UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Amendment No. 2)
(Mark One)
☑ |
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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For
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020
or
☐ |
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
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Commission File No. 001-39299
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
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85-2200249
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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2200
Atlantic Street
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
(Address of principal executive
offices) (zip
code)
(203)
989-9709
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
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Trading
Symbols
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Name of Each Exchange on Which
Registered
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Units, each
consisting of one share of Class A common
stock and
one-half of one redeemable warrant
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ASAQ.U
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New York
Stock Exchange
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Class A
common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
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ASAQ
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New York
Stock Exchange
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Redeemable
warrants, each whole warrant exercisable
for one share
of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per
share
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ASAQ WS
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New York
Stock Exchange
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned
issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No
☑
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
or a smaller reporting 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
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☐
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Accelerated
filer
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☐
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Non-accelerated filer
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☑
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Smaller
reporting company
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☑
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Emerging
growth company
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☑
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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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by
check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and
attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of
its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b)
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☑ No ☐
The
registrant was not a public company as of June 30, 2020 and
therefore it cannot calculate the aggregate market value of its
voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of
such date.
As
of March 11, 2022, 25,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par
value $0.0001 per share, and 6,250,000 shares of Class B common
stock, par value $0.0001 per share, were issued and outstanding,
respectively.
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
FORM
10-K/A
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Page
Number
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PART
I
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Item 1.
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1
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Item 1A.
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18
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Item 1B.
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47
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Item 2.
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48
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Item 3.
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48
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Item 4.
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48
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PART
II
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Item 5.
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49
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Item 6.
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49
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Item 7.
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50
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Item 7A.
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52
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Item 8.
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52
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Item 9.
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53
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Item 9A.
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53
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Item 9B.
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53
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PART
III
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Item 10.
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54
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Item 11.
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60
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Item 12.
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60
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Item 13.
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61
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Item 14.
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62
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PART
IV
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Item 15.
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63
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Item 16.
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65
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Additional
Information
Descriptions of agreements or
other documents in this report are intended as summaries and are
not necessarily complete. Please refer to the agreements or the
other documents filed or incorporated herein by reference as
exhibits. Please see “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement
Schedules” in this report for a complete list of those
exhibits.
Special Note
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Please see the note under
“Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” for a description
of special factors potentially affecting forward-looking statements
included in this report.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Atlantic Avenue Acquisition Corp (the “Company,” “we,” “our” or
“us”) is filing this Amendment No. 2 to Form 10-K (“Form 10-K/A”)
to amend our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2020, originally filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 25, 2021 (“Original
Report”), as amended by our Amendment No. 1 to the Original Report,
as filed with the SEC on June 15, 2021 (“Amendment No. 1”), to
restate our financial statements and related footnote disclosures
as of, and for the period from July 27, 2020 (date of inception) to
December 31, 2020. This Form 10-K/A also amends certain other items
in Amendment No. 1, as listed in “Items Amended in this Form
10-K/A” below.
Restatement Background
The Company has re-evaluated its application of ASC 480-10-S99-3A
to its accounting classification of the redeemable common stock,
par value $0.0001 per share (the “Public Shares”), issued as part
of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering (the
“IPO”) on October 6, 2020. Historically, a portion of the Public
Shares was classified as permanent equity to maintain stockholders’
equity greater than $5 million on the basis that the Company will
not redeem its Public Shares in an amount that would cause its net
tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001, as described in the
Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the
“Charter”). Previously, the Company did not consider redeemable
stock classified as temporary equity as part of net tangible
assets. Effective with these financial statements, the Company
revised this interpretation to include temporary equity in net
tangible assets. Pursuant to such re-evaluation, the Company’s
management has determined that the Public Shares include certain
provisions that require classification of all of the Public Shares
as temporary equity. In addition, in connection with the change in
presentation for the Public Shares, the Company determined it
should restate its earnings per share calculation to allocate
income and losses shared pro rata among all shares of common stock.
This presentation contemplates a business combination as the most
likely outcome, in which case, all shares of common stock
participate pro rata in the income and losses of the Company.
Therefore, on December 23, 2021, the Company’s management and the
audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Audit
Committee”) concluded that the Company’s previously issued (i)
audited balance sheet as of October 6, 2020 included in the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October
13, 2020 (the “Post IPO Balance Sheet”), (ii) audited financial
statements as of and for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception)
through December 31, 2020 included in Amendment No. 1, (iii)
unaudited interim financial statements as of and for the three
months ended March 31, 2021 included in the Company’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 28, 2021, (iv)
unaudited interim financial statements as of and for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2021 included in the Company’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021 and (v)
unaudited interim financial statements as of and for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2021 included in the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12,
2021 (collectively, the “Affected Periods”), in each case, should
no longer be relied upon. As such, the Company will restate its
financial statements for the 2020 Affected Periods in this Form
10-K/A for the Post IPO Balance Sheet and the Company’s audited
financial statements included in Amendment No. 1. The Company will
restate the unaudited condensed financial statements for the
periods ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2021
in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly
period ended September 30, 2021, to be filed with the SEC (the “Q3
Form 10-Q/A”).
None of the above changes impacted the Company’s cash position and
cash held in the trust account established in connection with the
IPO.
The
Company’s management has concluded that a material weakness remains
in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and that
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not
effective. The Company’s remediation plan with respect to such
material weakness will be described in more detail in the Q3 Form
10-Q/A.
Items Amended in this Form 10-K/A
This Form
10-K/A presents the Original Report, amended and restated with
modifications as necessary to reflect the restatements. The
following items have been amended to reflect the
restatements:
Part I, Item
1A. Risk Factors
Part II,
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Part II,
Item 8. Financial Statements
Part II,
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
In addition,
the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer have provided new certifications dated as of the date of
this filing in connection with this Form 10-K/A (Exhibits 31.1,
31.2, 32.1 and 32.2).
Except as
described above, this Form 10-K/A does not amend, update or change
any other items or disclosures in the Original Report and does not
purport to reflect any information or events subsequent to the
filing thereof. As such, this Form 10-K/A speaks only as of the
date the Original Report was filed, and we have not undertaken
herein to amend, supplement or update any information contained in
the Original Report to give effect to any subsequent events other
than the SEC Staff Statement. Accordingly, this Form 10-K/A should
be read in conjunction with our filings made with the SEC
subsequent to the filing of the Original Report, including any
amendment to those filings.
PART
I
Introductory Note
The
following describes the business of Atlantic Avenue Acquisition
Corp. Except where otherwise noted, all references to “we,” “us,”
“our,” “ASAQ,” or the “Company,” are to Atlantic Avenue Acquisition
Corp.
Description of Business
We
are a recently incorporated blank check company incorporated on
July 27, 2020 as a Delaware corporation formed for the purpose of
effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock
purchase, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar
business combination with one or more businesses (the “business
combination”). We have reviewed, and continue to review, a number
of opportunities to enter into a business combination with an
operating business, but we are not able to determine at this time
whether we will complete a business combination with any of the
target businesses that we have reviewed or with any other target
business. We also have neither engaged in any operations nor
generated any revenue to date. Based on our business activities, we
are a “shell company” as defined under the Exchange Act of 1934
(the “Exchange Act”) because we have no operations and nominal
assets consisting almost entirely of cash.
As
of December 31, 2020, the Company had not commenced any operations.
All activity for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through
December 31, 2020 relates to the Company’s formation, our initial
public offering (“Initial Public Offering” or “IPO”), which is
described below, and identifying a target company for a business
combination. The Company will not generate any operating revenues
until after the completion of a business combination, at the
earliest. The Company generates non-operating income in the form of
interest income from the proceeds derived from the Initial Public
Offering.
On
August 5, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 7,187,500 shares
(the “founder shares”) of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001
par value (the “Class B common stock”), to Atlantic Avenue Partners
LLC (our “sponsor”), an affiliate of MC Credit Partners LP (“MC” or
“MC Credit Partners”), and ASA Co-Investment LLC (“ASA
Co-Investment”), an affiliate of Cowen and Company, LLC, the
representative of the underwriters of our Initial Public Offering,
in exchange for an aggregate capital contribution of $25,000. We
refer to our sponsor and ASA Co-Investment as the “founders.” Prior
to the initial investment in the company of $25,000 by our
founders, the Company had no assets, tangible or intangible. The
purchase price of the founder shares was determined by dividing the
amount of cash contributed to us by the number of founder shares
issued. In August 2020, our sponsor transferred 145,000 founder
shares to each of our independent directors at their original per
share purchase price. On November 16, 2020, the founders forfeited
937,500 founder shares following the expiration of the unexercised
underwriters’ over-allotment option, so that the founder shares
held by our founders and independent directors (collectively, the
“initial stockholders”) would represent 20.0% of the outstanding
shares of common stock following completion of the Initial Public
Offering.
On
October 6, 2020, the Company consummated the Initial Public
Offering of 25,000,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the
shares of Class A common stock included in the Units sold, the
“Public Shares”), at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of
$250,000,000. Each Unit consists of one share of Class A common
stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A
common stock”), and one-half of one redeemable warrant of the
Company, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to
purchase one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of
$11.50 per share (each whole warrant, a “warrant”).
Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the
Company consummated the sale of 7,000,000 warrants (the “private
placement warrants”). The sponsor purchased an aggregate of
3,950,000 private placement warrants, ASA Co-Investment LLC
purchased an aggregate of 2,750,000 private placement warrants and
the Company’s independent directors purchased an aggregate of
300,000 private placement warrants, at a price of $1.00 per unit,
for an aggregate purchase price of $7,000,000. The private
placement warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to
those of the warrants sold as part of the Units in the Initial
Public Offering, except that the private placement warrants may be
net cash settled and are not redeemable so long as they are held by
the initial stockholders or their permitted transferees. With
respect to private placement warrants held by ASA Co-Investment,
they are not exercisable more than five years from the commencement
of sales of the offering in accordance with Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 5110(g)(8)(C). The sale of the
private placement warrants was made pursuant to the exemption from
registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. A
portion of the proceeds from the private placements were added to
the net proceeds from the Initial Public Offering held in the trust
account described below.
A
total of $250,000,000 ($10.00 per Unit) from the net proceeds of
the sale of the Units in the Initial Public Offering and the sale
of the private placement warrants was placed in a trust account
(the “trust account”) and invested 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 meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment
Company Act”), which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury
obligations, until the earlier of: (a) the completion of the
initial business combination, (b) the redemption of any Public
Shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to
amend the Company’s amended and restated certificate of
incorporation or (c) the redemption of the Company’s Public Shares
if the Company is unable to complete the initial business
combination within 24 months from October 6, 2020, the closing of
the Initial Public Offering.
On
October 12, 2020, we announced that the holders of our Units may
elect to separately trade the Class A common stock and warrants
included in the Units commencing on October 15, 2020 on the New
York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbols “ASAQ” and “ASAQ
WS”, respectively. Those Units not separated will continue to trade
on the NYSE under the symbol “ASAQ.U”.
Business Strategy
Our
business strategy is to leverage the origination network and
strategic and transactional experience of our dedicated team to
identify attractive potential business combination targets. We are
focusing on businesses that can benefit from the MC investment
team’s expertise and that complement the experience of our
management team, the MC investment team and our operating partners.
We are leveraging the MC investment team’s and our operating
partners’ broad sourcing networks in our selection process to
provide attractive business combination opportunities and are
applying our rigorous diligence, analytical and structuring skills
to executing a value creating transaction.
MC’s
investment team provides strategic, capital markets and operational
advice to MC’s portfolio companies, working alongside management to
drive new product development, geographic expansion, cost
rationalization and technology transformation. Members of MC’s
investment team often sit on the board of companies to which MC
lends and work side by side with company executives to provide
strategic advice on acquisitions, divestitures and capital
structure optimization. Importantly, we seek to acquire a company
that will benefit particularly from the experience and expertise of
one or more of our operating partners, each of whom served as a
senior executive across multiple successful companies.
Our
selection process leverages our team’s network of private equity
sponsors and industry executives as well as relationships with
management teams of public and private companies, investment
bankers, restructuring advisors, attorneys and accountants, which
we believe provides us with a number of attractive business
combination opportunities. We will seek to drive stockholder value
post acquisition by leveraging our experience and network.
Additionally, we will benefit from MC’s unique vantage point of
investing direct lending funds by providing in-depth knowledge of
private equity portfolios as well as growth companies migrating
from debt to equity financings. Our management team has experience
in:
• |
defining corporate strategy,
growing companies both organically and through strategic
transactions, expanding portfolios and broadening geographic
footprints;
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strategically investing in
companies to help accelerate growth and maturation;
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fostering relationships with
private and public companies, capital providers and advisors;
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negotiating transactions
favorable to investors; and
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accessing the capital markets,
including financing businesses and helping companies transition to
public ownership.
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We
communicate with MC’s and our management team’s network of deal
sourcing relationships to articulate parameters for our search for
a potential business combination and the process of pursuing and
reviewing potential opportunities.
Our
Investment Criteria
Consistent with our strategy, we have identified the following
general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in
evaluating prospective target businesses. We use these criteria and
guidelines in evaluating acquisition opportunities, but we may
decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target
business that does not necessarily meet these criteria and
guidelines. We intend to seek to acquire one or more businesses
that we believe:
•
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are poised for growth in an
industry undergoing secular change through a meaningful
technological transformation. We are targeting businesses that are
enhancing their traditional models with technology.
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• |
have significant embedded and/or
underexploited expansion opportunities through add-on acquisitions.
Our management team and MC’s investment team have significant
experience in identifying and executing such opportunities and
helping management teams assess the strategic and financial fit.
Similarly, our management team and MC’s investment professionals
have the expertise to assess the likely synergies and processes
necessary to help a target integrate acquisition.
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are fundamentally sound but
underperforming their potential in industries that are otherwise
exhibiting stable or improving fundamentals. We are conducting
thorough diligence and rigorously analyzing our potential
acquisition candidates to understand the risks and opportunities
that the business presents and we will pursue opportunities that we
believe provide attractive risk-adjusted returns.
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have a defensible market position
with demonstrated advantages that create barriers to entry against
new potential market entrants.
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have a diversified customer base
better positioned to endure economic downturns, changes in the
industry landscape and evolving customer, supplier and competitor
preferences.
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are understood by our management
team, MC’s investment professionals and our operating partners,
particularly those where we believe we can increase value through
our strategic or operational expertise.
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have underappreciated value
and/or sub-optimal capital structure that will be availed by our
management’s history of providing capital structure solutions,
through either capital infusions, creative and/or unique structures
or recapitalizations in order to optimize a company’s balance sheet
and increase equity value.
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are at an inflection point, such
as those requiring additional management expertise or access to
capital markets where we believe we or our operating partners can
be catalysts to turn that inflection point into transformative
growth.
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will offer attractive
risk-adjusted equity returns for our stockholders. We seek to
acquire a target on terms and in a manner consistent with our
disciplined investing approach.
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These criteria and guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive.
Any evaluation relating to the merits of an initial business
combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general
criteria and guidelines as well as other considerations, factors,
criteria and guidelines 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 stockholder
communications related to our initial business combination, which
would be in the form of tender offer documents or proxy
solicitation materials that we would file with the SEC.
Initial Business Combination
The
NYSE rules require that our initial business combination must be
with one or more operating businesses or assets with a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of the net assets held in the trust
account (net of amounts disbursed to management for working capital
purposes and excluding the amount of any deferred underwriting
discount held in trust) at the time of our signing a definitive
agreement in connection with our initial business combination. If
our board of directors is not able to independently determine the
fair market value of the target business or businesses, we will
obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that
is a member of FINRA or from an independent accounting firm, with
respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. We do not currently
intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in
conjunction with our initial business combination, although there
is no assurance that will be the case.
We
anticipate structuring our initial business combination so that the
post-transaction company in which our public stockholders own
shares will own or acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interests
or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however,
structure our initial business combination such that the
post-transaction company owns or acquires less than 100% of such
interests or assets of the target business in order to meet certain
objectives of the target management team or stockholders or for
other reasons. However, 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 business
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 stockholders 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 of Class A common stock in exchange for all of the
outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we would
acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a
result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our
stockholders immediately prior to our initial business combination
could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares subsequent
to our initial business combination. If less than 100% of the
outstanding 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% of net
assets test. If our initial business combination involves more than
one target business, the 80% of net assets test will be based on
the aggregate value of all of the target businesses and we will
treat the target businesses together as the initial business
combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking
stockholder approval, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if we are not then listed on the NYSE for whatever reason, we would
no longer be required to meet the foregoing 80% of net asset
test.
The
time required to select and evaluate a target business and to
structure and complete our initial business combination, and the
costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable
with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to
the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business
with which our initial business combination is not ultimately
completed will result in our incurring losses and will reduce the
funds we can use to complete another business combination.
Our
Acquisition Process
In
evaluating a prospective target business, we conduct an extensive
due diligence review which encompasses, among other things,
meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews,
interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities,
and a review of financial and other information about the target
and its industry.
We
are not prohibited from pursuing our initial business combination
with a business that is affiliated with our sponsor, MC, our
directors, or our officers or from making the acquisition through a
joint venture or other form of shared ownership with our sponsor,
MC, our directors, our officers, or their affiliates. In the event
we seek to complete our initial business combination with a
business combination target that is affiliated with our sponsor,
MC, our directors, or our officers, we, or a committee of
independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent
investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or an independent
accounting firm that such an initial business combination is fair
to our company from a financial point of view. We are not required
to obtain such an opinion in any other context.
MC’s
investment professionals are from time to time made aware of
potential business opportunities, one or more of which we may
desire to pursue, for a business combination. Each of our directors
and officers may, directly or indirectly, own founder shares and/or
private placement warrants 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. Further, such directors and officers may have a
conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular
business combination if the retention or resignation of any such
directors and officers was included by a target business as a
condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business
combination.
Each
of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the
future may have additional, fiduciary, contractual or other
obligations or duties to one or more other entities pursuant to
which such officer or director is or will be required to present a
business combination opportunity to such entities. Accordingly, if
any of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business
combination opportunity which is suitable for one or more entities
to which he or she has fiduciary, contractual or other obligations
or duties, he or she will honor these obligations and duties to
present such business combination opportunity to such entities
first, and only present it to us if such entities reject the
opportunity and he or she determines to present the opportunity to
us. However, we do not expect these duties to present a significant
conflict of interest with our search for an initial business
combination.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we
renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any
director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to
such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer
of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and
contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be
reasonable for us to pursue, and to the extent the director or
officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to us without
violating another legal obligation.
Sourcing of Potential Business Combination Targets
We
believe our management team’s significant operating and transaction
experience and relationships with companies provide us with a
substantial number of potential business combination targets. Over
the course of their careers, the members of our management team
have developed a broad network of contacts and corporate
relationships around the world. This network has grown through the
activities of our management team sourcing, acquiring, financing
and selling businesses, our management team’s relationships with
sellers, financing sources and target management teams and the
experience of our management team in executing transactions under
varying economic and financial market conditions.
We
believe that the network of contacts and relationships of our
management team provide us with important sources of acquisition
opportunities. In addition, target business candidates have been
brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources,
including investment market participants, private equity funds and
large business enterprises seeking to divest non-core assets or
divisions.
We
are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination
with a business that is affiliated with our founders, officers or
directors, or making the acquisition through a joint venture or
other form of shared ownership with our founders, officers or
directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business
combination with a business that is affiliated with our founders,
officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent and
disinterested directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent
investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA, or from an
independent accounting firm, that our initial business combination
is fair to our company from a financial point of view. We are not
required to obtain such an opinion in any other context.
As
more fully discussed in “Management-Conflicts of Interest,” 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 then-current fiduciary or
contractual obligations, he or she may be required to present such
business combination opportunity to such entity prior to presenting
such business combination opportunity to us. All of our officers
and directors currently have certain relevant fiduciary duties or
contractual obligations that may take priority over their duties to
us.
