of a SPAC’s officers, directors and employees, the duration of a SPAC, the manner a SPAC holding itself out to investors, and the merging with an investment company. On July 1, 2024, the SPAC Final Rules became effective.
If we are deemed to be an investment company for the purposes of the Investment Company Act, we might be forced to abandon our efforts to complete an initial business combination and instead be required to liquidate. If we are required to liquidate, our investors would not be able to realize the benefits of owning shares in a successor operating business, including the potential appreciation in the value of our shares and rights following such a transaction, and our rights would expire worthless.
The funds in the Trust Account will be held only in U.S. government securities within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds investing solely in United States Treasuries and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. However, to mitigate the risk of us being deemed to have been operating as an unregistered investment company (including under the subjective test of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act), we may, in our own discretion, instruct Wilmington Trust, N.A., the trustee with respect to the Trust Account, to liquidate the U.S. government securities or money market funds held in the Trust Account and thereafter, until the earlier of consummation of our initial business combination or liquidation, to hold all funds in the Trust Account in an interest bearing bank demand deposit account, which may earn less interest than we otherwise would have if the Trust Account had remained invested in U.S. government securities or money market funds. This may mean that the amount of funds available for redemption would not increase, or would only minimally increase, thereby reducing the dollar amount our public shareholders would receive upon any redemption or liquidation of the Company.
54
Table of Contents
In addition, the longer that the funds in the Trust Account are held in short-term U.S. government securities or in money market funds invested exclusively in such securities, there is a greater risk that we may be considered an unregistered investment company, in which case we may be required to liquidate. Accordingly, we may determine, in our discretion, to liquidate the securities held in the Trust Account at any time and instead hold all funds in the Trust Account in an interest bearing bank demand deposit account, which may earn less interest than we otherwise would have if the Trust Account had remained invested in U.S. government securities or money market funds. If our facts and circumstances change over time, we will update our disclosure in future filings with the SEC to reflect how those changes impact the risk that we may be considered to be operating as an unregistered investment company.
Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination, and results of operations.
We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we are required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time. For example, on January 24, 2024, the SEC adopted several new rules related to special purpose acquisition companies. These and other changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination, and results of operations.
We may not seek an opinion from an unaffiliated third party as to the fair market value of the target business we acquire.
We are not required to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party that the target business we select has a fair market value in excess of at least 80% of the balance of the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) unless our board of directors cannot make such determination on its own. We are also not required to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party indicating that the price we are paying is fair to our shareholders from a financial point of view unless the target is affiliated with our officers, directors, insiders or their affiliates. If no opinion is obtained, our shareholders will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors, whose collective experience in business evaluations for blank check companies like ours is not significant. Furthermore, our directors may have a conflict of interest in analyzing the transaction due to their personal and financial interests.
We may acquire a target business that is affiliated with our officers, directors, insiders or their affiliates.
While we do not currently intend to pursue an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with our officers, directors, insiders or their affiliates, we are not prohibited from pursuing such a transaction, nor are we prohibited from consummating a business combination where any of our officers, directors, insiders or their affiliates acquire a minority interest in the target business alongside our acquisition, provided in each case we obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party indicating that the price we are paying is fair to our shareholders from a financial point of view. These affiliations could cause our officers or directors to have a conflict of interest in analyzing such transactions due to their personal and financial interests.
We may seek business combination opportunities with an early-stage company, a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenue, cash flow or earnings, which could subject us to volatile revenues, cash flows or earnings or difficulty in retaining key personnel.
To the extent we complete our initial business combination with an early-stage company, a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of sales or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which we combine. These risks include investing in a business without a proven business model and with limited historical financial data, volatile revenues or earnings, intense competition and difficulties in obtaining and retaining key personnel. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors and we may not have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business.
55
Table of Contents
The determination of the offering price of our units is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry.
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for any of our securities. The public offering price of the units were negotiated between us and the representative of the underwriters. Factors considered in determining the prices and terms of the units, including the ordinary shares and rights underlying the units, include:
• the history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies;
• prior offerings of those companies;
• our prospects for acquiring an operating business at attractive values;
• our capital structure;
• the per share amount of net proceeds being placed in the Trust Account;
• an assessment of our management and their experience in identifying operating companies; and
• general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering.
However, although these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry since we have no historical operations or financial results to compare them to.
Because we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. Federal courts may be limited.
We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and certain of our officers and directors are residents of jurisdictions outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon our directors or executive officers, or seek recognition and/or enforce judgments obtained in the United States courts against our directors or officers.
Our corporate affairs will be governed by our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. We will also be subject to the federal securities laws of the United States. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.
We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we will be required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations.
56
Table of Contents
Because we must furnish our shareholders with financial statements of the target business prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS as issued by the IASB or reconciled to U.S. GAAP, we may not be able to complete an initial business combination with some prospective target businesses.
We will be required to provide historical and pro forma financial statement disclosure relating to our target business to our shareholders. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IFRS, depending on the circumstances, and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB. The financial statements may also be required to be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the Form 8-K announcing the closing of an initial business combination, which would need to be filed within four business days after closing. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire.
Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require substantial financial and management resources and may increase the time and costs of completing an acquisition.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls and may require us to have such system audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties and/or shareholder litigation. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports could harm our business. A target business may also not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition. Furthermore, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation of adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our securities.
We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our securities less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years. However, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three-year period exceeds $1.0 billion or revenues exceeds $1,235,000,000, or the market value of our ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. As an emerging growth company, we are not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and we are exempt from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Additionally, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares less attractive because we may rely on these provisions. If some investors find our shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our shares and our share price may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, will not adopt the new or revised standard until the time private companies are required to adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.
57
Table of Contents
An investment in this offering may involve adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
An investment in this offering may involve adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. For instance, there is a risk that an investor’s entitlement to receive payments in excess of the investor’s initial tax basis in our ordinary shares upon exercise of the investor’s redemption right or upon our liquidation of the Trust Account will result in constructive income to the investor, which could affect the timing and character of income recognition and result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the investor without the investor’s receipt of cash from us. Furthermore, because there are no authorities that directly address instruments similar to the units we are issuing in this offering, the allocation an investor makes with respect to the purchase price of the unit between the ordinary shares and rights included in the units could be challenged by the IRS or the courts. See “Taxation United States Federal Income Taxation” on page 145 of this prospectus for a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our securities. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to these and other tax consequences when purchasing, holding or disposing of our securities.
We have also not sought a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, as to any U.S. federal income tax consequences described in this prospectus. The IRS may disagree with the descriptions of U.S. federal income tax consequences described herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Any such determination could subject an investor or our company to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences that would be different than those described in this prospectus. Accordingly, each prospective investor is urged to consult a tax advisor with respect to the specific tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our securities, including the applicability and effect of state, local, or foreign tax laws, as well as U.S. federal tax laws.
The excise tax included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may decrease the value of our securities following our initial business combination, hinder our ability to consummate an initial business combination, and decrease the amount of funds available for distribution in connection with a liquidation.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which, among other things, imposes a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of shares repurchased by a domestic corporation beginning in 2023, with certain exceptions (the “Excise Tax”). Because there is a possibility that we may acquire a U.S. domestic corporation or engage in a transaction in which a domestic corporation becomes our parent or our affiliate and our securities will trade on Nasdaq following the date of this prospectus, we may become a “covered corporation” within the meaning of the Inflation Reduction Act following the consummation of our initial business combination, and while not free from doubt, it is possible that the Excise Tax will apply to any redemptions of our ordinary shares after December 31, 2022, including redemptions in connection with an initial business combination and any amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles to extend the time to consummate an initial business combination, unless an exemption is available.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently issued guidance (the “Guidance”) clarifying when certain repurchases would be exempt from the excise tax, such as where the repurchases occur in the same year that the repurchasing company undertakes a complete liquidation (as described in Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”)). However, only limited guidance has been issued to date. The Guidance clarified that the Excise Tax will not apply to complete corporate liquidations within the meaning of Section 331 of the Code. Although most commentators believe that this exception applies to the wind up of a SPAC, there remains uncertainty and any liquidation will need to be conducted with careful attention to planning and applicable rules and interpretive advice. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Excise Tax may apply to redemptions of our securities in connection with a liquidation that is not implemented to fall within the meaning of a complete liquidation in Section 331 of the Code. In addition, because the Excise Tax would be payable by us and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the Excise Tax have not been determined. For these reasons, the value of your investment in our securities may decrease as a result of the Excise Tax in some circumstances. In addition, the Excise Tax may make a transaction with us less appealing to potential business combination targets, and thus, potentially hinder our ability to enter into and consummate an initial business combination.
The Guidance also clarifies that a SPAC that redeems shares in connection with an extension process may be subject to the Excise Tax in respect to those redemptions, subject to considerations including whether there are applicable shares issuances during the taxable year, including in connection with an initial business combination or share private placement, which would exceed and net against redemptions during such period (such netting, the “Netting Rule”) or if there occurs during the same fiscal year a complete liquidation of the SPAC in compliance with Section 331 of the Code.
58
Table of Contents
Whether the Excise Tax will apply to redemptions in connection with a de-SPAC transaction may depend on the structure of the de-SPAC transaction, subject to application of the Netting Rule. For example, where the target business entity is the issuer of shares and/or other equity and in certain other business combination structures where the equity is not issued by the SPAC, the Excise Tax may apply.
Accordingly, there is a risk that if the Excise Tax is applicable, we could have reduced funds in our Trust Account to pay redemptions or that are available to a combined company following a de-SPAC.
Nonetheless, we believe we are not permitted to use the proceeds placed in the Trust Account and the interest earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on any redemptions or stock or share buybacks by the Company. In the event an excise tax and/or any other similar fees or taxes in nature are levied or imposed on us pursuant to any current, pending or future rule(s) or law(s), and such tax or fee has not been paid by us to the applicable regulatory authority on or prior to the due date for such a tax or fee, our Sponsor agrees to promptly (but in any event sufficiently prior to the due date for such tax or fee to assure timely payment thereof) either directly pay such tax or fee on behalf of us or advance to us such funds as necessary and appropriate to allow us to pay such tax or fee timely. Our Sponsor agrees not to seek recourse for such expenses from the Trust Account.
We may be a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Income Tax Considerations — United States Federal Income Taxation” on page 145 of this prospectus) of our Class A ordinary shares or rights, the U.S. Holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Our PFIC status for our current and subsequent taxable years may depend on whether we qualify for the PFIC start-up exception (see “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules” on page 150 of this prospectus). Depending on the particular circumstances, the application of the start-up exception may be subject to uncertainty, and there cannot be any assurance that we will qualify for the start-up exception. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, moreover, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. If we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year (of which there can be no assurance), we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may require, including a PFIC annual information statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election, but there can be no assurance that we will timely provide such required information. We urge U.S. investors to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules. For a more detailed discussion of the tax consequences of PFIC classification to U.S. Holders, see “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules” on page 150 of this prospectus.
If our management following a business combination is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, they may have to expend time and resources becoming familiar with such laws which could lead to various regulatory issues.
Following a business combination, our management will likely resign from their positions as officers of the company and the management of the target business at the time of the business combination will remain in place. We cannot assure you that management of the target business will be familiar with United States securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with our laws, they may have to expend time and resources becoming familiar with such laws. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues which may adversely affect our operations.
If restrictions on repatriation of earnings from the target business’ home jurisdiction to foreign entities are instituted, our business following a business combination may be materially negatively affected.
It is possible that following an initial business combination, the home jurisdiction of the target business may have restrictions on repatriations of earnings or additional restrictions may be imposed in the future. If they were, it could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
59
Table of Contents
We face risks related to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and any other conflicts that may arise on a global or regional scale which may adversely affect the business and results of operations of the post-combination entity.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched an invasion of Ukraine that has had an immediate impact on the global economy resulting in higher energy prices and higher prices for certain raw materials and goods and services which in turn is contributing to higher inflation in the United States and other countries across the globe with significant disruption to financial markets and supply and distribution chains for certain raw materials and goods and services on an unprecedented scale. The impact of the sanctions has also included disruptions to financial markets, an inability to complete financial or banking transactions, restrictions on travel and an inability to service existing or new customers in a timely manner in the affected areas of Europe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has continued to escalate without any resolution of the invasion foreseeable in the near future with the short and long-term impact on financial and business conditions in Europe remaining highly uncertain.
The U.S. and the European Union responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by imposing various economic sanctions on the Russian Federation to which the Russian Federation has responded in kind. The United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia and other countries across the globe have imposed their own sanctions on the Russian Federation. The United States, the European Union and such other countries acting together or separately could impose wider sanctions or take further actions against the Russian Federation if the conflict continues to escalate. Multinational corporations and other corporations and businesses with business and financial ties to the Russian Federation have either reduced or eliminated their ties to the Russian Federation in a manner that often exceeds what is required pursuant to sanctions by these countries.
Further, the Russian Federation’s cyberattacks and other action may impact businesses across the United States, the European Union and other nations across the globe including those without any direct business ties to the Russian Federation.
It is uncertain if the post-combination entity’s business, operation, or financial conditions could be materially impacted in the event of a downturn in the worldwide economy resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other conflicts with a global impact.
Cyber incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
We depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security protection, we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.
Our search for a business combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected by the occurrence of a natural disaster.
Our business could be adversely affected by severe weather conditions and natural disasters. Any of such occurrences could cause severe disruption to our daily operations, and may even require a temporary closure of our operations across one or more markets. Such closures may disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations could also be disrupted if our third-party service providers, business partners or acquisition targets were affected by such natural disasters. If the disruptions posed by such events continue for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummate a business combination, or the operations of a target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected.
Your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to the exercise of your right to redeem your shares from us for cash.
At the time of your investment in us, you will not be provided with an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of one or more target businesses. Because our board of directors may consummate our initial business combination without seeking shareholder approval, public shareholders may not have the right or opportunity to
60
Table of Contents
vote on the business combination. Accordingly, your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to exercising your redemption rights within the period of time (which will be at least 20 business days) set forth in our tender offer documents mailed to our public shareholders in which we describe our business combination.
The ability of our public shareholders to redeem their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential business combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter into our initial business combination with a target.
We may enter into a transaction agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. If too many public shareholders exercise their redemption rights, we may not be able to meet such closing condition, and as a result, would not be able to proceed with the business combination. Furthermore, in no event will we redeem our public shares in connection with our initial business combination in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001. Consequently, if accepting all properly submitted redemption requests would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 or such greater amount necessary to satisfy a closing condition as described above, we would not proceed with such redemption and the related business combination and may instead search for an alternate business combination. Prospective targets would be aware of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into our initial business combination transaction with us.
The ability of our public shareholders to redeem their shares constitutes a capital structure risk that we cannot easily predict or mitigate and as a result such risk may hinder our ability to successfully consummate an initial business combination.
The total amount of our capital that will be recalled as a result of public shareholders opting to redeem their shares is not readily ascertainable and therefore should we need to pay any amount of consideration for the initial business combination in cash or otherwise provide cash as a result of the initial business combination, we would not be able to easily ascertain whether we would have sufficient cash as a result of the unpredictability of capital calls resulting from shareholder redemptions. As a result, we would need to arrange for third-party financing for which there is no guarantee that we would be successful. Moreover, raising additional third-party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. The above considerations may force us to restructure an otherwise optimal capital structure or limit our ability to complete the most desirable business combination available to us.
Any shareholder redemption would cause cash to be depleted from the trust subject only to the underwriter’s commission but not the subsequent business combination commission. As a result, the proportion of fees payable to the underwriter may increase significantly for those who elect not to redeem their shares prior to the initial business combination. This would increase the total cost of capital and possibly cause your return on investment to be less than it otherwise would have been.
The ability of a large number of our shareholders to exercise redemption rights may not allow us to consummate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.
In connection with the successful consummation of our business combination, we may redeem up to that number of ordinary shares that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001. If our business combination requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, the redemption threshold may be further limited. Alternatively, we may need to arrange third party financing to help fund our business combination in case a larger percentage of shareholders exercise their redemption rights than we expect. If the acquisition involves the issuance of our shares as consideration, we may be required to issue a higher percentage of our shares to the target or its shareholders to make up for the failure to satisfy a minimum cash requirement. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate the most attractive business combination available to us.
If we seek shareholder approval of our business combination, our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares from shareholders, in which case they may influence a vote in favor of a proposed business combination that you do not support.
If we seek shareholder approval of our business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates
61
Table of Contents
may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions either prior to or following the consummation of our initial business combination. Such purchases will not be made if our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates are in possession of any material non-public information that has not been disclosed to the selling shareholder. Such a purchase would include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of our shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. It is intended that, if Rule 10b-18 would apply to purchases by our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates, then such purchases will comply with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, to the extent it applies, which provides a safe harbor for purchases made under certain conditions, including with respect to timing, pricing and volume of purchases.
The purpose of such purchases would be to (1) increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination or (2) satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of the business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. This may result in the consummation of an initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions by our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may make it difficult for us to maintain the listing of our shares on a national securities exchange following the consummation of an initial business combination.
If our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase Class A ordinary shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares and the number of beneficial holders of our securities would both be reduced, possibly making it difficult to maintain the listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange following consummation of the business combination.
You will not have any rights or interests in funds from the Trust Account, except under certain limited circumstances. To liquidate your investment, therefore, you may be forced to sell your public shares, potentially at a loss.
Our public shareholders shall be entitled to receive funds from the Trust Account only in the event of a redemption to public shareholders prior to any winding up in the event we do not consummate our initial business combination or our liquidation, if they redeem their shares in connection with an initial business combination that we consummate or if we seek to amend our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to affect the substance or timing of our redemption obligation to redeem all public shares if we cannot complete an initial business combination within 18 months of the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if extended). In no other circumstances will a shareholder have any right or interest of any kind to the funds in the Trust Account. Accordingly, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares, potentially at a loss.
Provisions in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our Class A ordinary shares and could entrench management.
Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preference shares, which may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.
If the net proceeds of this offering not being held in the Trust Account are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months (or up to 24 months if extended), we may be unable to complete our initial business combination.
The funds available to us outside of the Trust Account may not be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months (or up to 24 months if extended), assuming that our initial business combination is not consummated during that time. Of the funds available to us, we could use a portion of the funds available to us to pay fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business. We could also use a portion of the funds as a down payment or to
62
Table of Contents
fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision in letters of intent designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we are unable to fund such down payments or “no shop” provisions, our ability to close a contemplated transaction could be impaired. Furthermore, if we entered into a letter of intent where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business and were subsequently required to forfeit such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise), we might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct due diligence with respect to, a target business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (which may be less than $10.025 per share) (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) on our redemption.
Subsequent to our consummation of our initial business combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges.
Even if we conduct thorough due diligence on a target business with which we combine, this diligence may not surface all material issues that may be present inside a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a result of these factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining post-combination debt financing.
Our directors may decide not to enforce indemnification obligations against our sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the Trust Account available for distribution to our public shareholders.
In the event that the proceeds in the Trust Account are reduced below $10.025 per share (whether or not the underwriters’ overallotment option is exercised in full) and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine on our behalf whether to take legal action against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance. If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations on our behalf, the amount of funds in the Trust Account available for distribution to our public shareholders may be reduced below $10.025 per share.
We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of our directors and officers.
We have agreed to indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by law and we will purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances, and that insures us against our obligations to indemnify our directors and officers. However, any such insurance may not be available or sufficient. Further, our directors and officers have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account and to not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided by us will be able to be satisfied by us only if (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the Trust Account, or (ii) we consummate our initial business combination. Our obligations to indemnify our directors and officers may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors and officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers even though, such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. Furthermore, a shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we may incur the costs of settlement and damage awards against our directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
63
Table of Contents
Changes in the market for directors and officers liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to negotiate and complete an initial business combination.
In recent years, the market for directors and officers liability insurance for special purpose acquisition companies has changed in ways adverse to us and our management team. Fewer insurance companies are offering quotes for directors and officers liability coverage, the premiums charged for such policies have generally increased and the terms of such policies have generally become less favorable. These trends may continue into the future.
The increased cost and decreased availability of directors and officers liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to negotiate an initial business combination. In order to obtain directors and officers liability insurance or modify its coverage as a result of becoming a public company, the post-business combination entity might need to incur greater expense, accept less favorable terms or both. However, any failure to obtain adequate directors and officers liability insurance could have an adverse impact on the post-business combination’s ability to attract and retain qualified officers and directors.
In addition, even after we were to complete an initial business combination, our directors and officers could still be subject to potential liability from claims arising from conduct alleged to have occurred prior to the initial business combination. As a result, in order to protect our directors and officers, the post-business combination entity may need to purchase additional insurance with respect to any such claims (“run-off insurance”). The need for run-off insurance would be an added expense for the post-business combination entity, and could interfere with or frustrate our ability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors.
Because we have not selected a particular business or specific geographic location or any specific target businesses with which to pursue our initial business combination, you will be unable to ascertain the merits or risks of any particular target business’ operations.
Although we have a stated focus on certain target businesses as indicated elsewhere in this prospectus, we may pursue acquisition opportunities in any business or geographic region, but may rely upon our management team’s background. While we may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business industry or sector, we intend to initially focus on those industries or sectors that complement our management team’s background. Except for the limitations that a target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the Trust Account (excluding any taxes payable) and that we are not permitted to effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or similar company with nominal operations, we will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate. Because we have not yet identified or approached any specific target business with respect to our initial business combination, there is no basis to evaluate the possible merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition or prospects. To the extent we consummate our initial business combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations with which we combine. For example, if we combine with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of sales or earnings, we may be affected by the risks inherent in the business and operations of a financially unstable or a development stage entity. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we may not properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors or that we will have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business. In addition, investors will be relying on the business judgment of our board of directors, which will have significant discretion in choosing the standard used to establish the fair market value of a particular target business. An investment in our shares may not ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such opportunity were available, in an acquisition target.
We may seek investment opportunities outside our management’s area of expertise and our management may not be able to adequately ascertain or assess all significant risks associated with the target company.
There is no limitation on the industry or business sector that we may consider when contemplating our initial business combination. We may therefore be presented with a business combination candidate in an industry unfamiliar to our management team, but determine that such candidate offers an attractive investment opportunity for our company. In the event we elect to pursue an investment outside of our management’s expertise, our management’s experience may not be directly applicable to the target business or their evaluation of its operation.
64
Table of Contents
We may issue our shares to investors in connection with our initial business combination at a price which is less than the prevailing market price of our shares at that time.
In connection with our initial business combination, we may issue shares to investors in private placement transactions (so-called PIPE transactions) at a price of $10.00 per share or at a price which approximates the per-share amounts in our trust account at such time. The purpose of such issuances will be to enable us to provide sufficient liquidity to the post-business combination entity. The price of the shares we issue may therefore be less, and potentially significantly less, than the market price for our shares at such time.
Although we identified general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses, we may enter into our initial business combination with a target that does not meet such criteria and guidelines, and as a result, the target business with which we enter into our initial business combination may not have attributes entirely consistent with our general criteria and guidelines.
Although we have identified specific criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target business with which we enter into our initial business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we consummate our initial business combination with a target that does not meet some or all of these guidelines, such combination may not be as successful as a combination with a business that does meet all of our general criteria and guidelines. In addition, if we announce our initial business combination with a target that does not meet our general criteria and guidelines, a greater number of shareholders may exercise their redemption rights, which may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition with a target business that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. In addition, if shareholder approval of the transaction is required by law or Nasdaq, or we decide to obtain shareholder approval for business or other legal reasons, it may be more difficult for us to attain shareholder approval of our initial business combination if the target business does not meet our general criteria and guidelines. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive $10.025 per share or even less (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) on our redemption.
Management’s flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate, along with our management’s financial interest in consummating our initial business combination, may lead management to enter into an acquisition agreement that is not in the best interest of our shareholders.
Subject to the requirement that our initial business combination must be with one or more target businesses or assets having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the Trust Account (excluding any taxes payable) at the time of the agreement to enter into such initial business combination, we will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate. Investors will be relying on management’s ability to identify business combinations, evaluate their merits, conduct or monitor diligence and conduct negotiations. Management’s flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate, along with management’s financial interest in consummating our initial business combination, may lead management to enter into an acquisition agreement that is not in the best interest of our shareholders, which would be the case if the trading price of our ordinary shares after giving effect to such business combination was less than the per-share trust liquidation value that our shareholders would have received if we had dissolved without consummating our initial business combination.
Resources could be wasted in researching acquisitions that are not consummated.
We anticipate that the investigation of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting, and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents, and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys and others. If we decide not to complete a specific initial business combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target business, we may fail to consummate our initial business combination for any number of reasons including those beyond our control. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive $10.025 per share or even less (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) on our redemption.
65
Table of Contents
We may attempt to consummate our initial business combination with a private company about which little information is available.
In pursuing our acquisition strategy, we may seek to effectuate our initial business combination with a privately held company. By definition, very little public information exists about private companies, and we could be required to make our decision on whether to pursue a potential initial business combination on the basis of limited information, which may result in our initial business combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.
We may not be able to maintain control of a target business after our initial business combination.
We may structure our initial business combination to acquire less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business, but we will only consummate such business combination if we will become the majority shareholder of the target (or control the target through contractual arrangements in limited circumstances for regulatory compliance purposes) or are otherwise not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act or to the extent permitted by law we may acquire interests in a variable interest entity, in which we may have less than a majority of the voting rights in such entity, but in which we are the primary beneficiary. Even though we may own a majority interest in the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital shares of a target. In this case, we acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our shareholders immediately prior to such transaction could own less than a majority of our issued and outstanding shares subsequent to such transaction. In addition, other minority shareholders may subsequently combine their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining a larger share of the company’s shares than we initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that we will not be able to maintain our control of the target business.
We may have a limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may effect our initial business combination with a target business whose management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company.
When evaluating the desirability of effecting our initial business combination with a prospective target business, our ability to assess the target business’s management may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. Our assessment of the capabilities of the target business’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications or abilities we suspected. Should the target business’s management not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to manage a public company, the operations and profitability of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by our officers or directors of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to the business combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.
The officers and directors of an acquisition candidate may resign upon completion of our initial business combination. The loss of a business combination target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.
The role of an acquisition candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of our initial business combination cannot be ascertained at this time. Although we contemplate that certain members of an acquisition candidate’s management team will remain associated with the acquisition candidate following our initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an acquisition candidate will not wish to remain in place.
We may reincorporate or transfer by way of continuation in another jurisdiction in connection with our initial business combination, and the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or all of our future material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.
In connection with our initial business combination, we may relocate the home jurisdiction of our business or otherwise transfer by way of continuation from the Cayman Islands to another jurisdiction. If we determine to do this, the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or all of our future material agreements. The system of laws and the enforcement
66
Table of Contents
of existing laws in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital.
We may engage one or more of our underwriters or one of their respective affiliates to provide additional services to us after this offering, which may include acting as financial advisor in connection with an initial business combination or as placement agent in connection with a related financing transaction. Our underwriters are entitled to receive deferred commissions that will released from the trust only on a completion of an initial business combination. These financial incentives may cause them to have potential conflicts of interest in rendering any such additional services to us after this offering, including, for example, in connection with the sourcing and consummation of an initial business combination.
We may engage one or more of our underwriters or one of their respective affiliates to provide additional services to us after this offering, including, for example, identifying potential targets, providing financial advisory services, acting as a placement agent in a private offering or arranging debt financing. We may pay such underwriter or its affiliate fair and reasonable fees or other compensation that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation; provided that no agreement will be entered into with any of the underwriters or their respective affiliates and no fees or other compensation for such services will be paid to any of the underwriters or their respective affiliates prior to the date that is 60 days from the date of this prospectus, unless such payment would not be deemed underwriters’ compensation in connection with this offering. The underwriters are also entitled to receive deferred commissions that are conditioned on the completion of an initial business combination. The underwriters’ or their respective affiliates’ financial interests tied to the consummation of a business combination transaction may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in providing any such additional services to us, including potential conflicts of interest in connection with the sourcing and consummation of an initial business combination.
We may engage one or more affiliates of our sponsor, officers or directors or their respective affiliates to provide additional services to us after this offering, which may include acting as financial advisor in connection with an initial business combination. These financial incentives may cause them to have potential conflicts of interest in rendering any such additional services to us after this offering, including, for example, in connection with the sourcing and consummation of an initial business combination.
We may engage one or more affiliates of our sponsor, officers or directors or their respective affiliates to provide additional services to us after this offering, including, for example, identifying potential targets or providing financial advisory services. We may pay such affiliates fair and reasonable fees or other compensation that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation. Any such affiliates’ financial interests tied to the consummation of a business combination transaction may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in providing any such additional services to us, including potential conflicts of interest in connection with advising on, sourcing and consummating of an initial business combination.
A public shareholder who fails to vote either in favor of or against a proposed business combination will not be able to have his/her/its shares redeemed for cash.
In order for a public shareholder to have his/her/its shares redeemed for cash in connection with any proposed business combination, that public shareholder must vote either in favor of or against a proposed business combination. If a public shareholder fails to vote in favor of or against a proposed business combination, whether that shareholder abstains from the vote or simply does not vote, that shareholder would not be able to have his ordinary shares so redeemed to cash in connection with such business combination.
If a shareholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem the shares of this offering in connection with our initial business combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.
We will comply with the tender offer rules or proxy rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial business combination. Nonetheless, if a shareholder does not receive our tender offer or proxy materials, as applicable, such shareholder may not have notice of the opportunity to redeem shares. In addition, the proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, that we will furnish to our public shareholders in connection with our initial business combination will describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly tender or
67
Table of Contents
redeem such shares. For example, we may require our public shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender their certificates to our transfer agent prior to the date set forth in the tender offer documents mailed to such holders or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve our initial business combination in the event we distribute proxy materials, or in the alternative, to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically. In the event that a shareholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures, its shares may not be redeemed.
Risks Associated with Acquiring and Operating a Business Outside of the United States
We may effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States and if we do, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our business operations and financial results.
If we consummate a business combination with a target business located outside of the United States, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated with companies operating in the target business’ governing jurisdiction, including any of the following:
• rules and regulations or currency redemption or corporate withholding taxes on individuals;
• tariffs and trade barriers;
• regulations related to customs and import/export matters;
• longer payment cycles than in the United States;
• inflation;
• economic policies and market conditions;
• unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
• challenges in managing and staffing international operations;
• tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;
• currency fluctuations;
• challenges in collecting accounts receivable;
• cultural and language differences;
• protection of intellectual property;
• employment regulations;
• deterioration of political relations with the United States.
We cannot assure you that we would be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer.
Because of the costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations, our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
Managing a business, operations, personnel or assets in another country is challenging and costly. Any management that we may have (whether based abroad or in the U.S.) may be inexperienced in cross-border business practices and unaware of significant differences in accounting rules, legal regimes and labor practices. Even with a seasoned and experienced management team, the costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations, personnel and assets can be significant (and much higher than in a purely domestic business) and may negatively impact our financial and operational performance.
68
Table of Contents
If social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, or policy changes or enactments occur in a country in which we may operate after we effect our initial business combination, it may result in a negative impact on our business.
Political events in another country may significantly affect our business, assets or operations. Social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, and policy changes or enactments could negatively impact our business in a particular country.