Status as a Public Company
We
believe our structure makes us an attractive business combination
partner to target businesses. As an existing public company, we
offer a target business an alternative to the traditional initial
public offering through a merger or other business combination. In
this situation, the owners of the target business would exchange
their shares of stock in the target business for shares of our
stock or for a combination of shares of our stock and cash,
allowing us to tailor the consideration to the specific needs of
the sellers. Although there are various costs and obligations
associated with being a public company, we believe target
businesses will find this method a more certain and cost effective
method to becoming a public company than the typical initial public
offering. In a typical initial public offering, there are
additional expenses incurred in marketing, road show and public
reporting efforts that may not be present to the same extent in
connection with a business combination with us.
Furthermore, once a proposed business combination is completed, the
target business will have effectively become public, whereas an
initial public offering is always subject to the underwriters’
ability to complete the offering, as well as general market
conditions, which could delay or prevent the offering from
occurring. Once public, we believe the target business would then
have greater access to capital and an additional means of providing
management incentives consistent with stockholders’ interests. It
can offer further benefits by augmenting a company’s profile among
potential new customers and vendors and aid in attracting talented
employees.
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. 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 the IPO, (b) in which we have total annual gross
revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to
be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our
common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as
of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued
more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during
the prior three-year period.
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 common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $250
million as of the prior June 30th, or (2) our annual revenues
exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the
market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th.
Financial Position
With
funds available for a business combination initially in the amount
of approximately $241,250,000 assuming no redemptions (after
payment of the fee payable to the underwriters pursuant to the
Business Combination Marketing Agreement we entered into at the
time of our IPO, which we refer to throughout this report as the
“Marketing Fee”), we offer a target business a variety of options
such as creating a liquidity event for its owners, providing
capital for the potential growth and expansion of its operations or
strengthening its balance sheet by reducing its debt ratio. Because
we are able to complete our initial business combination using our
cash, debt or equity securities, or a combination of the foregoing,
we have the flexibility to use the most efficient combination that
will allow us to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target
business to fit its needs and desires. However, we have not taken
any steps to secure third-party financing and there can be no
assurance it will be available to us.
Effecting our Initial Business Combination
We
intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash
from the proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private placement
warrants, our capital stock, debt or a combination of these as the
consideration to be paid in our initial business combination. We
may seek to complete our initial business combination with a
company or business that may be financially unstable or in its
early stages of development or growth, which would subject us to
the numerous risks inherent in such companies and businesses.
If
our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt,
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 or used for redemptions of our Class A common
stock, 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 the post-transaction
company, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness
incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund
the purchase of other companies or for working capital.
Our
officers and directors are from time to time made aware of
potential business opportunities, one or more of which we may
desire to pursue, for a business combination. We may seek to raise
additional funds through a private offering of debt or equity
securities in connection with the completion of our initial
business combination, and we may effectuate our initial business
combination using the proceeds of such offering rather than using
the amounts held in the trust account.
In
the case of an initial business combination funded with assets
other than the trust account assets, our tender offer documents or
proxy materials disclosing the business combination would disclose
the terms of the financing and, only if required by applicable law
or we decide to do so for business or other reasons, we would seek
stockholder approval of such financing. There are no prohibitions
on our ability to raise funds privately or through loans in
connection with our initial business combination. At this time, we
are not a party to any arrangement or understanding with any third
party with respect to raising any additional funds through the sale
of securities or otherwise.
Selection of a Target Business and Structuring of our Initial
Business Combination
The
NYSE rules require that our initial business combination must be
with one or more operating businesses or assets with a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of the net assets held in the trust
account (net of amounts disbursed to management for working capital
purposes and excluding the amount of any deferred underwriting
discount held in trust) at the time of our signing a definitive
agreement in connection with our initial business combination. The
fair market value of the target or targets will be determined by
our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally
accepted by the financial community, such as discounted cash flow
valuation or value of comparable businesses. If our board is not
able to independently determine the fair market value of the target
business or businesses, we will obtain an opinion from an
independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA, or
from an independent accounting firm, with respect to the
satisfaction of such criteria. We do not currently intend to
purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction
with our initial business combination, although there is no
assurance that will be the case. Subject to this requirement, our
management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in
identifying and selecting one or more prospective target
businesses, although we will not be permitted to effectuate our
initial business combination solely with another blank check
company or a similar company with nominal operations.
In
any case, we will only complete an initial business combination in
which we own or acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting
securities of the target or otherwise acquire a controlling
interest in the target business sufficient for it not to be
required to register as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act. If we own or acquire less than 100% of the outstanding
equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses, the
portion of such business or businesses that are owned or acquired
by the post-transaction company is what will be valued for purposes
of the 80% of net assets test. There is no basis for investors to
evaluate the possible merits or risks of any target business with
which we may ultimately complete our initial business
combination.
To
the extent we effect our initial business combination with a
company or business that may be financially unstable or in its
early stages of development or growth we may be affected by
numerous risks inherent in such company or business. 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.
In
evaluating a prospective target business, we expect to conduct a
thorough due diligence review which may encompass, among other
things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document
reviews, inspection of facilities, as well as a review of
financial, operational, legal and other information which will be
made available to us.
The
time required to select and evaluate a target business and to
structure and complete our initial business combination, and the
costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable
with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to
the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business
with which our initial business combination is not ultimately
completed will result in our incurring losses and will reduce the
funds we can use to complete another business combination.
Lack
of Business Diversification
For
an indefinite period of time after the completion of our initial
business combination, the prospects for our success may depend
entirely on the future performance of a single business. Unlike
other entities that have the resources to complete business
combinations with multiple entities in one or several industries,
it is probable that we will not have the resources to diversify our
operations and mitigate the risks of being in a single line of
business. By completing our initial business combination with only
a single entity, our lack of diversification may:
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subject us to negative economic,
competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may
have a substantial adverse impact on the particular industry in
which we operate after our initial business combination; and
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cause us to depend on the
marketing and sale of a single product or limited number of
products or services.
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Limited Ability to Evaluate the Target’s Management Team
Although we intend to closely scrutinize the management of a
prospective target business when evaluating the desirability of
effecting our initial business combination with that business, our
assessment of the target business’s management may not prove to be
correct. In addition, the future management may not have the
necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public
company. Furthermore, the future role of members of our management
team, if any, in the target business cannot presently be stated
with any certainty. While it is possible that one or more of our
directors will remain associated in some capacity with us following
our initial business combination, it is unlikely that any of them
will devote their full efforts to our affairs subsequent to our
initial business combination. Moreover, we cannot assure you that
members of our management team will have significant experience or
knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target
business.
We
cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain in
senior management or advisory positions with the combined company.
The determination as to whether any of our key personnel will
remain with the combined company will be made at the time of our
initial business combination.
Following our initial 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 additional managers will
have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to
enhance the incumbent management.
Stockholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve our Initial
Business Combination
We
may conduct redemptions without a stockholder vote pursuant to the
tender offer rules of the SEC subject to the provisions of our
second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. However,
we will seek stockholder approval if it is required by law or
applicable stock exchange rule, or we may decide to seek
stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons.
Under the NYSE’s listing rules, stockholder approval would be
required for our initial business combination if, for
example:
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we issue (other than in a public
offering for cash) shares of Class A common stock that will either
(a) be equal to or in excess of 20% of the number of shares of our
Class A common stock then outstanding or (b) have voting power
equal to or in excess of 20% of the voting power then
outstanding;
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• |
any of our directors, officers or
substantial security holders (as defined by the NYSE rules) has a
5% or greater interest, directly or indirectly, in the target
business or assets to be acquired and if the number of shares of
common stock to be issued, or if the number of shares of common
stock into which the securities may be convertible or exercisable,
exceeds either (a) 1% of the number of shares of common stock or 1%
of the voting power outstanding before the issuance in the case of
any of our directors and officers or (b) 5% of the number of shares
of common stock or 5% of the voting power outstanding before the
issuance in the case of any substantial securityholders; or
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• |
the issuance or potential
issuance of common stock will result in our undergoing a change of
control.
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The
decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a
proposed business combination in those instances in which
stockholder approval is not required by law will be made by us,
solely in our discretion, and will be based on business and legal
reasons, which include a variety of factors, including, but not
limited to:
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the timing of the transaction,
including in the event we determine stockholder approval would
require additional time and there is either not enough time to seek
stockholder approval or doing so would place the company at a
disadvantage in the transaction or result in other additional
burdens on the company;
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• |
the expected cost of holding a
stockholder vote;
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• |
the risk that the stockholders
would fail to approve the proposed business combination;
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• |
other time and budget constraints
of the company; and
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additional legal complexities of
a proposed business combination that would be time-consuming and
burdensome to present to stockholders.
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Permitted Purchases of Our Securities
In
the event we seek stockholder 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 founders, directors, officers, advisors or any of their
affiliates may purchase shares or warrants 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 warrants such persons may purchase.
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. In the event our sponsor,
directors, officers, advisors or any of their affiliates determine
to make any such purchases at the time of a stockholder vote
relating to our initial business combination, such purchases could
have the effect of influencing the vote necessary to approve such
transaction. None of the funds in the trust account will be used to
purchase shares or warrants in such transactions. If they engage in
such transactions, they will be restricted from making 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. Such a purchase
may include a contractual acknowledgement that such stockholder,
although still the record holder of our shares is no longer the
beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its
redemption rights. We have adopted an insider trading policy which
requires insiders to: (i) refrain from purchasing securities during
certain blackout periods and when they are in possession of any
material non-public information; and (ii) clear all trades with a
designated 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.
In
the event that our founders, directors, officers, advisors or any
of their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated
transactions from public stockholders who have already elected to
exercise their redemption rights, such selling stockholders 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.
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 stockholder approval of our initial business combination
or (ii) 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. This may
result in the completion of our initial business combination that
may not otherwise have been possible.
In
addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our
securities 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
founders, officers, directors, advisors, and/or any of their
affiliates anticipate that they may identify the stockholders with
whom our founders, officers, directors, advisors or any of their
affiliates may pursue privately negotiated purchases by either the
stockholders contacting us directly or by our receipt of redemption
requests submitted by stockholders following our mailing of proxy
materials in connection with our initial business combination. To
the extent that our founders, officers, directors, advisors or
their affiliates enter into a private purchase, they would identify
and contact only potential selling stockholders 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 stockholders 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 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
stockholder would receive if it elected to redeem its shares in
connection with our initial business combination. Our founders,
officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates will be
restricted from purchasing shares if such purchases do not comply
with Regulation M under the Exchange Act and the other federal
securities laws.
Any
purchases by our founders, officers, directors and/or their
affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under
the Exchange Act will be restricted unless such purchases are made
in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from
liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) and Rule 10b-5 of
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 founders, officers, directors
and/or their affiliates will be restricted from making purchases of
common stock if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule
10b-5 of the Exchange Act.
Redemption Rights for Public Stockholders upon Completion of our
Initial Business Combination
We
will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem
all or a portion of their shares of Class A common stock 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 the initial business combination,
including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account
and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the
number of then 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 Marketing Fee we will pay to the
underwriters. The redemption rights will include the requirement
that a beneficial holder must identify itself in order to validly
redeem its shares. There will be no redemption rights upon the
completion of our initial business combination with respect to our
warrants. Each of our founders, officers and directors have entered
into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed
to waive their redemption rights with respect to any founder shares
and any public shares held by them in connection with the
completion of our initial business combination.
Manner of Conducting Redemptions
We
will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem
all or a portion of their shares of Class A common stock upon the
completion of our initial business combination either (i) in
connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the
business combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The
decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a
proposed business combination or conduct 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 require us to seek
stockholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing
requirement. Asset acquisitions and stock purchases would not
typically require stockholder approval while direct mergers with
our company where we do not survive and any transactions where we
issue more than 20% of our outstanding common stock or seek to
amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation would
typically require stockholder approval. We intend to conduct
redemptions without a stockholder vote pursuant to the tender offer
rules of the SEC unless stockholder approval is required by
applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements or we choose
to seek stockholder approval for business or other reasons.
If a
stockholder vote is not required and we do not decide to hold a
stockholder vote for business or other reasons, we will, pursuant
to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation:
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conduct the redemptions pursuant
to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which
regulate issuer tender offers,
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file tender offer documents with
the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination which
contain substantially the same financial and other information
about the initial business combination and the redemption rights as
is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which
regulates the solicitation of proxies.
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Upon
the public announcement of our initial business combination, we and
our sponsor will terminate any plan established in accordance with
Rule 10b5-1 to purchase shares of our Class A common stock in the
open market if we elect to redeem our public shares through a
tender offer, to comply with Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange
Act.
In
the event we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer
rules, our offer to redeem will remain open for at least 20
business days, in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange
Act, and we will not be permitted to complete our initial business
combination until the expiration of the tender offer period. In
addition, the tender offer will be conditioned on public
stockholders not tendering more than a specified number of public
shares, which number will be based on the requirement that we may
not redeem public shares in an amount that would cause our net
tangible assets, after payment of the Marketing Fee, to be less
than $5,000,001 (so that we do not then become subject to the SEC’s
“penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash
requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to our
initial business combination. If public stockholders tender more
shares than we have offered to purchase, we will withdraw the
tender offer and not complete such initial business
combination.
If,
however, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by
applicable law or stock exchange listing requirement, or we decide
to obtain stockholder approval for business or other reasons, we
will, pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation:
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conduct the redemptions in
conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A of
the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies, and
not pursuant to the tender offer rules, and
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file proxy materials with the
SEC.
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We
expect that a final proxy statement would be mailed to public
stockholders at least 10 days prior to the stockholder vote.
However, we expect that a draft proxy statement would be made
available to such stockholders well in advance of such time,
providing additional notice of redemption if we conduct redemptions
in conjunction with a proxy solicitation. Although we are not
required to do so, we currently intend to comply with the
substantive and procedural requirements of Regulation 14A in
connection with any stockholder vote even if we are not able to
maintain our NYSE listing or Exchange Act registration.
In
the event that we seek stockholder approval of our initial business
combination, we will distribute proxy materials and, in connection
therewith, provide our public stockholders with the redemption
rights described above upon completion of the initial business
combination.
If
we seek stockholder approval, we will complete our initial business
combination only if a majority of the outstanding shares of common
stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination (or, if
the applicable rules of the NYSE then in effect require, a majority
of the outstanding shares of common stock held by public
stockholders are voted in favor of the business transaction).
Unless restricted by NYSE rules, a quorum for such meeting will
consist of the holders present in person or by proxy of shares of
outstanding capital stock of the company representing a majority of
the voting power of all outstanding capital stock of our company
entitled to vote at such a meeting. Unless restricted by NYSE
rules, our initial stockholders will count toward this quorum.
Pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement entered into with us,
our initial stockholders, officers and directors have agreed (and
their permitted transferees will agree) to vote any founder shares
and any public shares held by them in favor of our initial business
combination. We expect that at the time of any stockholder vote
relating to our initial business combination, our initial
stockholders and their permitted transferees will own at least 20%
of our outstanding common stock entitled to vote thereon. These
quorum and voting thresholds and the letter agreement may make it
more likely that we will consummate our initial business
combination. Each public stockholder may elect to redeem their
public shares without voting, and if they do vote, irrespective of
whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. In
addition, each of our founders, officers and directors have entered
into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed
to waive their redemption rights with respect to any founder shares
and any public shares held by them in connection with the
completion of a business combination.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that in
no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would
cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 (so that
we do not then become subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules ).
Redemptions of our public shares may also be subject to a higher
net tangible asset test or cash requirement pursuant to an
agreement relating to our initial business combination. For
example, the proposed business combination may require: (i) cash
consideration to be paid to the target or its owners; (ii) cash to
be transferred to the target for working capital or other general
corporate purposes; or (iii) the retention of cash to satisfy other
conditions in accordance with the terms of the proposed business
combination. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would
be required to pay for all shares of Class A common stock that are
validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to
satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed
business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available
to us, we will not complete the business combination or redeem any
shares, and all shares of Class A common stock submitted for
redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead
may search for an alternative business combination.
Limitation on Redemption upon Completion of Our Initial Business
Combination If We Seek Stockholder Approval
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we seek stockholder 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 amended and restated certificate of
incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any
affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such
stockholder 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. We believe this restriction will discourage stockholders
from accumulating large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts
by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption
rights against a proposed business combination as a means to force
us or our founders or their affiliates to purchase their shares at
a significant premium to the then-current market price or on other
undesirable terms. Absent this provision, a public stockholder
holding more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in the IPO
could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such holder’s
shares are not purchased by us or our founders or their affiliates
at a premium to the then-current market price or on other
undesirable terms. By limiting our stockholders’ ability to redeem
no more than 15% of the shares sold in the IPO, we believe we will
limit the ability of a small group of stockholders to unreasonably
attempt to block our ability to complete our initial 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 stockholders’ ability to vote all of their
shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial
business combination. Our founders, officers and directors have,
pursuant to a letter agreement entered into with us, waived their
right to have any founder shares or public shares redeemed in
connection with our initial business combination. Unless any of our
other affiliates acquires founder shares through a permitted
transfer from an initial stockholder, and thereby becomes subject
to the letter agreement, no such affiliate is subject to this
waiver. However, to the extent any such affiliate acquires public
shares in the IPO or thereafter through open market purchases, it
would be a public stockholder and subject to the 15% limitation in
connection with any such redemption right.
Tendering Stock Certificates in Connection with a Tender Offer or
Redemption Rights
We
may require our public stockholders 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 or proxy materials mailed to such holders, or up to two
business days prior to the scheduled vote on the proposal to
approve the business combination in the event we distribute proxy
materials, or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent
electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC
(Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, rather than simply voting
against the initial business combination. The tender offer or proxy
materials, as applicable, that we will furnish to holders of our
public shares in connection with our initial business combination
will indicate whether we are requiring public stockholders to
satisfy such delivery requirements, which will include the
requirement that a beneficial holder must identify itself in order
to validly redeem its shares. Accordingly, a public stockholder
would have from the time we send out our tender offer materials
until the close of the tender offer period, or up to two business
days prior to the scheduled vote on the business combination if we
distribute proxy materials, as applicable, to tender its shares if
it wishes to seek to exercise its redemption rights. Pursuant to
the tender offer rules, the tender offer period will be not less
than 20 business days and, in the case of a stockholder vote, a
final proxy statement would be mailed to public stockholders at
least 10 days prior to the stockholder vote. However, we expect
that a draft proxy statement would be made available to such
stockholders well in advance of such time, providing additional
notice of redemption if we conduct redemptions in conjunction with
a proxy solicitation. Given the relatively short exercise period,
it is advisable for stockholders to use electronic delivery of
their public shares.
There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced
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 a fee of approximately $80.00
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 to tender their shares. The need to deliver
shares is a requirement of exercising redemption rights regardless
of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated.
The
foregoing is different from the procedures used by many blank check
companies. In order to perfect redemption rights in connection with
their business combinations, many blank check companies would
distribute proxy materials for the stockholders’ 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 his or her
redemption rights. After the business combination was approved, the
company would contact such stockholder to arrange for him or her to
deliver his or her certificate to verify ownership. As a result,
the stockholder then had an “option window” after the completion of
the business combination during which he or she could monitor the
price of the company’s stock in the market. If the price rose above
the redemption price, he or she could sell his or her shares in the
open market before actually delivering his or her shares to the
company for cancellation. As a result, the redemption rights, to
which stockholders were aware they needed to commit before the
stockholder meeting, would become “option” rights surviving past
the completion of the business combination until the redeeming
holder delivered its certificate. The requirement for physical or
electronic delivery prior to the meeting ensures that a redeeming
holder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the business
combination is approved.
Any
request to redeem such shares, once made, may be withdrawn at any
time up to the date set forth in the tender offer materials or two
business days prior to the date of the stockholder meeting set
forth in our proxy materials, as applicable (unless we elect to
allow additional withdrawal rights). Furthermore, if a holder of a
public share delivered its certificate in connection with an
election of redemption rights and subsequently decides prior to the
applicable date not to elect to exercise such rights, such holder
may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate
(physically or electronically). It is anticipated that the funds to
be distributed to holders of our public shares electing to redeem
their shares will be distributed promptly after the completion of
our initial business combination.
If
our initial business combination is not approved or completed for
any reason, then our public stockholders who elected to exercise
their redemption 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 certificates delivered by
public holders who elected to redeem their shares.