Many countries have difficult and unpredictable legal systems and underdeveloped laws and regulations that are unclear and subject to corruption and inexperience, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to seek and enforce legal protections, including with respect to intellectual property and other property rights, or to defend ourselves with regard to legal actions taken against us in a given country, may be difficult or impossible, which could adversely impact our operations, assets or financial condition.
Rules and regulations in many countries are often ambiguous or open to differing interpretation by responsible individuals and agencies at the municipal, state, regional and federal levels. The attitudes and actions of such individuals and agencies are often difficult to predict and inconsistent.
Delay with respect to the enforcement of particular rules and regulations, including those relating to customs, tax, environmental and labor, could cause serious disruption to operations abroad and negatively impact our results.
If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such company will likely govern all of our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.
If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws of the country in which such company operates will govern almost all of the material agreements relating to its operations. We cannot assure you that the target business will be able to enforce any of its material agreements or that remedies will be available in this new jurisdiction. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital. Additionally, if we acquire a company located outside of the United States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets would be located outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our directors or officers or to seek recognition and/or enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our directors and officers under Federal securities laws.
Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future those officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination.
Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future those officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination. As a result, it may be difficult, or in some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon those officers and directors (prior to or after the business combination) located outside the United States, to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties on them under United States securities laws. In particular, there are currently no statutes, treaties, or other forms of reciprocity between the United States and Malaysia providing for the mutual recognition and enforcement of court judgments. Under Malaysian laws, a foreign judgment cannot be directly or summarily
69
Table of Contents
enforced in Malaysia. The judgment must first be recognized by a Malaysian court either under applicable Malaysian laws or in accordance with common law principles. For Malaysian courts to accept the jurisdiction for recognition of a foreign judgment, the foreign country where the judgment is made must be a reciprocating country expressly specified and listed in the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act 1958, Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act 1949 or Probate and Administration Act 1959. As the United States is not one of the countries specified under the statutory regime where a foreign judgment can be recognized and enforced in Malaysia, a judgment obtained in the United States must be enforced by commencing fresh proceedings in a Malaysian court. The requirements for a foreign judgment to be recognized and enforceable in Malaysia are: (i) the judgment must be a monetary judgment; (ii) the foreign court must have had jurisdiction accepted by a Malaysian court; (iii) the judgment was not obtained by fraud; (iv) the enforcement of the judgment must not contravene public policy in Malaysia; (v) the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not opposed to natural justice, and (vi) the judgment must be final and conclusive.
If relations between the United States and foreign governments deteriorate, it could cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to become less attractive.
The relationship between the United States and foreign governments could be subject to sudden fluctuation and periodic tension. For instance, the United States may announce its intention to impose quotas on certain imports. Such import quotas may adversely affect political relations between the two countries and result in retaliatory countermeasures by the foreign government in industries that may affect our ultimate target business. Changes in political conditions in foreign countries and changes in the state of U.S. relations with such countries are difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations or cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to become less attractive. Because we are not limited to any specific industry, there is no basis for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible extent of any impact on our ultimate operations if relations are strained between the United States and a foreign country in which we acquire a target business or move our principal manufacturing or service operations.
Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, including events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance by financial institutions, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, or our prospects.
The funds in our operating account and our trust account will be held in banks or other financial institutions and will be invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. To mitigate the risk that we might be deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, which risk increases the longer that we hold investments in the trust account, we may, at any time (and will no later than 24 months from the closing of this offering) instruct the trustee to liquidate the investments held in the trust account and instead to hold the funds in the trust account in cash or in an interest bearing demand deposit account. Our cash held in non-interest bearing and interest-bearing accounts may exceed any applicable Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. Should events, including limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments occur with respect to the banks or other financial institutions that hold our funds, or that affect financial institutions or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, the value of the assets in our trust account could be impaired, which could have a material impact on our operating results, liquidity, financial condition and prospects. For example, on March 10, 2023, the FDIC announced that Silicon Valley Bank had been closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. We cannot guarantee that the banks or other financial institutions that will hold our funds will not experience similar issues.
As the number of special purpose acquisition companies evaluating targets increases, attractive targets may become scarcer and there may be more competition for attractive targets or such attractive targets may not be interested to consume a business combination with a SPAC due to a negative public perception of mergers involving SPACs. This could increase the cost of our initial business combination and could even result in our inability to find a target or to consummate an initial business combination.
In recent years, the number of special purpose acquisition companies that have been formed has increased substantially. Many potential targets for special purpose acquisition companies have already entered into an initial business combination, and there are still many special purpose acquisition companies preparing for an initial public offering, as well as many such companies currently in registration. As a result, at times, fewer attractive targets may be available to consummate an initial business combination.
70
Table of Contents
In addition, because there are more special purpose acquisition companies seeking to enter into an initial business combination with available targets, the competition for available targets with attractive fundamentals or business models may increase, which could cause targets companies to demand improved financial terms. Attractive deals could also become scarcer for other reasons, such as economic or industry sector downturns (including a negative public perception of mergers involving SPACs), geopolitical tensions, or increases in the cost of additional capital needed to close business combinations or operate targets post-business combination. This could increase the cost of, delay or otherwise complicate or frustrate our ability to find and consummate an initial business combination and may result in our inability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors altogether.
If any dividend is declared in the future and paid in a foreign currency, you may be taxed on a larger amount in U.S.
If you are a U.S. holder of our ordinary shares, you will be taxed on the U.S. dollar value of your dividends, if any, at the time you receive them, even if you actually receive a smaller amount of U.S. dollars when the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Specifically, if a dividend is declared and paid in a foreign currency, the amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the payments made in the foreign currency, determined at the spot rate of the foreign currency to the U.S. dollar on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Thus, if the value of the foreign currency decreases before you actually convert the currency into U.S. dollars, you will be taxed on a larger amount in U.S. dollars than the U.S. dollar amount that you will actually ultimately receive.
Our initial business combination and our structure thereafter may not be tax-efficient to our shareholders. As a result of our business combination, our tax obligations may be more complex, burdensome and uncertain.
Although we will attempt to structure our initial business combination in a tax-efficient manner, tax structuring considerations are complex, the relevant facts and law are uncertain and may change, and we may prioritize commercial and other considerations over tax considerations. For example, in connection with our initial business combination and subject to any requisite shareholder approval, we may structure our business combination in a manner that requires shareholders to recognize gain or income for tax purposes, effect a business combination with a target company in another jurisdiction, or reincorporate in a different jurisdiction (including, but not limited to, the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located). We do not intend to make any cash distributions to shareholders to pay taxes in connection with our business combination or thereafter. Accordingly, a shareholder may need to satisfy any liability resulting from our initial business combination with cash from its own funds or by selling all or a portion of the shares received. In addition, shareholders may also be subject to additional income, withholding or other taxes with respect to their ownership of us after our initial business combination.
In addition, we may effect a business combination with a target company that has business operations outside of the United States, and possibly, business operations in multiple jurisdictions. If we effect such a business combination, we could be subject to significant income, withholding and other tax obligations in a number of jurisdictions with respect to income, operations and subsidiaries related to those jurisdictions. Due to the complexity of tax obligations and filings in other jurisdictions, we may have a heightened risk related to audits or examinations by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxing authorities. This additional complexity and risk could have an adverse effect on our after-tax profitability and financial condition.
After our initial business combination, substantially all of our assets may be located in a foreign country and substantially all of our revenue may be derived from our operations in such country. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects will be subject, to a significant extent, to the economic, political and legal policies, developments and conditions in the country in which we operate.
The economic, political and social conditions, as well as government policies, of the country in which our operations are located could affect our business. The economy in Asian Countries differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects. Such economic growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy and such growth may not be sustained in the future. If in the future such country’s economy experiences a downturn or grows at a slower rate than expected, there may be less demand for spending in certain industries. A decrease in demand for spending in certain industries could materially and adversely affect our ability to find an attractive target business with which to consummate our initial business combination and if we effect our initial business combination, the ability of that target business to become profitable.
71
Table of Contents
Currency policies may cause a target business’ ability to succeed in the international markets to be diminished.
In the event we acquire a non-U.S. target, all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, the dollar equivalent of our net assets and distributions, if any, could be adversely affected by reductions in the value of the local currency. The value of the currencies in our target regions fluctuate and are affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Any change in the relative value of such currency against our reporting currency may affect the attractiveness of any target business or, following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if a currency appreciates in value against the dollar prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, the cost of a target business as measured in dollars will increase, which may make it less likely that we are able to consummate such transaction.
Many of the economies in Asia are experiencing substantial inflationary pressures which may prompt the governments to take action to control the growth of the economy and inflation that could lead to a significant decrease in our profitability following our initial business combination.
While many of the economies in Asia have experienced rapid growth over the last two decades, they currently are experiencing inflationary pressures. As governments take steps to address the current inflationary pressures, there may be significant changes in the availability of bank credits, interest rates, limitations on loans, restrictions on currency conversions and foreign investment. There also may be imposition of price controls. If prices for the products of our ultimate target business rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies, it may have an adverse effect on our profitability. If these or other similar restrictions are imposed by a government to influence the economy, it may lead to a slowing of economic growth. Because we are not limited to any specific industry, the ultimate industry that we operate in may be affected more severely by such a slowing of economic growth.
Many industries in Asia are subject to government regulations that limit or prohibit foreign investments in such industries, which may limit the potential number of acquisition candidates.
Governments in many Asian countries have imposed regulations that limit foreign investors’ equity ownership or prohibit foreign investments altogether in companies that operate in certain industries. As a result, the number of potential acquisition candidates available to us may be limited or our ability to grow and sustain the business, which we ultimately acquire will be limited.
If a country in Asia enacts regulations in industry segments that forbid or restrict foreign investment, our ability to consummate our initial business combination could be severely impaired.
Many of the rules and regulations that companies face concerning foreign ownership are not explicitly communicated. If new laws or regulations forbid or limit foreign investment in industries in which we want to complete our initial business combination, they could severely impair our candidate pool of potential target businesses. Additionally, if the relevant central and local authorities find us or the target business with which we ultimately complete our initial business combination to be in violation of any existing or future laws or regulations, they would have broad discretion in dealing with such a violation, including, without limitation:
• levying fines;
• revoking our business and other licenses;
• requiring that we restructure our ownership or operations; and
• requiring that we discontinue any portion or all of our business.
Any of the above could have an adverse effect on our company post-business combination and could materially reduce the value of your investment.
Corporate governance standards in Asia may not be as strict or developed as in the United States and such weakness may hide issues and operational practices that are detrimental to a target business.
General corporate governance standards in some countries are weak in that they do not prevent business practices that cause unfavorable related party transactions, over-leveraging, improper accounting, family company interconnectivity and poor management. Local laws often do not go far enough to prevent improper business practices. Therefore, shareholders may not be treated impartially and equally as a result of poor management practices, asset shifting,
72
Table of Contents
conglomerate structures that result in preferential treatment to some parts of the overall company, and cronyism. The lack of transparency and ambiguity in the regulatory process also may result in inadequate credit evaluation and weakness that may precipitate or encourage financial crisis. In our evaluation of a business combination we will have to evaluate the corporate governance of a target and the business environment, and in accordance with United States laws for reporting companies take steps to implement practices that will cause compliance with all applicable rules and accounting practices. Notwithstanding these intended efforts, there may be endemic practices and local laws that could add risk to an investment we ultimately make and that result in an adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.
Investments that involve the acquisition of, or investment in, a U.S. business by a non-U.S. investor may be subject to U.S. laws that regulate foreign investments in U.S. businesses and access by foreign persons to technology developed and produced in the United States. These laws include Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA), and the regulations at 31 C.F.R. Parts 800 and 802, as amended, administered by the CFIUS. In addition, certain federally licensed businesses in the United States, such as broadcasters and airlines, may be subject to rules or regulations that limit foreign ownership.
CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized to review certain transactions involving foreign investment in the United States by foreign persons in order to determine the effect of such transactions on the national security of the United States. Whether CFIUS has jurisdiction to review an acquisition or investment transaction depends on, among other factors, the nature and structure of the transaction, including the level of beneficial ownership interest and the nature of any information or governance rights involved. For example, investments that result in “control” of a “U.S. business” by a “foreign person” (in each case, as such terms are defined in 31 C.F.R. Part 800) that might be considered by CFIUS to be a covered transaction that CFIUS would have authority to review.
Our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited, is currently controlled by its sole member and director, Sunny Tan Kah Wei, a Malaysian citizen and resident. As of the date of this prospectus, our Sponsor is a “foreign person” as such terms are defined in 31 C.F.R. Part 800. If our Sponsor is deemed to have such “control” over us as defined under 31 C.F.R. Section 800.208, among other parts, or we seek or receive investments from a non-U.S. investor, and the terms of such investment may confer such rights, authorities or votes that could result in “control” by such non-U.S. investors as defined therein, we could potentially be subject to such foreign ownership restrictions and/or CFIUS review.
The scope of CFIUS was expanded by FIRRMA to include certain non-passive, non-controlling investments in sensitive U.S. businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying U.S. business. FIRRMA and subsequent implementing regulations that are now in force also subject certain categories of investments to mandatory filings. If our potential initial business combination with a U.S. business falls within the scope of foreign ownership restrictions, we may be unable to consummate a business combination with such business.
If our potential business combination falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we may be required to make a mandatory filing, determine to submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS, or proceed with the initial business combination without notifying CFIUS and then bear the risk of CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the initial business combination. CFIUS may decide to block or delay our initial business combination, impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such initial business combination or order us to divest all or a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company if we had proceeded without first obtaining CFIUS clearance. The foreign ownership limitations, and the potential impact of CFIUS, may limit the attractiveness of a transaction with us or prevent us from pursuing certain initial business combination opportunities that we believe would otherwise be beneficial to us and our shareholders. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited and we may be adversely affected in terms of competing with other special purpose acquisition companies which do not have similar foreign ownership issues.
Moreover, the process of government review, whether by CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy. Because we only have 18 months (or up to 24 months, as applicable) to complete our initial business combination, our failure to obtain any required approvals within the requisite time period may prevent us from completing the transaction and require us to liquidate. If we liquidate, our public shareholders may only receive $10.025 per ordinary share initially, and our rights will expire worthless. Our public shareholders may also lose the potential investment opportunity in a target company and the opportunity of realizing future gains on such investments through any price appreciation in the combined company.
73
Table of Contents
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements contained in this prospectus that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about our:
• ability to identify or complete an initial business combination;
• limited operating history;
• success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors following our initial business combination;
• potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete a business combination;
• pool of prospective target businesses;
• the ability of our officers and directors to generate potential investment opportunities;
• potential change in control if we acquire one or more target businesses for shares;
• our public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;
• regulatory or operational risks associated with acquiring a target business;
• use of proceeds not held in the Trust Account;
• financial performance following this offering; or
• listing or delisting of our securities from NASDAQ or the ability to have our securities listed on NASDAQ following our initial business combination.
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors.” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
74
Table of Contents
USE OF PROCEEDS
We are offering 7,500,000 units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit. We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering together with the funds we will receive from the sale of the private units will be used as set forth in the following table.
| | Without Over-Allotment Option | | Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
Gross proceeds | | | | | | | | |
Gross proceeds from units offered to public(1) | | $ | 75,000,000 | | | $ | 86,250,000 | |
Gross proceeds from private units offered in the private placement | | $ | 2,400,000 | | | $ | 2,568,750 | |
Total gross proceeds | | $ | 77,400,000 | | | $ | 88,818,750 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Offering expenses(2) | | | | | | | | |
Underwriting commissions (1.5% of gross proceeds from units offered to public) | | $ | 1,125,000 | | | $ | 1,293,750 | |
Legal fees and expenses | | | 350,000 | | | | 350,000 | |
Accounting fees and expenses | | | 55,000 | | | | 55,000 | |
SEC/FINRA Expenses | | | 26,168 | | | | 26,168 | |
Reimbursement to underwriters for expenses | | | 125,000 | | | | 125,000 | |
Nasdaq listing and filing fees | | | 80,000 | | | | 80,000 | |
Printing and engraving expenses | | | 30,000 | | | | 30,000 | |
Miscellaneous(3) | | | 8,832 | | | | 8,832 | |
Total offering expenses (other than underwriting commissions) | | $ | 675,000 | | | $ | 675,000 | |
Reimbursement of offering expenses by the underwriter | | | (187,500 | ) | | | (215,625 | ) |
Proceeds after offering expenses | | $ | 75,787,500 | | | $ | 87,065,625 | |
Held in trust account | | $ | 75,187,500 | | | $ | 86,465,625 | |
% of public offering size | | | 100.3 | % | | | 100.3 | % |
Not held in trust account(2) | | $ | 600,000 | | | $ | 600,000 | |
The following table shows the use of the approximately $600,000 of net proceeds not held in the trust account(4).
| | Amount | | % of Total |
Legal, accounting, due diligence, travel, and other expenses in connection with any business combination(5) | | $ | 200,000 | | 33.3 | % |
Legal and accounting fees related to regulatory reporting obligations | | | 100,000 | | 16.8 | % |
Nasdaq continued listing fees | | | 50,000 | | 8.3 | % |
Directors and officers’ liability insurance | | | 200,000 | | 33.3 | % |
Payment for office space, admin and support | | | 50,000 | | 8.3 | % |
Total | | $ | 600,000 | | 100.0 | % |
75
Table of Contents
Our sponsor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 240,000 private units at a price of $10.00 per private unit ($2,400,000 in the aggregate) in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of this offering. Our sponsor has further agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, it will purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per private unit an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 16,875 private units) pro rata with the amount of the over-allotment option exercised so that at least $10.025 per share sold to the public in this offering is held in trust regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full or part. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account.
$75,187,500, or $86,465,625 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, of the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units will be placed in an account in the United States, maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee. Pursuant to the investment management trust agreement that will govern the investment of such funds, the trustee, upon our written instructions, will invest the funds as set forth in such written instructions and to custody the funds while invested and until otherwise instructed in accordance with the investment management trust agreement. The funds held in trust will be invested only in United States government treasury bills, bonds or notes having a maturity of 185 days or less, or in money market funds meeting the applicable conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that invest solely in United States government treasuries, so that we are not deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to us to pay our income or other tax obligations, the proceeds will not be released from the Trust Account until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or our liquidation. The proceeds held in the Trust Account may be used as consideration to pay the sellers of a target business with which we complete a business combination to the extent not used to pay redeeming shareholders. Any amounts not paid as consideration to the sellers of the target business may be used to finance operations of the target business.
No compensation of any kind (including finder’s, consulting or other similar fees) will be paid to any of our existing officers, directors, shareholders, or any of their affiliates, prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of the business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, such individuals will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. Since the role of present management after a business combination is uncertain, we have no ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to those persons after a business combination.
Regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the net proceeds from this offering available to us out of trust for our working capital requirements in searching for a business combination will be approximately $600,000. We intend to use the excess working capital available for miscellaneous expenses such as paying fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business and for director and officer liability insurance premiums, with the balance being held in reserve in the event due diligence, legal, accounting and other expenses of structuring and negotiating business combinations exceed our estimates, as well as for reimbursement of any out-of-pocket
76
Table of Contents
expenses incurred by our insiders, officers and directors in connection with activities on our behalf as described above. We will also be entitled to have interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay any tax obligations that we may owe.
The allocation of the net proceeds available to us outside of the Trust Account, along with the interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account available to us (excluding taxes payable on the interest earned on the Trust Account), represents our best estimate of the intended uses of these funds. In the event that our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, we may reallocate some of such proceeds within the above-described categories. If our estimate of the costs of undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating our initial business combination is less than the actual amount necessary to do so, or the amount of interest available from the Trust Account is insufficient as a result of the current low interest rate environment, we may be required to raise additional capital, the amount, availability and cost of which is currently unascertainable. In this event, we could seek such additional capital through loans or additional investments from members of our management team, but such members of our management team are not under any obligation to advance funds to, or invest in, us.
We will likely use a substantial portion of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the Trust Account, to acquire a target business, to pay holders who wish to redeem or sell their shares to us for a portion of the funds held in the trust account and to pay our expenses relating thereto. If the payment of our liabilities, including the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions payable to the underwriters in an amount up to 2.0% of the total gross proceeds raised in the offering, were to reduce the amount available to us in trust necessary to pay all holders who wish to redeem or sell their shares to us for a portion of the funds held in the Trust Account, we would not be able to consummate such transaction. To the extent that our share capital is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a business combination, the proceeds held in the Trust Account which are not used to consummate a business combination, to pay holders who wish to redeem their shares for a portion of the funds held in the Trust Account or pay our expenses relating thereto will be disbursed to the combined company and will, along with any other net proceeds not expended, be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways including continuing or expanding the target business’ operations, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research and development of existing or new products.
To the extent we are unable to consummate a business combination, we will pay the costs of liquidating our Trust Account from our remaining assets outside of the Trust Account. If such funds are insufficient, the sponsor has agreed to advance us the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than $100,000) and has agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses.
As of June 14, 2024, our sponsor had loaned to us an aggregate of $123,572 to be used to pay formation and a portion of the expenses of this offering, respectively. The loan is payable without interest on the date on which we consummate our initial public offering. If we determine not to proceed with the offering, such amounts would not be repaid.
In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. The working capital units would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement. The terms of such loans by our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our insiders or an affiliate of our insiders as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account, but if we do, we will request such lender to provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account.
After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to our shareholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, furnished to our shareholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such
77
Table of Contents
tender offer materials or at the time of a shareholder meeting held to consider our initial business combination, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation.
A public shareholder will be entitled to receive funds from the Trust Account (including interest earned on his, her or its portion of the Trust Account to the extent not previously released to us to pay our tax obligations) only in the event of (i) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within the required time period or (ii) if that public shareholder redeems such public shares or sells them to us in a tender offer in each case in connection with a business combination which we consummate or (iii) in connection with an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association prior to the consummation of an initial business combination. In no other circumstances will a public shareholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the Trust Account.
78
Table of Contents
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of an initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of a business combination. The payment of any cash dividends subsequent to our initial business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time and we will only pay such dividend out of our profits or share premium (subject to solvency requirements) as permitted under Cayman Islands law. Further, if we incur any indebtedness in connection with our business combination, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.
79
Table of Contents
DILUTION
The difference between the public offering price per share of ordinary shares, assuming no value is attributed to the units included in the units we are offering pursuant to this prospectus or the private placement, and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our ordinary shares after this offering constitutes the dilution to investors in this offering. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value, which is our total tangible assets less total liabilities (including the value of ordinary shares which may be redeemed for cash), by the number of issued and outstanding ordinary shares.
As of June 14, 2024, our net tangible book deficit was $83,097, or approximately $(0.04) per share of ordinary shares. For purposes of the dilution calculation, in order to present the maximum estimated dilution as a result of this offering, we have assumed (i) the issuance of one-eighth of a share for each right outstanding, as such issuance will occur upon a business combination without the payment of additional consideration and (ii) the number of ordinary shares included in the units offered hereby will be deemed to be 8,437,500 ordinary shares (consisting of 7,500,000 ordinary shares included in the units we are offering by this prospectus and 937,500 ordinary shares for the outstanding rights), and the price per share in this offering will be deemed to be $8.89. After giving effect to the sale of 7,500,000 ordinary shares included in the units we are offering by this prospectus (or 8,625,000 ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) and assuming the issuance of 937,500 ordinary shares upon the conversion of the rights included in the units (or 1,078,125 ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), the sale of the private units and the deduction of underwriting commissions and estimated expenses of this offering, our pro forma net tangible book value at $(991,523), or $(0.31) per share (or $(1,109,603) or $(0.31) per share if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), representing an immediate decrease in net tangible book value of $0.27 per share (or $0.27 per share if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to the initial shareholders and an immediate dilution of 103.5% or $9.20 per share or (or 103.5% or $9.20 per share if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to new investors not exercising their redemption/tender rights. For purposes of presentation, our pro forma net tangible book value after this offering is $(991,523), less than it otherwise would have been because if we effect a business combination, the ability of public shareholders to exercise redemption rights or sell their shares to us in any tender offer may result in the redemption or tender of up to 8,437,500 shares (consisting of 7,500,000 ordinary shares included in the units we are offering by this prospectus and 937,500 ordinary shares for the outstanding rights) sold in this offering.
| | Without Over-allotment | | With Over-allotment |
Public offering price | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | |
Net tangible book value before this offering | | $ | (0.04 | ) | | $ | (0.04 | ) |
Increase attributable to public shareholders and sale of the private units | | $ | (0.27 | ) | | $ | (0.27 | ) |
Pro forma net tangible book value after this offering | | $ | (0.31 | ) | | $ | (0.31 | ) |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 9.20 | | | $ | 9.20 | |
Percentage of dilution to public shareholders | | | 103.5 | % | | | 103.5 | % |
In addition, the table below shows possible sources of dilution and the extent of such dilution that non-redeeming public shareholders could experience in connection with the closing of this offering which we have assumed the issuance of one-eighth of a share for each right outstanding as such issuance will occur upon a business combination and the sale of the private units in connection with the closing of the offering. The table below assumes: Scenario A) 25% of our public shares are redeemed, Scenario B) 50% of our public shares are redeemed, Scenario C) 75% of our public shares are redeemed, and Scenario D) maximum of our public shares redemptions that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001 are redeemed.
80
Table of Contents
| | Without Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
| | Scenario A 25% redemptions(1) | | Scenario B 50% redemptions(2) | | Scenario C 75% redemptions(3) | | Scenario D Maximum redemptions(4) |
Offering price of $8.89 included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights) | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share, as adjusted | | | 6.31 | | | | 5.30 | | | | 3.54 | | | | 1.33 | |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 2.58 | | | $ | 3.59 | | | $ | 5.35 | | | $ | 7.56 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Numerator: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net tangible book value before this offering | | | (83,097) | | | | (83,097 | ) | | | (83,097 | ) | | | (83,097 | ) |
Net proceeds from this offering and sale of the private units, net of expenses(9) | | | 75,787,500 | | | | 75,787,500 | | | | 75,787,500 | | | | 75,787,500 | |
Plus: Offering costs accrued in advance, excluded from tangible book value | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | |
Less: Deferred underwriting commissions | | | (1,500,000 | ) | | | (1,500,000 | ) | | | (1,500,000 | ) | | | (1,500,000 | ) |
Less: Proceeds held in trust subject to redemption(10) | | | (18,796,875 | ) | | | (37,593,750 | ) | | | (56,390,625 | ) | | | (69,195,976 | ) |
Less: Over-allotment liability | | | (106,920 | ) | | | (106,920 | ) | | | (106,920 | ) | | | (106,920 | ) |
| | $ | 55,399,102 | | | $ | 36,602,227 | | | $ | 17,805,352 | | | $ | 5,000,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary shares issued and outstanding prior to this offering(10) | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | |
Less: Ordinary shares forfeited if over-allotment is not exercised | | | (281,250 | ) | | | (281,250 | ) | | | (281,250 | ) | | | (281,250 | ) |
Ordinary shares included in the public units offered | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 7,500,000 | |
Ordinary shares included in the private units | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | |
Ordinary shares underlying the rights to be included in the public units | | | 937,500 | | | | 937,500 | | | | 937,500 | | | | 937,500 | |
Ordinary shares underlying the rights to be included in the private units | | | 30,000 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 30,000 | |
Representative shares | | | 75,000 | | | | 75,000 | | | | 75,000 | | | | 75,000 | |
Less: Shares subject to redemption | | | (1,875,000 | ) | | | (3,750,000 | ) | | | (5,625,000 | ) | | | (6,900,848 | ) |
| | | 8,782,500 | | | | 6,907,500 | | | | 5,032,500 | | | | 3,756,652 | |
81
Table of Contents
| | With Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
| | Scenario A 25% redemptions(5) | | Scenario B 50% redemptions(6) | | Scenario C 75% redemptions(7) | | Scenario D Maximum redemptions(8) |
Offering price of $8.89 included in the units (adjusted to exclude the value of the rights) | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 8.89 | |
Pro forma net tangible book value per share, as adjusted | | | 6.32 | | | | 5.32 | | | | 3.56 | | | | 1.18 | |
Dilution to public shareholders | | $ | 2.57 | | | $ | 3.57 | | | $ | 5.33 | | | $ | 7.71 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Numerator: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net tangible book value before this offering | | | (83,097 | ) | | | (83,097 | ) | | | (83,097 | ) | | | (83,097 | ) |
Net proceeds from this offering and sale of the private units, net of expenses(9) | | | 87,065,625 | | | | 87,065,625 | | | | 87,065,625 | | | | 87,065,625 | |
Plus: Offering costs accrued in advance, excluded from tangible book value | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | |
Less: Deferred underwriting commissions | | | (1,725,000 | ) | | | (1,725,000 | ) | | | (1,725,000 | ) | | | (1,725,000 | ) |
Less: Proceeds held in trust subject to redemption(10) | | | (21,616,406 | ) | | | (43,232,813 | ) | | | (64,849,219 | ) | | | (80,356,021 | ) |
| | $ | 63,739,616 | | | $ | 42,123,209 | | | $ | 20,506,803 | | | $ | 5,000,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary shares issued and outstanding prior to this offering(10) | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | |
Ordinary shares included in the public units offered | | | 8,625,000 | | | | 8,625,000 | | | | 8,625,000 | | | | 8,625,000 | |
Ordinary shares included in the private units | | | 256,875 | | | | 256,875 | | | | 256,875 | | | | 256,875 | |
Ordinary shares underlying the rights to be included in the public units | | | 1,078,125 | | | | 1,078,125 | | | | 1,078,125 | | | | 1,078,125 | |
Ordinary shares underlying the rights to be included in the private units | | | 32,109 | | | | 32,109 | | | | 32,109 | | | | 32,109 | |
Representative shares | | | 86,250 | | | | 86,250 | | | | 86,250 | | | | 86,250 | |
Less: Shares subject to redemption | | | (2,156,250 | ) | | | (4,312,500 | ) | | | (6,468,750 | ) | | | (8,014,040 | ) |
| | | 10,078,359 | | | | 7,922,109 | | | | 5,765,859 | | | | 4,220,569 | |
82
Table of Contents
The following table sets forth information with respect to our sponsor and the public shareholders:
Holder of | | Shares
| | Total Consideration
| | Average Price per Share |
Purchased | | Percentage | | Amount | | Percentage | |
Insiders(1) | | 1,875,000 | | 17.6 | % | | $ | 25,000 | | 0.0 | % | | $ | 0.01 |
Private shares(2) | | 270,000 | | 2.5 | % | | | 2,400,000 | | 3.1 | % | | $ | 8.89 |
Public shareholders(3) | | 8,437,500 | | 79.2 | % | | | 75,000,000 | | 96.9 | % | | $ | 8.89 |
Representative shares | | 75,000 | | 0.7 | % | | | 0 | | 0.0 | % | | $ | — |
Total | | 10,657,500 | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 77,425,000 | | 100.0 | % | | | |
The pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering is calculated as follows (assuming no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option):
| | Without Over-allotment | | With Over-allotment |
Numerator: | | | | | | | | |
Net tangible book value before this offering | | $ | (83,097 | ) | | $ | (83,097 | ) |
Net proceeds from this offering and sale of the private units, net of expenses(1) | | | 75,787,500 | | | | 87,065,625 | |
Plus: Offering costs accrued in advance, excluded from tangible book value | | | 98,494 | | | | 98,494 | |
Less: Deferred underwriting commissions | | | (1,500,000 | ) | | | (1,725,000 | ) |
Less: Proceeds held in trust subject to redemption(2) | | | (75,187,500 | ) | | | (86,465,625 | ) |
Less: Over-allotment liability | | | (106,920 | ) | | | — | |
| | $ | (991,523 | ) | | $ | (1,109,603 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary shares issued and outstanding prior to this offering(2) | | | 2,156,250 | | | | 2,156,250 | |
Less: Ordinary shares forfeited if over-allotment is not exercised | | | (281,250 | ) | | | — | |
Ordinary shares included in the public units offered | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 8,625,000 | |
Ordinary shares included in the private units | | | 240,000 | | | | 256,875 | |
Ordinary shares underlying the rights to be included in the public units | | | 937,500 | | | | 1,078,125 | |
Ordinary shares underlying the rights to be included in the private units | | | 30,000 | | | | 32,109 | |
Representative shares | | | 75,000 | | | | 86,250 | |
Less: Shares subject to redemption | | | (7,500,000 | ) | | | (8,625,000 | ) |
| | | 3,157,500 | | | | 3,609,609 | |
In addition to the sources of potential dilutions discussed herein, we note that there are additional possible sources of dilution and the extent of such dilution that non-redeeming public shareholders could experience in connection with the closing of the initial business combination may be uncertain, due to the uncertainty associated with the occurrence or the amount of securities that may be issued pursuant to such occurrence, including arising from: (i) any loans or additional investments from our sponsor, members of our management team or any of their affiliates or designees, including the issuing of Working Capital Units or Extension Units, (ii) any ordinary shares, preferred shares or debt
83
Table of Contents
securities that may be issued to third parties pursuant to any equity financing or debt financing in connection with the initial business combination, (iii) other source of issue of securities, such as the reservation and issuance of any securities under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. For further discussions on potential sources of dilutions and potential risks associated thereof, see “Risk Factor — The conversion of any working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units may result in significant dilution to your public shares” and “Risk Factor — We may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.” on pages 53 and 39 of this prospectus.
84
Table of Contents
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 14, 2024, and as adjusted to give effect to the filing of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the sale of our units in this offering and the sale of the private units and the application of the estimated net proceeds derived from the sale of such securities, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option:
| | As of June 14, 2024 |
| | Actual | | As Adjusted(1) |
Note payable to related party(2) | | $ | 123,572 | | | $ | — | |
Deferred underwriting commissions | | | — | | | | 1,500,000 | |
Over-allotment option liability | | | — | | | | 106,920 | |
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share, 7,500,000 shares are subject to possible(3)(4) | | | — | | | | 75,187,500 | |
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share, 445,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding | | | — | | | | 32 | |
Class B ordinary share, $0.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 2,156,250 shares issued and outstanding(5) | | | 216 | | | | 188 | |
Additional paid in capital | | | 24,784 | | | | — | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (9,603 | ) | | | (991,743 | ) |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 15,397 | | | | (991,523 | ) |
Total capitalization | | $ | 138,969 | | | $ | 75,802,897 | |
85
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We are a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock or share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. We have not selected any specific business combination target and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, initiated any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target.
We intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash from the proceeds of this offering and the private placement of the private units, the proceeds of the sale of our securities in connection with our initial business combination, our shares, debt or a combination of cash, share and debt.
The issuance of additional ordinary shares in a business combination:
• may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in this offering;
• may subordinate the rights of holders of ordinary shares if preference shares are issued with rights senior to those afforded our ordinary shares;
• could cause a change of control if a substantial number of our ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors;
• may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and
• may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our units, ordinary shares, and/or rights.
Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:
• default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;
• acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
• our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand;
• our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding;
• our inability to pay dividends on our ordinary shares;
• using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends on our ordinary shares if declared, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
• limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
• increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation; and
• limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.
86
Table of Contents
As indicated in the accompanying financial statements, at June 14, 2024, we had a working capital deficit of $83,097. Further, we expect to continue to incur significant costs in the pursuit of our acquisition plans. We cannot assure you that our plans to raise capital or to complete our initial business combination will be successful.
Results of Operations and Known Trends or Future Events
We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities since inception have been organizational activities and those necessary to prepare for this offering. Following this offering, we will not generate any operating revenues until after completion of our initial business combination. We expect to generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents after this offering. There has been no significant change in our financial or trading position and no material adverse change has occurred since the date of our audited financial statements. After this offering, we expect to incur increased expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses. We expect our expenses to increase substantially after the closing of this offering.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity needs have been satisfied prior to completion of this offering through contribution from our sponsor of $21,754 to purchase the founder shares (the initial purchase price of $25,000 for the issuance of the 2,156,250 insider shares less the consideration price of $3,246 be received from directors and officers in exchange for the transfer of certain insider shares) and up to $500,000 in loans from our sponsor under an unsecured promissory note. As of June 14, 2024, we drew $123,572 against the promissory note. We estimate that the net proceeds from (i) the sale of the units in this offering, after deducting offering expenses of approximately $675,000 and underwriting commissions of $1,125,000, and (ii) the sale of the private units for a purchase price of $2,400,000 (or $2,568,750 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), will be $75,600,000 (or $86,850,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). Of this amount, $75,187,500 or ($86,465,625 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be deposited into a trust account. The funds in the trust account will be invested only in specified U.S. government treasury bills or in specified money market funds. The remaining $600,000 will not be held in the trust account. In the event that our offering expenses exceed our estimate of $675,000, we may fund such excess with funds not to be held in the trust account. In such case, the amount of funds we intend to be held outside the trust account would decrease by a corresponding amount. Conversely, in the event that the offering expenses are less than our estimate of $675,000, the amount of funds we intend to be held outside the trust account would increase by a corresponding amount.
We intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account (which interest shall be net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) to complete our initial business combination. We may withdraw interest to pay taxes, if any. Our annual income tax obligations will depend on the amount of interest and other income earned on the amounts held in the trust account. To the extent that our ordinary shares or debt is used, in whole or in part, as consideration to complete our initial business combination, the remaining proceeds held in the trust account will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business or businesses, make other acquisitions and pursue our growth strategies.
Prior to the completion of our initial business combination, we will have available to us $600,000 of proceeds held outside the trust account. We will use these funds primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, structure, negotiate and complete a business combination, and to pay taxes to the extent the interest earned on the trust account is not sufficient to pay our taxes.
In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete our initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that our initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.
87
Table of Contents
Up to $3,000,000 of the loans made by our sponsor, our officers and directors, or our or their affiliates or designees to us prior to or in connection with our initial business combination may be convertible into units, at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender, upon consummation of our initial business combination. The units would be identical to the placement units. The terms of such loans by our officers and directors, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor, our officers and directors or an affiliate of theirs as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our trust account.
We expect our primary liquidity requirements during that period to include approximately $200,000 for legal, accounting, due diligence, travel and other expenses associated with structuring, negotiating and documenting successful business combinations; $200,000 for director and officer’s liability insurance; $50,000 for office space, administrative and support services; $100,000 for legal and accounting fees related to regulatory reporting requirements; and $50,000 for Nasdaq and other regulatory fees.
These amounts are estimates and may differ materially from our actual expenses. In addition, we could use a portion of the funds not being placed in trust to pay commitment fees for financing, fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business or as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we entered into an agreement where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business, the amount that would be used as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision would be determined based on the terms of the specific business combination and the amount of our available funds at the time. Our forfeiture of such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise) could result in our not having sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conducting due diligence with respect to, prospective target businesses.
We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds following this offering in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, if our estimates of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial business combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial business combination. Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing either to complete our initial business combination or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our public shares upon completion of our initial business combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business combination.
Controls and Procedures
We are not currently required to maintain an effective system of internal controls as defined by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer would we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.
Prior to the closing of this offering, we have not completed an assessment, nor have our auditors tested our systems, of internal controls. We expect to assess the internal controls of our target business or businesses prior to the completion of our initial business combination and, if necessary, to implement and test additional controls as we may determine are necessary in order to state that we maintain an effective system of internal controls. A target business may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of internal controls. Many small and mid-sized target businesses we may consider for our initial business combination may have internal controls that need improvement in areas such as:
• staffing for financial, accounting and external reporting areas, including segregation of duties;
• reconciliation of accounts;
• proper recording of expenses and liabilities in the period to which they relate;
• evidence of internal review and approval of accounting transactions;
88
Table of Contents
• documentation of processes, assumptions and conclusions underlying significant estimates; and
• documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
Because it will take time, management involvement and perhaps outside resources to determine what internal control improvements are necessary for us to meet regulatory requirements and market expectations for our operation of a target business, we may incur significant expenses in meeting our public reporting responsibilities, particularly in the areas of designing, enhancing, or remediating internal and disclosure controls. Doing so effectively may also take longer than we expect, thus increasing our exposure to financial fraud or erroneous financing reporting.
Once our management’s report on internal controls is complete, we will retain our independent auditors to audit and render an opinion on such report when required by Section 404. The independent auditors may identify additional issues concerning a target business’s internal controls while performing their audit of internal control over financial reporting.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units held in the trust account will be invested in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of [185] days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations or in an interest bearing demand deposit account. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.
Related Party Transactions
On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares, or insider shares, of a par value of $0.0001 each to our Sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. The insider shares held by our insiders include an aggregate of up to 281,250 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that its insiders will collectively own 20.0% of its issued and outstanding shares after this offering (without given effect to the sale of the private units and assuming its insiders do not purchase units in this offering). None of our insiders has indicated any intention to purchase Units in this offering.
Our sponsor, officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their affiliates and will determine which expenses and the amount of expenses that will be reimbursed. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on our behalf.
Our sponsor has agreed to loan us up to $500,000 under an unsecured promissory note to be used for a portion of the expenses of this offering. As of June 14, 2024, we drew $123,572, against the promissory note. These loans are non-interest bearing, unsecured and are due at the earlier of the date on which we determine not to conduct an initial public offering of our securities or the closing of this offering. These loans will be repaid upon the closing of this offering out of the $600,000 of offering proceeds not held in the trust account.
In addition, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of the initial public offering if the funds not held in the Trust Account are insufficient, or to extend its life, its insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates/designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes (“Working Capital Loans”) may be converted upon consummation of our Business
89
Table of Contents
Combination into working capital Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. If we do not complete a Business Combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. As of June 14, 2024, we had no borrowings under the Working Capital Loans.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; Commitments and Contractual Obligations; Quarterly Results
As of June 14, 2024, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K and did not have any commitments or contractual obligations. No unaudited quarterly operating data is included in this prospectus as we have not conducted any operations to date.
JOBS Act
On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. We will qualify as an “emerging growth company” and under the JOBS Act will be allowed to comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are electing to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Additionally, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if, as an “emerging growth company,” we choose to rely on such exemptions, we may not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis), and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the CEO’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of our initial public offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.
90
Table of Contents
PROPOSED BUSINESS
Introduction
We are a blank check company in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. Our shareholders have no additional liability for the company’s liabilities over and above the amount paid for their shares. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic location.
Currently, we do not have any specific business combination under consideration or contemplation, and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, contacted any prospective target business or had any discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction. We are confident that we will be able to find a target business that will meet expectations. We intend to capitalize on the strengths and experiences of our management team to select, acquire and form a business combination that has a competitive advantage in their core business and is positioned to bring in high returns and long-term sustainable growth.
Our Insider and Management
One of our insiders is our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company.
The other insiders are officers and directors of the Company. We believe that with their experience and skillsets in sourcing, investing, and value-enhancement, we are well positioned in pursuing opportunities that will offer risk-adjusted returns.
Our officers, directors and director nominees are as follows:
Robert (Will) W. Garner, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director, is an experienced attorney, advisor and investor. Since 2020, he has served as an advisor and attorney with Latitude Consultancy Limited, an investment-based immigration service provider, as a litigation discovery review attorney with several law firms, and as an advisor for Greenwing Ventures, a boutique Canadian merchant bank. Since 2013, Mr. Garner has also served as an advisor for Vulpes Investment Management Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based alternative investment manager, providing business development and fundraising advisory services for US clients and partners. Previously, from 2016 to 2020, he was the principal of Garner Law Group, an immigration law firm he founded. From 2016 to 2019, he also served as the founder and director of operations of Lucky Dawgs Brewing Company, a brewery based in Hong Kong. Mr. Garner received a J.D. degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a M.B.A. from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Georgia. He also received a certificate for the Stanford LEAD program for executive education at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is a member of the Florida Bar.
We believe that Mr. Garner’s broad-based experience in investment management and advisory makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Yuanmei Ma, Chief Financial Officer and Director, has extensive financial management experience for public companies. Most recently, Ms. Ma served as Chie Financial Officer and director of Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIEV), a Taiwanese electronic vehicle developer, after the company’s business combination with Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), from June 2024 to September 2024. Previously, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation from January 2022 to June 2024. Before that, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Aiways Group, an EV company in California from June 2022 to August 2023, and Mayrock Automotive Inc., a zero-emission commercial mobility company in California from September 2020 to June 2022. Between February 2021 and December 2022, Ms. Ma served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: FLFV), a Nasdaq listed SPAC. Ms. Ma was the director of investor relation at Highpower International Inc., from August 2016 to November 2019; when it was listed on Nasdaq (Formerly Nasdaq: HPJ). From July 2010 to June 2013, Ms. Ma was the Chief Financial Officer for Baosheng Steel Inc. She was Chief Financial Officer of Yihe Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. between August 2009 to June 2010; and Chief Financial Officer of Zhongpin Inc., (Formerly Nasdaq: HOGS), from September 2005 to October 2008. Ms. Ma holds an Executive MBA degree from both INSEAD Business School and Tsinghua University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Arkansas State University.
We believe that Ms. Ma’s track record in financial management and past experience as a SPAC executive make her well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
91
Table of Contents
Stephen Markscheid, Director Nominee, who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced public company director and advisor. Since 2019, he has served as the Managing Partner of Aerion Capital, a boutique investment firm. Most recently, he has served as a director for Monterey Capital Acquisition Corp. from December 2021 until its business combination with ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. in July 2024. Mr. Markscheid has continued to serve as the director of the post-combination entity, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., a clean energy solutions provider, since July 2024. He has also served as a director of Tristar Acquisition I Corp. from August 2023 until its business combination with Helport Limited in August 2024, at which point he resigned as director of the company. Mr. Markscheid has also served as director of Four Leaf Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FORL) since July 2022, a SPAC currently in search of a target for business combination. In addition, he also has extensive experience as a board member for several operating companies, including as a director for JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS), an international solar module manufacturer, since 2009; Kingwisoft Technology Group Co. Ltd. (HKX: 8295), a Hong Kong investment holding company, from 2016 to August 2024; Richtech Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: RR), a Nevada based robotics solutions company, since November 2023; QMIS TBS Capital Group Corp., a Malaysian financial advisory firm, from February to April 2024; Cenntro Inc. (Nasdaq: CENN), a New Jersey based electronic commercial vehicle developer, from November 2023 to April 2024; Fanhua, Inc. (Nasdaq: FANH), a China based financial service firm, from 2007 to 2024; Akso Health Group (Nasdaq: AHG), a Chinese e-commerce platform, from 2017 to 2022; UGE International (XTSX:UGE), a solar installation company, from August 2021 to July 2023. In addition, Mr. Markscheid serves as a Board Advisor to several companies, including NanoGraf Corporation, Intelligent Generation LLC, Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co. Ltd., Nulyzer Inc. and Hago Energetics, Inc., Mr. Markscheid also serves as a trustee emeritus of Princeton-in-Asia and Chairman Emeritus of KX Power, a UK based energy storage project developer. From 1998 to 2006, he worked for GE Capital. During his time with GE Capital, Mr. Markscheid led GE Capital’s business development activities in China and Asia Pacific, primarily acquisitions and direct investments. Prior to GE Capital, Mr. Markscheid worked with the Boston Consulting Group throughout Asia. He was a banker for ten years in London, Chicago, New York, Hong Kong and Beijing with Chase Manhattan Bank and First National Bank of Chicago. Mr. Markscheid began his career with the US-China Business Council, in Washington D.C. and Beijing. He earned a BA in East Asian Studies from Princeton University in 1976, an MA in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University in 1980, and an MBA from Columbia University in 1991, where he was class valedictorian. Mr. Markscheid has been nominated to serve as a director of Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation, which publicly filed a registration statement in July 2024.
We believe that Mr. Markscheid’s rich experience as a public company director and advisor makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Umesh Patel, Director Nominee, who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced advisor, investor and executive. Mr. Patel has served as a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Fuse Group Holding Inc. (OTC: FUST), a company exploring opportunities in the mining industry, since February 2017 and its Chief Financial Officer since November 2022. Since October 2016, Mr. Patel has served as a director of Nova Lifestyle Inc. (Nasdaq: NYFY), a home furniture design, marketing and manufacturing firm. Since December 2009, Mr. Patel has served as a managing partner of DviBri LLC, a California-based consulting company providing services to private companies interested in conducting initial public offerings, along with other associated securities and investment services. Since March 2013, Mr. Patel has also been a consultant and coordinator for Eos-Petro Inc., an international and domestic petroleum exploration and production company based in Southern California. Mr. Patel received his Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in audits and accounts, and an Associate degree in hotel management and catering from Maharaja Sayaji Rao University in Baroda, India in 1978.
We believe that Mr. Patel’s investment and regulatory experience makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Mark Chaney, Director Nominee who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced real estate developer and investor with more than 20 years of experience. He has served as the owner of M J Chaney, Inc., a California based real estate development and investment company, since 1995. In his role, Mr. Chaney has participated in the investment, development, renovation, and constructions of more than 50 real estate projects. In addition, he has also served a consultant to the PGA Tour since 1994, advising the professional golf tournament organizer on sports consulting and golf course design matters. Mr. Chaney received a degree in business from the University of California, Los Angeles.
We believe that Mr. Chaney’s track record in investment makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
92
Table of Contents
Among our management, Ms. Ma, our CFO and director, has previously served as the CFO of Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation, a position she held at the SPAC from February 2021 until December 2022. During her tenure, the SPAC announced and later terminated a proposed business combination with VCV Digital Technology in 2022. From January 2022 to June 2024, Ms. Ma also served as the CFO of Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation until its business combination with Thunder Power Holding Limited, after which she continued on as CFO and director of the post-combined entity, Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. from June 2024 to September 2024. In addition, Mr. Markscheid, our independent director nominee, has served as a director for Monterey Capital Acquisition Corp. from December 2021 until its business combination with ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. in July 2024. Mr. Markscheid has continued to serve as the director of the post-combination entity, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., a clean energy solutions provider, since July 2024. He has also served as a director of Tristar Acquisition I Corp. from August 2023 until its business combination with Helport Limited in August 2024, at which point he resigned as director of the company. Mr. Markscheid has also served as director of Four Leaf Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FORL) since July 2022, a SPAC currently in search of a target for business combination, and has been nominated to serve as a director of Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation, which publicly filed a registration statement in July 2024. Other than the foregoing, none of our management has been or is currently involved in any other SPACs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers and directors are not required to commit their full time to our affairs and will allocate their time to other businesses, and the collective experience of our officers and with blank check companies like ours is not significant. We presently expect each of our employees to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business (which could range from only a few hours a week while we are trying to locate a potential target business to a majority of their time as we move into serious negotiations with a target business for a business combination). The past successes of our executive officers and directors do not guarantee that we will successfully consummate an initial business combination. In addition, the members of the management team may not remain with us subsequent to the consummation of a business combination.
Our Sponsor
Our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited, is a Cayman Islands exempted company formed as an investment vehicle holding our securities of us and as the sponsor of the offering. Mr. Sunny Tan Kah Wei, a Malaysian citizen and resident, serves as its sole director and member with 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the sponsor.
Mr. Tan is an experienced Malaysian investor and corporate executive with more than a decade of experience in a variety of industries. Currently, Mr. Tan serves as director of Bellesome Capital Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based investment firm. He is also a director of MFSS Sdn. Bhd., an information technology company in Malaysia. He is also the sole director of a Cayman Islands holding company that serves as the sponsor of a different SPAC (the “Second SPAC”), which has made a confidential draft registration statement filing. Most recently, from 2018 to 2023, Mr. Tan served as the general manager of Mega Fortris Global Pte. Ltd., the Singapore subsidiary of Mega Fortris Bhd., a Malaysian security seal and cargo securing solutions manufacturer. Before that, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of ASA Multiplate, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based ASTI Holdings Limited, a semiconductor manufacturing solutions provider. Other than this Company and the Second SPAC, neither Mr. Tan nor the sponsor has previously organized any SPAC or is currently involved in any other SPAC at this time.
On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 insider shares to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. The insider shares held by our sponsor include an aggregate of up to 281,250 insider shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. Other than the foregoing, our sponsor is not expected to effect any direct transfer of the insider shares it held prior to the offering, and Mr. Tan is not expected to effect any indirect transfer of such insider shares by transferring any securities of the sponsor prior to the offering.
As a result, prior to the offering, the sponsor holds 1,996,250 insider shares, or 92.6% of our issued and outstanding shares. Immediately after the offering, the sponsor is expected to hold 1,936,250 insider shares, or 89.7% of the issued and outstanding insider shares (without the exercise of the over-allotment option), with up to 281,250 ordinary shares of the 1,936,250 insider shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part.
93
Table of Contents
The insider shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, except that (i) they will automatically convert into our Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination, (b) they are subject to certain transfer restrictions (see “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus); (c) prior to our initial business combination, only holders of the insider shares have the right to vote on the appointment or removal of a member of the board of directors for any reason; (d) our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into the Letter Agreement with us to waiver their redemption rights, rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Accounts and other shareholder rights enjoyed by holders of the Class A ordinary shares.
In addition, our sponsor has agreed and will enter into an agreement with us immediately prior to the effectiveness of this prospectus pursuant to which, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.
Additionally, our sponsor has agreed to not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property (except as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus).
The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of our initial business combination which means that these securities will be transferable following the completion of our initial business combination.
Additional, although our sponsor is not expected to effect any direct transfer of the insider shares it held prior to the offering, certain transfers prior to the completion of our initial business combination are permitted for the insider shares and private units (including the underlying securities): (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent). In addition, our sponsor may effect any indirect transfer of the
94
Table of Contents
insider shares or private units it hold by transferring any securities of the sponsor after the offering, and any transferees would be subject to the same restrictions and other agreements of our sponsor and our directors and executive officers with respect to any insider shares or private units.
Following this offering, our sponsor will own a total of 1,665,000 insider shares and 240,000 private units, representing 19.7% of the issued and outstanding shares following this offering. In total, the sponsor will pay for a nominal aggregate purchase price of $2,421,754 for an aggregate of 1,905,000 shares and 240,000 rights (which will be converted to 30,000 shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination). However, other than the foregoing, our sponsor or its affiliates have not received and will not receive any other form of compensation upon the closing of the offering.
For a summary of the securities owned by the Sponsor and the relevant terms, see illustration below:
Types of Securities | | Number of Securities Before Offering Held | | Number of Securities After Offering Held (assuming no over- allotment option exercised) | | Purchase Price or Conversion Price Per Securities | | Parties subject to the Lock - Up Terms in the Letter Agreement | | Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement | | Exceptions to Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement |
Insider Shares | | 1,996,250 | | 1,665,000 | | $0.0116 per share | | The Sponsor; Mr. Garner, Chairman, CEO and Director; Ms. Ma, CFO and Director; Mr. Markscheid, Director Nominee; Mr. Patel, Director Nominee; Mr. Chaney, Director Nominee | | With respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. | | Notwithstanding the lock-up terms, transfers are permitted: (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent). |
Private Shares | | 0 | | 240,000 | | $10 per Private Unit (including one Private Share and one Private Right) | | | | The Private Shares, Private Rights, Working Capital Shares, or Working Capital Rights will be released from lock-up and be transferrable after the completion of the initial business combination. | |
Private Rights | | 0 | | 240,000 | | | |
Working Capital Shares | | 0 | | Up to 300,000 | | $10 per Working Capital Unit (including one Working Capital Share and one Working Capital Right) | | | |
Working Capital Rights | | 0 | | Up to 300,000 | | | |
95
Table of Contents
As of June 14, 2024, our sponsor had loaned to us an aggregate of $123,572 to be used to pay formation and a portion of the expenses of this offering, respectively. The loan is payable without interest on the date on which we consummate our initial public offering. If we determine not to proceed with the offering, such amounts would not be repaid. Additionally, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. The working capital units would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement. The terms of such loans by our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our insiders or an affiliate of our insiders as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account, but if we do, we will request such lender to provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account.
Other than the foregoing, the sponsor does not have any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with the Company regarding any compensation, reimbursement, or transfer of interests in relation to our initial business combination, nor is there any agreement between the sponsor and any unaffiliated shareholders of the Company regarding redemptions, payments, compensation, reimbursement, or transfer of interests.
In addition to the insider shares, the compensation received or to be received and the amount of securities issued or to be issued to our initial shareholders, including the issuance of working capital units that may be converted from the working capital notes and the issuance of extension units that may be converted from the extension notes, may have dilutive effect on the public shares you hold. However, the extent of such dilutive effect is uncertain. For further information, see “Risk Factor — The conversion of any working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units may result in significant dilution to your public shares.” and “Risk Factor — We may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.” On pages 53 and 39 of the prospectus.
Given that Mr. Tan is a Malaysian citizen and resident, and has sole voting and investment discretion with respect to our shares held by our sponsor, we may be considered a “foreign person” under rules promulgated by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited. See “Risk Factor — We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.” on page 73 of this prospectus.
Background and Competitive Strengths
We will seek to leverage our management team’s proprietary network of relationships with corporate executives, private equity, venture and growth capital funds, investment banking firms and consultants in order to source, acquire, and support the operations of the business combination target. For example, Mr. Garner, our CEO and Chairman of the board of directors, and Mr. Markscheid, our independent director nominee, have vast network across borders because of their extensive advisory and investment experiences in Asia and U.S. Ms. Ma, our CFO and Director, also has extensive experiences in managing SPACs and running business combination search. The background of our management will be instrumental in guiding our business combination search.
96
Table of Contents
In addition, several members of our management team have extensive track record in managing or overseeing public companies as officers and directors in the past. Ms. Ma has served in financial management roles for several public companies in the past. Mr. Markscheid and Mr. Patel have both served as directors or officers for various public companies across various industries. They will contribute in providing unique and professional insights with regards to valuation of potential target(s), negotiation of transaction terms, and solicitation of transaction financing.
We believe that this combination of extensive relationships and expertise will make us a preferred partner for and allow us to source high-quality business combination targets. However, none of our management team is obligated to remain with the company after an acquisition transaction, and we cannot provide assurance that the resignation or retention of our current management will be a term or condition in any agreement relating to business combination. Moreover, despite the competitive advantages we believe we have, we remain subject to significant competition with respect to identifying and executing a business combination.
Business Strategy and Acquisition Criteria
Our management team intends to focus on creating shareholder value by leveraging its experience in the management and operation of businesses to improve the efficiency of operations while implementing strategies to scale revenue organically and/or through acquisitions. Consistent with our strategy, we have identified the following general criteria and guidelines that we believe are essential in evaluating prospective target businesses. While we intend to use these criteria and guidelines in evaluating prospective businesses, we may deviate from these criteria and guidelines should we consider it appropriate to do so:
• Strong Management Team
We will seek to acquire those businesses with reasoned and strong managements having a track record of driving growth and profitability; or having proposition of the businesses that may likely be well received by public investors.
• Niche Deal Size with Growth Potential
We intend to seek target companies that have underexploited expansion opportunities. This expansion can be accomplished through a combination of accelerating organic growth and finding attractive add-on acquisition targets. Our management team has significant experience in identifying such targets and in helping target management assess the strategic and financial fit. Similarly, our management has the expertise to assess the likely synergies and to help a target integrate acquisitions.
• Long-term Revenue Visibility with Defensible Market Position
In management’s view, the target companies should be close to an anticipated inflection point, such as those companies requiring additional management expertise, those companies able to innovate by developing new products or services, or companies where we believe we have ability to achievement improved profitability performance through an acquisition designed to help facilitate growth.
• Benefits from Being a U.S. Public Company (Value Creation and Marketing Opportunities)
We intend to search target companies that we believe will help offer attractive risk-adjusted equity returns for our shareholders. Amount other criteria, we expect to evaluate financial returns based on (i) the potential for organic growth in cash flows, (ii) the ability to achieve cost savings, (iii) the ability to accelerate growth, including through the opportunity for follow-on acquisitions, and (iv) the prospects for creating value through other value creation initiatives. We also plan to evaluate potential upside from future growth in the target business’ earnings and an improved capital structure.
These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria that our management may deem relevant.
Effecting a Business Combination
General
We are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any substantive commercial business for an indefinite period of time following this offering. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this offering and the private placement of private units, our share capital, debt or a combination of these in effecting a business combination.
97
Table of Contents
Although substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering and the private placement of private units are intended to be applied generally toward effecting a business combination as described in this prospectus, the proceeds are not otherwise being designated for any more specific purposes. Accordingly, investors in this offering are investing without first having an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of any one or more business combinations. A business combination may involve the acquisition of, or merger with, a company which does not need substantial additional capital but which desires to establish a public trading market for its shares, while avoiding what it may deem to be adverse consequences of undertaking a public offering itself. These include time delays, significant expense, loss of voting control and compliance with various U.S. Federal and state securities laws. In the alternative, we may seek to consummate a business combination with a company that may be in its early stages of development or growth. While we may seek to effect simultaneous business combinations with more than one target business, we will probably have the ability, as a result of our limited resources, to effect only a single business combination.
We Have Not Identified a Target Business
To date, we have not selected any target business on which to concentrate our search for a business combination. None of our officers, directors, insiders and other affiliates has engaged in discussions on our behalf with representatives of other companies regarding the possibility of a potential merger, share exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with us, nor have we, nor any of our agents or affiliates, been approached by any candidates (or representatives of any candidates) with respect to a possible business combination with our company.
Subject to the limitations that a target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, we will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate. We have not established any other specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses. Accordingly, there is no basis for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the target business with which we may ultimately complete a business combination. To the extent we effect a business combination with a company or an entity in its early stage of development or growth, including entities without established records of sales or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business and operations of early stage or potential emerging growth companies. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risk factors.
Sources of Target Businesses
We anticipate that target business candidates will be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers, venture capital funds, private equity funds, leveraged buyout funds, management buyout funds and other members of the financial community. Target businesses may be brought to our attention by such unaffiliated sources as a result of being solicited by us through calls or mailings which will not commence until after the completion of this offering. These sources may also introduce us to target businesses they think we may be interested in on an unsolicited basis, since many of these sources will have read this prospectus and know what types of businesses we are targeting. Our officers and directors, as well as their respective affiliates, may also bring to our attention target business candidates that they become aware of through their business contacts as a result of formal or informal inquiries or discussions they may have, as well as attending trade shows or conventions. While we do not presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions on any formal basis, we may engage these firms or other individuals in the future, in which event we may pay a finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation to be determined in an arm’s length negotiation based on the terms of the transaction. In no event, however, will any of our existing officers, directors, special advisors or insiders, or any entity with which they are affiliated, be paid any finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of a business combination (regardless of the type of transaction). If we decide to enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our officers, directors or insiders, we will do so only if we have obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the business combination is fair to our unaffiliated shareholders from a financial point of view. However, as of the date of this prospectus, there is no affiliated entity that we consider a business combination target.