If
our initial proposed business combination is not completed, we may
continue to try to complete a business combination with a different
target until 24 months from the closing of the IPO.
Redemption of Public Shares and Liquidation if no Initial Business
Combination
Our
founders, officers and directors have agreed that we have only 24
months from the closing of the IPO to complete our initial business
combination. If we have not completed our initial business
combination within such 24-month 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, subject to lawfully available funds therefor, redeem
100% of 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 taxes (less up to
$100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the
number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will
completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders
(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
stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate,
subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to
provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other
applicable law. There are no redemption rights or liquidating
distributions with respect to our warrants, which will expire
worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination
within the 24-month time period.
Each
of our founders, officers and directors have entered into a letter
agreement with us, pursuant to which they have waived their rights
to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to
their founder shares if we fail to complete our initial business
combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO. However,
if our founders, officers and directors acquire public shares, they
will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust
account with respect to such public shares if we fail to complete
our initial business combination within the allotted 24-month time
period.
Our
founders, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written
agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation (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 24 months from the closing of the IPO or (B)
with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’
rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we
provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem
their shares of Class A common stock 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 taxes, divided by the number
of then outstanding public shares. However, we may not redeem our
public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets
to be less than $5,000,001 (so that we do not then become subject
to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules).
We
expect that all costs and expenses associated with implementing our
plan of dissolution, as well as payments to any creditors, will be
funded from amounts remaining out of the proceeds held outside the
trust account, although we cannot assure you that there will be
sufficient funds for such purpose. However, if those funds are not
sufficient to cover the costs and expenses associated with
implementing our plan of dissolution, to the extent that there is
any interest accrued in the trust account not required to pay
taxes, we may request the trustee to release to us an additional
amount of up to $100,000 of such accrued interest to pay those
costs and expenses.
If
we were to expend all of the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale
of the private placement warrants, other than the proceeds
deposited in the trust account, and without taking into account
interest, if any, earned on the trust account, the per-share
redemption amount received by stockholders upon our dissolution
would be approximately $10.00. The proceeds deposited in the trust
account could, however, become subject to the claims of our
creditors which would have higher priority than the claims of our
public stockholders. We cannot assure you that the actual per-share
redemption amount received by stockholders will not be
substantially less than $10.00. Under Section 281(b) of the DGCL,
our plan of dissolution must provide for all claims against us to
be paid in full or make provision for payments to be made in full,
as applicable, if there are sufficient assets. These claims must be
paid or provided for before we make any distribution of our
remaining assets to our stockholders. While we intend to pay such
amounts, if any, we cannot assure you that we will have funds
sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims.
Although we seek to have all third parties, service providers
(other than our independent registered public accounting firm),
prospective target businesses and other entities with which we do
business 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 stockholders, such parties
may not execute such agreements, or even if they execute such
agreements they may not 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 of the
waiver, in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a
claim against our assets, including the funds held in the trust
account. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving
such claims to the monies held in the trust account, our management
will perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and
will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has not
executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s
engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any
alternative. Examples of possible instances where we may engage a
third party that refuses 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 service provider willing to
execute a waiver.
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. Upon redemption of our public shares, if we have not
completed our initial business combination within the prescribed
time frame, or upon the exercise of a redemption right in
connection with our initial business combination, we will be
required to provide for payment of claims of creditors that were
not waived that may be brought against us within the 10 years
following redemption. Our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable
to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party (other than
our independent registered public accounting firm) for services
rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business
with which we have discussed entering into a transaction agreement,
reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below (i) $10.00
per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held
in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust
account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each
case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay our taxes,
except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of
any and all rights to seek access to the trust account and except
as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of the IPO
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is
deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, our sponsor will
not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such
third-party claims. We have not 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. Our sponsor may not have sufficient funds available to
satisfy those obligations. None of our officers or directors will
indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without
limitation, claims by third parties and prospective target
businesses.
In
the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below
(i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public
share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation
of the trust account due to reductions in the value of the trust
assets, in each case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to
pay our taxes, and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy
its indemnification obligations or that it has no indemnification
obligations related to a particular claim, our independent
directors would determine 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. Accordingly, we
cannot assure you that due to claims of creditors the actual value
of the per-share redemption price will not be substantially less
than $10.00 per share.
We
will seek to reduce the possibility that our sponsor will have to
indemnify the trust account due to claims of creditors by
endeavoring to have all third parties, service providers (other
than our independent registered public accounting firm),
prospective target businesses and other entities with which we do
business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title,
interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the trust
account. Our sponsor is also not be liable as to any claims under
our indemnity of the underwriters of the IPO against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Under the DGCL, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third
parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions
received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our
trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the
redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our
initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of
the IPO may be considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware
law. If the corporation complies with certain procedures set forth
in Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes
reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day
notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought
against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the
corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional
150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are
made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to
a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such
stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed
to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be
barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution.
Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of our trust account
distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our
public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business
combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO, is not
considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law and such
redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful, then pursuant to
Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for claims of
creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption
distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a
liquidating distribution. If we have not completed our initial
business combination within such 24-month 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, subject to lawfully available funds therefor, redeem
100% of 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 taxes (less up to
$100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the
number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will
completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders
(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
stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate,
subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to
provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other
applicable law. Accordingly, it is our intention to redeem our
public shares as soon as reasonably possible following our 24th
month from the closing of the IPO and, therefore, we do not intend
to comply with those procedures. As such, our stockholders could
potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions
received by them (but no more) and any liability of our
stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such
date.
Because we will not be complying with Section 280, Section 281(b)
of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us
at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and
pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us
within the subsequent 10 years. However, because we are a blank
check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations
will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses to
acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors
(such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target
businesses. As described above, pursuant to the obligation
contained in our underwriting agreement, we seek to have all
vendors, service providers (other than our independent registered
public accounting firm), prospective target businesses or other
entities with which we do business execute agreements with us
waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to
any monies held in the trust account. As a result of this
obligation, the claims that could be made against us are
significantly limited and the likelihood that any claim that would
result in any liability extending to the trust account is remote.
Further, our sponsor may be liable only to the extent necessary to
ensure that the amounts in the trust account are not reduced below
(i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public
share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation
of the trust account, due to reductions in value of the trust
assets, in each case net of the amount of interest withdrawn to pay
taxes and will not be liable as to any claims under our indemnity
of the underwriters of the IPO against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act. In the event that
an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third
party, our sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any
liability for such third-party claims.
If
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 stockholders.
To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, we
cannot assure you we will be able to return $10.00 per share to our
public stockholders. Additionally, if we file a bankruptcy petition
or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is
not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders 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 some or all
amounts received by our stockholders. Furthermore, our board may be
viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors
and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing our directors
and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public
stockholders 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.
Our
public stockholders will be entitled to receive funds from the
trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the
completion of our initial business combination, and then only in
connection with those public shares that such stockholder properly
elected to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein;
(ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in
connection with a stockholder vote to amend our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation (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 24 months from the closing of the IPO or (B) with respect to
any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial
business combination activity; and (iii) the redemption of all of
our public shares if we have not completed our initial business
combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO, subject
to applicable law and as further described herein. In no other
circumstances will a stockholder have any right or interest of any
kind to or in the trust account. In the event we seek stockholder
approval in connection with our initial business combination, a
stockholder’s voting in connection with the business combination
alone will not result in a stockholder’s redeeming its shares to us
for an applicable pro rata share of the trust account. Such
stockholder must have also exercised its redemption rights
described above.
Competition
In
identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for our
initial business combination, we may encounter intense competition
from other entities having a business objective similar to ours,
including private investors (which may be individuals or investment
partnerships), other blank check companies and other entities,
domestic and international, competing for the types of businesses
we intend to acquire. Many of these entities are well-established
and have extensive experience identifying and effecting, directly
or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing
services to various industries. Moreover, many of these competitors
possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources or
more local industry knowledge than we do. Our ability to acquire
larger target businesses is limited by our available financial
resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an
advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target business.
Furthermore, our obligation to pay cash in connection with our
public stockholders who exercise their redemption rights may reduce
the resources available to us for our initial business combination
and our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they
potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain
target businesses. Either of these factors may place us at a
competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial
business combination.
Human Capital Resources
We
currently have five officers and do not intend to have any
full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business
combination. Members of our management team are not obligated to
devote any specific number of hours to our matters but they intend
to devote as much of their time as they deem necessary to our
affairs until we have completed our initial business combination.
The amount of time that members of our management will devote in
any time period will vary based on whether a target business has
been selected for our initial business combination and the current
stage of the business combination process.
Periodic Reporting and Financial Information
We
have registered our units, Class A common stock and warrants 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 contains financial statements audited and
reported on by our independent registered public accountants.
We
will provide stockholders with audited financial statements of the
prospective target business as part of the tender offer materials
or proxy solicitation materials sent to stockholders to assist them
in assessing the target business. In all likelihood, these
financial statements will need to be prepared in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). We cannot assure
you that any particular target business identified by us as a
potential acquisition candidate will have financial statements
prepared in accordance with GAAP or that the potential target
business will be able to prepare its financial statements in
accordance with GAAP. To the extent that this requirement cannot be
met, we may not be able to acquire the proposed target business.
While this may limit the pool of potential acquisition candidates,
we do not believe that this limitation will be material.
We
will be required to evaluate our internal control procedures for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Only in the event we are deemed to be a large
accelerated filer or an accelerated filer will we be required to
have our internal control procedures audited. 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.
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Some
statements contained in this report constitute “forward-looking
statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws. Our
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements regarding our or our management team’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 “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,”
“possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “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 report may
include:
• |
our ability to select an
appropriate target business or businesses;
|
• |
our ability to complete our
initial business combination;
|
• |
our expectations around the
performance of a prospective target business or businesses;
|
• |
our success in retaining or
recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or
directors following our initial business combination;
|
• |
our officers and directors
allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having
conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial
business combination;
|
• |
our potential ability to obtain
additional financing to complete our initial business
combination;
|
• |
our pool of prospective target
businesses;
|
• |
our ability to consummate an
initial business combination due to the uncertainty resulting from
the COVID-19 pandemic and our ability to conduct necessary due
diligence in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps taken by
governments to respond to the pandemic;
|
• |
the ability of our officers and
directors to generate a number of potential business combination
opportunities;
|
• |
our public securities’ potential
liquidity and trading;
|
• |
the limited history of market for
our securities;
|
• |
the use of proceeds not held in
the trust account or available to us from interest income on the
trust account balance;
|
• |
the trust account not being
subject to claims of third parties; or
|
|
• |
our financial performance.
|
The
forward-looking statements contained in this report 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
“Item 1A. 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.
Additional Information
The
Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed
pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The
Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Exchange Act and files or furnishes reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC
at www.sec.gov.
Our
website address is www.asaqspac.com. We make available free of
charge on or through our website our Annual Report on Form 10-K,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the
Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material
is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. However, the
information found on our website is not part of this or any other
report.
Our
executive offices are located at 2200 Atlantic Street, Stamford,
Connecticut 06902 and our telephone number is (203) 989-9709.
In
the course of conducting our business operations, we are exposed to
a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in our industry and
others of which are more specific to our own businesses. The risk
factors summarized below could materially harm our business,
operating results and/or financial condition, impair our future
prospects and/or cause the price of our common stock to decline.
These risks are discussed more fully following this summary.
Material risks that may affect our business, operating results and
financial condition include, but are not necessarily limited to,
the following:
• |
We identified
a material weakness in our internal control over financial
reporting. This material weakness could continue to adversely
affect our ability to report our results of operations and
financial condition accurately and in a timely manner.
|
• |
Our warrants
are accounted for as liabilities and changes in the value of our
warrants could have a material effect on our financial
results.
|
• |
We may face
litigation and other risks as a result of the material weakness in
our internal control over financial reporting.
|
• |
Our public stockholders may not be afforded
an opportunity to vote on our proposed initial business
combination, which means we may complete our initial business
combination even though a majority of our public stockholders do
not support such a combination.
|
• |
If we seek
stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our
founders, officers and directors have agreed to vote in favor of
such initial business combination, regardless of how our public
stockholders vote.
|
• |
Your only
opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential
business combination will be limited to the exercise of your right
to redeem your shares from us for cash, unless we seek stockholder
approval of such business combination.
|
• |
The ability
of our public stockholders 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 a business combination with a target.
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• |
The ability
of our public stockholders to exercise redemption rights with
respect to a large number of our shares may not allow us to
complete the most desirable business combination or optimize our
capital structure.
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• |
We may not be
able to complete our initial business combination within the
prescribed time frame, in which case we would cease all operations
except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public
shares and liquidate, in which case our public stockholders may
only receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain
circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.
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• |
If we seek
stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our
founders, directors, officers, advisors or any of their affiliates
may elect to purchase shares or warrants from public stockholders,
which may influence a vote on a proposed business combination and
reduce the public “float” of our securities.
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• |
The NYSE 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.
|
• |
You will not
be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of many
other blank check companies.
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• |
Because of
our limited resources and the significant competition for business
combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for us to
complete our initial business combination. If we have not completed
our initial business combination within the required time period,
our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per
share, or less in certain circumstances, on our redemption of their
shares, and our warrants will expire worthless.
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• |
If the net
proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private placement warrants
not being held in the trust account are insufficient to allow us to
operate for at least the 24 months following the closing of the
IPO, we may be unable to complete our initial business
combination.
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• |
If the net
proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private placement warrants
not being held in the trust account are insufficient, it could
limit the amount available to fund our search for a target business
or businesses and complete our initial business combination and we
may depend on loans from our sponsor or management team to fund our
search, to pay our taxes and to complete our initial business
combination.
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• |
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,
investments and results of operations.
|
• |
If we have
not consummated our initial business combination within 24 months
of the closing of the IPO, our public stockholders may be forced to
wait beyond such 24 months before redemption from our trust
account.
|
• |
The grant of
registration rights to our initial stockholders and holders of our
private placement warrants may make it more difficult to complete
our initial business combination, and the future exercise of such
rights may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common
stock.
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• |
Our
stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against
us to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption
of their shares.
|
• |
We may seek
acquisition opportunities with an early stage company, a
financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established
record of revenue or earnings, which could subject us to volatile
revenues or earnings or difficulty in retaining key
personnel.
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• |
We are not
required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment
banking firm or from an independent accounting firm, and
consequently, you may have no assurance from an independent source
that the price we are paying for the business is fair to our
company from a financial point of view.
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• |
We are
dependent upon our officers and directors and their departure could
adversely affect our ability to operate.
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• |
We may have a
limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target
business and, as a result, may affect our initial business
combination with a target business whose management may not have
the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public
company.
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• |
Our officers
and directors allocate their time to other businesses thereby
causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much
time to devote to our affairs. This conflict of interest could have
a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business
combination.
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• |
Certain of
our officers and directors are now, and all of them may in the
future become, affiliated with entities engaged in business
activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us,
including another blank check company, and, accordingly, may have
conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular
business opportunity should be presented
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• |
Our officers,
directors, securityholders and their respective affiliates may have
competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our
interests.
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• |
We may engage
in a business combination with one or more target businesses that
have relationships with entities that may be affiliated with our
founders, officers or directors which may raise potential conflicts
of interest.
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• |
Since our
initial stockholders will lose their entire investment in us if our
initial business combination is not completed, a conflict of
interest may arise in determining whether a particular business
combination target is appropriate for our initial business
combination.
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• |
Our
management may not be able to maintain control of a target business
after our initial business combination. We cannot provide assurance
that, upon loss of control of a target business, new management
will possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to
profitably operate such business.
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• |
COVID-19 and
the impact on businesses and debt and equity markets could have a
material adverse effect on our search for a business combination,
and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a
business combination.
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• |
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. 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.
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• |
We are a
recently incorporated company with no operating history and no
revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to
achieve our business objective.
|
• |
Past
performance by MC, members of our management team and their
respective affiliates, may not be indicative of future performance
of an investment in the company.
|
• |
The other
risks and uncertainties disclosed in this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
|
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You
should consider carefully all of the risks described below,
together with the other information contained in this report,
before making a decision to invest in our units. If any of the
following events occur, our business, financial condition and
operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that
event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you
could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Relating
to Restatement of Our Previously Issued Financial Statements
Our warrants are accounted for as liabilities and changes in the
value of our warrants could have a material effect on our financial
results.
On
April 12, 2021, the Staff expressed its view that certain terms and
conditions common to SPAC warrants may require the warrants to be
classified as liabilities instead of equity on the SPAC’s balance
sheet. As a result of the SEC Staff Statement, we re-evaluated the
accounting treatment of our 19,500,000 warrants issued in
connection with our initial public offering (including the
12,500,000 warrants included in the units and the 7,000,000 private
placement warrants), and determined to classify the warrants as
derivative liabilities measured at fair value, with changes in fair
value reported in our statement of operations for each reporting
period.
As a
result, included on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2020
contained elsewhere in this annual report are derivative
liabilities related to embedded features contained within our
warrants. ASC 815-40 provides for the remeasurement of the fair
value of such derivatives at each balance sheet date, with a
resulting non-cash gain or loss related to the change in the fair
value being recognized in earnings in the statement of operations.
As a result of the recurring fair value measurement, our financial
statements and results of operations may fluctuate quarterly based
on factors which are outside of our control. Due to the recurring
fair value measurement, we expect that we will recognize non-cash
gains or losses on our warrants each reporting period and that the
amount of such gains or losses could be material.
We identified a material weakness in our internal control over
financial reporting. This material weakness could continue to
adversely affect our ability to report our results of operations
and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner.
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with GAAP. Our management also evaluates the
effectiveness of our internal controls, and we will disclose any
changes and material weaknesses identified through such evaluation
in those internal controls. A material weakness is a deficiency, or
a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial
reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a
material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements
will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
As
described elsewhere in this annual report, we identified a material
weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related
to the classification of our warrants as equity instead of
liabilities. On May 24, 2021, our Audit Committee authorized
management to restate our audited financial statements as of, and
for the period from July 27, 2020 (date of inception) to December
31, 2020, and, accordingly, management concluded that the control
deficiency that resulted in the incorrect classification of our
warrant constituted a material weakness as of December 31, 2020.
This material weakness resulted in a material misstatement of our
warrant liabilities, change in fair value of warrant liabilities,
additional paid-in capital, accumulated deficit and related
financial disclosures for the Affected Periods.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide
reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we are unable to
develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over
financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our
financial results in a timely manner, which may cause us to be
unable to comply with securities law or applicable NYSE
requirements, adversely affect investor confidence in us and/or
materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Any required remediation measures may be time consuming and costly
and there is no assurance that any measures taken to date or any
such measures taken in the future will ultimately have the intended
effects, including to avoid potential future material
weaknesses.
We may face litigation and other risks as a result of the material
weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
Following the issuance of the SEC Staff Statement, our management
and our Audit Committee concluded that it was appropriate to
restate our previously issued audited financial statements as of,
and for the period from July 27, 2020 (date of inception) to
December 31, 2020. As part of the restatement, we identified a
material weakness in our internal controls over financial
reporting.
As a
result of such material weakness, the restatement related to the
accounting for the warrants, and other matters raised or that may
in the future be raised by the SEC, we face potential litigation or
other disputes which may include, among others, claims invoking the
federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other
claims arising from the restatement and material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting. As of the date of this
annual report, we have no knowledge of any such litigation or
dispute. However, we can provide no assurance that such litigation
or dispute will not arise in the future. Any such litigation or
dispute, whether successful or not, could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition or our ability to complete a business combination.
Risks Relating to our Search for, and Consummation of or Inability
to Consummate, a Business Combination
Our public stockholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote
on our proposed initial business combination, which means we may
complete our initial business combination even though a majority of
our public stockholders do not support such a combination.
We
may not hold a stockholder vote to approve our initial business
combination unless the business combination would typically require
stockholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing
requirements or if we decide to hold a stockholder vote for
business or other reasons. For instance, the NYSE rules currently
allow us to engage in a tender offer in lieu of a stockholder
meeting but would still require us to obtain stockholder approval
if we were seeking to issue more than 20% of our outstanding shares
to a target business as consideration in any business combination.