98
Table of Contents
Selection of a Target Business and Structuring of a Business Combination
Subject to the limitations that a target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective target business. We have not established any other specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses.
We believe the factors laid out in “— Business Strategy and Acquisition Criteria” on page 97 of this prospectus will be important in evaluating prospective target businesses, regardless of the location or industry in which such target business operates. However, this list is not intended to be exhaustive. Furthermore, we may decide to enter into a business combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria and guidelines.
Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular business combination will be based, to the extent relevant, on the Company’s business strategy and acquisition criteria as well as other considerations deemed relevant by our management in effecting a business combination consistent with our business objective. In evaluating a prospective target business, we will conduct an extensive due diligence review which will encompass, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and inspection of facilities, as well as review of financial and other information which is made available to us. This due diligence review will be conducted either by our management or by unaffiliated third parties we may engage, although we have no current intention to engage any such third parties.
The time and costs required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete the business combination cannot presently be ascertained with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business with which a business combination is not ultimately completed will result in a loss to us and reduce the amount of capital available to otherwise complete a business combination.
Fair Market Value of Target Business
Pursuant to NASDAQ listing rules, the target business or businesses that we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, although we may acquire a target business whose fair market value significantly exceeds 80% of the Trust Account balance. We currently anticipate structuring a business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure a business combination where we merge directly with the target business or where we acquire less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital shares of a target. In this case, we could acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our shareholders immediately prior to our initial business combination could own less than a majority of our issued and outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, only the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% of net assets test, assuming that we obtain and maintain a listing for our securities on NASDAQ. In order to consummate such an acquisition, we may issue a significant amount of our debt or equity securities to the sellers of such businesses and/or seek to raise additional funds through a private offering of debt or equity securities. Since we have no specific business combination under consideration, we have not entered into any such fund-raising arrangement and have no current intention of doing so. The fair market value of the target business will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow and/or book value). If our board is not able to independently determine that the target business has a sufficient fair market value, we will obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions on the type of target business we are
99
Table of Contents
seeking to acquire, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. We will not be required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions on the type of target business we are seeking to acquire, as to the fair market value if our board of directors independently determines that the target business complies with the 80% threshold.
We will not be required to comply with the 80% fair market value requirement if we are delisted from NASDAQ. If NASDAQ delists our securities from trading on its exchange after this offering, we would not be required to satisfy the fair market value requirement described above and could complete a business combination with a target business having a fair market value substantially below 80% of the balance in the Trust Account.
Lack of Business Diversification
Our business combination must be with a target business or businesses that collectively satisfy the minimum valuation standard at the time of such acquisition, as discussed above, although this process may entail the simultaneous acquisitions of several operating businesses at the same time. Therefore, at least initially, the prospects for our success may be entirely dependent upon the future performance of a single business. Unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations of entities operating in multiple industries or multiple areas of a single industry, it is probable that we will not have the resources to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:
• subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination, and
• result in our dependency upon the performance of a single operating business or the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.
If we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other acquisitions, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple acquisitions, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business.
Limited Ability to Evaluate the Target Business’ Management
Although we intend to scrutinize the management of a prospective target business when evaluating the desirability of effecting a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of the target business’ management will prove to be correct. In addition, we cannot assure you that the future management will have the necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company. Furthermore, the future role of our officers and directors, if any, in the target business following a business combination cannot presently be stated with any certainty. While it is possible that some of our key personnel will remain associated in senior management or advisory positions with us following a business combination, it is unlikely that they will devote their full-time efforts to our affairs subsequent to a business combination. Moreover, they would only be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for them to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination. While the personal and financial interests of our key personnel may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business, their ability to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will proceed with any potential business combination. Additionally, our officers and directors may not have significant experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.
Following a business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the incumbent management of the target business. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to recruit additional managers, or that any such additional managers we do recruit will have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.
100
Table of Contents
Shareholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve an Initial Business Combination
In connection with any proposed business combination, we will either (1) seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which public shareholders may seek to redeem their public shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) or (2) provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to sell their public shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a shareholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account (net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our initial shareholders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, not to redeem any public shares held by them for their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account. If we determine to engage in a tender offer, such tender offer will be structured so that each shareholder may tender any or all of his, her or its public shares rather than some pro rata portion of his, her or its shares. The decision as to whether we will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow shareholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction, or whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek shareholder approval. If we so choose and we are legally permitted to do so, we have the flexibility to avoid a shareholder vote and allow our shareholders to sell their shares pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act which regulate issuer tender offers. In that case, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, solely if we seek shareholder approval, a majority of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination.
We chose our net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001 to ensure that following a business combination we would avoid being subject to Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act. However, if we seek to consummate an initial business combination with a target business that imposes any type of working capital closing condition or requires us to have a minimum amount of funds available from the Trust Account upon consummation of such initial business combination, our net tangible asset threshold may limit our ability to consummate such initial business combination (as we may be required to have a lesser number of shares redeemed or sold to us) and may force us to seek third party financing which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. As a result, we may not be able to consummate such initial business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. Public shareholders may therefore have to wait 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) in order to be able to receive a pro rata share of the Trust Account.
Our initial shareholders and our officers and directors have agreed (1) to vote any ordinary shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, (2) not to redeem any ordinary shares in connection with a shareholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination and (3) not sell any ordinary shares in any tender in connection with a proposed initial business combination. Assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised and the initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering or units or shares in the after-market, our initial shareholders, officers and directors collectively represent 21.8% of issued and outstanding ordinary shares on converted basis. As a result, for purpose of seeking shareholder approval for our initial business combination, in addition to our insider shares and private shares, we would need additional 2,730,001 public shares to vote in order to obtain a quorum which will be, pursuant to the second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that we will adopt immediately prior to or upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, a simple majority of our shareholders as being entitled to vote at the meeting. Once a quorum is obtained, (i) assuming only a quorum is present and voted at such meeting held to vote on our initial business combination, 307,501 public shares, or 4.1% of the 7,500,000 public shares sold in this offering are needed to be voted in favor of a transaction, or (ii) assuming all issued and outstanding shares are present and voted, we need additional 2,730,001, or 36.4%, of the 7,500,000 public shares sold in this offering are needed to be voted in favor of a transaction (none of our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or Class A ordinary shares in the open market or in private transactions (other than the private units)).
101
Table of Contents
Permitted Purchases of our Securities
In the event we seek shareholder approval of our business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our founders, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination. There is no limit on the number of shares or rights our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable law and Nasdaq rules. In the event that we submit our initial business combination to our public shareholders for a vote, our initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed to vote their insider shares, private shares and any public shares purchased in or after this offering in favor of any proposed business combination. Any shares purchased from public shareholders by our initial shareholders, officers or directors would be voted in favor of approving a business combination transaction. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions.
If they engage in such transactions, they will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. None of the funds held in the Trust Account will be used to purchase shares or public rights in such transactions prior to completion of our initial business combination. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such shareholder, although still the record holder of our ordinary shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that our founders or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules. None of the funds in the Trust Account will be used to purchase shares in such transactions prior to completion of our initial business combination.
Subsequent to the consummation of this offering, we will adopt an insider trading policy which will require insiders to: (i) refrain from purchasing our securities during certain blackout periods when they are in possession of any material non-public information and (ii) clear all trades of company securities with a compliance officer prior to execution. We cannot currently determine whether our insiders will make such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, as it will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to, the timing and size of such purchases. Depending on such circumstances, our insiders may either make such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan or determine that such a plan is not necessary.
The purpose of such purchases would be to (i) vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination or (ii) to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. This may result in the completion of our business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.
In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our ordinary shares may be reduced and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.
Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates anticipate that they may identify the shareholders with whom our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may pursue privately negotiated purchases by either the shareholders contacting us directly or by our receipt of redemption requests submitted by shareholders following our mailing of proxy materials in connection with our initial business combination. To the extent that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates enter into a private purchase, they would identify and contact only potential selling shareholders who have expressed their election to redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the Trust Account or vote against the business combination. Such persons would select the shareholders from whom to acquire shares based on the number of shares available, the negotiated price per share and such other factors as any such person
102
Table of Contents
may deem relevant at the time of purchase. The price per share paid in any such transaction may be different than the amount per share a public shareholder would receive if it elected to redeem its shares in connection with our initial business combination. Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates will only purchase shares if such purchases comply with Regulation M under the Exchange Act and the other federal securities laws.
Any purchases by our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act will only be made to the extent such purchases are able to be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) of, and Rule 10b-5 under, the Exchange Act. Rule 10b-18 has certain technical requirements that must be complied with in order for the safe harbor to be available to the purchaser. Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates will not make purchases of ordinary shares if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) of, or Rule 10b-5 under, the Exchange Act. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.
Redemption/Tender Rights
At any meeting called to approve an initial business combination, public shareholders may seek to redeem, their public shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, for their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, less any taxes then due but not yet paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our initial shareholders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with us, not to redeem any public shares held by them for their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account. The redemption rights will be effected under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and Cayman Islands law as redemptions. If we hold a meeting to approve an initial business combination, a holder will always have the ability to vote against a proposed business combination and not seek redemption of his shares.
Alternatively, if we engage in a tender offer, each public shareholder will be provided the opportunity to sell his public shares to us in such tender offer. The tender offer rules require us to hold the tender offer open for at least 20 business days. Accordingly, this is the minimum amount of time we would need to provide holders to determine whether they want to sell their public shares to us in the tender offer or remain an investor in our company.
Our initial shareholders, officers and directors will not have redemption rights with respect to any ordinary shares owned by them, directly or indirectly, whether acquired prior to this offering or purchased by them in this offering or in the aftermarket.
We may also require public shareholders, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender their certificates (if any) to our transfer agent or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, at any time at or prior to the vote on the business combination. Once the shares are tendered by the holder, and effectively redeemed by us under Cayman Islands law, the transfer agent will then update our Register of Members to reflect all redemptions and cancel such shares. The proxy solicitation materials that we will furnish to shareholders in connection with the vote for any proposed business combination will indicate whether we are requiring shareholders to satisfy such delivery requirements. Accordingly, a shareholder would have from the time our proxy statement is mailed through the vote on the business combination to deliver his shares if he wishes to seek to exercise his redemption rights. Under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we are required to provide at least 10 days’ advance notice of any shareholder meeting, which would be the minimum amount of time a shareholder would have to determine whether to exercise redemption rights. As a result, if we require public shareholders who wish to redeem their ordinary shares for a pro rata portion of the funds in the Trust Account to comply with the foregoing delivery requirements, holders may not have sufficient time to receive the notice and deliver their shares for redemption. Accordingly, investors may not be able to exercise their redemption rights and may be forced to retain our securities when they otherwise would not want to.
There is a nominal cost associated with this tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $120 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. However, this fee would be incurred regardless of whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise redemption rights. The need to deliver shares is a requirement of exercising redemption rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated. However, in the event we require shareholders seeking to exercise redemption rights to deliver their shares prior to the consummation of the proposed business combination and the proposed business combination is not consummated, this may result in an increased cost to shareholders.
103
Table of Contents
Any request to redeem or tender such shares once made, may be withdrawn at any time up to the vote on the proposed business combination or expiration of the tender offer. Furthermore, if a holder of a public share delivered his certificate in connection with an election of their redemption or tender and subsequently decides prior to the vote on the business combination or the expiration of the tender offer not to elect to exercise such rights, he may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or electronically).
If the initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then our public shareholders who elected to exercise their redemption or tender rights would not be entitled to redeem their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the Trust Account. In such case, we will promptly return any shares delivered by public holders.
Automatic Liquidation of Trust Account if No Business Combination
If we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the consummation of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus), it will trigger our automatic winding up, liquidation and subsequent dissolution pursuant to the terms of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. As a result, this has the same effect as if we had formally gone through a voluntary liquidation procedure under the Companies Act. Accordingly, no vote would be required from our shareholders to commence such a voluntary winding up, liquidation and subsequent dissolution. If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within such time period, we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of our issued and outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the Trust Account, including a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not necessary to pay our taxes, then seek to liquidate and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public shareholders.
The amount in the Trust Account will be treated as funds distributable under the Companies Act provided that immediately following the date on which the proposed distribution is proposed to be made, we are able to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. If we are forced to liquidate the Trust Account, we anticipate that we would distribute to our public shareholders the amount in the Trust Account calculated as of the date that is two (2) days prior to the distribution date (including any accrued interest net of taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses). Prior to such distribution, we would be required to assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us by our creditors for amounts they are actually owed and make provision for such amounts, as creditors take priority over our public shareholders with respect to amounts that are owed to them. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our shareholders could potentially be liable for any claims of creditors to the extent of distributions received by them as an unlawful payment in the event we enter an insolvent liquidation. Furthermore, while we will seek to have all vendors and service providers (which would include any third parties we engaged to assist us in any way in connection with our search for a target business) and prospective target businesses execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the Trust Account, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements. Nor is there any guarantee that, even if such entities execute such agreements with us, they will not seek recourse against the Trust Account or that a court would conclude that such agreements are legally enforceable.
Each of our initial shareholders and our officers and directors have agreed to waive its rights to participate in any liquidation of our Trust Account or other assets with respect to the insider shares and private units and to vote their insider shares and private shares in favor of any dissolution and plan of distribution which we submit to a vote of shareholders.
If we are unable to complete an initial business combination and expend all of the net proceeds of this offering, other than the proceeds deposited in the Trust Account, and without taking into account interest, if any, earned on the Trust Account, the initial per-share redemption price from the Trust Account would be $10.025.
The proceeds deposited in the Trust Account could, however, become subject to the claims of our creditors which would be prior to the claims of our public shareholders. Although we will seek to have all vendors, including lenders for money borrowed, prospective target businesses or other entities we engage execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of our public shareholders, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreements that they would be prevented from bringing claims against the Trust Account, including but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability
104
Table of Contents
of the waiver, in each case in order to gain an advantage with a claim against our assets, including the funds held in the Trust Account. If any third party refused to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the Trust Account, we would perform an analysis of the alternatives available to us if we chose not to engage such third party and evaluate if such engagement would be in the best interest of our shareholders if such third party refused to waive such claims. Examples of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refused to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a provider of required services willing to provide the waiver. In any event, our management would perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and would only enter into an agreement with a third party that did not execute a waiver if management believed that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any alternative. In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason.
Our sponsor has agreed that, if we liquidate the Trust Account prior to the consummation of a business combination, it will be liable to pay debts and obligations to target businesses or vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us in excess of the net proceeds of this offering not held in the Trust Account, but only to the extent necessary to ensure that such debts or obligations do not reduce the amounts in the Trust Account and only if such parties have not executed a waiver agreement. However, we cannot assure you that it will be able to satisfy those obligations if it is required to do so. Accordingly, the actual per-share redemption price could be less than $10.025 due to claims of creditors. Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the Trust Account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the Trust Account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public shareholders at least $10.025 per share.
Facilities
Our principal executive office is located at 221 W 9th St #848, Wilmington, DE 19801, and our telephone number is 909-214-2482.
Employees
We have two executive officers, Mr. Will Garner, who is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Yuanmei Ma, who is our Chief Financial Officer. Our officers are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters and intend to devote only as much time as they deem necessary to our affairs. The amount of time they will devote in any time period will vary based on whether a target business has been selected for the business combination and the stage of the business combination process the company is in. Accordingly, once management locates a suitable target business to acquire, they will spend more time investigating such target business and negotiating and processing the business combination (and consequently spend more time to our affairs) than they would prior to locating a suitable target business. We presently expect our executive officers to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business (which could range from only a few hours a week while we are trying to locate a potential target business to a majority of their time as we move into serious negotiations with a target business for a business combination). We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of a business combination.
Periodic Reporting and Audited Financial Statements
We will register our units, Class A ordinary shares, and rights under the Exchange Act and have reporting obligations, including the requirement that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, our annual report will contain financial statements audited and reported on by our independent registered public accountants.
We will provide shareholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of any proxy solicitation sent to shareholders to assist them in assessing the target business. In all likelihood, the financial information included in the proxy solicitation materials will need to be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS, depending on the circumstances, and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. The financial statements may also be required to be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP
105
Table of Contents
for the Form 8-K announcing the closing of an initial business combination, which would need to be filed within four business days thereafter. We cannot assure you that any particular target business identified by us as a potential acquisition candidate will have the necessary financial information. To the extent that this requirement cannot be met, we may not be able to acquire the proposed target business.
We will be required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.
We are an emerging growth company as defined in in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile. We will remain such for up to five years. However, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three-year period or our total revenues exceed $1,235,000,000 or the market value of our ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. As an emerging growth company, we have elected, under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act, to take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
Legal Proceedings
Certain legal proceedings against Mr. Umesh Patel (Director Nominee)
On March 8, 2019, Jie Yuan (the “Jie Action”) filed a putative shareholder derivative lawsuit purportedly on behalf of Nova Lifestyle, Inc. (Nasdaq; NVFY, the “Nova LifeStyle”) in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, against Nova LifeStyle’s former and current CEOs and CFOs (Thanh H. Lam, Ya Ming Wong, Jeffery Chuang and Yuen Ching Ho) and directors (Charlie Huy La, Bin Liu, Umesh Patel, and Min Su) and vice president (Steven Qiang Liu) (collectively, the “Defendants”) seeking to recover any losses Nova LifeStyle sustains as a result of alleged securities violations outlined in a Seeking Alpha blog and a certain securities class action case filed by George Barney and others (the “Barney Action”) in the same court on December 28, 2018.
Specifically, the derivative lawsuit alleges that the Defendants caused Nova LifeStyle to make the alleged false and/or misleading statements giving rise to the putative securities class action. The Plaintiff also alleges that President and CEO Lam engaged in self-dealing transactions by leasing her property to Diamond Bar, a Nova LifeStyle subsidiary, and asserts that Lam, former CEO and director Ya Ming Wong, former CFO and director Yuen Ching Ho, and director Umesh Patel sold securities during the period of time when the alleged false and/or misleading statements were made “with knowledge of material non-public information.”
On May 15, 2019, Wilton Samuels (the “Samuels Action”) also filed a putative derivative complaint purportedly on behalf of Nova Lifestyle against the same current and former directors and officers named in the Jie Action other than Steven Qiang Liu in the same court. Samuels repeats the allegations of the Complaint in the Jie Action. Additionally, Samuels claims that, in announcing its change of auditing firms in September 2016, Nova Lifestyle asserted that this change was made because its existing auditor ceased auditing public companies subject to regulation in the United States without disclosing that its new auditing firm was created in a merger of three accounting firms, including a firm whose registration was revoked by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Samuels also claims that Nova Lifestyle redeemed its stock in reliance upon the same purported fraudulent recognition of revenues claimed in the putative class action. He purports to state direct claims under Sections 10(b) and 20 of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5.
Upon the request of the Defendants, the court in the Jie Action and the Samuels Action agreed, respectively, in April 2020 and June 2020 to stay the proceedings until the Barney Action is resolved.
106
Table of Contents
The Barney Action was settled and the final settlement was approved by that court in April 2024. However, as of the date hereof, the stay entered by the court in the Jie and Samuels actions have not been lifted at this time.
Upon the request of the parties in the Samuels Action, the court on August 13, 2024 has requested the parties to submit a joint stipulation to lift the stay in the Samuels Action and to propose a joint briefing schedule to proceed further with the proceeding. In addition, in the Jie Action, on September 16, 2024, the parties have requested further stay for 30 days to review settlement options.
Other than the foregoing pending proceeding, there is no material litigation, arbitration or governmental proceeding currently pending against us or any of our officers or directors in their capacity as such, and we and our officers and directors have not been subject to any such proceeding in the 12 months preceding the date of this prospectus.
Comparison to Offerings of Blank Check Companies Subject to Rule 419
The following table compares and contrasts the terms of our offering and the terms of an offering of blank check companies under Rule 419 promulgated by the SEC assuming that the gross proceeds, underwriting discounts and underwriting expenses for the Rule 419 offering are the same as this offering and that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option. None of the terms of a Rule 419 offering will apply to this offering because we will be listed on a national securities exchange, we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,001 upon the successful consummation of this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact.
| | Terms of the Offering | | Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering |
Escrow of offering proceeds | | $75,187,500 (or $86,465,625 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) of the net offering proceeds and proceeds from the sale of the private units will be deposited into a Trust Account in the United States, maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., acting as trustee. | | $65,193,750 of the offering proceeds would be required to be deposited into either an escrow account with an insured depositary institution or in a separate bank account established by a broker-dealer in which the broker-dealer acts as trustee for persons having the beneficial interests in the account. |
Investment of net proceeds | | The $75,187,500 (or $86,465,625 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) of the net offering proceeds and proceeds from the sale of the private units held in trust will only be invested in United States government treasury bills, bonds or notes with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting the applicable conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that invest solely in United States government treasuries. | | Proceeds could be invested only in specified securities such as a money market fund meeting conditions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 or in securities that are direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the United States. |
Limitation on fair value or net assets of target business | | The initial target business that we acquire must have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in our Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination. We will not be required to comply with the 80% fair market value requirement if we are delisted from NASDAQ. | | We would be restricted from acquiring a target business unless the fair value of such business or net assets to be acquired represent at least 80% of the maximum offering proceeds. |
107
Table of Contents
| | Terms of the Offering | | Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering |
Trading of securities issued | | The units may commence trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The ordinary shares, and rights comprising the units will begin to trade separately on the 52nd day after the closing of this offering unless the underwriters inform us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading (based upon its assessment of the relative strengths of the securities markets and small capitalization and blank check companies in general, and the trading pattern of, and demand for, our securities in particular), provided we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K, which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the proceeds of this offering. | | No trading of the units or the underlying securities would be permitted until the completion of a business combination. During this period, the securities would be held in the escrow or Trust Account. |
Election to remain an investor | | We will either (1) give our shareholders the opportunity to vote on the business combination or (2) provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to sell their public shares to us in a tender offer for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account less taxes payable. If we hold a meeting to approve a proposed business combination, we will send each shareholder a proxy statement containing information required by the SEC. Under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we must provide at least 10 days advance notice of any meeting of shareholders. Accordingly, this is the minimum amount of time we would need to provide holders to determine whether to exercise their rights to redeem their shares for cash at such a meeting or to remain an investor in our company. Alternatively, if we do not hold a meeting and instead conduct a tender offer, we will conduct such tender offer in accordance with the tender offer rules of the SEC and file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as we would have included in a proxy statement. The tender offer rules require us to hold the tender offer open for at least 20 business days. Accordingly, this is the minimum amount of time we would need to provide holders to determine whether they want to sell their shares to us in the tender offer or remain an investor in our company. | | A prospectus containing information required by the SEC would be sent to each investor. Each investor would be given the opportunity to notify the company, in writing, within a period of no less than 20 business days and no more than 45 business days from the effective date of the post-effective amendment, to decide whether he or she elects to remain a shareholder of the company or require the return of his or her investment. If the company has not received the notification by the end of the 45th business day, funds and interest or dividends, if any, held in the trust or escrow account would automatically be returned to the shareholder. Unless a sufficient number of investors elect to remain investors, all of the deposited funds in the escrow account must be returned to all investors and none of the securities will be issued. |
108
Table of Contents
| | Terms of the Offering | | Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering |
Business combination deadline | | Pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, if we do not complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the consummation of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, provided that our sponsor or designee must deposit into the Trust Account for each three months extension, $750,000, or $862,500 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,500,000 or $1,725,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline), it will trigger our automatic winding up, liquidation and subsequent dissolution. There is no obligation for us or our sponsors to extend the time for us to complete our initial business combination. In the event that the time to complete an initial business combination is extended and our sponsors or their affiliates or designees make the payments necessary for such extension, they will receive a non-interest bearing, unsecured promissory note in the amount of any such deposit, which will not be repaid in the event that we are unable to close an initial business combination unless there are funds available outside the trust account to do so. We intend to issue a press release announcing any intention to extend the time to consummate an initial business combination at least three days prior to the applicable deadline. In addition, we intend to issue a press release or file a Current Report on Form 8-K promptly after the applicable deadline announcing whether or not the necessary funds had been timely deposited. | | If an acquisition has not been consummated within 18 months after the effective date of the initial registration statement, funds held in the trust or escrow account would be returned to investors. |
Interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account | | There can be released to us, from time to time any interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account that we may need to pay our tax obligations. The remaining interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our entry into liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time. | | All interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account will be held in trust for the benefit of public shareholders until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time. |
109
Table of Contents
| | Terms of the Offering | | Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering |
Release of funds | | Except for interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to us to pay our tax obligations, the proceeds held in the Trust Account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of a business combination (in which case, the proceeds released to us will be net of the funds used to pay redeeming or tendering shareholders, as the trustee will directly send the appropriate portion of the amount held in trust to the redeeming or tendering shareholders at the time of the business combination) and the liquidation of our Trust Account upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time. | | The proceeds held in the escrow account would not be released until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or the failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time. |
110
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
Our current directors and executive officers, their ages and positions are as follows:
Name | | Age | | Position |
Robert (Will) W. Garner | | 47 | | Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman |
Yuanmei Ma | | 53 | | Chief Financial Officer, and Director |
Stephen Markscheid | | 70 | | Independent Director Nominee |
Umesh Patel | | 67 | | Independent Director Nominee |
Mark Chaney | | 56 | | Independent Director Nominee |
Below is a summary of the business experience of each our executive officers and directors
Robert (Will) W. Garner, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director, is an experienced attorney, advisor and investor. Since 2020, he has served as an advisor and attorney with Latitude Consultancy Limited, an investment-based immigration service provider, as a litigation discovery review attorney with several law firms, and as an advisor for Greenwing Ventures, a boutique Canadian merchant bank. Since 2013, Mr. Garner has also served as an advisor for Vulpes Investment Management Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based alternative investment manager, providing business development and fundraising advisory services for US clients and partners. Previously, from 2016 to 2020, he was the principal of Garner Law Group, an immigration law firm he founded. From 2016 to 2019, he also served as the founder and director of operations of Lucky Dawgs Brewing Company, a brewery based in Hong Kong. Mr. Garner received a J.D. degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a M.B.A. from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Georgia. He also received a certificate for the Stanford LEAD program for executive education at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is a member of the Florida Bar.
We believe that Mr. Garner’s broad-based experience in investment management and advisory makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Yuanmei Ma, Chief Financial Officer and Director, has extensive financial management experience for public companies. Most recently, Ms. Ma served as Chie Financial Officer and director of Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIEV), a Taiwanese electronic vehicle developer, after the company’s business combination with Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), from June 2024 to September 2024. Previously, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation from January 2022 to June 2024. Before that, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of Aiways Group, an EV company in California from June 2022 to August 2023, and Mayrock Automotive Inc., a zero-emission commercial mobility company in California from September 2020 to June 2022. Between February 2021 and December 2022, Ms. Ma served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: FLFV), a Nasdaq listed SPAC. Ms. Ma was the director of investor relation at Highpower International Inc., from August 2016 to November 2019; when it was listed on Nasdaq (Formerly Nasdaq: HPJ). From July 2010 to June 2013, Ms. Ma was the Chief Financial Officer for Baosheng Steel Inc. She was Chief Financial Officer of Yihe Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. between August 2009 to June 2010; and Chief Financial Officer of Zhongpin Inc., (Formerly Nasdaq: HOGS), from September 2005 to October 2008. Ms. Ma holds an Executive MBA degree from both INSEAD Business School and Tsinghua University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Arkansas State University.
We believe that Ms. Ma’s track record in financial management and past experience as a SPAC executive make her well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Stephen Markscheid, Director Nominee, who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced public company director and advisor. Since 2019, he has served as the Managing Partner of Aerion Capital, a boutique investment firm. Most recently, he has served as a director for Monterey Capital Acquisition Corp. from December 2021 until its business combination with ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. in July 2024. Mr. Markscheid has continued to serve as the director of the post-combination entity, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., a clean energy solutions provider, since July 2024. He has also served as a director of Tristar Acquisition I Corp. from August 2023 until its business combination with Helport Limited in August 2024, at which point he resigned as director of the company. Mr. Markscheid has also served as director of Four Leaf Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FORL)
111
Table of Contents
since July 2022, a SPAC currently in search of a target for business combination. In addition, he also has extensive experience as a board member for several operating companies, including as a director for JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS), an international solar module manufacturer, since 2009; Kingwisoft Technology Group Co. Ltd. (HKX: 8295), a Hong Kong investment holding company, from 2016 to August 2024; Richtech Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: RR), a Nevada based robotics solutions company, since November 2023; QMIS TBS Capital Group Corp., a Malaysian financial advisory firm, from February to April 2024; Cenntro Inc. (Nasdaq: CENN), a New Jersey based electronic commercial vehicle developer, from November 2023 to April 2024; Fanhua, Inc. (Nasdaq: FANH), a China based financial service firm, from 2007 to 2024; Akso Health Group (Nasdaq: AHG), a Chinese e-commerce platform, from 2017 to 2022; UGE International (XTSX:UGE), a solar installation company, from August 2021 to July 2023. In addition, Mr. Markscheid serves as a Board Advisor to several companies, including NanoGraf Corporation, Intelligent Generation LLC, Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co. Ltd., Nulyzer Inc. and Hago Energetics, Inc., Mr. Markscheid also serves as a trustee emeritus of Princeton-in-Asia and Chairman Emeritus of KX Power, a UK based energy storage project developer. From 1998 to 2006, he worked for GE Capital. During his time with GE Capital, Mr. Markscheid led GE Capital’s business development activities in China and Asia Pacific, primarily acquisitions and direct investments. Prior to GE Capital, Mr. Markscheid worked with the Boston Consulting Group throughout Asia. He was a banker for ten years in London, Chicago, New York, Hong Kong and Beijing with Chase Manhattan Bank and First National Bank of Chicago. Mr. Markscheid began his career with the US-China Business Council, in Washington D.C. and Beijing. He earned a BA in East Asian Studies from Princeton University in 1976, an MA in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University in 1980, and an MBA from Columbia University in 1991, where he was class valedictorian. Mr. Markscheid has been nominated to serve as a director of Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation, which publicly filed a registration statement in July 2024.
We believe that Mr. Markscheid’s rich experience as a public company director and advisor makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Umesh Patel, Director Nominee, who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced advisor, investor and executive. Mr. Patel has served as a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Fuse Group Holding Inc. (OTC: FUST), a company exploring opportunities in the mining industry, since February 2017 and its Chief Financial Officer since November 2022. Since October 2016, Mr. Patel has served as a director of Nova Lifestyle Inc. (Nasdaq: NYFY), a home furniture design, marketing and manufacturing firm. Since December 2009, Mr. Patel has served as a managing partner of DviBri LLC, a California-based consulting company providing services to private companies interested in conducting initial public offerings, along with other associated securities and investment services. Since March 2013, Mr. Patel has also been a consultant and coordinator for Eos-Petro Inc., an international and domestic petroleum exploration and production company based in Southern California. Mr. Patel received his Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in audits and accounts, and an Associate degree in hotel management and catering from Maharaja Sayaji Rao University in Baroda, India in 1978.
We believe that Mr. Patel’s investment and regulatory experience makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Mark Chaney, Director Nominee who will become our director upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, is an experienced real estate developer and investor with more than 20 years of experience. He has served as the owner of M J Chaney, Inc., a California based real estate development and investment company, since 1995. In his role, Mr. Chaney has participated in the investment, development, renovation, and constructions of more than 50 real estate projects. In addition, he has also served a consultant to the PGA Tour since 1994, advising the professional golf tournament organizer on sports consulting and golf course design matters. Mr. Chaney received a degree in business from the University of California, Los Angeles.
We believe that Mr. Chaney’s track record in investment makes him well suited to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Among our management, Ms. Ma, our CFO and director, has previously served as the CFO of Fortune Rise Acquisition Corporation, a position she held at the SPAC from February 2021 until December 2022. During her tenure, the SPAC announced and later terminated a proposed business combination with VCV Digital Technology in 2022. From January 2022 to June 2024, Ms. Ma also served as the CFO of Feutune Light Acquisition Corporation until its business combination with Thunder Power Holding Limited, after which she continued on as CFO and director of the post-combined entity, Thunder Power Holdings, Inc. from June 2024 to September 2024. In addition, Mr. Markscheid, our independent director nominee, has served as a director for Monterey Capital Acquisition Corp. from December 2021
112
Table of Contents
until its business combination with ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. in July 2024. Mr. Markscheid has continued to serve as the director of the post-combination entity, ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc., a clean energy solutions provider, since July 2024. He has also served as a director of Tristar Acquisition I Corp. from August 2023 until its business combination with Helport Limited in August 2024, at which point he resigned as director of the company. Mr. Markscheid has also served as director of Four Leaf Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FORL) since July 2022, a SPAC currently in search of a target for business combination, and has been nominated to serve as a director of Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation, which publicly filed a registration statement in July 2024. Other than the foregoing, none of our management has been or is currently involved in any other SPACs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers and directors are not required to commit their full time to our affairs and will allocate their time to other businesses, and the collective experience of our officers and with blank check companies like ours is not significant. We presently expect each of our employees to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business (which could range from only a few hours a week while we are trying to locate a potential target business to a majority of their time as we move into serious negotiations with a target business for a business combination). The past successes of our executive officers and directors do not guarantee that we will successfully consummate an initial business combination. In addition, the members of the management team may not remain with us subsequent to the consummation of a business combination.
Our Sponsor
Our sponsor, ST Sponsor II Limited, is a Cayman Islands exempted company formed as an investment vehicle holding our securities of us and as the sponsor of the offering. Mr. Sunny Tan Kah Wei, a Malaysian citizen and resident, serves as its sole director and member with 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the sponsor.
Mr. Tan is an experienced Malaysian investor and corporate executive with more than a decade of experience in a variety of industries. Currently, Mr. Tan serves as director of Bellesome Capital Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based investment firm. He is also a director of MFSS Sdn. Bhd., an information technology company in Malaysia. He is also the sole director of a Cayman Islands holding company that serves as the sponsor of a different SPAC (the “Second SPAC”), which has made a confidential draft registration statement filing. Most recently, from 2018 to 2023, Mr. Tan served as the general manager of Mega Fortris Global Pte. Ltd., the Singapore subsidiary of Mega Fortris Bhd., a Malaysian security seal and cargo securing solutions manufacturer. Before that, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of ASA Multiplate, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based ASTI Holdings Limited, a semiconductor manufacturing solutions provider. Other than this Company and the Second SPAC, neither Mr. Tan nor the sponsor has previously organized any SPAC or is currently involved in any other SPAC at this time.
On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 insider shares to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. The insider shares held by our sponsor include an aggregate of up to 281,250 insider shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. Other than the foregoing, our sponsor is not expected to effect any direct transfer of the insider shares it held prior to the offering, and Mr. Tan is not expected to effect any indirect transfer of such insider shares by transferring any securities of the sponsor prior to the offering.
As a result, prior to the offering, the sponsor holds 1,996,250 insider shares, or 92.6% of our issued and outstanding shares. Immediately after the offering, the sponsor is expected to hold 1,936,250 insider shares, or 89.7% of the issued and outstanding insider shares (without the exercise of the over-allotment option), with up to 281,250 ordinary shares of the 1,936,250 insider shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part.
The insider shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, except that (i) they will automatically convert into our Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination, (b) they are subject to certain transfer restrictions (see “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus); (c) prior to our initial business combination, only holders of the insider shares have the right to vote on the appointment or removal of a member of the board of directors for any reason; (d) our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into the Letter Agreement with us to waiver their redemption rights, rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Accounts and other shareholder rights enjoyed by holders of the Class A ordinary shares.
113
Table of Contents
In addition, our sponsor has agreed and will enter into an agreement with us immediately prior to the effectiveness of this prospectus pursuant to which, (A) to vote their insider shares and private shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and private shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell any shares they hold to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.
Additionally, our sponsor has agreed to not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property (except as described in “Principal Shareholders — Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus).
The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of our initial business combination which means that these securities will be transferable following the completion of our initial business combination.
Additional, although our sponsor is not expected to effect any direct transfer of the insider shares it held at any time prior to the offering or after the offering until the expiration of applicable lock-up, certain transfers are permitted for the insider shares and private units (including the underlying securities): (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transferees of any indirect transfer of the insider shares or private units will be subject to the same lock-up of our sponsor and our directors and executive officers with respect to any insider shares or private units.
Following this offering, our sponsor will own a total of 1,665,000 insider shares and 240,000 private units, representing 19.7% of the issued and outstanding shares following this offering. In total, the sponsor will pay for a nominal aggregate purchase price of $2,421,754 for an aggregate of 1,905,000 shares and 240,000 rights (which will be converted to 30,000 shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination). However, other than the foregoing, our sponsor or its affiliates have not received and will not receive any other form of compensation upon the closing of the offering.
114
Table of Contents
For a summary of the securities owned by the Sponsor and the relevant terms, see illustration below:
Types of Securities | | Number of Securities Before Offering Held | | Number of Securities After Offering Held (assuming no over-allotment option exercised) | | Purchase Price or Conversion Price Per Securities | | Parties subject to the Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement | | Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement | | Exceptions to Lock-Up Terms in the Letter Agreement |
Insider Shares | | 1,996,250 | | 1,665,000 | | $0.0116 per share | | The Sponsor; Mr. Garner, Chairman, CEO and Director; Ms. Ma, CFO and Director; Mr. Markscheid, Director Nominee; Mr. Patel, Director Nominee; Mr. Chaney, Director Nominee | | With respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. | | Notwithstanding the lock-up terms, transfers are permitted: (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent). |
Private Shares | | 0 | | 240,000 | | $10 per Private Unit (including one Private Share and one Private Right) | | The Private Shares, Private Rights, Working Capital Shares, or Working Capital Rights will be released from lock-up and be transferrable after the completion of the initial business combination. | |
Private Rights | | 0 | | 240,000 | |
Working Capital Shares | | 0 | | Up to 300,000 | | $10 per Working Capital Unit (including one Working Capital Share and one Working Capital Right) | |
Working Capital Rights | | 0 | | Up to 300,000 | |
As of June 14, 2024, our sponsor had loaned to us an aggregate of $123,572 to be used to pay formation and a portion of the expenses of this offering, respectively. The loan is payable without interest on the date on which we consummate our initial public offering. If we determine not to proceed with the offering, such amounts would not be repaid. Additionally, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. The working capital units would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement. The terms of such loans by our insiders, officers and directors
115
Table of Contents
or their affiliates or designees, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our insiders or an affiliate of our insiders as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account, but if we do, we will request such lender to provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account.
Other than the foregoing, the sponsor does not have any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with the Company regarding any compensation, reimbursement, or transfer of interests in relation to our initial business combination, nor is there any agreement between the sponsor and any unaffiliated shareholders of the Company regarding redemptions, payments, compensation, reimbursement, or transfer of interests.
In addition to the insider shares, the compensation received or to be received and the amount of securities issued or to be issued to our initial shareholders, including the issuance of working capital units that may be converted from the working capital notes and the issuance of extension units that may be converted from the extension notes, may have dilutive effect on the public shares you hold. However, the extent of such dilutive effect is uncertain. For further information, see “Risk Factor — The conversion of any working capital notes or extension notes into working capital units or extension units may result in significant dilution to your public shares.” and “Risk Factor — We may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.” On pages 53 and 39 of the prospectus.
Given that Mr. Tan is a Malaysian citizen and resident, and has sole voting and investment discretion with respect to our shares held by our sponsor, we may be considered a “foreign person” under rules promulgated by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited. See “Risk Factor — We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company if such initial business combination is subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.” on page 73 of this prospectus.
Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, our management including our officers and directors are all located in the United States. Our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether after the closing of this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or in connection with and following the consummation of our initial business combination, all officers and directors of the post-combination entity will be located in the Unites States. If we or post-combination entity has management members outside the United States either before or after the business combination, it may be difficult, or in some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon them and our sponsor, to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties on them under United States securities laws. See “Risk Factors — Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future those officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination.” on page 69 of this prospectus.
Number, Terms of Office and Appointment of Directors and Officers
Our board of directors consists of five members. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, with only one class of directors being elected in each year, and with each class (except for those directors appointed prior to our first annual meeting of shareholders) serving a three-year term: Class I, with a term expiring at the first annual general meeting — Stephen Markscheid; Class II, with a term expiring at the second annual general meeting — Umesh Patel and Mark Chaney; and Class III, with a term expiring at the third annual general meeting — Will Garner and Yuanmei Ma. Prior to the completion of an initial business combination, any vacancies on our board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present and voting at the meeting of our board of directors or by a majority of the holders of
116
Table of Contents
our insider shares. After completion of the business combination, subject to any other special rights applicable to the shareholders, any vacancies on our board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present and voting at the meeting of our board of directors or by a majority of the holders of our ordinary shares.
Our officers are appointed by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association as it deems appropriate. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that our officers may consist of a Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Operating Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Assistant Secretaries, a Treasurer and such other offices as may be determined by the board of directors.
Executive Officer and Director Compensation
We have offered to and our Chairman and CEO has accepted an offer letter, dated June 14, 2024, which provides that Mr. Garner shall receive a monthly cash compensation of $7,500 among from the date of the offer letter until the earlier of (i) the termination of the offer letter; (ii) the date that the Company consummates an initial business combination; (iii) the date the Company is wound up; or (iv) the date that he vacates his positions or he is removed or disqualified from his positions pursuant to the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.
We have also offered to and our CFO has accepted an offer letter, dated May 25, 2024, which provides that Ms. Ma shall receive a monthly cash compensation of $5,000 among from the date of the offer letter until the earlier of (i) the termination of the offer letter; (ii) the date that the Company consummates an initial business combination; (iii) the date the Company is wound up; or (iv) the date that he vacates his positions or he is removed or disqualified from his positions pursuant to the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.
Other than as set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, no compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid to our founders or any of their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the completion of our initial business combination although we may consider cash or other compensation to officers or advisors we may hire subsequent to this offering to be paid either prior to or in connection with our initial business combination. In addition, our officers, directors or any of their respective affiliates will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our founders or their affiliates.
After the completion of our initial business combination, directors or members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company. All these fees will be fully disclosed to shareholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer materials or proxy solicitation materials furnished to our shareholders in connection with a proposed business combination. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time, because the directors of the post-combination business will be responsible for determining executive officer and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to our executive officers will be determined by a compensation committee constituted solely of independent directors.
We do not intend to take any action to ensure that members of our management team maintain their positions with us after the consummation of our initial business combination, although it is possible that some or all of our executive officers and directors may negotiate employment or consulting arrangements to remain with us after the initial business combination. The existence or terms of any such employment or consulting arrangements to retain their positions with us may influence our management’s motivation in identifying or selecting a target business but we do not believe that the ability of our management to remain with us after the consummation of our initial business combination will be a determining factor in our decision to proceed with any potential business combination. We are not party to any other agreements with our directors and executive officers.
Director Independence
NASDAQ requires that a majority of our board must be composed of “independent directors.” Currently, Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney would each be considered an “independent director” under the NASDAQ listing rules, which is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship, which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.
117
Table of Contents
We will only enter into a business combination if it is approved by a majority of our independent directors. Additionally, we will only enter into transactions with our officers and directors and their respective affiliates that are on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from independent parties. Any related-party transactions must also be approved by our audit committee and a majority of disinterested independent directors.
Audit Committee
Under the NASDAQ listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have three members of the audit committee all of whom must be independent. Effective as of the date of this prospectus, we have established an audit committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, each of whom is an independent director under NASDAQ’s listing standards. Mr. Markscheid is the Chairperson of the audit committee. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:
• reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, and recommending to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K;
• discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;
• discussing with management major risk assessment and risk management policies;
• monitoring the independence of the independent auditor;
• verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law;
• reviewing and approving all related-party transactions;
• inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed;
• appointing or replacing the independent auditor;
• determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work;
• establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies; and
• approving reimbursement of expenses incurred by our management team in identifying potential target businesses.
Financial Experts on Audit Committee
The audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively of independent directors” who are “financially literate” as defined under NASDAQ listing standards. NASDAQ listing standards define “financially literate” as being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.
In addition, we must certify to NASDAQ that the committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Markscheid is qualified as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.
118
Table of Contents
Director Nominations
We do not have a standing nominating committee. In accordance with Rule 5605(e)(2) of the Nasdaq Rules, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the board of directors. The board of directors believes that the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibility of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.
The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our shareholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of shareholders).
We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, our board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our shareholders.
Compensation Committee
Effective as of the date of this prospectus, we will establish a compensation committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, each of whom is an independent director under NASDAQ’s listing standards. Mr. Patel is the Chairperson of the compensation committee. The compensation committee’s duties, which are specified in our Compensation Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:
• reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer’s based on such evaluation;
• reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our other executive officers;
• reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;
• implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;
• assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;
• approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our executive officers and employees;
• if required, producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and
• reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, as indicated above, no compensation of any kind, including finders, consulting or other similar fees, will be paid to any of our existing shareholders, including our directors or any of their respective affiliates, prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of a business combination. Accordingly, it is likely that prior to the consummation of an initial business combination, the compensation committee will only be responsible for the review and recommendation of any compensation arrangements to be entered into in connection with such initial business combination.
Code of Ethics
Upon consummation of this offering, we will adopt a code of ethics that applies to all of our executive officers, directors and employees. The code of ethics codifies the business and ethical principles that govern all aspects of our business.
Conflicts of Interest
Potential investors should be aware of the following potential conflicts of interest:
• None of our officers and directors is required to commit their full time to our affairs and, accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time among various business activities.
119
Table of Contents
• In the course of their other business activities, our officers and directors may become aware of investment and business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to our company as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated. Our management has pre-existing fiduciary duties and contractual obligations and may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. As a result, our officers or directors may present a potential target to our competitor that would had been presented to us or devote time to our affairs which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.
• Our officers and directors may in the future become affiliated with entities, including other blank check companies, engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by our company.
• The insider shares owned by our officers and directors will be released from escrow only if a business combination is successfully completed and subject to certain other limitations. Additionally, our officers and directors will not receive distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any of their insider shares if we do not complete a business combination. Furthermore, our insiders have agreed that the private units will not be sold or transferred by them until after we have completed our initial business combination. In addition, our officers and directors may loan funds to us after this offering and may be owed reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with certain activities on our behalf which would only be repaid if we complete an initial business combination. For the foregoing reasons, the personal and financial interests of our directors and executive officers may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business, completing a business combination in a timely manner and securing the release of their shares.
• The controlling shareholder of our sponsor, Mr. Tan, has sponsored the Second SPAC, which has made a confidential draft registration statement filing. The Second SPAC may engage in a potential business combination during a time when we are seeking an initial business combination. As a result, the Second SPAC may compete with us for the same set of business combination targets in the future. Mr. Tan has pre-existing fiduciary duties and contractual obligations and may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. As a result, Mr. Tan may present a potential target to the Second SPAC that would had been presented to us which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.
• In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering until completion of an initial business combination, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. The working capital units would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement. The terms of such loans by our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans.
In addition to the above, directors also owe a duty of care which is not fiduciary in nature. This duty has been defined as a requirement to act as a reasonably diligent person having both the general knowledge, skill and experience that may reasonably be expected of a person carrying out the same functions as are carried out by that director in relation to the company and the general knowledge skill and experience which that director has.
As set out above, directors have a duty not to put themselves in a position of conflict and this includes a duty not to engage in self-dealing, or to otherwise benefit as a result of their position. However, in some instances what would otherwise be a breach of this duty can be forgiven and/or authorized in advance by the shareholders provided that there is full disclosure by the directors. This can be done by way of permission granted in the second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or alternatively by shareholder approval at general meetings.
120
Table of Contents
Accordingly, as a result of multiple business affiliations, our officers and directors may have similar legal obligations relating to presenting business opportunities meeting the Company’s business combination and acquisition criteria to multiple entities. In addition, conflicts of interest may arise when our board evaluates a particular business opportunity with respect to the Company’s business combination and acquisition criteria. We cannot assure you that any of the above-mentioned conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Furthermore, most of our officers and directors have pre-existing fiduciary obligations to other businesses of which they are officers or directors. To the extent they identify business opportunities which may be suitable for the entities to which they owe pre-existing fiduciary obligations, our officers and directors will honor those fiduciary obligations. Accordingly, it is possible they may not present opportunities to us that otherwise may be attractive to us unless the entities to which they owe pre-existing fiduciary obligations and any successors to such entities have declined to accept such opportunities.
In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise from multiple corporate affiliations, each of our officers and directors has contractually agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, until the earliest of a business combination, our liquidation or such time as he ceases to be an officer or director, to present to our company for our consideration, prior to presentation to any other entity, any suitable business opportunity which may reasonably be required to be presented to us, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations he might have.
In connection with the vote required for any business combination, all of our existing shareholders, including all of our officers and directors, have agreed to vote their respective insider shares and private shares in favor of any proposed business combination. In addition, they have agreed to waive their respective rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to those ordinary shares acquired by them prior to this offering. If they purchase ordinary shares in this offering or in the open market, however, they would be entitled to participate in any liquidation distribution in respect of such shares but have agreed not to redeem such shares (or sell their shares in any tender offer) in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination or an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to pre-business combination activity.
All ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will require prior approval by our audit committee and a majority of our uninterested “independent” directors, or the members of our board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at our expense, to our attorneys or independent legal counsel. We will not enter into any such transaction unless our audit committee and a majority of our independent directors determine that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to us than those that would be available to us with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.
To further minimize conflicts of interest, we have agreed not to consummate our initial business combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of our officers, directors or insiders, unless we have obtained (i) an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the business combination is fair to our unaffiliated shareholders from a financial point of view and (ii) the approval of a majority of our disinterested and independent directors (if we have any at that time). Furthermore, in no event will any of our insiders, officers, directors, special advisors or their respective affiliates be paid any finder’s fee, consulting fee or other similar compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of our initial business combination.
Our insiders and management may also purchase public units or shares during or after this offering, including in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. During the offering, if any insiders or management participates in the offering as an anchor investor, they may receive incentives which offer greater economic benefits than those available to public investors in the offering. In addition, in order to incentivize the participation of certain potential anchor investors, our sponsor may offer or share its economics in certain of our securities with such potential anchor investors, the net effect of which could be to provide greater economic benefit to such potential anchor investors than that provided to other investors in the offering.
121
Table of Contents
Below is a table summarizing the entities to which our executive officers, directors and director nominees currently have fiduciary duties or contractual obligations:
Individual | | Entity | | Entity’s Business | | Affiliation |
Robert (Will) W. Garner | | Latitude Consultancy Limited | | Consultancy | | Consultant |
| | Greenwing Ventures | | Bank | | Consultant |
| | Vulpes Investment Management Pte. Ltd | | Investment | | Consultant |
Yuanmei Ma | | NA | | NA | | NA |
Stephen Markscheid | | JinkoSolar Holdings Co. Ltd. | | Solar | | Director |
| | ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. | | Clean Energy | | Director |
| | Four Leaf Acquisition Corporation | | SPAC | | Director |
| | Richtech Robotics Inc. | | Robotics | | Director |
| | Shepherd Ave Capital Acquisition Corporation | | SPAC | | Director |
| | Aerion Capital | | Investment | | Managing Director |
Umesh Patel | | Fuse Group Holding Inc. | | Oil &Gas | | CEO, CFO and Director |
| | Nova Lifestyle Inc. | | Home furniture | | Director |
| | DviBri Inc. | | advisory | | Managing Partner |
Mark Chaney | | M J Chaney, Inc. | | Real estate | | Owner |
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors.
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against willful default, willful neglect, civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by law, including for any liability incurred in their capacities as such, except through their own actual fraud, willful default or willful neglect. We will enter into agreements with our directors and officers to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. We expect to purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors.
Our officers and directors have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account, and have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any services provided to us and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever (except to the extent they are entitled to funds from the Trust Account due to their ownership of public shares). Accordingly, any indemnification provided will only be able to be satisfied by us if (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the Trust Account or (ii) we consummate an initial business combination.
We believe that these provisions, the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced officers and directors.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is theretofore unenforceable.
122
Table of Contents
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this prospectus and as adjusted to reflect the sale of our ordinary shares included in the units offered by this prospectus (assuming none of the individuals listed purchase units in this offering), by:
• each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares;
• each of our officers and directors; and
• all of our officers and directors as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares beneficially owned by them. The following table does not reflect record of beneficial ownership of any ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of rights as the rights are not convertible within sixty days of the date of this prospectus.
| | Prior to Offering | | After Offering(2) |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | | Approximate Percentage of Issued and Outstanding Ordinary Shares | | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | | Approximate Percentage of Issued and Outstanding Ordinary Shares |
Principal Shareholders (5% or more) | | | | | | | | | | |
ST Sponsor II Limited(3) | | 1,996,250 | | 92.6 | % | | 1,895,000 | | 19.6 | % |
Sunny Tan Kah Wei(3) | | 1,996,250 | | 92.6 | % | | 1,895,000 | | 19.6 | % |
Directors and Executive Officers | | | | | | | | | | |
Will Garner(4) | | 100,000 | | 4.6 | % | | 100,000 | | 1.0 | % |
Yuanmei Ma(4) | | 60,000 | | 2.8 | % | | 60,000 | | * | |
Stephen Markscheid(5) | | — | | * | | | 20,000 | | * | |
Umesh Patel(5) | | — | | * | | | 20,000 | | * | |
Mark Chaney(5) | | — | | * | | | 20,000 | | * | |
All directors and executive officers (five individuals) as a group | | 160,000 | | 7.4 | % | | 220,000 | | 2.3 | % |
Immediately after this offering, our insiders will beneficially own approximately 21.8% of the then issued and outstanding ordinary shares (assuming none of them purchase any units offered by this prospectus). None of our insiders, officers and directors has indicated to us that he intends to purchase securities in this offering. Because of the ownership block held by our insiders, such individuals may be able to effectively exercise control over all matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions other than approval of our initial business combination.
123
Table of Contents
All of the insider shares issued and outstanding prior to the date of this prospectus will be subject to transfer restrictions pursuant to lock-up provisions in the Letter Agreement with us to be entered into by our insiders. Those lock-up provisions provide that, until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property. Up to 281,250 of the insider shares may also be released from escrow earlier than this date for forfeiture and cancellation if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full as described above. The private units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until the completion of our initial business combination, except with respect to permitted transferees as described in this prospectus.
During the lock-up period, the holders of these shares will not be able to sell or transfer their securities except (i) for transfers to our officers, directors or their respective affiliates (including for transfers to an entity’s members upon its liquidation), (ii) to relatives and trusts for estate planning purposes, (iii) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (iv) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (v) by certain pledges to secure obligations incurred in connection with purchases of our securities, (vi) by private sales made at or prior to the consummation of a business combination at prices no greater than the price at which the shares were originally purchased or (vii) to us for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, in each case (except for clause (vii)) where the transferee agrees to the terms of the letter agreement, but will retain all other rights as our shareholders, including, without limitation, the right to vote their ordinary shares and the right to receive cash dividends, if declared. If dividends are declared and payable in ordinary shares, such dividends will also be placed in lock-up. If we are unable to effect a business combination and liquidate the Trust Account, none of our insiders will receive any portion of the liquidation proceeds with respect to their insider shares.
Our sponsor has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 240,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $2,400,000). The sale of the private units will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, they will purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per private unit an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 16,875 private units) pro rata with the amount of the over-allotment option exercised so that at least $10.00 per share sold to the public in this offering is held in trust regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full or part. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering except that (i) the private units are not offered and sold pursuant to a registration statement and holders of private units will be entitled to the registration rights as provided in the registration rights agreement to be entered by and among the sponsor, officers and directors and us; (ii) the private units are subject to certain lock-ups described below in “Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units” on page 125 of this prospectus, and (iii) our sponsor has agreed (A) to vote the ordinary shares underlying the private units, or “private shares,” in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop our public shareholders from redeeming their shares for cash or selling their shares to us in connection with a business combination or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus) unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any private shares for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination or a vote to amend the provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the private shares shall not participate in any
124
Table of Contents
liquidating distribution upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated. The purchasers of the private units have also agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private units or underlying securities (except to the permitted transferees as described herein) until the closing of our initial business combination.
In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering or to extend our life, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates/designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit in addition to the convertible notes in connection with the potential extensions. Our shareholders have approved the issuance of the units and underlying securities upon conversion of such notes, to the extent the holder wishes to so convert them at the time of the consummation of our initial business combination. If we do not complete a business combination, the loans will not be repaid.
Our sponsor and our executive officers and directors are deemed to be our “promoters,” as that term is defined under the Federal securities laws.
Restrictions on Transfers of Insider Shares and Private Units
The insider shares, private units, working capital units, and any underlying securities are each subject to transfer restrictions pursuant to lock-up provisions in the Letter Agreement with us to be entered into by our insiders. Those lock-up provisions provide (i) in the case of insider shares, not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, and (ii) in the case of private units, underlying securities and any units may be issued upon the conversion of the working capital loans and underlying securities, until the completion of our initial business combination, except for transfers (i) among the insiders or to the Company’s insiders’ members, officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s shareholders or members upon the holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, in each case for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a business combination, (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination at prices no greater than the price at which the ordinary shares were originally purchased, (viii) in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to its consummation of an initial business combination or (ix) in the event that, subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, in each case (except for clauses (vi), (viii) or (ix) or with the Company’s prior written consent).
Registration Rights
The holders of the insider shares and private units, units issuable upon the conversion of certain working capital loans and any underlying securities will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering requiring us to register such securities for resale. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our completion of our initial business combination and rights to require us to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
125
Table of Contents
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of $0.0001 each to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. We refer to these Class B ordinary shares throughout this prospectus as the “insider shares.” The insider shares held by our insiders include an aggregate of up to 281,250 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that our insiders will collectively own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering (without given effect to the sale of the private units and assuming our insiders do not purchase units in this offering). None of our insiders has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering.
If the underwriters do not exercise all or a portion of their over-allotment option, our insiders have agreed that up to an aggregate of 281,250 ordinary shares in proportion to the portion of the over-allotment option that was not exercised are subject to forfeiture and would be immediately cancelled.
If the underwriters determine the size of the offering should be increased (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) or decreased, a share capitalization or a share repurchase, as applicable, would be effectuated in order to maintain our initial shareholder’s ownership at a percentage of the number of shares to be sold in this offering.
In addition, our sponsor, has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 240,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $2,400,000). The sale of the private units will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, it will purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per private unit an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 16,875 private units) pro rata with the amount of the over-allotment option exercised so that at least $10.00 per share sold to the public in this offering is held in trust regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full or part. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The proceeds from the private placement of the private units will be added to the proceeds of this offering and placed in an account in the United States maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee.
The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering except as otherwise described in this prospectus. The sponsor has agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private units or the underlying securities (except to the same permitted transferees as the insider shares) until the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, subject to certain exceptions as described in this prospectus.
In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering or to extend our life, our insiders, officers and directors and their respective affiliates/designees may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes, or the “working capital notes,” may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into working capital units at a price of $10.00 per unit, or the “working capital units.” In addition, our insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates or designees may loan us funds in support of our potential extension to allow additional time for us to complete an initial business combination which will be evidenced in extension convertible notes, or the “extension notes,” to be repaid in cash or $10.00 per unit, or the “extension units,” at the closing of our initial business combination. If we do not complete our initial business combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available. The working capital units would be identical to the private units sold in the private placement. The terms of such loans by our sponsor or its affiliates, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our insiders or an affiliate of our insiders as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account, but if we do, we will request such lender to provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account.
126
Table of Contents
After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to our shareholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, furnished to our shareholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such tender offer materials or at the time of a shareholder meeting held to consider our initial business combination, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation.
The holders of our insider shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the private units (and all underlying securities) and any securities our insiders, officers, directors or their affiliates or designees may be issued in payment of working capital loans, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make up to two demands that we register such securities. The holders of the majority of the insider shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these ordinary shares are to be released from lock-up. The holders of a majority of the private units or securities issued in payment of working capital loans or loans to extend our life made to us can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after we consummate a business combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a business combination. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
On April 23, 2024, our sponsor had agreed to loan us an aggregate of up to $500,000 to be used to pay formation expenses and a portion of the expenses of this offering. As of June 14, 2024, we had borrowed $123,572 under the loan respectively. The loan is payable without interest on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2024 and (ii) date on which we consummate our initial public offering. We intend to repay this loan from the proceeds of this offering not being placed in the Trust Account. If we determine not to proceed with the offering, such amounts would not be repaid.
Other than the fees described above, no compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s fees, consulting fees or other similar compensation, will be paid to any of our insiders, officers or directors who owned our ordinary shares prior to this offering, or to any of their respective affiliates, prior to or with respect to the business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is).
We will reimburse our officers and directors for any reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on our behalf such as identifying and investigating possible target businesses and business combinations. There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the Trust Account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to any initial shareholder or member of our management team, or our or their respective affiliates, and any reimbursements and payments made to members of our audit committee will be reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval.
All ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions, including the payment of any compensation, will require prior approval by a majority of our uninterested “independent” directors (to the extent we have any) or the members of our board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at our expense, to our attorneys or independent legal counsel. We will not enter into any such transaction unless our disinterested “independent” directors (or, if there are no “independent” directors, our disinterested directors) determine that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to us than those that would be available to us with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.
Related Party Policy
We have not yet adopted a formal policy for the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions. Accordingly, the transactions discussed above were not reviewed, approved or ratified in accordance with any such policy.
Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will adopt a code of ethics requiring us to avoid, wherever possible, all conflicts of interests, except under guidelines or resolutions approved by our board of directors (or the appropriate committee of our board) or as disclosed in our public filings with the SEC. Under our code of ethics, conflict of
127
Table of Contents
interest situations will include any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) involving the company. A form of the code of ethics that we plan to adopt prior to the consummation of this offering is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
In addition, our audit committee, pursuant to a written charter that we will adopt prior to the consummation of this offering, will be responsible for reviewing and approving related party transactions to the extent that we enter into such transactions. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the audit committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be required in order to approve a related party transaction. A majority of the members of the entire audit committee will constitute a quorum. Without a meeting, the unanimous written consent of all of the members of the audit committee will be required to approve a related party transaction. A form of the audit committee charter that we plan to adopt prior to the consummation of this offering is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We also require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.