Therefore, if we were structuring a business combination that
required us to issue more than 20% of our outstanding shares, we
would seek stockholder approval of such business combination.
However, except as required by applicable law or stock exchange
listing requirements, the decision as to whether we will seek
stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or will
allow stockholders 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 stockholder approval. 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 we
consummate. Please see the section entitled “Item 1.
Business-Stockholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve Our
Initial Business Combination” for additional information
If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business
combination, our founders, officers and directors have agreed to
vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of
how our public stockholders vote.
Unlike many other blank check companies in which the initial
stockholders agree to vote their founder shares in accordance with
the majority of the votes cast by the public stockholders in
connection with an initial business combination, our founders,
officers and directors have agreed (and their permitted transferees
will agree), pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement entered
into with us, to vote any founder shares and any public shares held
by them, in favor of our initial business combination. As a result,
in addition to our initial stockholders’ founder shares, we would
need 9,375,001, or approximately 37.5% (assuming all outstanding
shares are voted), or 1,562,501, or 6.25% (assuming only the
minimum number of shares representing a quorum are voted), of the
25,000,000 public shares sold in the IPO to be voted in favor of an
initial business combination in order to have such initial business
combination approved (or, if the applicable rules of the NYSE then
in effect, as applicable, require approval by a majority of the
votes cast by public stockholders, we would need 12,500,001 of
public shares sold in the offering to be voted in favor of a
transaction (assuming all outstanding shares are voted) in order to
have an initial business combination approved). We expect that our
initial stockholders and their permitted transferees will own at
least 20% of our outstanding common stock at the time of any such
stockholder vote. Accordingly, if we seek stockholder approval of
our initial business combination, it is more likely that the
necessary stockholder approval will be received than would be the
case if such persons agreed to vote their founder shares in
accordance with the majority of the votes cast by our public
stockholders.
Your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a
potential business combination will be limited to the exercise of
your right to redeem your shares from us for cash, unless we seek
stockholder approval of such business combination.
At
the time of your investment in us, you will not be provided with an
opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of any target
businesses. Since our board of directors may complete a business
combination without seeking stockholder approval, public
stockholders may not have the right or opportunity to vote on the
business combination, unless we seek such stockholder approval.
Accordingly, if we do not seek stockholder approval, 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 stockholders in which we describe our initial business
combination.
The ability of our public stockholders 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 a business combination with a target.
We
may seek to enter into a business combination 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 stockholders exercise their redemption rights, we would
not be able to meet such closing condition and, as a result, would
not be able to proceed with the business combination. The amount of
the Marketing Fee payable to the underwriters will not be adjusted
for any shares that are redeemed in connection with a business
combination and such amount of Marketing Fee is not available for
us to use as consideration in an initial business combination. If
we are able to consummate an initial business combination, the
per-share value of shares held by non-redeeming stockholders will
reflect our obligation to pay and the payment of the Marketing Fee.
Furthermore, in no event will we redeem our public shares in an
amount that would cause our net tangible assets, after payment of
the Marketing Fee, to be less than $5,000,001 (so that we do not
then become subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any
greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be
contained in the agreement relating to our initial business
combination. 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 will be aware of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to
enter into a business combination transaction with us.
The ability of our public stockholders to exercise redemption
rights with respect to a large number of our shares may not allow
us to complete the most desirable business combination or optimize
our capital structure.
At
the time we enter into an agreement for our initial business
combination, we will not know how many stockholders may exercise
their redemption rights, and therefore we will need to structure
the transaction based on our expectations as to the number of
shares that will be submitted for redemption. 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, we will need to
reserve a portion of the cash in the trust account to meet such
requirements, or arrange for third-party financing. In addition, if
a larger number of shares is submitted for redemption than we
initially expected, we may need to restructure the transaction to
reserve a greater portion of the cash in the trust account or
arrange for third-party financing. Raising additional third-party
financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence
of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. The above
considerations may limit our ability to complete the most desirable
business combination available to us or optimize our capital
structure.
The requirement that we complete our initial business combination
within the prescribed time frame may give potential target
businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination
and may limit the time we have in which to conduct due diligence on
potential business combination targets, in particular as we
approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our
ability to complete our initial business combination on terms that
would produce value for our stockholders.
Any
potential target business with which we enter into negotiations
concerning a business combination will be aware that we must
complete our initial business combination within 24 months from the
closing of the IPO. Consequently, such target business may obtain
leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing
that if we do not complete our initial business combination with
that particular target business, we may be unable to complete our
initial business combination with any target business. This risk
will increase as we get closer to the timeframe described 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.
We may not be able to complete our initial business combination
within the prescribed time frame, in which case we would cease all
operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem
our public shares and liquidate, in which case our public
stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share, or less than such
amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire
worthless.
Our
founders, officers and directors have agreed that we must complete
our initial business combination within 24 months from the closing
of the IPO. We may not be able to find a suitable target business
and complete our initial business combination within such 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. For example, the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to grow
both in the United States and globally and, while the extent of the
impact of the outbreak on us will depend on future developments, it
could limit our ability to complete our initial business
combination, 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. Furthermore, we
may be unable to complete a business combination if continued
concerns relating to COVID-19 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.
Additionally, the outbreak of COVID-19 may negatively impact
businesses we may seek to acquire. It may also have the effect of
heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk
Factors” section, such as those related to the market for our
securities and cross-border transactions.
If
we have not completed our initial business combination within such
24-month 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, subject to lawfully
available funds therefor, redeem 100% of 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 taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay
dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding
public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public
stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to
receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to
applicable law; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible
following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining
stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate,
subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to
provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other
applicable law, in which case our public stockholders may only
receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain
circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless. 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 stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and
other risk factors herein
The securities in which we invest the proceeds held in the trust
account could bear a negative rate of interest, which could reduce
the interest income available for payment of taxes or reduce the
value of the assets held in trust such that the per-share
redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00
per share.
The
net proceeds of the IPO and certain proceeds from the sale of the
private placement warrants, in the amount of $250,000,000, are held
in an interest-bearing trust account. The proceeds held in the
trust account may be invested only 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. While short-term U.S. treasury obligations currently
yield a positive rate of interest, they have briefly yielded
negative interest rates in recent years. Central banks in Europe
and Japan pursued interest rates below zero in recent years, and
the Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve has not ruled out
the possibility that it may in the future adopt similar policies in
the United States. In the event of very low or negative yields, the
amount of interest income (which we may use to pay our taxes, if
any) would be reduced. In the event that we are unable to complete
our initial business combination, our public stockholders are
entitled to receive their pro-rata share of the proceeds then held
in the trust account, plus any interest income (less up to $100,000
of interest to pay dissolution expenses). If the balance of the
trust account is reduced below $250,000,000 as a result of negative
interest rates, the amount of funds in the trust account available
for distribution to our public stockholders may be reduced below
$10.00 per share.
If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business
combination, our founders, directors, officers, advisors or any of
their affiliates may elect to purchase shares or warrants from
public stockholders, which may influence a vote on a proposed
business combination and reduce the public “float” of our
securities.
If
we seek stockholder 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
founders, directors, officers, advisors or any of their affiliates
may purchase shares or warrants 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. Such a purchase may include a
contractual acknowledgement that such stockholder, 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 founders, directors, officers, advisors or
their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated
transactions from public stockholders who have already elected to
exercise their redemption rights, such selling stockholders would
be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares.
The price per share paid in any such transaction may be different
than the amount per share a public stockholder would receive if it
elected to redeem its shares in connection with our initial
business combination. The purpose of such purchases could be to
vote such shares in favor of the initial business combination and
thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining stockholder approval
of the initial business combination or 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 warrants could be to reduce the number of
public warrants outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters
submitted to the warrant holders for approval in connection with
our initial business combination. This may result in the completion
of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have
been possible.
In
addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our
securities and the number of beneficial holders of our securities
may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to maintain or obtain
the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national
securities exchange.
If a stockholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem our
public shares 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. Despite our compliance with these
rules, if a stockholder fails to receive our tender offer or proxy
materials, as applicable, such stockholder may not become aware of
the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, the tender offer
documents or proxy materials, as applicable, that we will furnish
to holders of our public shares in connection with our initial
business combination will describe the various procedures that must
be complied with in order to validly tender or redeem public
shares. In the event that a stockholder fails to comply with these
procedures, its shares may not be redeemed. See “Item 1.
Business-Tendering Stock Certificates in Connection with a Tender
Offer or Redemption Rights.”
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 or warrants, potentially at a loss.
Our
public stockholders will be entitled to receive funds from the
trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the
completion of our initial business combination, and then only in
connection with those public shares that such stockholder properly
elected to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein;
(ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in
connection with a stockholder vote to amend our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation (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 24 months from the closing of the IPO or (B) with respect to
any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial
business combination activity; and (iii) the redemption of all of
our public shares if we have not completed our initial business
combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO, subject
to applicable law and as further described herein. In addition, if
we have not completed our initial business combination within 24
months from the closing of the IPO for any reason, compliance with
Delaware law may require that we submit a plan of dissolution to
our then existing stockholders for approval prior to the
distribution of the proceeds held in our trust account. In that
case, public stockholders may be forced to wait beyond 24 months
from the closing of the IPO before they receive funds from our
trust account. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder
have any right or interest of any kind in the trust account.
Holders of warrants will not have any right to the proceeds held in
the trust account with respect to the warrants. Accordingly, to
liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public
shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.
The NYSE 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.
Our
units, Class A common stock and warrants are listed on the NYSE. We
cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on
the NYSE in the future or prior to our initial business
combination. In order to continue listing our securities on the
NYSE prior to our initial business combination, we must maintain
certain financial, distribution and stock price levels. Generally,
we must maintain a minimum number of holders of our securities.
Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination,
we will be required to demonstrate compliance with the NYSE’s
initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than the
NYSE’s continued listing requirements, in order to continue to
maintain the listing of our securities on the NYSE. For instance,
in order for our Class A common stock to be listed upon the
consummation of our initial business combination, at such time, our
share price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per
share, our total market capitalization would be required to be at
least $200,000,000, the aggregate market value of publicly-held
shares would be required to be at least $100,000,000 and we would
be required to have at least 400 round lot holders. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing
requirements at that time.
If
the NYSE delists any of our securities from trading on its exchange
and we are not able to list our securities on another national
securities exchange, we expect such securities could be quoted on
an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face
significant material adverse consequences, including:
• |
a limited availability of market
quotations for our securities;
|
• |
reduced liquidity for our
securities;
|
• |
a determination that our Class A
common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading
in our Class A common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and
possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the
secondary trading market for our securities;
|
• |
a limited amount of news and
analyst coverage; and
|
• |
a decreased ability to issue
additional securities or obtain additional financing in the
future.
|
The
National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a
federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating
the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered
securities.” Because our units, Class A common stock and warrants
are listed on the NYSE, our units, Class A common stock and
warrants qualify as covered securities under such statute. Although
the states are preempted from regulating the sale of covered
securities, the federal statute does allow the states to
investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if
there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can
regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular
case. While we are not aware of a state having used these powers to
prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check
companies, other than the state of Idaho, certain state securities
regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use
these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale
of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if
we were no longer listed on the NYSE, our securities would not
qualify as covered securities under such statute and we would be
subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our
securities.
You are not be entitled to protections normally afforded to
investors of many other blank check companies.
Since the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private
placement warrants are intended to be used to complete an initial
business combination with a target business that has not been
selected, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the
United States securities laws. However, because we will have net
tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful
completion of the IPO and the sale of the private placement
warrants and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an
audited balance sheet of the company demonstrating this fact, we
are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors
in blank check companies, such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors
are not afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among
other things, this means we have a longer period of time to
complete our initial business combination than do companies subject
to Rule 419. Moreover, if the IPO were subject to Rule 419, that
rule would prohibit the release of any interest earned on funds
held in the trust account to us unless and until the funds in the
trust account were released to us in connection with our completion
of an initial business combination.
If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination
and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer
rules, and if you or a “group” of stockholders are deemed to hold
in excess of 15% of our Class A common stock, you will lose the
ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of our Class A
common stock.
If
we seek stockholder 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
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a
public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder
or any other person with whom such stockholder 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 the IPO, which we
refer to as the “Excess Shares,” without our prior consent.
However, we would not be restricting our stockholders’ ability to
vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against
our initial business combination. Your inability to redeem the
Excess Shares will reduce your influence over our ability to
complete our initial business combination and you could suffer a
material loss on your investment in us if you sell Excess Shares in
open market transactions. Additionally, you will not receive
redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we
complete our initial business combination. As a result, you will
continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order
to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell your shares in
open market transactions, potentially at a loss.
Because of our limited resources and the significant competition
for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult
for us to complete our initial business combination. If we have not
completed our initial business combination within the required time
period, our public stockholders may receive only approximately
$10.00 per share, or less in certain circumstances, on our
redemption of their shares, and our warrants will expire
worthless.
We
expect to encounter intense competition from other entities having
a business objective similar to ours, including private investors
(which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other blank
check companies and other entities, domestic and international,
competing for the types of businesses we intend to acquire. Many of
these individuals and entities are well-established and have
extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly or
indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing
services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess
greater technical, human and other resources or more local industry
knowledge than we do and our financial resources will be relatively
limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors.
While we believe there are numerous target businesses we could
potentially acquire with the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale
of the private placement warrants, our ability to compete with
respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are
sizable 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,
if we are obligated to pay cash for the shares of Class A common
stock which our public stockholders redeemed and, in the event we
seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we
make purchases of our Class A common stock, potentially reducing
the resources available to us for our initial business combination.
Any of these obligations may place us at a competitive disadvantage
in successfully negotiating a business combination. If we have not
completed our initial business combination within the required time
period, our public stockholders may receive only approximately
$10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our
warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our
public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 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 stockholders may be
less than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors herein.
If the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private
placement warrants not being held in the trust account are
insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the 24 months
following the closing of the IPO, 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 24 months
following the closing of the IPO, assuming that our initial
business combination is not completed during that time. We expect
to incur significant costs in pursuit of our acquisition plans.
Management’s plans to address this need for capital through the IPO
and potential loans from certain of our affiliates are discussed in
“Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.” However, our affiliates are
not obligated to make loans to us in the future, and we may not be
able to raise additional financing from unaffiliated parties
necessary to fund our expenses. Any such event in the future may
negatively impact the analysis regarding our ability to continue as
a going concern at such time.
We
believe that the funds available to us outside of the trust account
will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the 24
months following the closing of the IPO; however, we cannot assure
you that our estimate is accurate. 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 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
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 have not completed our initial business combination
within the required time period, our public stockholders may
receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of
our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless. In
certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less
than $10.00 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 stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and
other risk factors herein.
If the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private
placement warrants not being held in the trust account are
insufficient, it could limit the amount available to fund our
search for a target business or businesses and complete our initial
business combination and we may depend on loans from our sponsor or
management team to fund our search, to pay our taxes and to
complete our initial business combination.
As
of December 31, 2020, we held $1,527,662 outside the trust account.
If we are required to seek additional capital, we would need to
borrow funds from our sponsor, management team or other third
parties to operate or may be forced to liquidate. None of our
sponsor, members of our management team nor any of their affiliates
is under any obligation to advance funds to, or invest in, us in
such circumstances. Any such advances may be repaid only from funds
held outside the trust account or from funds released to us upon
completion of our initial business combination. We do not expect to
seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of
our sponsor 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. If we have not completed
our initial business combination within the required time period
because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be
forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account.
Consequently, our public stockholders may receive only
approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust
account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain
circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00
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
stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and other risk
factors herein.
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, 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, including our ability to negotiate and complete our
initial business combination, 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 and results of operations.
If we have not consummated our initial business combination within
24 months of the closing of the IPO, our public stockholders may be
forced to wait beyond such 24 months before redemption from our
trust account.
If
we have not consummated our initial business combination within 24
months from the closing of the IPO, we will distribute the
aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (less up to
$100,000 of the net interest earned thereon to pay dissolution
expenses), pro rata to our public stockholders by way of redemption
and cease all operations except for the purposes of winding up of
our affairs, as further described herein. Any redemption of public
stockholders from the trust account shall be effected automatically
by function of our amended and certificate of incorporation prior
to any voluntary winding up. If we are required to windup,
liquidate the trust account and distribute such amount therein, pro
rata, to our public stockholders, as part of any liquidation
process, such winding up, liquidation and distribution must comply
with the applicable provisions of the DGCL. In that case, investors
may be forced to wait beyond the initial 24 months before the
redemption proceeds of our trust account become available to them
and they receive the return of their pro rata portion of the
proceeds from our trust account. We have no obligation to return
funds to investors prior to the date of our redemption or
liquidation unless, prior thereto, we consummate our initial
business combination or amend certain provisions of our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation, and only then in cases where
investors have properly sought to redeem their common stock. Only
upon our redemption or any liquidation will public stockholders be
entitled to distributions if we have not completed our initial
business combination with the required time period and do not amend
certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation prior thereto.
Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties
against us to the extent of distributions received by them upon
redemption of their shares.
Under the DGCL, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third
parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions
received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our
trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the
redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our
initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of
the IPO may be considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware
law. If a corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in
Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes reasonable
provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice
period during which any third-party claims can be brought against
the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may
reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period
before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any
liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating
distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro
rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the
stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred
after the third anniversary of the dissolution. However, it is our
intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably
possible following the 24th month from the closing of the IPO in
the event we do not complete our initial business combination and,
therefore, we do not intend to comply with the foregoing
procedures.
Because we will not be complying with Section 280, Section 281(b)
of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us
at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and
pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us
within the 10 years following our dissolution. However, because we
are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and
our operations will be limited to searching for prospective target
businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be
from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or
prospective target businesses. If our plan of distribution complies
with Section 281(b) of the DGCL, any liability of stockholders with
respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of
such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount
distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the
stockholder would likely be barred after the third anniversary of
the dissolution. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess
all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our
stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the
extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any
liability of our stockholders may extend beyond the third
anniversary of such date. Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of
our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the
redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our
initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of
the IPO is not considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware
law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful, then
pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for
claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful
redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of
a liquidating distribution.
We did not register the issuance of shares of Class A common stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or
any state securities laws at this time, and such registration may
not be in place when an investor desires to exercise warrants, thus
precluding such investor from being able to exercise its warrants
except on a cashless basis and potentially causing such warrants to
expire worthless.
We
did not register the issuance of shares of Class A common stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or
any state securities laws at this time. However, under the terms of
the warrant agreement, we have agreed that as soon as practicable,
but in no event later than fifteen (15) business days after the
closing of our initial business combination, we will use our best
efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement covering the
issuance of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise
of the warrants. We will use our best efforts to cause the same to
become effective within 60 business days after the closing of our
initial business combination and to maintain the effectiveness of
such registration statement and a current prospectus relating
thereto, until the warrants expire or are redeemed. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to do so if, for example, any facts
or events arise which represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the registration statement or prospectus,
the financial statements contained or incorporated by reference
therein are not current, complete or correct or the SEC issues a
stop order. If the issuance of shares issuable upon exercise of the
warrants are not registered under the Securities Act, we will be
required to permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless
basis. However, no warrant will be exercisable for cash or on a
cashless basis, and we will not be obligated to issue any shares to
holders seeking to exercise their warrants, unless the issuance of
the shares upon such exercise is registered or qualified under the
securities laws of the state of the exercising holder, or an
exemption from registration is available. Notwithstanding the
above, if our Class A common stock is at the time of any exercise
of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that
it satisfies the definition of a “covered security” under Section
18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, we may, at our option, require
holders of public warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on
a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the
Securities Act and, in the event we so elect, we will not be
required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement,
but we will use our best efforts to register or qualify the stock
under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not
available. In no event will we be required to net cash settle any
warrant, nor will we be required to issue securities or other
compensation in exchange for the warrants in the event that we are
unable to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants
under applicable state securities laws and no exemption is
available. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the
warrants is not so registered or qualified or exempt from
registration or qualification, the holder of such warrant shall not
be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no
value and expire worthless. In such event, holders who acquired
their warrants as part of a purchase of units will have paid the
full unit purchase price solely for the shares of Class A common
stock included in the units. If and when the warrants become
redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we
are unable to register or qualify the underlying the shares of
Class A common stock for sale under all applicable state securities
laws. As a result, we may redeem the warrants as set forth above
even if the holders are otherwise unable to exercise their
warrants.