These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.
To further minimize conflicts of interest, we have agreed not to consummate an initial business combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of our insiders unless we, or a committee of independent directors, have obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA, or another independent firm that commonly renders valuation opinions for the type of company we are seeking to acquire, or an independent accounting firm that our initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. Furthermore, no finder’s fees, reimbursements or cash payments will be made to our insiders, existing officers, directors or advisors, or our or their affiliates, for services rendered to us prior to or in connection with the completion of our initial business combination although we may consider cash or other compensation to officers or advisors we may hire subsequent to this offering to be paid either prior to or in connection with our initial business combination. In addition, the following payments will be made to our insiders or their affiliates, none of which will be made from the proceeds of this offering held in the Trust Account prior to the completion of our initial business combination:
• repayment at the closing of this offering of up to $500,000 in loans made to us by our sponsor;
• reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations;
• repayment at the closing of our initial business combination of loans which may be made by our insiders or an affiliate of our insiders to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, to meet our working capital needs or to extend our life, the terms of which have not been determined nor have any written agreements been executed with respect thereto. Up to $3,000,000 of such loans may be convertible into working capital units, at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender in addition to the convertible notes in connection with the potential extensions. Such working capital units are identical to the private units sold in the private placement; and
Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our insiders or their affiliates.
128
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and our affairs will be governed by our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act and the common law of the Cayman Islands. Pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which will be adopted prior to the consummation of this offering, we will be authorized to issue 445,000,000 Class A ordinary shares and 50,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, as well as 5,000,000 preference shares, $0.0001 par value each. Immediately after this offering, there will be 437,185,000 unissued Class A ordinary shares, 48,125,000 unissued Class B ordinary shares and 5,000,000 unissued preferred shares available for issuance, respectively (assuming in each case that the underwriters have not exercised their over-allotment option), available for issuance which amount does not take into account shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of outstanding rights or shares issuable upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares, if any. The following description summarizes the material terms of our shares as set out more particularly in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you.
Units
Each unit has an offering price of $10.00 and consists of one Class A ordinary share and one right. Each eight rights entitles the holder thereof to receive one Class A ordinary share at the closing of the initial business combination.
The Class A ordinary shares and rights comprising the units are expected to begin separate trading on the 52nd day following the date of this prospectus unless the Representatives inform us of their decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our having filed the Current Report on Form 8-K described below and having issued a press release announcing when such separate trading will begin. Once the Class A ordinary shares and rights commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component securities. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent in order to separate the units into Class A ordinary shares and rights.
In no event will the Class A ordinary shares and rights be traded separately until we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds at the closing of this offering and the sale of the private units. We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes this audited balance sheet promptly after the completion of this offering. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised following the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K, a second or amended Current Report on Form 8-K will be filed to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.
Additionally, the units will automatically separate into their component parts and will not be traded after completion of our initial business combination.
Ordinary Shares
Prior to the date of this prospectus, there were 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding, all of which were held of record by our initial shareholders, so that our initial shareholders will own approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering and the expiration of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units. Upon the closing of this offering, 9,690,000 of our ordinary shares will be issued and outstanding (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) including:
• 7,500,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying the units issued as part of this offering;
• 240,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying the private units being sold in the private placement; and
• 75,000 Class A ordinary shares issued as representative shares as part of this offering; and
• 1,875,000 Class B ordinary shares held by our sponsor.
If we increase or decrease the size of this offering, we will effect a share capitalization or a compulsory redemption or redemption or other appropriate mechanism, as applicable, with respect to our Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of this offering in such amount as to maintain the number of insider shares, on an as-converted basis, at approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering (not including the private shares).
129
Table of Contents
Ordinary shareholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by shareholders. Except as described below, holders of Class A ordinary shares and holders of Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders except as required by law. Unless specified in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, or as required by applicable provisions of the Companies Act or applicable stock exchange rules, the affirmative vote of a majority of our ordinary shares that are voted is required to approve any such matter voted on by our shareholders. Approval of certain actions will require a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our ordinary shares that are voted, and pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association; such actions include amending our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and approving a statutory merger or consolidation with another company. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being appointed in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the appointment of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the appointment of directors can appoint all of the directors. Our shareholders are entitled to receive ratable dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. Prior to our initial business combination, only holders of our insider shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of director. These provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a special resolution passed by not less than 90% of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at our general meeting which shall include the affirmative vote of a simple majority of our Class B ordinary shares. Holders of our public shares will not be entitled to vote on the appointment of directors prior to the initial business combination. In addition, prior to the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our insider shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason. In connection with our initial business combination, we may enter into a shareholders agreement or other arrangements with the shareholders of the target with respect to voting and other corporate governance matters following completion of the initial business combination.
Because our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will authorize the issuance of up to 445,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, if we were to enter into a business combination, we may (depending on the terms of such a business combination) be required to increase the number of Class A ordinary shares which we will be authorized to issue at the same time as our shareholders vote on the business combination to the extent we seek shareholder approval in connection with our initial business combination.
In accordance with the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual general meeting until one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on Nasdaq. There is no requirement under the Companies Act for us to hold annual or extraordinary general meetings to appoint directors. We may not hold an annual general meeting to appoint new directors prior to the consummation of our initial business combination. Prior to the completion of an initial business combination, any vacancy on the board of directors may be filled by a nominee chosen by holders of a majority of our insider shares. In addition, prior to the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our insider shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason.
We will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion of our initial business combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes, if any, divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein. The amount in the Trust Account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per public share. The per share amount we will distribute to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the underwriters. The redemption rights will include the requirement that a beneficial owner must identify itself in order to valid redeem its shares. Our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any insider shares and public shares held by them in connection with (i) the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) a shareholder vote to approve an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) that would modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide holders of our Class A ordinary shares the right to have their shares redeemed in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares. Unlike many blank check companies that hold shareholder
130
Table of Contents
votes and conduct proxy solicitations in conjunction with their initial business combinations and provide for related redemptions of public shares for cash upon completion of such initial business combinations even when a vote is not required by law, if a shareholder vote is not required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements, if a shareholder vote is not required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements and we do not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other reasons, we will, pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC, and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will require these tender offer documents to contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. If, however, a shareholder approval of the transaction is required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements, or we decide to obtain shareholder approval for business or other reasons, we will, like many blank check companies, offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, we will complete our initial business combination only if we obtain the approval of an ordinary resolution under Cayman Islands law, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company. However, the participation of our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates in privately-negotiated transactions (as described in this prospectus), if any, could result in the approval of our initial business combination even if a majority of our public shareholders vote, or indicate their intention to vote, against such initial business combination. For purposes of seeking approval of the majority of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares, non-votes will have no effect on the approval of our initial business combination once a quorum is obtained. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will require that at least five days’ notice will be given of any general meeting.
If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to Excess Shares, without our prior consent. However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial business combination. Our shareholders’ inability to redeem the Excess Shares will reduce their influence over our ability to complete our initial business combination, and such shareholders could suffer a material loss in their investment if they sell such Excess Shares on the open market. Additionally, such shareholders will not receive redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we complete our initial business combination. And, as a result, such shareholders will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose such shares would be required to sell their shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.
If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, we will complete our initial business combination only if we obtain the approval of an ordinary resolution under Cayman Islands law, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company. In such case, our sponsor and each member of our management team have agreed to vote their insider shares and public shares in favor of our initial business combination. As a result, for purpose of seeking shareholder approval for our initial business combination, in addition to our insider shares and private shares, we would need additional 2,730,001 public shares to vote in order to obtain a quorum which will be, pursuant to the second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that we will adopt immediately prior to or upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, a simple majority of our shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. Once a quorum is obtained, (i) assuming only a quorum is present and voted at such meeting held to vote on our initial business combination, 307,501 public shares, or 4.1% of the 7,500,000 public shares sold in this offering are needed to be voted in favor of a transaction, or (ii) assuming all issued and outstanding shares are present and voted, we need additional 2,730,001, or 36.4%, of the 7,500,000 public shares sold in this offering are needed to be voted in favor of a transaction (none of our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or Class A ordinary shares in the open market or in private transactions (other than the private units)). Additionally, each public shareholder may elect to redeem their public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction or vote at all.
Pursuant to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, if we have not consummated an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable), we will (i) cease all
131
Table of Contents
operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes, if any (less up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any insider shares they hold if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable), although they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any public shares they hold if we fail to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that, if we wind up for any other reason prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, we will follow the foregoing procedures with respect to the liquidation of the Trust Account as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, subject to applicable Cayman Islands law.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company after a business combination, our shareholders are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision is made for each class of shares, if any, having preference over the ordinary shares. Our shareholders have no preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the ordinary shares, except that we will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares for cash at a per share price equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes, if any, divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares, upon the completion of our initial business combination, subject to the limitations described herein.
Insider shares
The insider shares are designated as Class B ordinary shares and, except as described below, are identical to the Class A ordinary shares included in the units being sold in this offering, and holders of insider shares have the same shareholder rights as public shareholders, except that: (a) the founder Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into our Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination, (b) the insider shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below; (c) prior to our initial business combination, only holders of the insider shares have the right to vote on the appointment of directors and holders of a majority of our insider shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason; (d) our sponsor and each member of our management team have entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any insider shares and public shares held by them in connection with (i) the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) a shareholder vote to approve an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) that would modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide holders of our Class A ordinary shares the right to have their shares redeemed in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares. Additionally, our sponsor has agreed to waive its rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to its insider shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame.
Except as described herein, our sponsor and each member of our management team have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their insider shares until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations,
132
Table of Contents
recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to redeem their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. Any permitted transferees would be subject to the same restrictions and other agreements of our sponsor and our directors and executive officers with respect to any insider shares.
The insider shares are designated as Class B ordinary shares and will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination at an one-to-one ratio.
Prior to our initial business combination, only holders of our insider shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors. Holders of our public shares will not be entitled to vote on the appointment of directors during such time. In addition, prior to the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our insider shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason. These provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a special resolution passed by not less than 90% of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at our general meeting which shall include the affirmative vote of a simple majority of our Class B ordinary shares. With respect to any other matter submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including any vote in connection with our initial business combination, except as required by law, holders of our insider shares and holders of our public shares will vote together as a single class, with each share entitling the holder to one vote.
Register of Members
Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there will be entered therein:
• the names and addresses of the members, together with a statement of the shares held by each member and such statement shall confirm (i) the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on the shares of each member, (ii) the number and category of shares held by each member, and (iii) whether each relevant category of shares held by a member carries voting rights under the articles of association of the company, and if so, whether such voting rights are conditional;
• the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
• the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e., the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members will be deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon the closing of this public offering, the register of members will be immediately updated to reflect the issue of shares by us. Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members will be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their name. However, there are certain limited circumstances where an application may be made to a Cayman Islands court for a determination on whether the register of members reflects the correct legal position. Further, the Cayman Islands court has the power to order that the register of members maintained by a company should be rectified where it considers that the register of members does not reflect the correct legal position. If an application for an order for rectification of the register of members were made in respect of our ordinary shares, then the validity of such shares may be subject to re-examination by a Cayman Islands court.
Preference Shares
Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will authorize the issuance of up to 5,000,000 preference shares and provide that preference shares may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors will be authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of directors will be able to, without shareholder approval, issue preference shares with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the ordinary shares and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue preference shares without shareholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us or the removal
133
Table of Contents
of existing management. We have no preference shares issued and outstanding at the date hereof. Although we do not currently intend to issue any preference shares, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future. No preference shares are being issued or registered in this offering.
Rights
Except in cases where we are not the surviving company in a business combination, each holder of a right will automatically receive one-eighth (1/8) of one Class A ordinary share upon consummation of our initial business combination, even if the holder of a public right redeemed all ordinary shares held by him, her or it in connection with the initial business combination or an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association with respect to our pre-business combination activities. In the event we will not be the surviving company upon completion of our initial business combination, each registered holder of a right will be required to affirmatively redeem his, her or its rights in order to receive the kind and amount of securities or properties of the surviving entity that each one-eighth (1/8) of a share of Class A ordinary shares underlying each right is entitled to upon consummation of the business combination. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of rights in order to receive his, her or its additional ordinary shares upon consummation of an initial business combination. The shares issuable upon exchange of the rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of ours). If we enter into a definitive agreement for a business combination in which we will not be the surviving entity, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of rights to receive the same per share consideration the holders of the ordinary shares will receive in the transaction on an as-converted into ordinary shares basis.
We will not issue fractional shares in connection with an exchange of rights. Fractional shares will either be rounded down to the nearest whole share or otherwise addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act and any other applicable law. As a result, you must hold rights in multiples of 8 in order to receive shares for all of your rights upon closing of a business combination. If we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and we liquidate the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds with respect to their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from our assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless. Additionally, in no event will we be required to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, the rights may expire worthless.
The Company shall reserve such amount of its profits or share premium in order to pay up the par value of each share issuable in respect of the rights.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of our initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition after completion of our initial business combination. The payment of any cash dividends after our initial business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time. If we increase the size of this offering, we will effect a share capitalization or other appropriate mechanism immediately prior to the consummation of this offering in such amount as to maintain the number of insider shares, on an as-converted basis, at approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering (not including the private shares). Further, if we incur any indebtedness in connection with a business combination, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.
Our Transfer Agent and Right Agent
The transfer agent for our ordinary shares and right agent for our rights is VStock Transfer, LLC. We have agreed to indemnify VStock Transfer, LLC in its roles as transfer agent and right agent, its agents and each of its shareholders, directors, officers and employees against all claims and losses that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any claims and losses due to any gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the indemnified person or entity.
Certain Differences in Corporate Law
Cayman Islands companies are governed by the Companies Act. The Companies Act is modeled on English Law but does not follow recent English Law statutory enactments, and differs from laws applicable to United States
134
Table of Contents
corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the material differences between the provisions of the Companies Act applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
Mergers and similar arrangements. In certain circumstances, the Companies Act allows for mergers or consolidations between two Cayman Islands companies, or between a Cayman Islands exempted company and a company incorporated in another jurisdiction (provided that is facilitated by the laws of that other jurisdiction) so as to form a single surviving company.
Where the merger or consolidation is between two Cayman Islands companies, the directors of each company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation containing certain prescribed information. That plan or merger or consolidation must then be authorized by either (a) a special resolution (usually a majority of two-thirds of the voting shares voted at a general meeting) of the shareholders of each company; or (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. No shareholder resolution is required for a merger between a parent company (i.e., a company that owns at least 90% of the issued shares of each class in a subsidiary company) and its subsidiary company. The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest of a constituent company must be obtained, unless the court waives such requirement. If the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies is satisfied that the requirements of the Companies Act (which includes certain other formalities) have been complied with, the Registrar of Companies will register the plan of merger or consolidation.
Where the merger or consolidation involves a foreign company, the procedure is similar, save that with respect to the foreign company, the directors of the Cayman Islands exempted company are required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry, they are of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been met: (i) that the merger or consolidation is permitted or not prohibited by the constitutional documents of the foreign company and by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the foreign company is incorporated, and that those laws and any requirements of those constitutional documents have been or will be complied with; (ii) that no petition or other similar proceeding has been filed and remains outstanding or order made or resolution adopted to wind up or liquidate the foreign company in any jurisdictions; (iii) that no receiver, trustee, administrator or other similar person has been appointed in any jurisdiction and is acting in respect of the foreign company, its affairs or its property or any part thereof; and (iv) that no scheme, order, compromise or other similar arrangement has been entered into or made in any jurisdiction whereby the rights of creditors of the foreign company are and continue to be suspended or restricted.
Where the surviving company is the Cayman Islands exempted company, the directors of the Cayman Islands exempted company are further required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry, they are of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been met: (i) that the foreign company is able to pay its debts as they fall due and that the merger or consolidation is bona fide and not intended to defraud unsecured creditors of the foreign company; (ii) that in respect of the transfer of any security interest granted by the foreign company to the surviving or consolidated company (a) consent or approval to the transfer has been obtained, released or waived; (b) the transfer is permitted by and has been approved in accordance with the constitutional documents of the foreign company; and (c) the laws of the jurisdiction of the foreign company with respect to the transfer have been or will be complied with; (iii) that the foreign company will, upon the merger or consolidation becoming effective, cease to be incorporated, registered or exist under the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction; and (iv) that there is no other reason why it would be against the public interest to permit the merger or consolidation.
Where the above procedures are adopted, the Companies Act provides for a right of dissenting shareholders to be paid a payment of the fair value of his shares upon their dissenting to the merger or consolidation if they follow a prescribed procedure. In essence, that procedure is as follows: (a) the shareholder must give his written objection to the merger or consolidation to the constituent company before the vote on the merger or consolidation, including a statement that the shareholder proposes to demand payment for his shares if the merger or consolidation is authorized by the vote; (b) within 20 days following the date on which the merger or consolidation is approved by the shareholders, the constituent company must give written notice to each shareholder who made a written objection; (c) a shareholder must within 20 days following receipt of such notice from the constituent company, give the constituent company a written notice of his intention to dissent including, among other details, a demand for payment of the fair value of his shares; (d) within seven days following the date of the expiration of the period set out in paragraph (b) above or seven days following the date on which the plan of merger or consolidation is filed, whichever is later, the constituent company, the surviving company or the consolidated company must make a written offer to each dissenting shareholder to purchase his shares at a price that the company determines is the fair value and if the company and the shareholder
135
Table of Contents
agree the price within 30 days following the date on which the offer was made, the company must pay the shareholder such amount; and (e) if the company and the shareholder fail to agree a price within such 30 day period, within 20 days following the date on which such 30 day period expires, the company (and any dissenting shareholder) must file a petition with the Cayman Islands Grand Court to determine the fair value and such petition must be accompanied by a list of the names and addresses of the dissenting shareholders with whom agreements as to the fair value of their shares have not been reached by the company. At the hearing of that petition, the court has the power to determine the fair value of the shares together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid by the company upon the amount determined to be the fair value. Any dissenting shareholder whose name appears on the list filed by the company may participate fully in all proceedings until the determination of fair value is reached. These rights of a dissenting shareholder are not available in certain circumstances, for example, to dissenters holding shares of any class in respect of which an open market exists on a recognized stock exchange or recognized interdealer quotation system at the relevant date or where the consideration for such shares to be contributed are shares of any company listed on a national securities exchange or shares of the surviving or consolidated company.
Moreover, Cayman Islands law has separate statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction or amalgamation of companies in certain circumstances, schemes of arrangement that generally will be more suited for complex mergers or other transactions involving widely held companies, commonly referred to in the Cayman Islands as a “scheme of arrangement” which may be tantamount to a merger. In the event that a merger was sought pursuant to a scheme of arrangement (the procedures for which are more rigorous and take longer to complete than the procedures typically required to consummate a merger in the United States), the arrangement in question must be approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meeting summoned for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the terms of the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder would have the right to express to the court the view that the transaction should not be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it satisfies itself that:
• we are not proposing to act illegally or beyond the scope of our corporate authority and the statutory provisions as to majority vote have been complied with;
• the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question;
• the arrangement is such as a businessperson would reasonably approve; and
• the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Act or that would amount to a “fraud on the minority.”
If a scheme of arrangement or takeover offer (as described below) is approved, any dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights (providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares), which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations.
Squeeze-out provisions. The Companies Act also contains a statutory power of compulsory acquisition which may facilitate the “squeeze out” of dissentient minority shareholder upon a tender offer. When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares to whom the offer relates within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares to the offeror on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith, collusion or inequitable treatment of the shareholders.
Further, transactions similar to a merger, reconstruction and/or an amalgamation may in some circumstances be achieved through means other than these statutory provisions, such as a share capital exchange, asset acquisition or control, or through contractual arrangements of an operating business.
Shareholders’ suits. Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, is not aware of any reported class action having been brought in a Cayman Islands court. Derivative actions have been brought in the Cayman Islands courts, and the Cayman Islands courts have confirmed the availability for such actions. In most cases, we will be the proper plaintiff in any claim based on a breach of duty owed to us, and a claim against (for example) our
136
Table of Contents
officers or directors usually may not be brought by a shareholder. However, based both on Cayman Islands authorities and on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority and be applied by a court in the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing principle apply in circumstances in which:
• a company is acting, or proposing to act, illegally or beyond the scope of its authority;
• the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of the authority, could be only effected if duly authorized by more than the number of votes which have actually been obtained; or
• those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”
• A shareholder may have a direct right of action against us where the individual rights of that shareholder have been infringed or are about to be infringed.
Enforcement of civil liabilities. The Cayman Islands has a less prescriptive body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides less protection to investors. Additionally, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the Federal courts of the United States.
We have been advised by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States, or (ii) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States.
We have also been advised by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any reexamination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (i) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (iii) is final, (iv) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (v) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
Special considerations for exempted companies. We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Act. The Companies Act distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except for the exemptions and privileges listed below:
• an exempted company does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies;
• an exempted company’s register of members is not open to inspection;
• an exempted company does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
• an exempted company may issue shares with no par value;
• an exempted company may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance);
• an exempted company may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
137
Table of Contents
• an exempted company may register as a limited duration company; and
• an exempted company may register as a segregated portfolio company.
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will contain provisions designed to provide certain rights and protections relating to this offering that will apply to us until the completion of our initial business combination. These provisions cannot be amended without a special resolution under Cayman Islands law. As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a resolution is deemed to be a special resolution where it has been approved by either (i) the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (or any higher threshold specified in a company’s articles of association) of a company’s shareholders entitled to vote and so voting at a general meeting for which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been given; or (ii) if so authorized by a company’s articles of association, by a unanimous written resolution of all of the company’s shareholders. Other than as described above, our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that special resolutions must be approved either by at least two-thirds of our shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company (i.e., the lowest threshold permissible under Cayman Islands law), or by a unanimous written resolution of all of our shareholders.
Our initial shareholders and their permitted transferees, if any, who will collectively beneficially own approximately 20% of our ordinary shares upon the closing of this offering (not including the private placement shares and assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering), will participate in any vote to amend our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. Specifically, our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide, among other things, that:
• If we have not consummated an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable), we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes that were paid by us or are payable by us, if any (less up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law;
• Prior to or in connection with our initial business combination, we may not issue additional securities that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the Trust Account or (ii) vote as a class with our public shares (a) on our initial business combination or on any other proposal presented to shareholders prior to or in connection with the completion of an initial business combination or (b) to approve an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to (x) extend the time we have to consummate a business combination beyond 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable) or (y) amend the foregoing provisions;
138
Table of Contents
• Although we currently do not intend to enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our sponsor, our directors or our officers, we are not prohibited from doing so. In the event we enter into such a transaction, we, or a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that such a business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view;
• If a shareholder vote on our initial business combination is not required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements and we do not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other reasons, we will offer to redeem our public shares pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, and will file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination which contain substantially the same financial and other information about our initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act;
• So long as our securities are then listed on Nasdaq, our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in trust and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination;
• If our shareholders approve an amendment to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) that would modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide holders of our Class A ordinary shares the right to have their shares redeemed in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus, or as may be extended by the Shareholder Extension Period, as applicable) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares, we will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their ordinary shares upon such approval at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes, if any, divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein; and
• We will not effectuate our initial business combination solely with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations.
In addition, our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that under no circumstances will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001.
The Companies Act permits a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands to amend its memorandum and articles of association with the approval of a special resolution which requires the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of such company’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting or by way of unanimous written resolution. A company’s articles of association may specify that the approval of a higher majority is required but, provided the approval of the required majority is obtained, any Cayman Islands exempted company may amend its memorandum and articles of association regardless of whether its memorandum and articles of association provides otherwise. Accordingly, although we could amend any of the provisions relating to our proposed offering, structure and business plan which are contained in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we view all of these provisions as binding obligations to our shareholders and neither we, nor our officers or directors, will take any action to amend or waive any of these provisions unless we provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares.
139
Table of Contents
Anti-money Laundering — Cayman Islands
If any person in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects, or has reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting, that another person is engaged in criminal conduct or money laundering or is involved with terrorism or terrorist financing and property and the information for that knowledge or suspicion came to their attention in the course of business in the regulated sector or other trade, profession, business or employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) the Financial Reporting Authority of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands if the disclosure relates to criminal conduct or money laundering or (ii) a police officer of the rank of constable or higher, or the Financial Reporting Authority, pursuant to the Terrorism Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or terrorist financing and property. Such a report shall not be treated as a breach of confidence or of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed by any enactment or otherwise.
140
Table of Contents
DATA PROTECTION — CAYMAN ISLANDS
We have certain duties under the Data Protection Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “DPA”) based on internationally accepted principles of data privacy.
Privacy Notice
Introduction
This privacy notice puts our shareholders on notice that through your investment in the company you will provide us with certain personal information which constitutes personal data within the meaning of the DPA (“personal data”).
In the following discussion, the “Company” refers to us and our affiliates and/or delegates, except where the context requires otherwise.
Investor Data
We will collect, use, disclose, retain and secure personal data to the extent reasonably required only and within the parameters that could be reasonably expected during the normal course of business. We will only process, disclose, transfer or retain personal data to the extent legitimately required to conduct our activities of on an ongoing basis or to comply with legal and regulatory obligations to which we are subject. We will only transfer personal data in accordance with the requirements of the DPA, and will apply appropriate technical and organizational information security measures designed to protect against unauthorized or unlawful processing of the personal data and against the accidental loss, destruction or damage to the personal data.
In our use of this personal data, we will be characterized as a “data controller” for the purposes of the DPA, while our affiliates and service providers who may receive this personal data from us in the conduct of our activities may either act as our “data processors” for the purposes of the DPA or may process personal information for their own lawful purposes in connection with services provided to us.
We may also obtain personal data from other public sources. Personal data includes, without limitation, the following information relating to a shareholder and/or any individuals connected with a shareholder as an investor: name, residential address, email address, contact details, corporate contact information, signature, nationality, place of birth, date of birth, tax identification, credit history, correspondence records, passport number, bank account details, source of funds details and details relating to the shareholder’s investment activity.
Who this Affects
If you are a natural person, this will affect you directly. If you are a corporate investor (including, for these purposes, legal arrangements such as trusts or exempted limited partnerships) that provides us with personal data on individuals connected to you for any reason in relation your investment in the Company, this will be relevant for those individuals and you should transmit the content of this Privacy Notice to such individuals or otherwise advise them of its content.
How the Company May Use a Shareholder’s Personal Data
The Company, as the data controller, may collect, store and use personal data for lawful purposes, including, in particular:
(i) where this is necessary for the performance of our rights and obligations under any purchase agreements;
(ii) where this is necessary for compliance with a legal and regulatory obligation to which we are subject (such as compliance with anti-money laundering and FATCA/CRS requirements); and/or
(iii) where this is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests and such interests are not overridden by your interests, fundamental rights or freedoms.
Should we wish to use personal data for other specific purposes (including, if applicable, any purpose that requires your consent), we will contact you.
141
Table of Contents
Why We May Transfer Your Personal Data
In certain circumstances we may be legally obliged to share personal data and other information with respect to your shareholding with the relevant regulatory authorities such as the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority or the Tax Information Authority. They, in turn, may exchange this information with foreign regulatory authorities, including tax authorities.
We anticipate disclosing personal data to persons who provide services to us and their respective affiliates (which may include certain entities located outside the United States, the Cayman Islands or the European Economic Area), who will process your personal data on our behalf.
The Data Protection Measures We Take
Any transfer of personal data by us or our duly authorized affiliates and/or delegates outside of the Cayman Islands shall be in accordance with the requirements of the DPA.
We and our duly authorized affiliates and/or delegates shall apply appropriate technical and organizational information security measures designed to protect against unauthorized or unlawful processing of personal data, and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.
We shall notify you of any personal data breach that is reasonably likely to result in a risk to your interests, fundamental rights or freedoms or those data subjects to whom the relevant personal data relates.
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of our Second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
Our authorized but unissued ordinary shares are available for future issuances without shareholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved ordinary shares could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
142
Table of Contents
Securities Eligible for Future Sale
Immediately after this offering we will have 9,690,000 (or 11,124,375 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) ordinary shares outstanding. Of these shares, the 7,500,000 Class A ordinary shares (or 8,625,000 shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by one of our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of the remaining 1,875,000 (or 2,156,250 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) insider shares and all 240,000 (or 256,875 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) private units are restricted securities under Rule 144, in that they were issued in private transactions not involving a public offering, and are subject to transfer restrictions as set forth elsewhere in this prospectus.
Rule 144
Pursuant to Rule 144, a person who has beneficially owned restricted ordinary shares, or rights for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a sale and (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least three months before the sale and have filed all required reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months (or such shorter period as we were required to file reports) preceding the sale.
Persons who have beneficially owned restricted ordinary shares, or rights for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of:
• 1% of the total number of ordinary shares then issued and outstanding, which will equal 96,900 shares immediately after this offering (or 111,243 if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), on an as converted basis; or
• the average weekly reported trading volume of the ordinary shares during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.
Sales by our affiliates under Rule 144 are also limited by manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
Restrictions on the Use of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or Former Shell Companies
Rule 144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by shell companies (other than business combination related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company. However, Rule 144 also includes an important exception to this prohibition if the following conditions are met:
• the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company;
• the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
• the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Current Reports on Form 8-K; and
• at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company.
As a result, our sponsor will be able to sell its insider shares and private units pursuant to Rule 144 without registration one year after we have completed our initial business combination.
143
Table of Contents
Registration Rights
The holders of the insider shares, private units (including securities contained therein) and units (including securities contained therein) that may be issued on conversion of working capital loans or extension loans will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering requiring us to register such securities for resale. The holders of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that we register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our completion of our initial business combination and rights to require us to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
Listing of Securities
We intend to apply to list our units, Class A ordinary shares and rights on the NASDAQ under the symbols “CHARU,” “CHAR,” and “CHARR” on or promptly after the effective date of the registration statement. Following the date that the Class A ordinary shares and rights are eligible to trade separately, we anticipate that the Class A ordinary shares and rights will be listed separately and as a unit on the NASDAQ. We cannot guarantee that our securities will be approved for listing on the NASDAQ.
144
Table of Contents
TAXATION
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our units, ordinary shares and rights to acquire our ordinary shares, sometimes referred to, individually or collectively, in this summary as our “securities,” is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our securities, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.
Cayman Islands Tax Considerations
The following is a discussion on certain Cayman Islands income tax consequences of an investment in the securities of the Company. The discussion is a general summary of present law, which is subject to prospective and retroactive change. It is not intended as tax advice, does not consider any investor’s particular circumstances, and does not consider tax consequences other than those arising under Cayman Islands law.
Under Existing Cayman Islands Laws
Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our securities will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of the securities nor will gains derived from the disposal of the securities be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporate tax. The Cayman Islands currently has no income, corporate or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax.
No stamp duty is payable in respect of the issue of our ordinary shares or on an instrument of transfer in respect of such shares.
The Company has been incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability and, as such, may apply for an undertaking from the Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands in the following form:
The Tax Concessions Act Undertaking as to Tax Concessions
In accordance with the provision of Section 6 of The Tax Concessions Act (As Revised), the Company may obtain an undertaking from the Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands:
1. That no law which is thereafter enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations shall apply to the Company or its operations; and
2. In addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall be payable:
2.1 On or in respect of the shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company; or
2.2 by way of the withholding in whole or part, of any relevant payment as defined in Section 6(3) of the Tax Concessions Act (As Revised).
United States Federal Income Taxation
General
This section is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax provisions relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our securities issued pursuant to this offering by U.S. Holders (as defined below) and Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below). This section does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax, Medicare contribution tax laws, or the state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in our securities, nor does it provide any actual representations as to any tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our securities.
Because the components of a unit are separable at the option of the holder within a short period of time after the date of this prospectus, the holder of a unit generally should be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as the owner of the underlying ordinary share, and rights components of the unit, as the case may be. As a result, the discussion below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences with respect to actual holders of ordinary shares, and rights should also apply to holders of units (as the deemed owners of the underlying ordinary shares, and rights that comprise the units).
145
Table of Contents
The discussion below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to a beneficial owner of our securities that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
• an individual citizen or resident of the United States as determined for United States federal income tax purposes;
• a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
• an estate whose income is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
• a trust if (i) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
If a beneficial owner of our securities is not described as a U.S. Holder and is not an entity treated as a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such owner will be considered a “Non-U.S. Holder.” The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition ownership and disposition of our securities applicable specifically to Non-U.S. Holders are described below under the heading “Non-U.S. Holders.”
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as currently in effect. These authorities are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.
This discussion assumes that the ordinary shares and rights will trade separately and does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular holder based on such holder’s individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion considers only holders that purchase units pursuant to this offering and that own and hold our securities as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, and does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum tax. In addition, this discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to holders that are subject to special rules, including:
• financial institutions or financial services entities;
• broker-dealers;
• taxpayers that are subject to the mark-to-market accounting rules under Section 475 of the Code;
• tax-exempt entities;
• governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
• insurance companies;
• regulated investment companies;
• real estate investment trusts;
• persons liable for alternative minimum tax;
• expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States;
• persons that actually or constructively own 5 percent or more of our voting shares;
• persons that acquired our securities pursuant to an exercise of employee share options, in connection with employee share incentive plans or otherwise as compensation;
• persons that hold our securities as part of a straddle, constructive sale, hedging, conversion or other integrated transaction;
146
Table of Contents
• persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
• controlled foreign corporations; or
• passive foreign investment companies.
This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift or estate tax laws, Medicare contribution tax laws, state, local or non-U.S. tax laws or, except as discussed herein, any tax reporting obligations of a holder of our securities. Additionally, this discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold our securities through such entities. If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. This discussion also assumes that any distributions made (or deemed made) by us on our securities and any consideration received (or deemed received) by a holder in consideration for the sale or other disposition of our securities will be in U.S. dollars.
We have not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described herein. The IRS may disagree with the descriptions herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Moreover, there can be no assurance that future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will not adversely affect the accuracy of the statements in this discussion.
THIS DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES. IT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY ACTUAL REPRESENTATIONS AS TO ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES AND WE HAVE NOT OBTAINED ANY OPINION OF COUNSEL WITH RESPECT TO SUCH TAX CONSEQUENCES. AS A RESULT, EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IN OUR SECURITIES IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH INVESTOR OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ANY NON-INCOME TAX LAWS) AND ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATIES.
Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit
There is no authority addressing the treatment, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of securities with terms substantially the same as the units, and, therefore, that treatment is not entirely clear. Each unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as an investment unit consisting of one Class A ordinary share, and one right to acquire one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each holder of a unit generally must allocate the purchase price of a unit among the Class A ordinary share and one right based on the relative fair market value of each at the time of issuance. The price allocated to each Class A ordinary share and right generally will be the holder’s tax basis in such share, or right, as the case may be.
The foregoing treatment of our Class A ordinary shares, rights and a holder’s purchase price allocation are not binding on the IRS or the courts. Because there are no authorities that directly address instruments that are similar to the units, no assurance can be given that the IRS or the courts will agree with the characterization described above or the discussion below. Accordingly, each holder is advised to consult its own tax advisor regarding the risks associated with an investment in a unit (including alternative characterizations of a unit or the components thereof) and regarding an allocation of the purchase price among the components of a unit. The balance of this discussion assumes that the characterization of the units (and the components thereof) and any allocations of the purchase price of a unit as described above is respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
U.S. Holders
Tax Reporting Transfers of Property
Certain U.S. Holders may be required to file an IRS Form 926 (Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation) to report a transfer of property (including cash) to us. Substantial penalties may be imposed on a U.S. Holder that fails to comply with this reporting requirement and the period of limitations on assessment and collection of United States federal income taxes will be extended in the event of a failure to comply. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult with its own tax advisor regarding this reporting obligation.
147
Table of Contents
Taxation of Distributions Paid on Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in gross income as dividends the amount of any distribution of cash or other property (other than certain distributions of the Company’s shares or rights to acquire the Company’s shares) paid on our ordinary shares to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits generally will be applied against and reduce the U.S. Holder’s basis in its ordinary shares (but not below zero) and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such ordinary shares. Dividends paid by us will be taxable to a corporate U.S. holder at regular rates and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to domestic corporations in respect of dividends received from other domestic corporations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation owning at least 10 percent of our shares by vote and value, a dividend received by such a U.S. Holder on an ordinary share may be eligible for a dividends-received deduction with respect to the U.S. source portion of such dividends, if any. Such corporate U.S. Holders must have owned such shares for over 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the ex-dividend date. The Code also provides a dividends-received deduction for a dividend received from a “specified 10-percent owned foreign corporation” by a U.S. corporation that is a 10% U.S. Shareholder (i.e., any U.S. person that owns directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of shares of the Company) with respect to the foreign-source portion of such dividend. However, the deduction for the foreign-source portion of dividends received by specified 10-percent owned foreign corporations is generally disallowed in its entirety if the common share with respect to which the dividend is paid is owned by such corporate U.S. Holder for less than 366 days during the 731-day period beginning on the date which is 365 days before the date on which the common share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, dividends may be subject to the lower applicable long-term capital gains tax rate (see “— Taxation on the Disposition of Securities” on page 148 of this prospectus) if our ordinary shares are readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States, we are not a PFIC at the time the dividend was paid or in the previous year, and certain other requirements are met. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for any cash dividends paid with respect to our ordinary shares.
Taxation on the Disposition of Securities
Upon a sale or other taxable disposition of our securities (which, in general, would include a redemption of ordinary shares, as discussed below, and our liquidation and subsequent dissolution in the event we do not consummate an initial business combination within the required time), and subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) sum of the amount realized of cash and the fair market value of any property received in such disposition (or, if the ordinary shares or rights are held as part of the units at the time of disposition, the portion of the amount realized on such disposition that is allocated to the ordinary shares, or rights based on the then fair market values of the ordinary shares, and rights, constituting the units) and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the securities so disposed.
A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its securities generally will equal the U.S. Holder’s acquisition cost (that is, the portion of the purchase price of a unit allocated to the holder’s ordinary shares, and/or rights, as described above under “— Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit” on page 147 of this prospectus) reduced, in the case of an ordinary share, by any prior distributions treated as a return of capital.
The regular U.S. federal income tax rate on capital gains recognized by U.S. Holders generally is the same as the regular U.S. federal income tax rate on ordinary income, except that under tax law currently in effect long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax at reduced rates. Capital gain or loss will constitute long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the securities exceeds one year. It is unclear, however, whether certain redemption rights described in this prospectus may suspend the running of the applicable holding period of the ordinary shares for this purpose. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to various limitations. U.S. Holders who recognize losses with respect to a disposition of our securities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of such losses.
148
Table of Contents
Redemption of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the PFIC rules described below, if a U.S. Holder converts ordinary shares into the right to receive cash pursuant to a redemption transaction or sells its ordinary shares to us pursuant to a tender offer or other open market transaction, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such, redemption or sale generally will be treated as a redemption and will be subject to the following rules. If the redemption or sale qualifies as a sale of the ordinary shares under Section 302 of the Code, the tax treatment of such redemption will be as described under “— Taxation on the Disposition of Securities” above on page 148 of this prospectus. If the redemption or sale does not qualify as a sale of ordinary shares under Section 302 of the Code, a U.S. Holder will be treated as receiving a distribution with the tax consequences described under “Taxation of Distributions Paid on Ordinary Shares” above. Whether redemption of our shares qualifies for sale treatment will depend largely on the total number of our ordinary shares treated as held by such U.S. Holder (including any shares constructively owned by the U.S. Holder as a result of owning rights) relative to all of our shares issued and outstanding both before and after such redemption or sale. The redemption of ordinary shares generally will be treated as a sale or exchange of the ordinary shares (rather than as a distribution) if the receipt of cash upon the redemption (i) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to a U.S. Holder, (ii) results in a “complete termination” of such holder’s interest in us or (iii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to such holder. These tests are explained more fully below.
In determining whether any of the foregoing tests are satisfied, a U.S. Holder must take into account not only our ordinary shares actually owned by such holder, but also our ordinary shares that are constructively owned by such holder. A U.S. Holder may constructively own, in addition to our ordinary shares owned directly, ordinary shares owned by related individuals and entities in which such holder has an interest or that have an interest in such holder, as well as any ordinary shares such holder has a right to acquire by exercise of an option, which would possibly include ordinary shares which could be acquired pursuant to the rights. In order to meet the substantially disproportionate test, the percentage of our issued and outstanding voting shares actually and constructively owned by a U.S. Holder immediately following the redemption of our ordinary shares must, among other requirements, be less than 80% of the percentage of our issued and outstanding voting and ordinary shares actually and constructively owned by such holder immediately before the redemption. Prior to our initial business combination, the ordinary shares may not be treated as voting shares for this purpose and, consequently, this substantially disproportionate test may not be applicable. There will be a complete termination of a U.S. Holder’s interest if either (i) all of our ordinary shares actually and constructively owned by such U.S. Holder are redeemed or (ii) all of our ordinary shares actually owned by such U.S. Holder are redeemed and such holder is eligible to waive, and effectively waives, in accordance with specific rules, the attribution of shares owned by certain family members and such holder does not constructively own any other shares. The redemption of the ordinary shares will not be essentially equivalent to a dividend if such redemption results in a “meaningful reduction” of a U.S. Holder’s proportionate interest in us. Whether the redemption will result in a meaningful reduction in a U.S. Holder’s proportionate interest in us will depend on the particular facts and circumstances. However, the IRS has indicated in a published ruling that even a small reduction in the proportionate interest of a small minority shareholder in a publicly held corporation who exercises no control over corporate affairs may constitute such a “meaningful reduction.” U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of any such redemption or sale of any ordinary shares.
If none of the foregoing tests are satisfied, then the redemption may be treated as a distribution and the tax effects will be as described under “— Taxation of Distributions Paid on Ordinary Shares” above on page 148 of this prospectus. After the application of those rules, any remaining tax basis a U.S. Holder has in the redeemed ordinary shares will be added to the adjusted tax basis in such holder’s remaining ordinary shares. If there are no remaining ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors as to the allocation of any remaining basis. U.S. Holders should also be aware that substantially contemporaneous dispositions or acquisitions of our shares that are part of a plan viewed as an integrated transaction with the redemption may be taken into account in determining whether any of the tests described above are satisfied.
Certain U.S. Holders who actually or constructively own five percent (or if our ordinary shares are not then publicly traded, one percent) or more of our shares (by vote or value) may be subject to special reporting requirements with respect to a redemption of ordinary shares, and such holders should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their reporting requirements.
149
Table of Contents
Conversion or Lapse of Rights
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the acquisition of ordinary shares on the conversion of the rights, such ordinary shares should have a tax basis equal to such holder’s tax basis in the rights, and the holding period of such shares should begin on the day after such conversion. In addition, a U.S. Holder generally should recognize a capital loss on the lapse of the rights equal to such holder’s tax basis in the rights.
Unearned Income Medicare Tax
Under current tax law, U.S. Holders that are individual, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally will be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on unearned income, including, among other things, dividends on, and gains from the sale or other disposition of, our securities, subject to certain limitations and exceptions. Under current regulations, in the absence of a special election, such unearned income generally would not include income inclusions under the qualified election fund (“QEF”) rules discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” but would include distributions of earnings and profits from a QEF. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of such tax on their ownership and disposition or our securities.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
A foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) corporation will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75% of its gross income in a taxable year of such foreign corporation, including its pro rata share of the gross income of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, is passive income. In addition, a foreign corporation will be a PFIC if at least 50% of its assets in a taxable year of the foreign corporation, ordinarily determined based on fair market value and averaged quarterly over the year, including its pro rata share of the assets of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, are held for the production of, or produce, passive income. Passive income generally includes, among other items, dividends, interest, rents and royalties (other than certain rents or royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business) and gains from the disposition of assets giving rise to passive income.
Because we are a blank check company, with no current active business, we believe that it is likely that we will meet the PFIC asset or income test for our current taxable year. However, pursuant to a start-up exception, a corporation will not be a PFIC for the first taxable year the corporation has gross income, if (1) no predecessor of the corporation was a PFIC; (2) the corporation satisfies the IRS that it will not be a PFIC for either of the first two taxable years following the start-up year; and (3) the corporation is not in fact a PFIC for either of those years. The applicability of the start-up exception to us is uncertain. After the acquisition of a company or assets in a business combination, we may still meet one of the PFIC tests depending on the timing of the acquisition and the amount of our passive income and assets as well as the passive income and assets of the acquired business. If the company that we acquire in a business combination is a PFIC, then we will likely not qualify for the start-up exception and will be a PFIC for our current taxable year. Our actual PFIC status for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year (and, in the case of the startup exception to our current taxable year, perhaps until after the end of our two taxable years following our startup year). Accordingly, there can be no assurance with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year.
If we are determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder of our securities and, in the case of our ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder did not make a timely QEF election for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder held (or was deemed to hold) such ordinary shares, a QEF election along with a deemed sale (or purging) election, or a “mark-to-market” election, each as described below, such holder generally will be subject to special rules for regular U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to:
• any gain recognized by the U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of our securities; and
• any “excess distribution” made to the U.S. Holder (generally, any distributions to such U.S. Holder during a taxable year of the U.S. Holder that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. Holder in respect of our securities during the three preceding taxable years of such U.S. Holder or, if shorter, such U.S. Holder’s holding period for our securities).
150
Table of Contents
Under these rules,
• the U.S. Holder’s gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for our securities;
• the amount allocated to the U.S. Holder’s taxable year in which the U.S. Holder recognized the gain or received the excess distribution, or to the period in the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the first day of our first taxable year in which we are a PFIC, will be taxed as ordinary income;
• the amount allocated to other taxable years (or portions thereof) of the U.S. Holder and included in its holding period will be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for that year and applicable to the U.S. Holder; and
• the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such other taxable year of the U.S. Holder.
In general, if we are determined to be a PFIC, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above in respect to our ordinary shares by making a timely QEF election (or a QEF election along with a purging election). Pursuant to the QEF election, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in income its pro rata share of our net capital gains (as long-term capital gain) and other earnings and profits (as ordinary income), on a current basis, in each case whether or not distributed, in the taxable year of the U.S. Holder in which or with which our taxable year ends if we are treated as a PFIC for that taxable year. A U.S. Holder may make a separate election to defer the payment of taxes on undistributed income inclusions under the QEF rules, but if deferred, any such taxes will be subject to an interest charge.
In addition, the treatment of the rights to acquire our ordinary shares is unclear. It is likely that a U.S. Holder of rights would not be able to make a QEF or mark-to-market election (discussed below) with respect to such U.S. Holder’s rights. Due to the uncertainty of the application of the PFIC rules to the rights, all potential investors are strongly urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding an investment in the rights offered hereunder as part of the units offering and the subsequent consequences to holders of such rights in any initial business combination.
The QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and, once made, can be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. A U.S. Holder generally makes a QEF election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 (Information Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund), including the information provided in a PFIC annual information statement, to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return for the tax year to which the election relates. Retroactive QEF elections generally may be made only by filing a protective statement with such return and if certain other conditions are met or with the consent of the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability and tax consequences of a retroactive QEF election under their particular circumstances.
In order to comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive a PFIC annual information statement from us. If we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the IRS may require, including a PFIC annual information statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a QEF election, but there is no assurance that we will timely provide such required information. Additionally, there is no assurance that we will have timely knowledge of our status as a PFIC in the future or of the required information to be provided.
If a U.S. Holder has made a QEF election with respect to our ordinary shares, and the special tax and interest charge rules do not apply to such shares (because of a timely QEF election for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) such shares or a purge of the PFIC taint pursuant to a purging election, as described above), any gain recognized on the sale of our ordinary shares generally will be taxable as capital gain and no interest charge will be imposed. As discussed above, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of a QEF generally are currently taxed on their pro rata shares of its earnings and profits, whether or not distributed. In such case, a subsequent distribution of such earnings and profits that were previously included in income generally should not be taxable as a dividend to such U.S. Holders. The adjusted tax basis of a U.S. Holder’s shares in a QEF will be increased by amounts that are included in income, and decreased by amounts distributed but not taxed as dividends, under the above rules. Similar basis adjustments apply to property if by reason of holding such property the U.S. Holder is treated under the applicable attribution rules as owning shares in a QEF.
151
Table of Contents
Although a determination as to our PFIC status will be made annually, an initial determination that we are a PFIC will generally apply for subsequent years to a U.S. Holder who held our securities while we were a PFIC, whether or not we meet the test for PFIC status in those subsequent years. A U.S. Holder who makes the QEF election discussed above for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares, however, will not be subject to the PFIC tax and interest charge rules discussed above in respect to such shares. In addition, such U.S. Holder will not be subject to the QEF inclusion regime with respect to such shares for any of our taxable years that end within or with a taxable year of the U.S. Holder and in which we are not a PFIC. On the other hand, if the QEF election is not effective for each of our taxable years in which we are a PFIC and the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares, the PFIC rules discussed above will continue to apply to such shares unless the holder files on a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return (including extensions) a QEF election and a purging election to recognize under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code any gain that the U.S. Holder would otherwise recognize if the U.S. Holder had sold our shares for their fair market value on the “qualification date.” The qualification date is the first day of our tax year in which we qualify as a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. The purging election can only be made if such U.S. Holder held our shares on the qualification date. The gain recognized by the purging election will be subject to the special tax and interest charge rules treating the gain as an excess distribution, as described above. As a result of the purging election, the U.S. Holder will increase the adjusted tax basis in our shares by the amount of the gain recognized and will also have a new holding period in the shares for purposes of the PFIC rules.
Alternatively, if a U.S. Holder, at the close of its taxable year, owns (or is deemed to own) shares in a PFIC that are treated as marketable shares, the U.S. Holder may make a mark-to-market election with respect to such shares for such taxable year. If the U.S. Holder makes a valid mark-to-market election for the first taxable year of the U.S. Holder in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) our ordinary shares and for which we are determined to be a PFIC, such holder generally will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above in respect to its ordinary shares as long as such shares continue to be treated as marketable shares. Instead, in general, the U.S. Holder will include as ordinary income for each year that we are treated as a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of its ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year over the adjusted basis in its ordinary shares. These amounts of ordinary income would not be eligible for the favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains. The U.S. Holder also will be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of its ordinary shares over the fair market value of its ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts, and any further gain recognized on a sale or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares in a taxable year in which we are treated as a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income. Special tax rules may also apply if a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election for a taxable year after the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder holds (or is deemed to hold) its ordinary shares and for which we are treated as a PFIC. Currently, a mark-to-market election may not be made with respect to our rights.
The mark-to-market election is available only for stock or share that is regularly traded on a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the NASDAQ Stock Market, or on a foreign exchange or market that the IRS determines has rules sufficient to ensure that the market price represents a legitimate and sound fair market value. If made, a mark-to-market election would be effective for the taxable year for which the election was made and for all subsequent taxable years unless the ordinary shares ceased to qualify as “marketable stock” for purposes of the PFIC rules or the IRS consented to the revocation of the election. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability and tax consequences of a mark-to-market election in respect to our ordinary shares under their particular circumstances.
If we are a PFIC and, at any time, have a foreign subsidiary that is classified as a PFIC, U.S. Holders of our shares generally would be deemed to own a portion of the shares of such lower-tier PFIC, and generally could incur liability for the deferred tax and interest charge described above if we receive a distribution from, or dispose of all or part of our interest in, the lower-tier PFIC or the U.S. Holders otherwise were deemed to have disposed of an interest in the lower-tier PFIC. We will endeavor to cause any lower-tier PFIC to provide to a U.S. Holder the information that may be required to make or maintain a QEF election with respect to the lower-tier PFIC. However, there is no assurance that we will have timely knowledge of the status of any such lower-tier PFIC. In addition, we may not hold a controlling interest in any such lower-tier PFIC and thus there can be no assurance we will be able to cause the lower-tier PFIC to provide the required information. A mark-to-market election generally would not be available with respect to such lower-tier PFIC. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax issues raised by lower-tier PFICs.
152
Table of Contents
A U.S. Holder that owns (or is deemed to own) shares in a PFIC during any taxable year of the U.S. Holder, may have to file an IRS Form 8621 (whether or not a QEF or mark-to-market election is or has been made) with such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax return and provide such other information as may be required by the U.S. Treasury Department. Failure to do so, if required, will extend the statute of limitations until such required information is furnished to the IRS.
The rules dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very complex and are affected by various factors in addition to those described above. Accordingly, U.S. Holders of our securities should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the PFIC rules to our securities under their particular circumstances.
Non-U.S. Holders
This section applies to you if you are a “Non-U.S. Holder.” As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our units, ordinary shares, or rights that is for United States federal income tax purposes”
• a non-resident alien individual (other than certain former citizens and residents of the United States subject to U.S. tax as expatriates)
• a foreign corporation; or
• an estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder;
but generally does not include an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition. If you are such an individual, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the United States federal income tax consequences of the sale or other disposition of our securities.
Dividends (including constructive dividends) paid or deemed paid to a Non-U.S. Holder in respect to our securities generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains or maintained in the United States).
In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain attributable to a sale or other disposition of our securities unless such gain is effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains or maintained in the United States) or the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met (in which case, such gain from United States sources generally is subject to tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate).
Dividends (including constructive distributions) and gains that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains or maintained in the United States) generally will be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax at the same regular U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to a comparable U.S. Holder and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, information reporting for U.S. federal income tax purposes should apply to distributions made on our ordinary shares within the United States to a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient) and to the proceeds from sales and other dispositions of our securities by a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient) to or through a U.S. office of a broker. Payments made (and sales and other dispositions effected at an office) outside the United States will be subject to information reporting in limited circumstances. In addition, certain information concerning a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its securities and whether any gain or loss with respect to such securities in long-term or short-term may be required to be reported to the IRS, and certain holders may be required to file an IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) to report their interest in our securities.
153
Table of Contents
U.S. Holders who are individuals and certain entities will be required to report information with respect to such U.S. Holder’s investment in “specified foreign financial assets” on IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets), subject to certain exceptions. Specified foreign financial assets generally include any financial account maintained with a non-U.S. financial institution and should also include the ordinary shares, and rights if they are not held in an account maintained with a U.S. financial institution. Persons who are required to report specified foreign financial assets and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties, and the period of limitations on assessment and collection of United States federal income taxes may be extended in the event of a failure to comply. Potential investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the foreign financial asset and other reporting obligations and their application to an investment in our ordinary shares, and rights.
Moreover, backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax, currently at a rate of 24%, generally will apply to dividends paid on our securities to a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient) and the proceeds from sales and other dispositions of our securities by a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient), in each case who:
• fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
• is notified by the IRS that backup withholding is required; or
• fails to comply with applicable certification requirements.
A Non-U.S. Holder generally may eliminate the requirement for information reporting and backup withholding by providing certification of its foreign status, under penalties of perjury, on a duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8 or by otherwise establishing an exemption.
We will withhold all taxes required to be withheld by law from any amounts otherwise payable to any holder of our securities, including tax withholding required by the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s or a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the requisite information is timely furnished to the IRS. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of backup withholding and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding in their particular circumstances.
154
Table of Contents
UNDERWRITING
Clear Street LLC (the “Representative”) is acting as the sole book-running manager of the offering and as representative of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below, through the Representative, have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, the following respective number of units set forth opposite the underwriter’s name.
Underwriters | | Number of Units |
Clear Street LLC | | |
Total | | 7,500,000 |
The underwriters are committed to purchase all of the units offered by us, other than those covered by the over-allotment option to purchase additional units described below, if they purchase any units. The obligations of the underwriters may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the underwriting agreement. Furthermore, pursuant to the underwriting agreement, the underwriters’ obligations are subject to customary conditions, representations, and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. The underwriters are offering the units subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel and other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public, and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Over-Allotment Option
We have granted the underwriters an over-allotment option. This option, which is exercisable for up to 45 days after the date of this prospectus, permits the underwriters to purchase up to 1,125,000 additional units at the initial public offering price per unit, less underwriting discounts and commissions, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The purchase price to be paid per additional unit shall be equal to the initial public offering price of one unit, less the underwriting discount.
Discounts, Commissions and Reimbursement
The following table shows the per unit and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option:
| | No Exercise | | Full Exercise |
Per unit(1) | | $ | 0.35 | | $ | 0.35 |
Total(1) | | $ | 2,625,000 | | $ | 3,018,750 |
The underwriters propose to offer the units to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. In addition, the underwriters may offer some of the units to other securities dealers at such price less a concession of $[ ] per unit. If all of the units offered by us are not sold at the initial public offering price, the Representative may change the offering price and other selling terms by means of a supplement to this prospectus.
155
Table of Contents
We have also agreed to pay all expenses relating to the offering, including: (a) all filing fees and expenses relating to the registration of the securities with the SEC; (b) all fees and expenses relating to the listing of the securities on Nasdaq; (c) all fees associated with the review of the offering by FINRA, including legal fees and background checks of our principals; (d) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of units offered under “blue sky” securities laws or the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by the Representative, including the reasonable fees and expenses of the Representative’s blue sky counsel; (e) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of the units under the securities laws of such foreign jurisdictions; (f) the costs of mailing and printing the offering materials; (g) transfer and/or stamp taxes, if any, payable upon our transfer of the shares to the Representative; (h) the fees and expenses of our accountants; and (i) actual accountable expenses of the Representative not to exceed $125,000, which amount includes expenses for the Representative’s legal counsel and road show expenses.
We have paid a $25,000 advance to the Representative, which shall be applied against actual out-of-pocket-accountable expenses, which will be returned to us to the extent such out-of-pocket accountable expenses are not actually incurred in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(C).
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding the total underwriting discount, and including the above-referenced advance to the Representative, will be approximately $1,800,000.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.
If we do not complete our initial business combination within the time period required by our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the underwriters have agreed that (i) they will forfeit any rights or claims to their deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, including any accrued interest thereon, then in the trust account, and (ii) that the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions will be included with the funds held in the trust account that will be available to fund the redemption of our public shares.
Discretionary Accounts
The underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the securities offered hereby to any accounts over which they have discretionary authority.
Representative Shares
We have agreed to issue to the Representative and/or its designees, 75,000 Class A ordinary shares (or 86,250 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) upon the consummation of this offering. The holders of the representative shares have agreed (i) that they will not transfer, assign or sell any such shares without our prior consent until the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) to waive their redemption rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (iii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 18 months, or if we decide to extend the period of time to consummate our business combination up to two times by an additional three months each time, provided that our sponsor and/or designees must deposit into the Trust Account for each three months extension, $750,000, or $862,500 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,500,000 or $1,725,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, as described in more detail in this prospectus.
The representative shares have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a lock-up for a period of 180 days immediately following the commencement of sales of this offering. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), these securities may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated nor may they be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the commencement of sales of this offering except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the offering and their officers or partners, registered persons or affiliates or as otherwise permitted under FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2).
156
Table of Contents
Tail Fee
If the offering is not consummated prior to the expiration of the engagement letter, as amended, between us and the Representative (the “Engagement Letter”) other than due to the Representative’s gross negligence or failure to proceed with preparations for the offering, the Representative shall be entitled to a payment equal to 2.0% of the gross proceeds (the “Tail Fee”) with respect to any shares sold by the Company, or by any of the individuals or entities affiliated with the Company, within 12 months following the expiration of the Engagement Letter with respect to any investors identified, referred or otherwise introduced, directly by the Representative. If the Company terminates this engagement letter for cause, including Clear Street’s material failure to provide underwriting services contemplated in the Engagement Letter, the Tail Fee will not survive such termination.
Lock-Up Arrangements
Our Sponsor, officers and directors have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their insider shares, excluding any units or shares comprising units acquired by our sponsor, officers and directors in the Offering (i) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, and (ii) in the case of private units, underlying securities and any units may be issued upon the conversion of the working capital loans and underlying securities, until the completion of our initial business combination.
All insiders shall agree to offer all suitable business combination opportunities to our company before any other person or company until the consummation of the business combination, subject to any pre-existing contractual or fiduciary obligations they may have.
Pricing of the Offering
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our securities. Consequently, the initial public offering price for the units was determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price were the history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies, prior offerings of those companies, our management, our capital structure, and currently prevailing general conditions in the equity securities markets, including current market valuations of publicly traded companies considered comparable to our company. We cannot assure you, however, that the price at which the Class A ordinary shares, units or rights will sell in the public market after this offering will not be lower than the initial public offering price or that an active trading market in our ordinary shares, units or rights will develop and continue after this offering.
Listing
We have applied to list our units on NASDAQ, under the symbol “CHARU”. We cannot guarantee that our securities will be approved for listing on NASDAQ. We expect that our units will be listed on NASDAQ on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. We expect that our Class A ordinary shares and rights will be listed under the symbols “CHAR” and “CHARR,” respectively, once the Class A ordinary shares and rights begin separate trading.
Right of First Refusal
Subject to certain conditions, we granted the Representative, for a period of 18 months after the date of the consummation of our business combination, a right of first refusal to act as sole lead underwriter, placement agent, financial advisor or capital markets advisor at the Representative’s sole discretion, for each and every underwriting, financing, or advisory work, or M&A transaction, as the case may be (each, an “Additional Transaction”), for us or
157
Table of Contents
any of our successors or subsidiaries, and in connection therewith, to receive a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate economics paid to underwriters, placement agents or financial advisors in any such Additional Transaction. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(6)(A), such right of first refusal shall not have a duration of more than three years from the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In the event that we terminate our engagement with Clear Street for cause, any right of first refusal will not survive such termination.
Stabilization
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate-covering transactions, penalty bids, and purchases to cover positions created by short sales.
• Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase securities so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum and are engaged in for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress.
• Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of securities in excess of the number of securities the underwriters are obligated to purchase. This creates a syndicate short position which may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of securities over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of securities that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of securities involved is greater than the number of securities in the overallotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing securities in the open market.
• Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of securities to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of securities available for purchase in the open market as compared with the price at which they may purchase securities through exercise of the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more securities than could be covered by exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, have a naked short position, the position can be closed out only by buying securities in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that after pricing there could be downward pressure on the price of the securities in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
• Penalty bids permit the Representative to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions.
These stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions, and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our securities or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our securities. As a result, the price of our securities in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our securities. These transactions may be effected on Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Other
Except as specifically set forth with respect to the right of first refusal, we are not under any contractual obligation to engage any of the underwriters to provide any services for us after this offering, but we may do so at our discretion. However, any of the underwriters may introduce us to potential target businesses, provide financial advisory services to us in connection with a business combination or assist us in raising additional capital in the future, including by acting as a placement agent in a private offering or underwriting or arranging debt financing. If any of the underwriters provide services to us after this offering, we may pay such underwriter fair and reasonable fees that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation; provided that no agreement will be entered into with any of the underwriters and no fees for such services will be paid to any of the underwriters prior to the date that is 60 days from the date of this prospectus, unless such payment would not be deemed underwriters’ compensation in connection with this offering. We may pay the underwriters of this offering or any entity with which they are affiliated, a finder’s fee or other compensation for services rendered to us in connection with the completion of a business combination. Any fees we may pay the underwriters or their affiliates for services rendered to us after this offering may be contingent on the completion of a business combination and may include
158
Table of Contents
non-cash compensation. The underwriters or their affiliates that provide these services to us may have a potential conflict of interest given that the underwriters are entitled to the deferred portion of their underwriting compensation for this offering only if an initial business combination is completed within the specified timeframe.
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates, including in connection with acting in an advisory capacity or as a potential financing source in conjunction with our potential acquisition of a company. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Selling Restrictions
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom (each, a “relevant state”), no units have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that relevant state prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the units that has been approved by the competent authority in that relevant state or, where appropriate, approved in another relevant state and notified to the competent authority in that relevant state, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that offers of our units may be made to the public in that relevant state at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:
• to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation;
• to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Representative for any such offer; or
• in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation;
provided that no such offer of units shall require the issuer or the Representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
Each person in a relevant state who initially acquires any units or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the Company and the Representative that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. In the case of any units being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the units acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a relevant state to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the Representative has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
159
Table of Contents
We, the Representative and each of our and the Representative’s respective affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any units in any relevant state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any units to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any units, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
References to the Prospectus Regulation include, in relation to the United Kingdom, the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
In connection with the offering, the Representative is not acting for anyone other than the issuer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the issuer for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The units have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the units has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to units which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The units have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the units were not offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not be offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the units, has not been circulated or distributed, nor will it be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time (the “SFA”)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the units are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or
(b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the
160
Table of Contents
beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the units pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
(i) to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;
(ii) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;
(iii) where the transfer is by operation of law; or
(iv) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The units may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the units must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The securities to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale.
Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia
No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act. Any offer in Australia of the securities may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the securities without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
The securities applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with
161
Table of Contents
Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring securities must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions. This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
The securities may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the securities or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of securities will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (“FINMA”), and the offer of securities has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of securities.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Israel
In the State of Israel, this prospectus shall not be regarded as an offer to the public to purchase securities under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, which requires a prospectus to be published and authorized by the Israel Securities Authority, if it complies with certain provisions of Section 15 of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, including, inter alia, if: (i) the offer is made, distributed or directed to not more than 35 investors, subject to certain conditions (the “Addressed Investors”); or (ii) the offer is made, distributed or directed to certain qualified investors defined in the First Addendum of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, subject to certain conditions (the “Qualified Investors”). The Qualified Investors shall not be taken into account in the count of the Addressed Investors and may be offered to purchase securities in addition to the 35 Addressed Investors. The Company has not and will not take any action that would require it to publish a prospectus in accordance with and subject to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. We have not and will not distribute this prospectus or make, distribute or direct an offer to subscribe for our securities to any person within the State of Israel, other than to Qualified Investors and up to 35 Addressed Investors.
Qualified Investors may have to submit written evidence that they meet the definitions set out in of the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. In particular, we may request, as a condition to be offered securities, that Qualified Investors will each represent, warrant and certify to us and/or to anyone acting on our behalf: (i) that it is an investor falling within one of the categories listed in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968; (ii) which of the categories listed in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968 regarding Qualified Investors is applicable to it; (iii) that it will abide by all provisions set forth in the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968 and the regulations promulgated thereunder in connection with the offer to be issued securities; (iv) that the securities that it will be issued are, subject to exemptions available under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968: (a) for its own account; (b) for investment purposes only; and (c) not issued with a view to resale within the State of Israel, other than in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968; and (v) that it is willing to provide further evidence of its Qualified Investor status. Addressed Investors may have to submit written evidence in respect of their identity and may have to sign and submit a declaration containing, inter alia, the Addressed Investor’s name, address and passport number or Israeli identification number.
We have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary on our behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters and their respective affiliates, with a view to the final placement of the securities as contemplated in this document. Accordingly, no purchaser of the shares, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of shares on our behalf or on behalf of the underwriters.
162
Table of Contents
LEGAL MATTERS
Robinson & Cole LLP is acting as United States counsel in connection with the registration of our securities under the Securities Act and will pass on the validity of the rights offered in the prospectus. Legal matters as to Cayman Islands’ law, as well as the validity of the issuance of the ordinary shares offered in this prospectus, will be passed upon for us by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP. Winston Strawn LLP is acting as United States counsel for Clear Street LLC in this offering.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation for the period from March 22, 2024 (inception) to June 14, 2024 appearing in this prospectus have been audited by MaloneBailey, LLP (“MaloneBailey”), independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report, thereon (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt about the ability of Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements), appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and are included in reliance on such report given on the authority of such firm as an experts in auditing and accounting.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITY
Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, our management including our officers and directors are all located in the United States. Our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether after the closing of this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or in connection with and following of the consummation of our initial business combination, all officers and directors of the post-combination entity will be located in the Unites States. As a result, it may be difficult, or in some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon those officers and directors (prior to or after the business combination) located outside the United States, to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties on them under United States securities laws. In particular, there are currently no statutes, treaties, or other forms of reciprocity between the United States and Malaysia providing for the mutual recognition and enforcement of court judgments. Under Malaysian laws, a foreign judgment cannot be directly or summarily enforced in Malaysia. The judgment must first be recognized by a Malaysian court either under applicable Malaysian laws or in accordance with common law principles. For Malaysian courts to accept the jurisdiction for recognition of a foreign judgment, the foreign country where the judgment is made must be a reciprocating country expressly specified and listed in the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act 1958, Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act 1949 or Probate and Administration Act 1959. As the United States is not one of the countries specified under the statutory regime where a foreign judgment can be recognized and enforced in Malaysia, a judgment obtained in the United States must be enforced by commencing fresh proceedings in a Malaysian court. The requirements for a foreign judgment to be recognized and enforceable in Malaysia are: (i) the judgment must be a monetary judgment; (ii) the foreign court must have had jurisdiction accepted by a Malaysian court; (iii) the judgment was not obtained by fraud; (iv) the enforcement of the judgment must not contravene public policy in Malaysia; (v) the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not opposed to natural justice, and (vi) the judgment must be final and conclusive. See “Risk Factors — Upon the effectiveness of this prospectus, all of our executive officers and directors will be located outside the United States and our sponsor and its sole member are located in Malaysia, however, there is uncertainty as to whether after this offering, we will appoint new management member located outside the United States, or the management of post-combination entity will have members located outside the United States; therefore, investors may not be able to enforce federal securities laws or their other legal rights upon our sponsor or its sole member, or future those officers and directors located outside the United States appointed after this offering or in connection with the business combination.” on page 69 of this prospectus.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1, which includes exhibits, schedules and amendments, under the Securities Act, with respect to this offering of our securities. Although this prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, contains all material information included in the registration statement, parts of the registration statement have been omitted as permitted by rules and regulations of the SEC. We refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits for further information about us, our securities and this offering. The SEC maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov which contains the Form S-1 and other reports, proxy and information statements and information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
163
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) as of June 14, 2024, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the period from March 22, 2024 (inception) through June 14, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 14, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from March 22, 2024 (inception) through June 14, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Matter
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has a net capital deficiency and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
Houston, Texas
July 19, 2024, except Note 1 and Note 8 which is dated September 24, 2024
F-2
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 14, 2024
Assets | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | |
Prepaid expenses | | $ | 42,500 | |
Prepaid expenses – related party | | | 2,500 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 45,000 | |
| | | | |
Non-current Assets | | | | |
Deferred offering costs | | | 98,494 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 143,494 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | |
Accrued deferred offering costs | | $ | 4,525 | |
Promissory note – related party | | | 123,572 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 128,097 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 128,097 | |
| | | | |
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) | | | | |
| | | | |
Shareholders’ Equity: | | | | |
Preference shares, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding | | | — | |
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 445,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding | | | — | |
Class B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 2,156,250 shares issued and outstanding(1) | | | 216 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 24,784 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (9,603 | ) |
Total Shareholders’ Equity | | | 15,397 | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | $ | 143,494 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 22, 2024 (INCEPTION) THROUGH JUNE 14, 2024
Formation and operating costs | | $ | 9,603 | |
Net loss | | $ | (9,603 | ) |
| | | | |
Basic and diluted weighted average Class B ordinary shares outstanding(1) | | | 1,875,000 | |
| | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss per Class B ordinary share | | $ | (0.01 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 22, 2024 (INCEPTION) THROUGH JUNE 14, 2024
| | | | | | Ordinary Shares | | Additional | | | | Total |
| | Preference Shares | | Class A | | Class B | | Paid-in | | Accumulated | | Shareholders’ |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares(1) | | Amount | | Capital | | Deficit | | Equity |
Balance as of March 22, 2024 (inception) | | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Insider shares issued to initial shareholder(1) | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | 2,156,250 | | | 216 | | | 24,784 | | | — | | | | 25,000 | |
Net loss | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (9,603 | ) | | | (9,603 | ) |
Balance as of June 14, 2024 | | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | — | | 2,156,250 | | $ | 216 | | $ | 24,784 | | $ | (9,603 | ) | | $ | 15,397 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 22, 2024 (INCEPTION) THROUGH JUNE 14, 2024
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (9,603 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | |
Formation and operating cost paid by the Sponsor | | | 9,603 | |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | | | — | |
| | | | |
Net Change in Cash | | | — | |
| | | | |
Cash, beginning of period | | | — | |
Cash, end of period | | $ | — | |
| | | | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | | | | |
Prepaid expenses paid via promissory note – related party | | $ | 45,000 | |
Deferred offering costs included in accrued offering costs | | $ | 4,525 | |
Deferred offering costs paid by Sponsor in exchange for issuance of Class B ordinary shares | | $ | 25,000 | |
Deferred offering costs paid via promissory note – related party | | $ | 68,969 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Organization, Business Operation and Going Concern Consideration
Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on March 22, 2024 as an exempted company with limited liability. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities (the “Business Combination”). The Company’s efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic location. The Company has elected December 31 as its fiscal year end.
As of June 14, 2024, the Company had not commenced any operations. For the period from March 22, 2024 (inception) through June 14, 2024, the Company’s efforts have been limited to organizational activities as well as activities related to the Proposed Public Offering (see Note 3). The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of a Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of dividend and/or interest income from the proceeds derived from the Proposed Public Offering and Private Placement (see Note 4).
The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placements Units, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully.
The Company’s founder and sponsor is ST Sponsor II Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Sponsor”). The Company’s ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate financial resources through a Proposed Public Offering and the Private Placement.
The Company’s initial Business Combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the Trust Account (excluding any deferred underwriters’ fees and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial Business Combination. The Company will complete its initial Business Combination only if the post-transaction company in which its public shareholders own shares will own or acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully.
Upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, management has agreed that at least $10.025 per Unit (as defined in Note 3) sold in the Proposed Public Offering will be held into a U.S.-based trust account (“Trust Account”). The funds held in the trust account will be invested only in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of 185 days or less, or in money market funds meeting the applicable conditions of Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest solely in direct U.S. government treasury. Except with respect to divided and/or interest earned on the funds held in the trust account that may be released to the Company to pay the Company’s tax obligation, if any, the proceeds from the Proposed Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placement Units that are deposited and held in the trust account will not be released from the trust account until the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in connection with a shareholder vote to amend the company’s second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to (A) modify the substance or timing of obligation to redeem 100% of the Company’s public shares if the Company does not complete the Company’s initial Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering or up to two times, each by an additional three months (or up to 24 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering if the Company extends the period of time to consummate a Business Combination by the full amount of time) provided that the Company’s sponsor and/or designees must deposit into the Trust Account for each three months extension, $750,000, or $862,500 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), up to an aggregate of $1,500,000 or $1,725,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full, on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline. or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (iii) the redemption of all of public shares if the company are unable to complete their initial Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering or up to two times, (or up to 24 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering if
F-7
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Organization, Business Operation and Going Concern Consideration (cont.)
the Company extends the period of time to consummate a Business Combination by the full amount of time), subject to applicable law. In no other circumstances will a public shareholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could become subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors, if any, which could have priority over the claims of the public shareholders.
The Company will provide its public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion of the Business Combination either (i) in connection with a shareholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer.
The ordinary shares subject to redemption will be accredited to the redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Proposed Public Offering, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” The Company has determined not to consummate any Business Combination unless the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation in order to avoid being subject to Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act.
The Company will have only 18 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering if the Company extends the period of time to consummate a Business Combination by the full amount of time) to complete its initial Business Combination, the Company will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes that were paid by the Company or are payable by the Company, if any (less up to $100,000 of interest generated from the funds held in the Trust Account released to us to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of the then-issued and outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of its remaining shareholders and its Board of Directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to its obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. time). The Sponsor and each member of management team have entered into an agreement with the Company, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any insider shares they hold if the Company fail to consummate an initial Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering, if the Company extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination),
The Sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to the Company if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or similar agreement or Business Combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of (i) $10.025 per public share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account, if less than $10.025 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less taxes payable, provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the Trust Account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) nor will it apply to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. However, the Company has not asked the Sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations, nor have the Company independently verified whether the Company’s Sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believe that the Sponsor’s only assets are securities of the company. Therefore, it cannot be assured that that the Sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. None of the officers or directors will indemnify the Company for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.
Going Concern Consideration
As of June 14, 2024, the Company had no cash and a working capital deficiency of $83,097. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the
F-8
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Organization, Business Operation and Going Concern Consideration (cont.)
date that the financial statements are issued. Management’s plans to address this need for capital through the Proposed Public Offering and Private Placements are discussed in Note 3 and 4. There is no assurance that the Company’s plans to raise capital or to consummate a Business Combination will be successful or successful within the Combination Period. Prior to the close of the Proposed Public Offering, the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to an aggregate amount of up to $500,000 as discussed in Note 5 to be used, in part, for transaction costs incurred in connection with the Proposed Public Offering. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the Company’s inability to consummate the Proposed Public Offering or a Business Combination to continue as a going concern.
Risks and Uncertainties
As a result of the military action commenced in February 2022 by the Russian Federation and Belarus in the country of Ukraine and related economic sanctions, the Company’s ability to consummate a Business Combination, or the operations of a target business with which the Company ultimately consummates a Business Combination, may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the Company’s ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing which may be impacted by these events, including as a result of increased market volatility, or decreased market liquidity in third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. The impact of this action and related sanctions on the world economy and the specific impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and/or ability to consummate a Business Combination are not yet determinable. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Note 2 — Significant accounting policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
F-9
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 — Significant accounting policies (cont.)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash or cash equivalents as of June 14,2024.
Deferred Offering Costs
The Company complies with the requirements of ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5A — Expenses of Offering. Deferred offering costs consist of legal, accounting, and other costs (including underwriting discounts and commissions) incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to the Proposed Public Offering and that will be charged to shareholder’s equity upon the completion of the Proposed Public Offering. Should the Proposed Public Offering prove to be unsuccessful, these deferred costs, as well as additional expenses to be incurred, will be charged to operations.
Net Loss Per Ordinary Share
Net loss per ordinary share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of Class B ordinary shares outstanding during the period, excluding ordinary shares subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor. Weighted average shares were reduced for the effect of an aggregate of 281,250 shares of ordinary share that are subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters (see Note 5). As of June 14, 2024, the Company did not have any dilutive securities and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into ordinary share and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share for the period presented.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet, primarily due to their short-term nature.
Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption
The Company will account for its Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (ASC 480). Ordinary shares subject to mandatory redemption (if any) will be classified as a liability instrument and will be measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable ordinary shares (including ordinary shares that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) will be classified as temporary equity. At all other times, ordinary shares will be classified as shareholders’ equity. In accordance with ASC 480-10-S99, the Company will classify the Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption outside of permanent equity as the redemption provisions are not solely within the control of the Company. Given that the 7,500,000 Class A ordinary shares (or 8,625,000 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) sold as part of the Units in the Proposed Public Offering will be issued with other freestanding instruments (i.e., rights), the initial carrying value of Class A ordinary shares classified as temporary equity will be the allocated proceeds determined in accordance with ASC 470-20. If it is probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable, the Company has the option to either (i) accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance (or from the date that it becomes probable that the instrument will become redeemable, if later) to the
F-10
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 — Significant accounting policies (cont.)
earliest redemption date of the instrument or (ii) recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has elected to recognize the changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. ASC 740 additionally requires a valuation allowance to be established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
ASC 740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim period, disclosure and transition. Based on the Company’s evaluation, it has been concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of June 14, 2024. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.
There is currently no taxation imposed on income by the Government of the Cayman Islands. In accordance with Cayman Islands federal income tax regulations, income taxes are not levied on the Company. Consequently, income taxes are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-06, Debt — Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) (“ASU 2020-06”) to simplify accounting for certain financial instruments. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the current models that require separation of beneficial conversion and cash conversion features from convertible instruments and simplifies the derivative scope exception guidance pertaining to equity classification of contracts in an entity’s own equity. The new standard also introduces additional disclosures for convertible debt and freestanding instruments that are indexed to and settled in an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 amends the diluted earnings per share guidance, including the requirement to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and should be applied on a full or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Note 3 — Proposed Public Offering
Pursuant to the Proposed Public Offering, the Company intends to offer for sale of 7,500,000 units (the “Units”), (or 8,625,000 Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). Each Unit has an offering price of $10.00 and consists of one share of the Company’s Class A ordinary share and one right. Each right entitles the holder thereof to receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share upon completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination.
F-11
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 3 — Proposed Public Offering (cont.)
The Company will not issue fractional shares. As a result, the holder must hold rights in multiples of 8 in order to receive shares for all of their rights upon closing of a Business Combination. The Company has also granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,125,000 Units to cover over-allotments, if any.
Note 4 — Private Placement
The Sponsor has committed to purchase an aggregate of 240,000 Units (or 256,875 Units if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a price of $10.00 per Unit for an aggregate purchase price of $2,400,000 (or $2,568,750 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). All of the proceeds the Company receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account. Each private placement Units (“Private Placement Units”) will be identical to the Units sold in the Proposed Public Offering, except that it will not be redeemable, transferable, assignable or salable by the Sponsor until the completion of its initial Business Combination (except to certain permitted transferees). The Placement Units will be sold in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, including the over-allotment option, as applicable.
Note 5 — Related Party Transactions
Insider Shares
On April 23, 2024, the Company issued 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares, or insider shares, of a par value of $0.0001 each to its Sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. The insider shares held by the Company’s insiders include an aggregate of up to 281,250 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that its insiders will collectively own 20.0% of its issued and outstanding shares after this offering (without given effect to the sale of the Private Placement Units and assuming its insiders do not purchase Units in this offering). None of the Company’s insiders has indicated any intention to purchase Units in this offering.
The Private Placement shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares included in the Units being sold in this offering. However, the Company’s insiders have agreed, pursuant to written letter agreements with the Company, (A) to vote their insider shares and Private Placement shares (as well as any public shares acquired in or after this offering) in favor of any proposed Business Combination, (B) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to the Company’s second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would stop the Company’s public shareholders from redeeming their shares for cash or selling their insider shares and Private Placement shares to the Company in connection with a Business Combination or affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Company’s public shares if the Company do not complete a Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 24 months from the closing of this offering if the Company extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination) unless the Company provide public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with any such vote (regardless how such shareholders vote for such amendment), (C) not to redeem any insider shares and Private Placement shares (as well as any other shares acquired in or after this offering) for cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve the Company’s proposed initial Business Combination (or sell any shares they hold to the Company in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial Business Combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of the Company’s second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (D) that the insider shares and Private Placement shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution upon winding up if a Business Combination is not consummated.
The insiders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the insider shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until (1) with respect to 50% of the insider shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination and the date on which the closing price of the Company’s ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after the Company’s
F-12
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5 — Related Party Transactions (cont.)
initial Business Combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the insider shares, six months after the date of the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Company consummate a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.
The Private Placement Units (including the underlying securities) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination (except to certain permitted transferees).
Promissory Note — Related Party
On April 18, 2024, the Sponsor has agreed to loan the Company up to $500,000 (the “Promissory Note”) to be used for a portion of the expenses of the Proposed Public Offering. As of June 14, 2024, the Company had an outstanding loan balance of $123,572. This loan is non-interest bearing, unsecured and is due at the earlier of (1) December 31, 2024 or (2) the date on which the Company consummates an initial public offering. The loan will be repaid upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering out of the offering proceeds not held in the Trust Account.
Working Capital Loans
In addition, in order to meet the Company’s working capital needs following the consummation of the initial public offering if the funds not held in the Trust Account are insufficient, or to extend its life, its insiders, officers and directors or their affiliates/designees may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $3,000,000 of the notes (“Working Capital Loans”) may be converted upon consummation of the Company’s Business Combination into working capital Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. If the Company do not complete a Business Combination, the loans would be repaid out of funds not held in the Trust Account, and only to the extent available.
As of June 14, 2024, the Company had no borrowings under the Working Capital Loans.
Prepaid Expenses
On May 25, 2024, the Company appointed Yuanmei Ma as Chief Financial Officer, in addition to her current position as a member of the board of the directors. During her Term as Chief Financial Officer and a member of Board of Directors of the Company, she will receive annual cash compensation in the amount of $5,000, payable each month.
As of June 14, 2024, the Company had compensation expenses prepaid to Ms. Yuanmei Ma of $2,500.
Note 6 — Commitments and Contingencies
Registration Rights
The holders of the insider shares, Private Placement Units (including securities contained therein) and Units (including securities contained therein) that may be issued on conversion of working capital loans or extension loans will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering requiring the Company to register such securities for resale. The holders of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that the Company register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the Company’s completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination and rights to require the Company to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
F-13
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 6 — Commitments and Contingencies (cont.)
Underwriting Agreement
The Company will grant the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,125,000 Units solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
The underwriter will be entitled to a cash underwriting discount of $0.15 per Unit, or $1,125,000 (or $1,293,750 if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full) at the closing of the Proposed Public Offering.
Additionally, the underwriter will be entitled to a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per Unit, or $1,500,000 (or $1,725,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full) at the closing of the initial business combination as deferred underwriting fee and an aggregate of 75,000 Class A ordinary shares (or up to 86,250 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to be issued at the closing of the initial business combination. If the Company does not complete its initial business combination within the time period required by its second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the underwriters have agreed that (i) they will forfeit any rights or claims to their deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, including any accrued interest thereon, then in the trust account, and (ii) that the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions will be included with the funds held in the trust account that will be available to fund the redemption of our public shares.
Note 7 — Shareholder’s Equity
Preference Share — The Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preference share, $0.0001 par value, with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. As of June 14, 2024, there were no preference shares issued or outstanding.
Class A Ordinary Share — The Company is authorized to issue 445,000,000 Class A ordinary share with $0.0001 par value. As of June 14, 2024, there were no Class A ordinary share issued or outstanding.
Class B Ordinary Share — The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 Class B ordinary share with $0.0001 par value. In April 2024, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,156,250 Insider shares to the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.01 per share. Of the aggregate 2,156,250 Class B ordinary share outstanding, an aggregate of up to 281,250 shares are subject to forfeiture to the Company by the Sponsor for no consideration to the extent that the underwriter’s over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that the initial shareholder will collectively own 20.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of ordinary share after the Proposed Public Offering (assuming they do not purchase any Units in the Proposed Public Offering and excluding the Class A ordinary share underlying the Placement Units).
Prior to the Company’s initial business combination, pursuant to its second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, only holders of Class B ordinary shares, or insider shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares will not be entitled to vote on the appointment of directors as long as the Company has Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding. In addition, prior to its initial business combination, only holders of a majority of our Class B ordinary shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason. Accordingly, holders of Class A ordinary shares may not have any say in selecting management of the Company prior to the consummation of an initial business combination as long as the Company has class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding.
The Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of the initial business combination at an one-to-one ratio.
Rights
Except in cases where the Company is not the surviving company in a Business Combination, each holder of a right will automatically receive one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share upon consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination. In the event the Company will not be the surviving company upon completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination, each right will automatically be converted to receive the kind and amount of
F-14
Table of Contents
CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 7 — Shareholder’s Equity (cont.)
securities or properties of the surviving entity that each one-eighth of one Class A ordinary share underlying each right is entitled to upon consummation of the Business Combination subject to any dissenter rights under the applicable law. The Company will not issue fractional shares in connection with a conversion of rights. Fractional shares will either be rounded down to the nearest whole share or otherwise addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act and any other applicable Cayman Islands law. As a result, you must hold rights in multiples of eight in order to receive shares for all of your Class A ordinary shares underlying the rights upon closing of a Business Combination. If the Company are unable to complete an initial Business Combination within the required time period and the Company redeem the public shares for the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds for their rights and the rights will expire worthless. The Company shall reserve such amount of its profits or share premium in order to pay up the par value of each share issuable in respect of the rights.
Note 8 — Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date when these financial statements were issued. Based on this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would require adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.
On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share.
On September 17, 2024, the Sponsor and the underwriter agreed to amend the underwriting terms as follows, (i) an aggregate of 75,000 Class A ordinary shares (or up to 86,250 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to be issued at the closing of the initial Business Combination and being amended to be issued upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, (ii) $10.00 per Public Unit of $75,000,000 (or $86,250,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) from the net proceeds of the sale of the Units in the IPO and the sale of Private Placement Units to be placed in a Trust Account is being amended to $10.025 per Public Unit of $75,187,500 (or $86,465,625 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) to be placed in a Trust Account, and (iii) the underwriter agreed to reimburse the Company $187,500 (or $215,625 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) of the offering expenses as part of the transactions.
F-15
Table of Contents
$75,000,000
Charlton Aria Acquisition Corporation
7,500,000 Units
___________________
PROSPECTUS
___________________
Sole Manager
Clear Street
____________, 2024
Until [__], 2024 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our ordinary shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to its unsold allotments or subscriptions.
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the offering described in this registration statement (other than the underwriting discount and commissions) will be as follows:
Legal fees and expenses | | $ | 350,000 |
Nasdaq listing and filing fees | | | 80,000 |
Printing and engraving expenses | | | 30,000 |
Accounting fees and expenses | | | 55,000 |
SEC/FINRA expenses | | | 26,168 |
Reimbursement of Offering Expenses | | | 125,000 |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 8,832 |
TOTAL | | $ | 675,000 |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by law, including for any liability incurred in their capacities as such, except through their own actual fraud, willful default or willful neglect.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is theretofore unenforceable.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
During the past three years, we sold the following ordinary shares without registration under the Securities Act:
• On April 23, 2024, we issued 2,156,250 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of $0.0001 each to our sponsor for a purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0116 per share. On September 11, 2024, our sponsor entered into a securities transfer agreement, pursuant to which our sponsor transferred 100,000 insider shares and 60,000 insider shares to Mr. Garner, our Chairman and CEO, and Ms. Ma, our CFO, respectively, for a total consideration of $1,855, or approximately $0.0116 per share. In addition, our sponsor intends to transfer 20,000 insider shares each to each of Mr. Markscheid, Mr. Patel and Mr. Chaney, aggregating 60,000 insider shares, in exchange for $3,246, immediately prior to the closing of this offering. We refer to these ordinary shares throughout this prospectus as the “insider shares.” The insider shares held by our insiders include an aggregate of up to 281,250 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that our insiders will collectively own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering (without given effect to the sale of the private units and the issuance of the representative shares and assuming our insiders do not purchase units in this offering). None of our insiders has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering.
• In addition, our sponsor, has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 240,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $2,400,000). The sale of the private units will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. All of the proceeds we receive from the private placement will be placed in the Trust Account. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, it will purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per private unit an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 16,875 private units) pro rata with the amount of the over-allotment option exercised so that at least $10.025 per share sold to the public in this offering is held in trust regardless of whether the over-allotment option is
II-1
Table of Contents
exercised in full or part. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The proceeds from the private placement of the private units will be added to the proceeds of this offering and placed in an account in the United States maintained by Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee.
No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such sales.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
Exhibit No. | | Description |
1.1* | | Form of Underwriting Agreement. |
3.1 | | Memorandum and Articles of Association. |
3.2 | | Amended and Restated memorandum and articles of association. |
3.3 | | Form of Second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. |
4.1 | | Specimen Unit Certificate. |
4.2 | | Specimen Class A Ordinary Share Certificate. |
4.3 | | Specimen Rights Certificate. |
4.4 | | Form of Rights Agreement between Vstock Transfer LLC and the Registrant |
5.1 | | Opinion of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP |
5.2 | | Opinion of Robinson & Cole LLP. |
10.1 | | Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, Underwriters and the Company’s officers, directors and shareholders. |
10.2 | | Form of Investment Management Trust Agreement between Wilmington Trust, N.A. and the Registrant. |
10.3 | | Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Insiders. |
10.4 | | Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and the sponsor for the private units. |
10.5 | | Promissory Note, issued to the Insiders, dated as of April 18, 2024. |
10.6 | | Subscription Agreement by and among the Registrant and the sponsor, dated as of April 23, 2024, for the insider shares. |
10.7 | | Securities Transfer Agreement, among the Registrant, the sponsor, the CEO, and the CFO, dated as of September 11, 2024, for the insider shares. |
10.8 | | Form of Securities Transfer Agreement, among the Registrant, the sponsor and the independent directors. |
10.9 | | Offer Letter, between the Registrant and the CEO and Chairman, dated as of June 14, 2024 |
10.10 | | Offer Letter, between the Registrant and the CFO, dated as of May 25, 2024 |
10.11 | | Form of Indemnity Agreement. |
14 | | Form of Code of Ethics. |
23.1 | | Consent of MaloneBaily, LLP. |
23.2 | | Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). |
23.3 | | Consent of Robinson & Cole LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2). |
24 | | Power of Attorney (included on signature page). |
99.1 | | Form of Audit Committee Charter. |
99.2 | | Form of Compensation Committee Charter. |
99.3 | | Consent of Stephen Markscheid. |
99.4 | | Consent of Umesh Patel. |
99.5 | | Consent of Mark Chaney. |
107 | | Registration Fee Table. |
II-2
Table of Contents
Item 17. Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
i. To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
ii. To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
iii. To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933 in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
i. Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
ii. Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
iii. The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
iv. Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(5) That for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time
II-3
Table of Contents
of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(b) The undersigned hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-4
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Orlando, Florida, on the 24th day of September, 2024.
| | CHARLTON ARIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION |
| | By: | | /s/ Robert W. Garner |
| | Name: | | Robert W. Garner |
| | Title: | | Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name | | Position | | Date |
/s/ Robert W. Garner | | Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director | | September 24, 2024 |
Robert W. Garner | | (Principal executive officer) | | |
/s/ Yuanmei Ma | | Chief Financial Officer and Director | | September 24, 2024 |
Yuanmei Ma | | (Principal financial and accounting officer) | | |
II-5