The grant of registration rights to our initial stockholders and
holders of our private placement warrants may make it more
difficult to complete our initial business combination, and the
future exercise of such rights may adversely affect the market
price of our Class A common stock.
Pursuant to an agreement entered into in connection with the IPO,
at or after the time of our initial business combination, our
initial stockholders and their permitted transferees can demand
that we register the resale of their founder shares, after those
shares convert to our Class A common stock. In addition, holders of
our private placement warrants and their permitted transferees can
demand that we register the resale of the private placement
warrants and the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon
exercise of the private placement warrants, and holders of warrants
that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans may
demand that we register the resale of such warrants or the Class A
common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants. We will bear
the cost of registering these securities. The registration and
availability of such a significant number of securities for trading
in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price
of our Class A common stock. In addition, the existence of the
registration rights may make our initial business combination more
costly or difficult to conclude. This is because the stockholders
of the target business may increase the equity stake they seek in
the combined entity or ask for more cash consideration to offset
the negative impact on the market price of our Class A common stock
that is expected when the securities owned by our initial
stockholders, holders of our private placement warrants or holders
of our working capital loans or their respective permitted
transferees are registered for resale
Because we are not limited to a particular industry 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’s operations.
We
may seek to complete a business combination with an operating
company in any industry, sector or location. However, we are not,
under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation,
permitted to effectuate our initial business combination solely
with another blank check company or similar company with nominal
operations. To the extent we complete 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 cannot assure you that we will
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. We also cannot
assure you that an investment in our units will not ultimately
prove to be less favorable to investors than a direct investment,
if such opportunity were available, in a business combination
target. Accordingly, any securityholders who choose to remain
securityholders following our initial business combination could
suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such
securityholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in
value of their securities.
Although we have 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 general 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
complete our initial business combination with a target that does
not meet some or all of these criteria and 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 a prospective business combination with
a target that does not meet our general criteria and guidelines, a
greater number of stockholders 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 stockholder
approval of the transaction is required by applicable law or stock
exchange listing requirements, or we decide to obtain stockholder
approval for business or other reasons, it may be more difficult
for us to attain stockholder approval of our initial business
combination if the target business does not meet our general
criteria and guidelines. If we have not completed our initial
business combination within the required time period, our public
stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the
liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire
worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may
receive less than $10.00 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 stockholders may be less
than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors herein.
We may seek acquisition opportunities with an early stage company,
a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established
record of revenue or earnings, which could subject us to volatile
revenues 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 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.
We are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent
investment banking firm or from an independent accounting firm, and
consequently, you may have no assurance from an independent source
that the price we are paying for the business is fair to our
company from a financial point of view.
Unless we complete our initial business combination with an
affiliated entity, we are not required to obtain an opinion from an
independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA, or
from an independent accounting firm, that the price we are paying
is fair to our company from a financial point of view. If no
opinion is obtained, our stockholders will be relying on the
judgment of our board of directors, who will determine fair market
value based on standards generally accepted by the financial
community. Such standards used will be disclosed in our tender
offer documents or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable,
related to our initial business combination.
We may issue additional common stock or preferred stock to complete
our initial business combination or under an employee incentive
plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may
also issue shares of Class A common stock upon the conversion of
the Class B common stock at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the
time of our initial business combination as a result of the
anti-dilution provisions contained in our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation. Any such issuances would dilute the
interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the
issuance of up to 300,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par
value $0.0001 per share, 30,000,000 shares of Class B common stock,
par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately after the IPO,
there were 255,500,000 and 23,750,000 authorized but unissued
shares of Class A and Class B common stock, respectively, available
for issuance, which amount takes into account the shares of Class A
common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding
warrants but not the conversion of the Class B common stock. Shares
of Class B common stock are automatically convertible into shares
of our Class A common stock at the time of our initial business
combination, or earlier at the option of the holder, initially at a
one-for-one ratio but subject to adjustment as set forth herein.
There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
We
may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common stock
or preferred stock in order to complete our initial business
combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of
our initial business combination. We may also issue shares of Class
A common stock upon conversion of the Class B common stock at a
ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial business
combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained
in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. However,
our amended and certificate of incorporation provides, among other
things, that prior to our initial business combination, we may not
issue additional shares of capital stock that would entitle the
holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii)
vote as a class with our public shares on any initial business
combination. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or
preferred stock:
• |
may significantly dilute the
equity interest of investors in the IPO;
|
• |
may subordinate the rights of
holders of common stock if preferred stock is issued with rights
senior to those afforded our common stock;
|
• |
could cause a change in control
if a substantial number of shares of our common stock 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 adversely affect prevailing
market prices for our units, Class A common stock and/or warrants;
and
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• |
may not result in adjustment to
the exercise price of our warrants.
|
Resources could be wasted in researching acquisitions that are not
completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent
attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If
we have not completed our initial business combination within the
required time period, our public stockholders may receive only
approximately $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain
circumstances, on the liquidation of our trust account and our
warrants will expire worthless.
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 complete 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 have not completed our initial business combination
within the required time period, our public stockholders may
receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of
our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless. In
certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less
than $10.00 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 stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share” and
other risk factors herein.
We are dependent upon our officers and directors and their
departure could adversely affect our ability to operate.
Our
operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of
individuals. We believe that our success depends on the continued
service of our officers and directors, at least until we have
completed our initial business combination. In addition, our
officers and directors are not required to commit any specified
amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly, will have conflicts
of interest in allocating management time among various business
activities, including identifying potential business combinations
and monitoring the related due diligence. Moreover, certain of our
officers and directors have time and attention requirements for
other employers, including MC, and other third parties with which
they are affiliated, and, in the case of our officers and directors
affiliated with MC, may have time and attention requirements for
other blank check companies that MC may sponsor in the future. We
do not have an employment agreement with, or key-man insurance on
the life of, any of our directors or officers. The unexpected loss
of the services of one or more of our directors or officers could
have a detrimental effect on us.
Our ability to successfully effect our initial business combination
and to be successful thereafter will be dependent upon the efforts
of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following our
initial business combination. The loss of key personnel could
negatively impact the operations and profitability of our
post-combination business.
Our
ability to successfully effect our initial business combination is
dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. 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 our initial business combination, it is likely that some
or all of the management of the target business will remain in
place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we
engage after our initial 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 company regulated by the SEC, which could cause us to
have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with
such requirements.
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 our initial 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 may be able to remain with the company after the
completion of our initial business combination only 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 such individuals to receive compensation in the
form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would
render to us after the completion of the business combination. The
personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence
their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business,
subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Delaware law. However,
we believe the ability of such individuals to remain with us after
the completion of our initial business combination will not be the
determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will
proceed with any potential business combination. There is no
certainty, however, that any of our key personnel will remain with
us after the completion of our initial business combination. We
cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain in
senior management or advisory positions with us. The determination
as to whether any of our key personnel will remain with us will be
made at the time of our initial business combination.
We may have a limited ability to assess the management of a
prospective target business and, as a result, may affect 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’s management, therefore, may prove to be
incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications
or abilities we suspected. Should the target’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 securityholders who choose to remain securityholders following
our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the
value of their securities. Such securityholders are unlikely to
have a remedy for such reduction in value.
The
officers and directors of an acquisition candidate may resign upon
completion of our initial business combination. The departure 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 candidates’ 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.
Our officers and directors allocate their time to other businesses
thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to
how much time to devote to our affairs. This conflict of interest
could have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial
business combination.
Our
officers and directors are not required to, and do not, commit
their full time to our affairs, 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. We do
not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion
of our initial business combination. Each of our officers is
engaged in several other business endeavors for which he may be
entitled to substantial compensation and our officers are not
obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to
our affairs. In particular, certain of our officers and directors
are employed by MC or its affiliates, which may make investments in
securities or other interests of or relating to companies in
industries that we may make target for our initial business
combination. MC and its affiliates do not have any duty to offer
acquisition opportunities to us. Our officers and directors also
serve or may in the future serve as officers and board members for
other entities. In addition, our officers and directors affiliated
with MC may have time and attention requirements for other blank
check companies that MC may sponsor in the future. 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 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,
please see “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate
Governance.”
Certain of our officers and directors are now, and all of them may
in the future become, affiliated with entities engaged in business
activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us,
including another blank check company, and, accordingly, may have
conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular
business opportunity should be presented.
Following the completion of the IPO and until we consummate our
initial business combination, we intend to engage in the business
of identifying and combining with one or more businesses. Our
sponsor and officers and directors are, or may in the future
become, affiliated with entities that are engaged in a similar
business, including another blank check company that may have
acquisition objectives that are similar to ours or that is focused
on a particular industry. Moreover, MC and its affiliates,
including our officers and directors who are affiliated with MC,
may sponsor or form other blank check companies similar to ours
during the period in which we are seeking an initial business
combination. Any such companies may present additional conflicts of
interest in pursuing an acquisition target.
Our
officers and directors also may become aware of business
opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to us and
the other entities to which they owe certain fiduciary or
contractual duties. Accordingly, they may have conflicts of
interest in determining to which entity a particular business
opportunity should be presented. These conflicts may not be
resolved in our favor and a potential target business may be
presented to other entities prior to its presentation to us. Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we
renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any
director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to
such person solely in their capacity as our director or officer and
such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted
to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to
pursue.
For
a complete discussion of our officers’ and directors’ business
affiliations and the potential conflicts of interest that you
should be aware of, please see “Item 10. Directors, Executive
Officers and Corporate Governance.”
Our officers, directors, securityholders and their respective
affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict
with our interests.
We
have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors,
officers, securityholders or 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. In fact, we may enter into a business
combination with a target business that is affiliated with our
founders, our directors or officers, although we do not intend to
do so. Nor do we have a policy that expressly prohibits any such
persons from engaging for their own account in business activities
of the types conducted by us, including the formation of, or
participation in, one or more other blank check companies. For
example, our officers and directors who are affiliated with MC or
its affiliates, may sponsor or form other blank check companies
similar to ours during the period in which we are seeking an
initial business combination. Accordingly, such persons or entities
may have a conflict between their interests and ours.
We may engage in a business combination with one or more target
businesses that have relationships with entities that may be
affiliated with our founders, officers or directors which may raise
potential conflicts of interest.
In
light of the involvement of our founders, officers and directors
with other entities, we may decide to acquire one or more
businesses affiliated with our founders, officers and directors.
Our officers and directors also serve as officers and board members
for other entities, including, without limitation, those described
under “Management-Conflicts of Interest.” Such entities may compete
with us for business combination opportunities. Our founders,
officers and directors are not currently aware of any specific
opportunities for us to complete our initial business combination
with any entities with which they are affiliated, and there have
been no substantial discussions concerning a business combination
with any such entity or entities. Although we will not be
specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any
affiliated entities, we would pursue such a transaction if we
determined that such affiliated entity met our criteria for a
business combination as set forth in “Item 1. Business-Selection of
a Target Business and Structuring of Our Initial Business
Combination” and such transaction was approved by a majority of our
disinterested directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion
from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of
FINRA, or from an independent accounting firm, regarding the
fairness to our company from a financial point of view of a
business combination with one or more domestic or international
businesses affiliated with our founders, officers or directors,
potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result,
the terms of the business combination may not be as advantageous to
our public stockholders as they would be absent any conflicts of
interest.
Since our initial stockholders will lose their entire investment in
us if our initial business combination is not completed, a conflict
of interest may arise in determining whether a particular business
combination target is appropriate for our initial business
combination.
In
August 2020, our founders purchased an aggregate of 7,187,500
founder shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or
approximately $0.003 per share. In August 2020, our sponsor
transferred 145,000 founder shares to each of our independent
directors at their original per share purchase price. As such, our
initial stockholders collectively own 20% of our outstanding
shares. The founder shares will be worthless if we do not complete
an initial business combination. In addition, in connection with
the closing of the IPO, our initial stockholders purchased an
aggregate of 7,000,000 private placement warrants, each exercisable
to purchase one share of our Class A common stock, for a purchase
price of $7,000,000 in the aggregate, or $1.00 per warrant. The
private placement warrants will also be worthless if we do not
complete a business combination. Each private placement warrant may
be exercised for one share of our Class A common stock at a price
of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as provided
herein.
The
founder shares are identical to the shares of Class A common stock
included in the units being sold in the IPO, except that: (i) only
holders of the founder shares have the right to vote on the
election of directors prior to our initial business combination;
(ii) the founder shares are subject to certain transfer
restrictions; (iii) each of our founders, officers and directors
have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which
they have agreed (A) to waive their redemption rights with respect
to any founder shares and any public shares held by them in
connection with (1) the completion of our initial business
combination and (2) a stockholder vote to amend our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation (x) 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 24 months from the closing of the IPO or (y) with respect to
any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial
business combination activity and (B) to waive their rights to
liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to
any founder shares held by them if we fail to complete our initial
business combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO
(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); (iv) the founder shares are automatically
convertible into our Class A common stock at the time of our
initial business combination, or earlier at the option of the
holder, on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment pursuant to
certain anti-dilution rights, as described herein; and (v) the
founder shares are entitled to registration rights.
The
personal and financial interests of our officers and directors may
influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target
business combination, completing an initial business combination
and influencing the operation of the business following the initial
business combination.
None of Cowen and Company, LLC or, any of its affiliates has an
obligation to provide us with potential investment opportunities or
to devote any specified amount of time or support to our company’s
business.
Although we expect we may benefit from Cowen and Company, LLC’s and
its affiliates’ networks of relationships and processes for
sourcing and evaluating potential acquisition targets, neither it
nor any of its affiliates has any legal or contractual obligation
to seek on our behalf or present to us investment opportunities
that might be suitable for our business, and they may allocate any
such opportunities at their discretion to us or other parties. We
have no investment management, advisory, consulting or other
agreement in place with Cowen or any of its affiliates that
obligates them to undertake efforts on our behalf or that govern
the manner in which they will allocate investment opportunities.
Moreover, even if Cowen or one of its affiliates refers an
opportunity to us, there can be no assurance that such an
opportunity will result in an acquisition agreement or a business
combination.
We may issue notes or other debt securities, or otherwise incur
substantial debt, to complete a business combination, which may
adversely affect our leverage and financial condition and thus
negatively impact the value of our stockholders’ investment in
us.
Although we have no commitments to issue any notes or other debt
securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt, we may choose
to incur substantial debt to complete our initial business
combination. We have agreed that we will not incur any indebtedness
unless we have obtained from the lender a waiver of any right,
title, interest or claim of any kind in or to the monies held in
the trust account. As such, no issuance of debt will affect the
per-share amount available for redemption from the trust account.
Nevertheless, the incurrence of debt could have a variety of
negative effects, including:
• |
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 is payable on
demand;
|
• |
our inability to obtain necessary
additional financing if the debt contains covenants restricting our
ability to obtain such financing while the debt is
outstanding;
|
• |
our inability to pay dividends on
our common stock;
|
• |
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 common stock 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, and execution of our
strategy; and
|
• |
other purposes and other
disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.
|
We may only be able to complete one business combination with the
proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private placement warrants,
which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business
which may have a limited number of products or services. This lack
of diversification may negatively impact our operations and
profitability.
The
net proceeds from the IPO and the sale of the private placement
warrants provided us with approximately $242,350,000 that we may
use to complete our initial business combination (after payment of
the Marketing Fee of $8,750,000), that we may use to complete our
initial business combination (and prior to any post-IPO working
capital expenses).
We
may effectuate our initial business combination with a single
target business or multiple target businesses simultaneously or
within a short period of time. However, we may not be able to
effectuate our initial business combination with more than one
target business because of various factors, including the existence
of complex accounting issues and the requirement that we prepare
and file pro forma financial statements with the SEC that present
operating results and the financial condition of several target
businesses as if they had been operated on a combined basis. By
completing our initial business combination with only a single
entity our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous
economic, competitive and regulatory risks. 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, property or asset; 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 risks, any or all of which may have a
substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we
may operate subsequent to our initial business combination.
We may attempt to
simultaneously complete business combinations with multiple
prospective targets, which may hinder our ability to complete our
initial business combination and give rise to increased costs and
risks that could negatively impact our operations and
profitability.
If
we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses that 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
our initial 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.
We may attempt to complete our initial business combination with a
private company about which little information is available, which
may result in a business combination with a business that is not as
profitable as we suspected, if at all.
In
pursuing our acquisition strategy, we may seek to effectuate our
initial business combination with a privately held company. Very
little public information generally 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 a business combination with a
business that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at
all.
Our management may not be able to maintain control of a target
business after our initial business combination. We cannot provide
assurance that, upon loss of control of a target business, new
management will possess the skills, qualifications or abilities
necessary to profitably operate such business.
We
may structure our initial business combination so that the
post-transaction company in which our public stockholders own
shares will own or acquire less than 100% of the outstanding equity
interests or assets of a target business, 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
business sufficient for us not to be required to register as an
investment company under the Investment Company Act. We will not
consider any transaction that does not meet such criteria. Even if
the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the
voting securities of the target, our stockholders 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 of Class A common stock in
exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In
this case, we would acquire a controlling 100% interest in the
target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial
number of new shares, our stockholders immediately prior to our
initial business combination could own less than a majority of our
outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination.
In addition, other minority stockholders may subsequently combine
their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining a
larger share of the company’s stock than we initially acquired.
Accordingly, this may make it more likely that our management will
not be able to maintain our control of the target business. We
cannot provide assurance that, upon loss of control of a target
business, new management will possess the skills, qualifications or
abilities necessary to profitably operate such business.
We do not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The
absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us
to complete a business combination with which a substantial
majority of our stockholders do not agree.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide
a specified maximum redemption threshold, except that in no event
will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our
net tangible assets, after payment of the Marketing Fee, to be less
than $5,000,001 (such that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny
stock” rules), and the agreement relating to our initial business
combination may have additional net tangible asset or cash
requirements. As a result, we may be able to complete our initial
business combination even though a substantial majority of our
public stockholders do not agree with the transaction and have
redeemed their shares or, if we seek stockholder approval of our
initial business combination and do not conduct redemptions in
connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the
tender offer rules, have entered into privately negotiated
agreements to sell their shares to our founders, officers,
directors, advisors or any of their affiliates. In the event the
aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all
shares of Class A common stock that are validly submitted for
redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions
pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed
the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete
the business combination or redeem any shares, all shares of Class
A common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the
holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate
business combination.
The exercise price for the public warrants is higher than in many
similar blank check company offerings in the past, and,
accordingly, the warrants are more likely to expire
worthless.
The
exercise price of the public warrants is higher than is typical in
many similar blank check companies in the past. Historically, the
exercise price of a warrant was generally a fraction of the
purchase price of the units in the initial public offering. The
exercise price for our public warrants is $11.50 per share, subject
to adjustment as provided herein. As a result, the warrants are
less likely to ever be in the money and more likely to expire
worthless.
In order to effectuate an initial business combination, blank check
companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of
their charters and modified governing instruments, including their
warrant agreements. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to
amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or
governing instruments in a manner that will make it easier for us
to complete our initial business combination but that some of our
stockholders may not support.
In
order to effectuate a business combination, blank check companies
have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their
charters and modified governing instruments, including their
warrant agreements. For example, blank check companies have amended
the definition of business combination, increased redemption
thresholds, extended the time to consummate an initial business
combination and, with respect to their warrants, amended their
warrant agreements to require the warrants to be exchanged for cash
and/or other securities. We cannot assure you that we will not seek
to amend our charter or governing instruments, including their
warrant agreements, in order to effectuate our initial business
combination.
Certain provisions of our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation that relate to
our pre-business combination activity (and corresponding provisions
of the agreement governing the release of funds from our trust
account) may be amended with the approval of holders of at least
65% of our common stock, which is a lower amendment threshold than
that of some other blank check companies. It may be easier for us,
therefore, to amend our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation and the trust agreement to facilitate the completion
of an initial business combination that some of our stockholders
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 a company’s pre-business combination
activity, without approval by holders of a certain percentage of
the company’s shares. In those companies, amendment of these
provisions typically requires approval by holders holding between
90% and 100% of the company’s public shares. Our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation provides that any of its
provisions related to pre-business combination activity, other than
amendments relating to the appointment of directors, which require
the approval of holders of at least 90% of our outstanding common
stock entitled to vote thereon (including the requirement to
deposit proceeds of the IPO and the private placement of warrants
into the trust account and not release such amounts except in
specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public
stockholders, as described herein), may be amended if approved by
holders of at least 65% of our common stock entitled to vote
thereon, 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 common stock
entitled to vote thereon. In all other instances our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation may be amended by holders of
a majority of our outstanding common stock entitled to vote
thereon, subject to applicable provisions of the DGCL or applicable
stock exchange rules. Our initial stockholders, who collectively
beneficially owned 20% of our common stock, may participate in any
vote to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
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 amended and restated certificate of incorporation
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.
We may be unable to obtain additional financing to complete our
initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth
of a target business, which could compel us to restructure or
abandon a particular business combination.
Although we believe that the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale
of the private placement warrants will be sufficient to allow us to
complete our initial business combination, we cannot ascertain the
capital requirements for any particular transaction. If the net
proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the private placement warrants
prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of our initial
business combination, the depletion of the available net proceeds
in search of a target business, the obligation to redeem for cash a
significant number of shares from stockholders who elect redemption
in connection with our initial business combination or the terms of
negotiated transactions to purchase shares in connection with our
initial business combination, we may be required to seek additional
financing or to abandon the proposed 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. 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 stockholders is required to provide
any financing to us in connection with or after our initial
business combination. If we have not completed our initial business
combination within the required time period, our public
stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the
liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire
worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may
receive less than $10.00 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 stockholders may be less
than $10.00 per share” and other risk factors herein.
Our initial stockholders control the election of our board of
directors until consummation of our initial business combination
and hold a substantial interest in us. As a result, they will elect
all of our directors prior to our initial business combination and
may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a
stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not
support.
Upon
the closing of the IPO, our initial stockholders owned 20% of our
outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, the founder
shares, all of which are held by our initial stockholders, entitle
the holders to elect all of our directors prior to our initial
business combination. Holders of our public shares have no right to
vote on the election of directors during such time. These
provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
may only be amended if approved by holders of at least 90% of our
outstanding common stock entitled to vote thereon. As a result, you
will not have any influence over the election of directors prior to
our initial business combination.
Neither our initial stockholders nor, to our knowledge, any of our
officers or directors, have any current intention to purchase
additional securities. Factors that would be considered in making
such additional purchases would include consideration of the
current trading price of our Class A common stock. In addition, as
a result of their substantial ownership in our company, our initial
stockholders may exert a substantial influence on other actions
requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do
not support, including amendments to our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation or bylaws and approval of major
corporate transactions. If our initial stockholders purchase any
additional shares of Class A common stock in the aftermarket or in
privately negotiated transactions, this would increase their
influence over these actions. Accordingly, our initial stockholders
exert significant influence over actions requiring a stockholder
vote at least until the completion of our initial business
combination.
We may redeem your unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a
time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your warrants
worthless.
We
have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants at any time after
they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price
of $0.01 per warrant; provided that the last reported sales price
of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as
adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations,
recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30
trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the
date we send the notice of such redemption to the warrant holders.
If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise
our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify
the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state
securities laws. As a result, we may redeem the warrants as set
forth above even if the holders are otherwise unable to exercise
their warrants. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force
you to (i) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price
therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so,
(ii) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you
might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) accept the
nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding
warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially
less than the market value of your warrants. None of the private
placement warrants are redeemable by us so long as they are held by
our initial stockholders or their permitted transferees.
In
addition, we may redeem your warrants after they become exercisable
for $0.10 per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written
notice of redemption provided that holders will be able to exercise
their warrants prior to redemption for a number of Class A common
stock determined based on the redemption date and the fair market
value of our Class A common stock. Any such redemption may have
similar consequences to a cash redemption described above. In
addition, such redemption may occur at a time when the warrants are
“out-of-the-money,” in which case you would lose any potential
embedded value from a subsequent increase in the value of the Class
A common stock had your warrants remained outstanding.
Our warrants and founder shares may have an adverse effect on the
market price of our Class A common stock and make it more difficult
to effectuate our initial business combination.
We
issued warrants to purchase 12,500,000 shares of our Class A common
stock, at a price of $11.50 per share (subject to adjustment as
provided herein), as part of the units offered in the IPO and,
simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, we issued in a private
placement warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,000,000 shares of
Class A common stock at $11.50 per share (subject to adjustment).
Prior to the IPO, our founders purchased an aggregate of 7,187,500
founder shares in a private placement, and our sponsor transferred
an aggregate of 435,000 of its founder shares to our independent
directors. The founder shares are convertible into shares of Class
A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as
provided herein. In addition, if our sponsor, an affiliate of our
sponsor or certain of our officers and directors make any working
capital loans, up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be converted into
warrants, at the price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the
lender. Such warrants would be identical to the private placement
warrants.
To
the extent we issue shares of Class A common stock for any reason,
including to effectuate a business combination, the potential for
the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares of Class
A common stock upon exercise of these warrants or conversion rights
could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle to a target
business. Any such issuance will increase the number of outstanding
shares of our Class A common stock and reduce the value of the
shares of Class A common stock issued to complete the business
combination. Therefore, our warrants and founder shares may make it
more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the
cost of acquiring the target business.
The
private placement warrants are identical to the warrants sold as
part of the units in the IPO except that, so long as they are held
by our initial stockholders or their permitted transferees, (i)
they are not redeemable by us, except in certain circumstances,
(ii) they (including the shares of Class A common stock issuable
upon exercise of these warrants) may not, subject to certain
limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by our sponsor
until 30 days after the completion of our initial business
combination, (iii) they may be exercised by the holders on a
cashless basis, and (iv) they (including the shares of Class A
common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) are entitled
to registration rights.
Because each unit contains one-half of one warrant and only a whole
warrant may be exercised, the units may be worth less than units of
other blank check companies.
Each
unit contains one-half of one warrant. Because, pursuant to the
warrant agreement, the warrants may only be exercised for a whole
number of shares of Class A common stock, only a whole warrant may
be exercised at any given time. This is different from other
offerings similar to ours whose units include one share of common
stock and one whole warrant to purchase one whole share. We have
established the components of the units in this way in order to
reduce the dilutive effect of the warrants upon completion of a
business combination since the warrants are exercisable in the
aggregate for one-half of the number of shares compared to units
that each contain a whole warrant to purchase one whole share, thus
making us, we believe, a more attractive business combination
partner for target businesses. Nevertheless, this unit structure
may cause our units to be worth less than if they included a
warrant to purchase one whole share.
A provision of our warrant agreement may make it more difficult for
use to consummate an initial business combination.
Unlike most blank check companies, if we issue additional shares of
common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising
purposes in connection with the closing of our initial business
combination at a newly issued price of less than $9.20 per share of
common stock, then the exercise price of the warrants will be
adjusted to be equal to 115% of the newly issued price. This may
make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business
combination with a target business.
Because we must furnish our stockholders with target business
financial statements, we may lose the ability to complete an
otherwise advantageous initial business combination with some
prospective target businesses.
The
federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to
a vote on a business combination meeting certain financial
significance tests include target historical and/or pro forma
financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. We will include
the same financial statement disclosure in connection with our
tender offer documents, whether or not they are required under the
tender offer rules. 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. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of
potential target businesses we may acquire because some targets may
be unable to provide such financial statements in time for us to
disclose such financial statements in accordance with federal proxy
rules and complete our initial business combination within the
prescribed time frame.
Compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may make it
more difficult for us to effectuate our initial business
combination, require substantial financial and management
resources, and increase the time and costs of completing an
acquisition.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and
report on our system of internal controls beginning with our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2021. Only in
the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an
accelerated filer and no longer qualify as an emerging growth
company, will we be required to comply with the independent
registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our
internal control over financial reporting. The fact that we are a
blank check company makes compliance with the requirements of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on us as compared to
other public companies because a target business with which we seek
to complete our initial business combination may not be in
compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding
adequacy of its internal controls. The development of the internal
control of any such entity to achieve compliance with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to
complete any such acquisition.
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit
the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our
Class A common stock and could entrench management.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains
provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that
stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These
provisions include two-year director terms and the ability of the
board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series
of preferred shares, which may make more difficult the removal of
management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could
involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our
securities.
We
are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law,
which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these
provisions may make the removal of management more difficult and
may discourage transactions that could involve payment of a premium
over prevailing market prices for our securities.
We would be subject to a second level of U.S. federal income tax on
a portion of our income if we are determined to be a personal
holding company (a “PHC”), for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
A
U.S. corporation generally will be classified as a PHC for U.S.
federal income tax purposes in a given taxable year if (i) at any
time during the last half of such taxable year, five or fewer
individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency and
including as individuals for this purpose certain entities such as
certain tax exempt organizations, pension funds and charitable
trusts) own or are deemed to own (pursuant to certain constructive
ownership rules) more than 50% of the stock of the corporation by
value and (ii) at least 60% of the corporation’s adjusted ordinary
gross income, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
for such taxable year consists of PHC income (which includes, among
other things, dividends, interest, certain royalties, annuities
and, under certain circumstances, rents).
Depending on the date and size of our initial business combination,
it is possible that at least 60% of our adjusted ordinary gross
income may consist of PHC income as discussed above. In addition,
depending on the concentration of our stock in the hands of
individuals, including the members of our sponsor and certain tax
exempt organizations, pension funds and charitable trusts, it is
possible that more than 50% of our stock may be owned or deemed
owned (pursuant to the constructive ownership rules) by such
persons during the last half of a taxable year. Thus, no assurance
can be given that we will not become a PHC in the future. If we are
or were to become a PHC in a given taxable year, we would be
subject to an additional PHC tax, currently 20%, on our
undistributed PHC income, which generally includes our taxable
income, subject to certain adjustments.
If we effect our initial business combination with a company with
operations or opportunities outside of the United States, we would
be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively
impact our operations.
We
may pursue a business combination with a target business in any
geographic location. If we effect our initial business combination
with a company with operations or opportunities outside of the
United States, we would be subject to any special considerations or
risks associated with companies operating in an international
setting, including any of the following:
• |
costs and difficulties inherent
in managing cross-border business operations and complying with
difficult commercial and legal requirements of the overseas
market;
|
• |
rules and regulations regarding
currency redemption;
|
• |
complex corporate withholding
taxes on individuals;
|
• |
laws governing the manner in
which future business combinations may be effected;
|
• |
tariffs and trade barriers;
|
• |
regulations related to customs
and import/export matters;
|
• |
tax issues, such as tax law
changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United
States;
|
• |
changes in local regulations as
part of a response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak;
|
• |
currency fluctuations and
exchange controls;
|
• |
challenges in collecting accounts
receivable;
|
• |
cultural and language
differences;
|
• |
employment regulations;
|
• |
crime, strikes, riots, civil
disturbances, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and wars;
|
• |
deterioration of political
relations with the United States; and
|
• |
government appropriation of
assets.
|
We
may not be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we
were unable to do so, we may be unable to complete such combination
or, if we complete such combination, our operations might suffer,
either of which may adversely impact our results of operations and
financial condition.
If our management following our initial 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 our initial business combination, any or all of our
management could resign from their positions as officers of the
company, and the management of the target business at the time of
the business combination could remain in place. Management of the
target business may not be familiar with United States securities
laws. If new management is unfamiliar with United States securities
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.
After our initial business combination, substantially all of our
assets may be located in a foreign country and substantially all of
our revenue will 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,
social and government 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. Economic growth could be 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.
Exchange rate fluctuations and 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, and 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.
COVID-19 and the impact on businesses and debt and equity markets
could have a material adverse effect on our search for a business
combination, and any target business with which we ultimately
consummate a business combination.
The
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a widespread health
crisis that has adversely impacted the economies and financial
markets worldwide, business operations and the conduct of commerce
generally. There is no way of being certain how long these adverse
impacts will last. The coronavirus, or other disease outbreaks,
could have a material adverse effect on the business of any
potential target business with which we consummate a business
combination. Furthermore, we may be unable to complete a business
combination if concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic
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. The extent to which the
coronavirus impacts our search for a business combination and our
ability to execute a transaction will depend on future
developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted,
including new information which may emerge concerning the
coronavirus pandemic and the actions to contain the coronavirus or
treat its impact, among others. If the disruptions posed by the
coronavirus or other matters of global concern continue for an
extensive period of time, it could have a material adverse effect
on our ability to consummate a business combination, or the
operations of a target business with which we ultimately consummate
a business combination.
In
addition, our ability to consummate a business combination may be
dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing and the
coronavirus pandemic and other related events could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to raise adequate financing,
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.
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. 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 seeking targets for
their initial business combination, as well as many such companies
currently in registration. As a result, at times, fewer attractive
targets may be available, and it may require more time, more effort
and more resources to identify a suitable target and to consummate
an initial business combination.
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 target companies to demand improved financial terms.
Attractive deals could also become scarcer for other reasons, such
as economic or industry sector downturns, 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.
General Risk
Factors
We are a recently incorporated company with no operating history
and no revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our
ability to achieve our business objective.
We
are a recently incorporated company with no operating results.
Because we lack an operating history, you have no basis upon which
to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective of
completing our initial business combination with one or more target
businesses. We may be unable to complete our initial business
combination. If we fail to complete our initial business
combination, we will never generate any operating revenues.
Past performance by MC, members of our management team and their
respective affiliates, may not be indicative of future performance
of an investment in the company.
We
will consider a business combination outside of our management’s
areas of expertise if a business combination candidate is presented
to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive
acquisition opportunity for our company. In the event we elect to
pursue an acquisition outside of the areas of our management’s
expertise, our management’s expertise may not be directly
applicable to its evaluation or operation, and the information
contained in this report regarding the areas of our management’s
expertise would not be relevant to an understanding of the business
that we elect to acquire. As a result, our management may not be
able to adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk
factors related to such acquisition. Accordingly, any
securityholders who choose to remain securityholders following our
initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value
of their securities. Such securityholders are unlikely to have a
remedy for such reduction in value.
We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be
adverse to holders of public warrants with the approval by the
holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public
warrants.
Our
warrants are issued in registered form under a warrant agreement
between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant
agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the
warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure
any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the
approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding
public warrants to make any change that adversely affects the
interests of the registered holders of public warrants.
Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the public warrants in a
manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then
outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment. Although our
ability to amend the terms of the public warrants with the consent
of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants is
unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to,
among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants,
shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of our
Class A common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.
We are an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company
within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage
of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to
emerging growth companies or smaller reporting companies, this
could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make
it more difficult to compare our performance with other public
companies.
We
are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the
Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we 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 our periodic reports and proxy
statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a
nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder
approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain
information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth
company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us
to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our
common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any
June 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an
emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot
predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive
because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find
our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these
exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than
they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market
for our securities and the trading prices of our securities 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, can adopt the new or revised standard
at the time private companies 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 accounting standards used.
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 common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $250
million as of the prior June 30th, or (2) our annual revenues
exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the
market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th. 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.
Data privacy and security breaches, including, but not limited to,
those resulting from cyber incidents or attacks, acts of vandalism
or theft, computer viruses and/or misplaced or lost data, could
result in information theft, data corruption, operational
disruption, reputational harm, criminal liability and/or financial
loss.
In
searching for targets for our initial business combination, we may
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 privacy and 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 privacy or security protection, we
may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences and
therefore could be liable for privacy and security breaches,
including potentially those caused by any of our subcontractors. We
may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or
to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents
or other incidents that result in a privacy or security breach. It
is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of
them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to
reputational harm, criminal liability and/or financial loss.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates
the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and
exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that
may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our
stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for
disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees or other
stockholders.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that,
unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Court of
Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any
stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any
derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any
action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any
of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our
stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us, our
directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision
of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
or our bylaws, or (iv) action asserting a claim governed by the
internal affairs doctrine of the law of the State of Delaware,
except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim (A) as
to which the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware determines
that there is an indispensable party not subject to the personal
jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (and
the indispensable party does not consent to the personal
jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware
within 10 days following such determination), (B) which is vested
in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, (C) for which the Court
of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have subject matter
jurisdiction or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act, as
to which the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the
federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have
concurrent jurisdiction. The federal courts shall be the sole and
exclusive forum for the resolution of any action asserting a claim
arising under the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the
federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. To the fullest extent
permitted by law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise
acquiring or holding any interest in any shares of our capital
stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum
provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to
bring a claim in a different judicial forum, including one that it
may find favorable or convenient for a specified class of disputes
with us or our directors, officers, other stockholders, or
employees, which may discourage such lawsuits, make them more
difficult or expensive to pursue, and result in outcomes that are
less favorable to such stockholders than outcomes that may have
been attainable in other jurisdictions. By agreeing to this
provision, however, stockholders will not be deemed to have waived
our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and
regulations thereunder. The enforceability of similar choice of
forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation
has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a
court could find these types of provisions to be inapplicable or
unenforceable. If a court were to find the choice of forum
provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur
additional costs associated with resolving such action in other
jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations.
Item 1B. |
Unresolved Staff Comments
|
None.
We
do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially
important to our operation. We currently maintain our executive
offices at 2200 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut 06902. The
cost for our use of this space is included in the $10,000 per month
fee we pay to an affiliate of our sponsor for office space,
administrative support services. We consider our current office
space adequate for our current operations.
There is no material litigation, arbitration or governmental
proceeding currently pending against us or any members of our
management team in their capacity.
None.
PART
II
Item 5. |
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity,
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
|
Market Information
Our
Units began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “ASAQ.U” on
October 2, 2020. Commencing on October 15, 2020, holders of the
Units could elect to separately trade the shares of Class A common
stock and warrants included in the Units. The shares of the Class A
common stock and warrants that are separated, trade on the NYSE
under the symbols “ASAQ” and “ASAQ WS”, respectively. Those Units
not separated continue to trade on the NYSE under the symbol
“ASAQ”.
Holders
At
March 23, 2021, there was one holder of record of our Units, one
holder of record of our Class A common stock, five holders of
record of our Class B common stock, one holder of record of our
warrants and five holders of record of our private placement
warrants.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation
Plans
None.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from
Registered Offerings
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
The
sales of the founder shares and private placement warrants to our
initial stockholders as described herein were deemed to be exempt
from registration under the Securities Act, in reliance on Section
4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not
involving a public offering.
Use
of Proceeds
On
October 6, 2020, we consummated our Initial Public Offering of
25,000,000 Units. The Units were sold at an offering price of
$10.00 per Unit, generating total gross proceeds of $250,000,000.
Cowen and Company, LLC and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
acted as the joint book-running managers. The securities sold in
the offering were registered under the Securities Act on
registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-248782). The SEC
declared the registration statement effective on October 1,
2020.
Of
the gross proceeds received from the Initial Public Offering,
$245,000,000 was placed in the trust account.
We
paid a total of $5,000,000 in underwriting discounts and
commissions and $246,193 for other offering costs and expenses
related to the Initial Public Offering. In addition, we have agreed
to pay the underwriters the Marketing Fee of $8,750,000 under a
Business Combination Marketing Agreement entered into at the time
of the IPO upon consummation of our initial business
combination.
There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds
from the Initial Public Offering as described in our final
prospectus dated October 1, 2020, which was filed with the
SEC.
Pursuant to Release No. 33-10890 (including the transition guidance
therein), which was adopted by the SEC on November 19, 2020, the
Company has elected to exclude the disclosures formerly required by
this Item 6.
Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
|
Overview
We
are a recently incorporated blank check company incorporated as a
Delaware corporation and formed for the purpose of effecting a
merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase,
reorganization or similar business combination with one or more
businesses, which we refer to throughout this report as our initial
business combination. We have not selected any 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.
In
September 2020, our independent directors purchased, in advance, an
aggregate of 300,000 private placement warrants, at a price of
$1.00 per unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $300,000.
Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering,
Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC (the “sponsor”) purchased an aggregate
of 3,950,000 private placement warrants and ASA Co-Investment LLC
(“ASA Co-Investment”) purchased an aggregate of 2,750,000 private
placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per unit, for an aggregate
purchase price of $7,000,000. A portion of the $7,000,000 proceeds
from the private placements were added to the net proceeds from the
Initial Public Offering held in the trust account.
As
of December 31, 2020 we held cash of $1,527,662 and deferred legal
fees of $640,067. 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
We
have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues
to date. The only activities through December 31, 2020 were
organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the
Initial Public Offering and identifying a target company for a
business combination. We do not expect to generate any operating
revenues until after the completion of our business combination. We
generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on
marketable securities held in the trust account. We incur expenses
as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial
reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due
diligence expenses.
For
the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through December 31,
2020, we had a net loss of $2,302,514, which included a non-cash
expense of $1,831,450 for unrealized loss on change in fair value
of warrants.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As
of December 31, 2020, we had cash of $1,527,662. Until the
consummation of the Initial Public Offering, our only source of
liquidity was an initial purchase of common stock by the sponsor
and ASA Co-Investment, loans from the sponsor and ASA Co-Investment
and the $300,000 proceeds received in advance from our independent
directors for the purchase of private placement warrants.
On
October 6, 2020, we consummated the Initial Public Offering of
25,000,000 Units, at $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of
$250,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public
Offering, we consummated the sale of an aggregate of 7,000,000
private placement warrants to the sponsor and ASA Co-Investment and
our independent directors, at a price of $1.00 per warrant,
generating gross proceeds to us of $7,000,000 (including the
$300,000 received in advance from our independent directors).
Following the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the private
placement warrants, a total of $250,000,000 was placed in the trust
account. We incurred $5,886,260 in transaction costs, including
$5,000,000 of underwriting fees and $397,737 of other cash
costs.
We
intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the trust
account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the
trust account (less deferred underwriting commissions and income
taxes payable), to complete our business combination. To the extent
that our capital stock or debt is used, in whole or in part, as
consideration to complete our 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.
We
intend to use the funds held outside the trust account 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,
and structure, negotiate and complete a business combination.
In
order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction
costs in connection with a business combination, the sponsor or its
affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be
required. If we complete a business combination, we would repay
such loaned amounts. In the event that a 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. Up to
$1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants identical
to the private placement warrants, at a price of $1.00 per warrant
at the option of the lender.
We
do not believe we will need to raise additional funds in order to
meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However,
if the estimate of the costs of identifying a target business,
undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating a 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 business combination. Moreover, we may need to obtain
additional financing either to complete a business combination or
because we may become obligated to redeem a significant number of
ours public shares upon consummation of our business combination,
in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in
connection with such business combination. Subject to compliance
with applicable securities laws, we would only complete such
financing simultaneously with the completion of our business
combination. If we are unable to complete a business combination
because we do not have sufficient funds available, we will be
forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account. In
addition, following our business combination, if cash on hand is
insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order
to meet our obligations.
Critical Accounting Policies
The
preparation of condensed financial statements and related
disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and
expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could
materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the
following critical accounting policies.
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption
We
account for our Class A common stock subject to possible redemption
in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from
Equity.” Shares of Class A common stock subject to mandatory
redemption are classified as a liability instrument and are
measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock
(including common stock that feature redemption rights that are
either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption
upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our
control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times,
common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity. Our Class A
common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered
to be outside of our control and subject to occurrence of uncertain
future events. Accordingly, shares of Class A common stock subject
to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside
of the stockholders’ equity section of our balance sheet.
Net Income
(Loss) per Common Share
We
apply the two-class method in calculating earnings per share. Net
income per common share, basic and diluted for Class A redeemable
common stock is calculated by dividing the interest income earned
on the Trust Account, net of applicable taxes, by the weighted
average number of shares of Class A redeemable common stock
outstanding for the period. The calculation of diluted loss per
common stock does not consider the effect of the warrants issued in
connection with the (i) Initial Public Offering, and (ii) Private
Placement since the exercise of the warrants are contingent upon
the occurrence of future events and the inclusion of such warrants
would be anti-dilutive. The warrants are exercisable to purchase
19,500,000 shares of Class A common stock in the aggregate. Net
loss per common share, basic and diluted for Class B non-redeemable
common stock is calculated by dividing net income less income
attributable to Class A redeemable common stock, by the weighted
average number of shares of Class B non-redeemable common stock
outstanding for the period presented. Non-redeemable Class B common
stock includes the Founder Shares as these shares of common stock
do not have any redemption features and do not participate in the
income earned on the Trust Account.
Derivative
Warrant Liabilities
We
do not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow,
market, or foreign currency risks. We evaluate all of our financial
instruments, including issued stock purchase warrants, to determine
if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that
qualify as embedded derivatives, pursuant to ASC 480 and ASC
815-15. The classification of derivative instruments, including
whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as
equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period.
We
issued 12,500,00 warrants to purchase shares of Class A common
stock to investors in our Initial Public Offering and issued
7,000,000 private placement warrants. All of our outstanding
warrants are recognized as derivative liabilities in accordance
with ASC 815-40. Accordingly, we recognize the warrant instruments
as liabilities at fair value and adjust the instruments to fair
value at each reporting period. The liabilities are subject to
re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised, and any
change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations.
The private placement warrants were initially valued at their
purchase price ($1.00 per warrant). Their value as of December 31,
2020 was determined using a Monte Carlo Simulation. The public
warrants were initially valued using a Monte Carlo Simulation.
Their value as of December 31, 2020 was determined based on the
closing market price of the public warrants as of that date.
Recent Accounting Standards
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet
effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a
material effect on our condensed financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; Commitments and Contractual
Obligations
As
of December 31, 2020, 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.
Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
|
As
of December 31, 2020, we were not subject to any market or interest
rate risk. Following the consummation of our Initial Public
Offering, the net proceeds received into the trust account, have
been invested in U.S. government treasury bills, notes or bonds
with a maturity of 185 days or less or in certain money market
funds that invest solely in US treasuries. Due to the short-term
nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated
material exposure to interest rate risk.
Item 8. |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
|
This
information appears following Item 15 of this Report and is
included herein by reference.
Item 9. |
Changes in and
Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
|
None.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other
procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to
be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls
and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in
company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year
ended December 30, 2020, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer has
concluded that during the period covered by this report, our
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of
December 31, 2020, because of a material weakness in our internal
control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a
deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control
over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable
possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or
interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis. Specifically, the Company’s management has concluded
that our internal controls around the interpretation and accounting
for certain equity and equity-linked instruments issued by the
Company was not effectively designed or maintained. This material
weakness resulted in the restatement of the Company’s balance sheet
as of October 6, 2020, its annual financial statements for the
period ended December 31, 2020 and its interim financial statements
for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021.
Additionally, this material weakness could result in a misstatement
of the carrying value of equity, equity-linked instruments and
related accounts and disclosures that would result in a material
misstatement of the financial statements that would not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result, our
management performed additional analysis as deemed necessary to
ensure that our financial statements were prepared in accordance
with generally accepted in the United States of America.
Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements
included in this Amendment No. 2 to the Form 10-K/A present fairly,
in all material respects, our financial position, result of
operations and cash flows of the periods presented. Management
understands that the accounting standards applicable to our
financial statements are complex and has since the inception of the
Company benefited from the support of experienced third-party
professionals with whom management has regularly consulted with
respect to accounting issues. Management intends to continue to
further consult with such professionals in connection with
accounting matters.
Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial
Reporting
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A does not include a report of
management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial
reporting or an attestation report of our independent registered
public accounting firm due to a transition period established by
rules of the SEC for newly public companies.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no
changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such
term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d- 15(f) of the Exchange
Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting, as the circumstances
that led to the restatement of our financial statements described
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A had not yet been identified.
In light of the material weakness, we have enhanced our processes
to identify and appropriately apply applicable accounting
requirements to better evaluate and understand the nuances of the
complex accounting standards that apply to our financial
statements. Our plans at this time include providing enhanced
access to accounting literature, research materials and documents
and increased communication among our personnel and third-party
professionals with whom we consult regarding the application of
complex financial instruments. The elements of our remediation plan
can only be accomplished over time, and we can offer no assurance
that these initiatives will ultimately have the intended
effects.
None.
PART
III
Item 10. |
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate
Governance
|
Our
directors and executive officers are as follows:
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
|
Ashok
Nayyar
|
|
59
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer, Chairman
|
|
|
David
Gelobter
|
|
53
|
|
Co-President
and Secretary
|
|
|
Michael
Zimmerman
|
|
67
|
|
Co-President
|
|
|
Barry
Best
|
|
55
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
James
Dubin
|
|
74
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Thomas
Neff
|
|
83
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Robert
Halmi
|
|
64
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Mark
Field
|
|
71
|
|
Director
|
|
Ashok Nayyar has been our
Chief Executive Officer and has served as our Chairman of our board
of directors since our inception in July 2020. Mr. Nayyar is the
Founder and has served as the Managing Director and Chief
Investment Officer of MC since May 2013. Mr. Nayyar has over 18
years of bulge-bracket finance experience. He was the co-head of
Global Leveraged Finance at Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“Morgan
Stanley”) from 2006 to 2008 where he had responsibility for
leveraged loans, high yield bonds, asset-based loans,
debtor-in-possession lending, non-investment grade and investment
grade acquisition finance and syndication of all non-investment
grade debt transactions. Mr. Nayyar joined Salomon Brothers in 1989
and was a Managing Director in the Leveraged Finance group at
Citigroup from 1997 to 2006. He served as co-head of the North
American Leveraged Finance group at Citigroup from 2003 to 2006.
Under his leadership, Citigroup moved from the number four ranked
high yield underwriter to number one. Mr. Nayyar was a member of
the Debt Capital Markets Management Committee at Citigroup and a
member of the Investment Banking Management Committee and the
Global Capital Markets Management Committee at Morgan Stanley. In
addition to his responsibility for supervising all leveraged
capital raising as group head at Citigroup and Morgan Stanley, Mr.
Nayyar has worked on and overseen transactions which raised in
excess of $250 billion in leveraged loans, bridge loans, high yield
bonds and mezzanine debt. Mr. Nayyar serves on the board of
directors of Ryan, LLC and formerly served on the board of Endeavor
International Corporation. Mr. Nayyar holds an M.B.A. from the
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and a B.A. from
Columbia University. Mr. Nayyar’s significant investment and
financial expertise make him well qualified to serve as a member of
our board of directors.
David Gelobter has been
our Co-President and Secretary since our inception in July 2020.
Mr. Gelobter has served as a Managing Director of MC since October
2015. Prior to joining MC, Mr. Gelobter was the Managing Principal
of Emerson Capital, LP, a hedge fund which he founded in 2006 that
focused on consumer and services companies as well as special
situations, from June 2007 to September 2015. From 2003 to 2005,
Mr. Gelobter was an Analyst at Tremblant Capital Group
(“Tremblant”), a hedge fund focused on the consumer industry. Prior
to Tremblant, he was a Director in the Financial Sponsors Group at
Citigroup and Salomon Brothers from 1993 to 2002. Mr. Gelobter
started his career in operational and investment roles at General
Electric and GE Capital Inc. He is currently a member of the board
of trustees for New York Public Radio and a member of the board of
directors of Mobile Technologies Inc. Mr. Gelobter holds an M.B.A.
from the Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Williams
College.
Michael Zimmerman has been
our Co-President since our inception in July 2020. Mr. Zimmerman is
a Co-Founder and has served as Managing Director of MC since May
2013. Prior to joining MC, Mr. Zimmerman was a Senior Managing
Director of Cyan Partners, LP and from 2004 to 2011 served as
President of Tower Capital, LLC, a hedge fund of funds providing
manager selection, portfolio management, hedging, risk management
and monitoring services. From 1994 to 2003, he was a Managing
Director in Investment Banking at Salomon Brothers and then the
Global Head of Private Equity at Citigroup. Mr. Zimmerman managed
the firm’s relationships with many of the industry’s largest
private equity franchises. He also provided strategic advisory
services to multiple sponsors. Additionally, he ran capital raising
for PIPEs, private equity and mezzanine capital raising for
corporate clients. Previously, Mr. Zimmerman was a Managing
Director at CS First Boston Group. During his seventeen-year
tenure, Mr. Zimmerman was a senior member of the Financial Buyer’s
Group, providing investment banking services to private equity
clients of the firm. For the first ten years of his career, he was
a senior member of the Private Finance Group, and before that was
in the Debt Capital Markets Group. Mr. Zimmerman holds an M.B.A.
from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a B.A.
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Barry Best has been our
Chief Financial Officer since our inception in July 2020. Mr. Best
is a Managing Director at MC where he has been employed since April
2016. Mr. Best has more than 25 years of investment management,
investment banking and capital markets experience. He was
previously the President of AEG Capital, LLC, a Chicago-based
investment banking firm focused on advising middle market companies
in connection with mergers and acquisitions and capital raising
from October 2012 to March 2016. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Best was
the head of Sagent Advisors, LLC’s Private Capital Markets Group.
Prior to that he held several senior positions at Citigroup
(including its predecessor firms, Salomon Brothers and Salomon
Smith Barney) in the Mergers and Acquisitions and Financial
Entrepreneurs Groups. Mr. Best began his career in 1989 as a member
of Salomon Brothers’ Mergers and Acquisitions Group, where he was a
co-founder of the Financial Sponsors Group. He is a member of the
board of directors of Mobile Technologies Inc. and Precision Spine,
Inc. Mr. Best holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago
Graduated School of Business and a B.A. from the University of
Illinois.
James Dubin has served on our board of
directors since October 2020. Mr. Dubin has served as the Executive
Chairman of Conair Corporation, a global manufacturer and
distributor of hair fashion and kitchen appliances and accessories
since January 2018. Mr. Dubin has also served as the Managing
Partner of Madison Place Partners, LLC, a financial and
organizational consulting firm, and as the Chairman of Lighthouse
Guild International, a non-profit devoted to vision rehabilitation
and advocacy for the blind and visually impaired, both since 2012.
Prior to that, Mr. Dubin served as a senior partner of Paul, Weiss,
Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he served as chair of
the firm’s Corporate Department, a member of its Management
Committee and chair of its Finance Committee. Mr. Dubin is a member
of the board of directors of Conair Corporation, Emmis
Communications Corporation, where he also serves as a member of the
executive, audit, compensation and governance committees since
2012, and Omega Flex, Inc., where he also services as a member of
the executive, audit and corporate governance committees since
February 2019. Mr. Dubin has also served as a member of the board
of directors of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc. Mr. Dubin is
Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of Tel Aviv University from
2004 and a past chair of its Buchmann Faculty of Law. Mr. Dubin has
served as Treasurer of the Friends of Neuberger Museum of Art since
2020. Mr. Dubin is a former Chairman of The National Foundation for
Advancement in the Arts (now Young Arts) and a former President of
the Board of Trustees of Williston Northampton School. Further, Mr.
Dubin has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the
American Ballet Theatre, the Miami City Ballet, the Presidential
Scholars Foundation, the Jewish Home Lifecare System and as Vice
Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Solomon Schechter School of
Westchester. Mr. Dubin received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the
University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor from Columbia
University School of Law. Mr. Dubin’s significant legal, financial
and investment expertise makes him well qualified to serve as a
member of our board of directors.
Thomas Neff has served on
our board of directors since October 2020. Since 1976, Mr. Neff has
served in various roles at Spencer Stuart Management Consultants,
N.A., the global executive search and leadership advisory firm. Mr.
Neff currently serves as Chairman of Spencer Stuart, U.S. and
previously managed the worldwide firm from 1979 to 1987.
Previously, Mr. Neff was a Principal with Booz Allen &
Hamilton, the consulting firm. Earlier, Mr. Neff was CEO of
Hospital Data Sciences, an information systems company. Mr. Neff
began his career as a consultant with McKinsey & Company, the
global consulting firm, and worked in both New York and Australia.
After McKinsey, Mr. Neff held a senior marketing position with TWA,
the global airline. Mr. Neff currently serves on the board of
Accolade, Inc., the publicly traded health, fitness and wellness
company, and is chair of the compensation committee and also sits
on the nominating and governance committee. Previously, Mr. Neff
served for 16 years on the board of directors of ACE Limited, which
was renamed Chubb, a Zurich-based global insurance company which
now has in excess of $30 billion in revenues, as well as three
other public companies. Hewitt Associates, Macmillan and Exult,
until they were acquired. In each case, he chaired the compensation
and/or nominating committees. Mr. Neff also previously served on
the board of Lord Abbett Mutual Funds, with assets in excess of
$150 billion. Mr. Neff is a Trustee Emeritus of Lafayette College
and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Brunswick School in
Greenwich, CT. Previously, Mr. Neff served on the board of
directors of Greenwich Hospital and the Stanwich Club. Mr. Neff
holds an M.B.A. from Lehigh University and a B.S. in Industrial
Engineering from Lafayette College. Mr. Neff served as an officer
and aide de camp in the U.S. Army. Mr. Neff’s significant
experience in leadership and board consulting and his extensive
experience serving on public boards and his experience serving as
chairman of multiple committees makes him well qualified to serve
as a member of our board of directors.
Robert Halmi has served on
our board of directors since October 2020. Mr. Halmi is currently
the Chairman and majority shareholder of Great Point Media, a
U.K.-based media fund, as well as CEO of Great Point Capital, a
U.S. private equity fund that invests in television and film
infrastructure. Prior to Great Point Media, he was the President
and CEO of RHI Entertainment, Inc., which was the successor to
Hallmark Entertainment, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hallmark
Cards), which Mr. Halmi and members of senior management and
affiliates acquired in 2006. Under Mr. Halmi’s leadership, Hallmark
Entertainment was one of the largest suppliers of movies and
miniseries in the television industry. Prior to that, Mr. Halmi was
instrumental in the formation of Crown Media Holdings, where he
founded the Hallmark Channel. He is also an accomplished and
prolific film and television producer. He has produced more than 50
theatrical motion pictures and more than 350 movies and miniseries
for television, including Lonesome Dove, which earned seven Emmy
Awards and a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries. Mr. Halmi’s
productions have earned 76 Emmy Awards and were nominated for over
300 Emmy Awards. His career as a film producer began in 1980 with
Wilson’s Reward, which garnered numerous awards, including a gold
medal at the Houston Film Festival. He has produced many
award-winning television “events,” including Dreamkeeper,
Dinotopia, Arabian Nights, The 10th Kingdom, Cleopatra, Alice in
Wonderland, Supernova, Neverland, Treasure Island, Tin Man, Mitch
Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven and King Solomon’s
Mines. Mr. Halmi’s significant private equity and investment
experience and public and private company leadership roles make him
well qualified to serve as a member of our board of
directors.
Mark Field has served on
our board of directors since our inception in July 2020. Mr. Field
has served as a Managing Director of MC since July 2013. Mr. Field
brings over forty years of experience in fixed income and high
yield sales and trading to MC. Mr. Field was most recently the
Co-Head of High Yield and a Senior Managing Director at Guggenheim
Securities, LLC (“Guggenheim Securities”) from 2010 to 2013. Prior
to Guggenheim Securities, Mr. Field was the Co-Founder, Principal
and President of Summit Securities Group (“Summit Securities”), a
boutique high yield sales and trading broker dealer. Prior to
co-founding Summit Securities, Mr. Field was the Head of Fixed
Income and a member of the Executive and Operating Committees of
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”)
from 1996 to 2000. Before Schroders, Mr. Field spent 23 years at
Salomon Brothers where he was the Branch Manager of Chicago,
Salomon’s largest regional office, the Head of Chicago Taxable
Fixed Income Sales and ultimately the Head of High Yield. Mr. Field
earned a M.S. in Finance from the University of California at Los
Angeles and a B.S.B.A. from the University of Denver. Mr. Field’s
significant financial and investment expertise makes him well
qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.
Number, Terms of Office, Actions and Election of Officers and
Directors
Our
board of directors consists of five members. Holders of our founder
shares have the right to elect all of our directors prior to
consummation of our initial business combination and holders of our
public shares do not have the right to vote on the election of
directors during such time. These provisions of our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation may only be amended if
approved by holders of at least 90% of our outstanding common stock
entitled to vote thereon. Each of our directors holds office for a
two-year term. Subject to any other special rights applicable to
the stockholders, any vacancies on our board of directors may be
filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining
directors of our board or by a majority of the holders of our
common stock (or, prior to our initial business combination, a
majority of the holders of our founder 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 bylaws as it deems
appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may consist of a
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial
Officer, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretaries,
Treasurer and such other offices as may be determined by the board
of directors.
Director Independence
Our
board of directors has determined that each of James Dubin, Thomas
Neff and Robert Halmi is independent under applicable SEC and NYSE
rules. Our independent directors have regularly scheduled meetings
at which only independent directors are present.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our
board of directors has three standing committees: an audit
committee; a compensation committee; and a nominating and corporate
governance committee. Each committee operates under a charter that
has been approved by our board and has the composition and
responsibilities described below. The charter of each committee is
available on our website.
Audit Committee
The
members of our audit committee consist of James Dubin, Thomas Neff
and Robert Halmi. James Dubin serves as the chair of the audit
committee.
Each
member of the audit committee meets the financial literacy
requirements of the NYSE and our board of directors has determined
that James Dubin qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert”
as defined in applicable SEC rules and has accounting or related
financial management expertise.
The
primary purposes of our audit committee are to assist the board’s
oversight of:
• |
audits of our financial
statements;
|
• |
the integrity of our financial
statements;
|
• |
our process relating to risk
management and the conduct and systems of internal control over
financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;
|
• |
the qualifications, engagement,
compensation, independence and performance of our independent
registered public accounting firm; and
|
• |
the performance of our internal
audit function.
|
The
audit committee is governed by a charter that complies with the
rules of the NYSE.
Compensation Committee
The
members of our compensation committee consist of James Dubin,
Thomas Neff and Robert Halmi. Thomas Neff serves as the chair of
the compensation committee.
The
primary purposes of our compensation committee are to assist the
board in overseeing our management compensation policies and
practices, including:
• |
determining and approving the
compensation of our executive officers; and
|
• |
reviewing and approving incentive
compensation and equity compensation policies and programs.
|
The compensation committee is
governed by a charter that complies with the rules of the
NYSE.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The members of
our nominating and corporate governance consist of James Dubin,
Thomas Neff and Robert Halmi. Robert Halmi serves as chair of the
nominating and corporate governance committee.
The primary purposes of our
nominating and corporate governance committee are to assist the
board in:
• |
identifying, screening and
reviewing individuals qualified to serve as directors and
recommending to the board of directors candidates for nomination
for election at the annual meeting of stockholders or to fill
vacancies on the board of directors;
|
• |
developing, recommending to the
board of directors and overseeing implementation of our corporate
governance guidelines;
|
• |
coordinating and overseeing the
annual self-evaluation of the board of directors, its committees,
individual directors and management in the governance of the
company; and
|
• |
reviewing on a regular basis our
overall corporate governance and recommending improvements as and
when necessary.
|
The
nominating and corporate governance committee is governed by a
charter that complies with the rules of the NYSE.
Director Nominations
Our
nominating and corporate governance committee will recommend to the
board of directors candidates for nomination for election at the
annual meeting of the stockholders. Prior to our initial business
combination, the board of directors will also consider director
candidates recommended for nomination by holders of our founder
shares during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to
stand for election at an annual meeting of stockholders (or, if
applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Prior to our
initial business combination, holders of our public shares do not
have the right to recommend director candidates for nomination to
our board of directors.
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, the 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 stockholders.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None
of our officers currently serves, and in the past year has not
served, (i) as a member of the compensation committee or board of
directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers served
on our compensation committee, or (ii) as a member of the
compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive
officers served on our board of directors.
Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics
We
have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to
our directors, officers and employees. A copy of the Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website. Any
amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics will be disclosed on such website
promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Conflicts of Interest
In
general, officers and directors of a corporation incorporated under
the laws of the State of Delaware are required to present business
opportunities to a corporation if:
• |
the corporation could financially
undertake the opportunity;
|
• |
the opportunity is within the
corporation’s line of business; and
|
• |
it would not be fair to our
company and its stockholders for the opportunity not to be brought
to the attention of the corporation.
|
Each
of our officers and directors 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. Accordingly, if any of our officers or directors
becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that is
suitable for an entity to which he or she has then-current
fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or
her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business
combination opportunity to such entity. Our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation provides that we renounce our interest
in any corporate opportunity offered to any director or officer
unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely
in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the company and
such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted
to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue. We
do not believe, however, that the fiduciary duties or contractual
obligations of our officers or directors will materially affect our
ability to complete our initial business combination.
Potential investors should also be aware of the following other
potential conflicts of interest:
• |
None of our officers or directors
is required to commit his or her full time to our affairs and,
accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating his or
her time among various business activities.
|
• |
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 us as well as the other entities with which they
are affiliated. Our management may have conflicts of interest in
determining to which entity a particular business opportunity
should be presented. For a complete description of our management’s
other affiliations, see “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and
Corporate Governance.”
|
• |
Our founders, officers and
directors have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect
to any founder shares and any public shares held by them in
connection with the consummation of our initial business
combination. Additionally, our initial stockholders, officers and
directors have agreed to waive their rights to liquidating
distributions from the trust account with respect to any founder
shares held by them if we fail to complete our initial business
combination within 24 months from the closing of the IPO. However,
if our initial stockholders, officers and directors acquire public
shares, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the
trust account with respect to such public shares if we fail to
complete our initial business combination within the prescribed
time period. If we do not complete our initial business combination
within such applicable time period, the proceeds of the sale of the
private placement warrants held in the trust account will be used
to fund the redemption of our public shares, and the private
placement warrants will expire worthless. With certain limited
exceptions, the founder shares are not transferable, assignable or
salable by our initial stockholders until the earliest to occur of:
(A) one year after the completion of our initial business
combination; (B) subsequent to our initial business combination, if
the last reported sale price of the Class A common stock equals or
exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock
dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any
20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at
least 150 days after our initial business combination; and (C) the
date following the completion of our initial business combination
on which we complete a liquidation, merger, stock exchange,
reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of
our public stockholders having the right to exchange their shares
of common stock for cash, securities or other property. With
certain limited exceptions, the private placement warrants and the
Class A common stock underlying such warrants, are not
transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the
completion of our initial business combination. Since our founders
and officers and directors may directly or indirectly own common
stock and warrants following the IPO, our officers and directors
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.
|
• |
Our officers and directors 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 our initial business combination and as a result, may
cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether to
proceed with a particular business combination.
|
• |
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
|
The
conflicts described above may not be resolved in our favor.
Accordingly, as a result of multiple business affiliations, our
officers and directors may have similar legal obligations relating
to presenting business opportunities meeting the above-listed
criteria to multiple entities.
We
are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination
with a business that is affiliated with our founders, officers or
directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business
combination with such a business, we, or a committee of independent
and disinterested directors, would obtain an opinion from an
independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA, or
from an independent accounting firm, that such an initial business
combination is fair to our company from a financial point of
view.
In
addition, our sponsor or any of its affiliates may make additional
investments in the company in connection with the initial business
combination, although our sponsor and its affiliates have no
obligation or current intention to do so. If our sponsor or any of
its affiliates elect to make additional investments, such proposed
investments could influence our sponsor’s motivation to complete an
initial business combination.
In
the event that we submit our initial business combination to our
public stockholders for a vote, our founders, officers and
directors have agreed, pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement
entered into with us, to vote any founder shares held by them (and
their permitted transferees will agree) and any public shares held
by them in favor of our initial business combination.
None
of our officers or directors have received any cash compensation
for services rendered to us. Our founders, officers and directors,
or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any
reasonable 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 reviews on a quarterly basis all
payments that were made by us to our founders, officers, directors
or our 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
of these fees will be fully disclosed to stockholders, to the
extent then known, in the tender offer materials or proxy
solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders in connection
with a proposed business combination. It is unlikely the amount of
such compensation will be known at the time such materials are
distributed, 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 officers will be
determined by a compensation committee constituted solely by
independent directors.
The
existence or terms of any employment or consulting arrangements 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 agreements with our officers and directors that
provide for benefits upon termination of employment.
Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
|
We
have no compensation plans under which equity securities are
authorized for issuance.
The
following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of March 23, 2021, by:
• |
each person known by us to be a
beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock
of, on an as-converted basis;
|
• |
each of our officers and
directors; and
|
• |
all of our officers and directors
as a group.
|
The
following table is based on 31,250,000 shares of common stock of
outstanding at March 23, 2021, of which 25,000,000 were shares of
Class A common stock and 6,250,000 were shares of Class B common
stock. Unless otherwise indicated, it is believed that all persons
named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by
them.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)
|
|
Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
|
|
Percentage of
Outstanding
Common
Stock
|
|
Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC(2)(3)
|
|
4,565,000
|
|
15.4
|
%
|
Glazer Capital, LLC(4)
|
|
2,484,400
|
|
9.9
|
%
|
Citadel Advisors LLC (5)
|
|
1,567,423
|
|
6.3
|
%
|
Ashok Nayyar (2)(3)
|
|
4,565,000
|
|
15.4
|
%
|
David Gelobter
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Michael Zimmerman
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
Barry Best
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
James Dubin
|
|
145,000
|
|
*
|
|
Thomas Neff
|
|
145,000
|
|
*
|
|
Robert Halmi
|
|
145,000
|
|
*
|
|
Mark Field
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
All
officers and directors as a group (8 individuals)
|
|
5,000,000
|
|
16.7
|
%
|
(1) |
Unless otherwise noted, the
business address of each of the following entities or individuals
is 2200 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut 06902.
|
(2) |
Interests shown consist solely of
founders shares, classified as shares of Class B common stock. The
founder shares will convert into shares of Class A common stock at
the time of our initial business combination, or earlier at the
option of the holder, on a one-for-one basis, subject to
adjustment.
|
(3) |
Represents the interests directly
held by Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC. The managing member of
Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC is Atlantic Avenue Partners GP LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, which is controlled by Mr.
Nayyar. Mr. Nayyar ultimately exercises voting and dispositive
power with respect to all securities owned by Atlantic Avenue
Partners LLC and may be deemed to beneficially own all such
securities. Mr. Nayyar disclaims beneficial ownership of these
securities except to the extent of any pecuniary interest
therein.
|
(4) |
The business address of this
entity is 250 West 55th Street, Suite 30A, New York, New York
10019. Information was derived from a Schedule 13G jointly filed on
November 10, 2020 by Glazer Capital, LLC and Mr. Paul J. Glazer.
Glazer Capital, LLC with respect Class A common stock held by
certain funds and managed accounts to which Glazer Capital, LLC
serves as investment manager (collectively, the “Glazer Funds”).
Mr. Glazer serves as managing member of Glazer Capital, LLC.
|
(5) |
The business address of this
entity is 131 S. Dearborn Street, 32nd Floor, Chicago, Illinois
60603. Information was derived from a Schedule 13G jointly filed on
February 5, 2021 by Citadel Advisors LLC (“Citadel Advisors”),
Citadel Advisors Holdings LP (“CAH”), Citadel GP LLC (“CGP”),
Citadel Securities LLC (“Citadel Securities”), CALC IV LP
(“CALC4”). Citadel Securities GP LLC (“CSGP”) and Mr. Kenneth
Griffin (collectively with Citadel Advisors, CAH, CGP, Citadel
Securities, CALC4 and CSGP, the “Reporting Persons”) with respect
to Class A common stock owned by Citadel Equity Fund Ltd., a Cayman
Islands company, (“CEFL”), Citadel Multi-Strategy Equities Master
Fund Ltd., a Cayman Islands company (“CM”), and Citadel Securities.
Citadel Advisors is the portfolio manager for CEFL and CM. CAH is
the sole member of Citadel Advisors. CGP is the general partner of
CAH. CALC4 is the non-member manager of Citadel Securities. CSGP is
the general partner of CALC4. Mr. Griffin is the President and
Chief Executive Officer of CGP, and owns a controlling interest in
CGP and CSGP.
|
Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions, and Director Independence
|
Founder Shares
In
August 2020, our founders purchased 7,187,500 founder shares for an
aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.003 per
share. In August 2020, our sponsor transferred 145,000 founder
shares to each of our independent directors at their original per
share purchase price. As such, our initial stockholders
collectively own 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock and
have the right to elect all of our directors prior to our initial
business combination. On November 16, 2020, the founders forfeited
937,500 founder shares following the expiration of the unexercised
underwriters’ over-allotment option.
Our
initial stockholders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell
any of their founder shares until the earliest to occur of: (A) one
year after the completion of our initial business combination; (B)
subsequent to our initial business combination, if the last
reported sale price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds
$12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends,
reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading
days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days
after our initial business combination; and (C) the date following
the completion of our initial business combination on which we
complete a liquidation, merger, stock exchange, reorganization or
other similar transaction that results in all of our public
stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common
stock for cash, securities or other property.
Private Placement Warrants
Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the
sponsor purchased an aggregate of 3,950,000 private placement
warrants, ASA Co-Investment LLC purchased an aggregate of 2,750,000
private placement warrants and the Company’s independent directors
purchased an aggregate of 300,000 private placement warrants, at a
price of $1.00 per unit, for an aggregate purchase price of
$7,000,000. The private placement warrants have terms and
provisions that are identical to those of the warrants sold as part
of the Units in the Initial Public Offering, except that the
private placement warrants may be net cash settled and are not
redeemable so long as they are held by the initial stockholders or
their permitted transferees. With respect to private placement
warrants held by ASA Co-Investment, they are not exercisable more
than five years from the commencement of sales in the IPO in
accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C).
Promissory Note with Related Parties
On
August 5, 2020, our founders agreed to loan us up to $300,000 to be
used for a portion of the expenses related to the organization of
our company and the IPO, our sponsor up to $182,143 and ASA
Co-Investment up to $117,857. These loans were non-interest
bearing, unsecured and due at the earlier of June 30, 2021 or the
closing of the IPO. The outstanding balances under the promissory
notes of $111,194 to our sponsor and $71,949 to ASA Co-Investment
were repaid upon the completion of the IPO.
Administrative Services Agreement
We
entered into an agreement with an affiliate of our sponsor,
commencing October 2, 2020, pursuant to which we have agreed to pay
a total of $10,000 per month for office space, administrative and
support services to such affiliate. Upon completion of our initial
business combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these
monthly fees. For the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through
December 31, 2020, the Company has not been invoiced nor has it
paid any fee for these services.
Registration Rights Agreement
Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into on October
1, 2020, the holders of founder shares, private placement warrants
and warrants issued upon conversion of working capital loans (if
any) are entitled to registration rights. These holders are
entitled to make up to three demands (ASA Co-Investment is entitled
to one demand in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(B)),
excluding short form registration demands, that we register certain
of our securities held by them for sale under the Securities Act.
In addition, these holders have certain “piggy-back” registration
rights to include such securities in other registration statements
filed by us and rights to require us to register for resale such
securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. However,
the registration rights agreement provides that we will not permit
any registration statement filed under the Securities Act to become
effective until the securities covered thereby are released from
their applicable lock-up restrictions. We will bear the costs and
expenses of filing any such registration statements.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the founder shares and private
placement warrants purchased by ASA Co-Investment were deemed
underwriter compensation by FINRA and are subject to the
restrictions imposed by FINRA Rule 5110.
Business Combination Marketing Agreement
We
engaged the underwriters, including Cowen and Company, LLC, an
affiliate of ASA Co-Investment, as advisors in connection with our
business combination, pursuant to the Business Combination
Marketing Agreement, dated October 1, 2020 We will pay the
underwriters the Marketing Fee for such services upon the
consummation of our initial business combination in an amount equal
to, in the aggregate, 3.5% of the gross proceeds of the IPO.
Director Independence
NYSE
listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors
be independent. An “independent director” 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 Board of Directors has
determined that Messrs. Dubin, Neff and Halmi are “independent
directors” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable
SEC rules. Our independent directors have regularly scheduled
meetings at which only independent directors are present.
Item 14. |
Principal Accounting Fees and
Services
|
Fees
for professional services provided by our independent registered
public accounting firm since inception include:
|
|
For
the period from July 27,
2020
(inception) through
December 31, 2020
|
|
Audit Fees (1)
|
|
$
|
39,655
|
|
Audit-Related Fees (2)
|
|
|
0
|
|
Tax
Fees (3)
|
|
|
0
|
|
All
Other Fees (4)
|
|
|
0
|
|
Total Fees
|
|
$
|
39,655
|
|
(1)
Audit Fees. Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional
services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial
statements and services that are normally provided by our
independent registered public accounting firm in connection with
statutory and regulatory filings.
(2)
Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees consist of fees billed for
assurance and related services that are reasonably related to
performance of the audit or review of our year-end financial
statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services
include attest services that are not required by statute or
regulation and consultation concerning financial accounting and
reporting standards.
(3)
Tax Fees. Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services
relating to tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.
(4)
All Other Fees. All other fees consist of fees billed for all other
services.
Policy on Board Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit
Services of the Independent Auditors
Our
audit committee was formed in connection with our Initial Public
Offering. As a result, the audit committee did not pre-approve all
of the foregoing services, although any services rendered prior to
the formation of our audit committee were approved by our board of
directors. Since the formation of our audit committee, and on a
going-forward basis, the audit committee has and will pre-approve
all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be
performed for us by WithumSmith+Brown, PC, including the fees and
terms thereof (subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit
services described in the Exchange Act which are approved by the
audit committee prior to the completion of the audit).
PART
IV
Item 15. |
Exhibit and Financial Statement
Schedules
|
(a)
(1) Financial Statements.
Reference is made to the Index to the Consolidated Financial
Statements of Atlantic Avenue Acquisition Corp included in Item 8
of Part II above.
(a)
(2) All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable
or not required, or because the required information is included in
the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(a) (3) We
hereby file as part of this report the exhibits listed in the
attached Exhibit Index. Exhibits which are incorporated herein by
reference can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such material can also be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F
Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates or on the
SEC website at www.sec.gov.
Item 8. |
Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data
|
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
Page
|
Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
|
F-1
|
Financial Statements:
|
|
Balance Sheet as of December 31,
2020 (As Restated)
|
F-2
|
Statement of Operations for the
period from July 27, 2020 (Inception) through December 31, 2020 (As
Restated)
|
F-3
|
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
for the period from July 27, 2020 (Inception) through December 31,
2020 (As Restated)
|
F-4
|
Statement of Cash Flows for the
period from July 27, 2020 (Inception) through December 31, 2020 (As
Restated)
|
F-5
|
Notes to Financial Statements (As
Restated)
|
F-6 –
F-22
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Atlantic Avenue Acquisition Corp
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Atlantic Avenue
Acquisition Corp (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020, the
related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity
and cash flows for the
period from July 27, 2020
(inception) through December 31, 2020, 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 December 31,
2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through December
31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
Restatement of Financial Statements
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the 2020
financial statements have been restated to correct certain
misstatements.
Going Concern
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, if the Company is unable to
raise additional funds to alleviate liquidity needs and complete a
business combination by October 6, 2022 then the Company will cease
all operations except for the purpose of liquidating. The liquidity
condition and date for mandatory liquidation and subsequent
dissolution raise substantial doubt about the Company’s 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/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC
We have served as the Company's
auditor since 2020.
New York, New York
June 14, 2021, except for the effects of the restatement disclosed
in Note 2, as to which the date is March 11, 2022
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2020
(AS
RESTATED)
Assets:
|
|
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
1,527,662
|
|
Prepaid
expense
|
|
|
246,814
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
1,774,476
|
|
Investments held in Trust Account
|
|
|
250,004,549
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
251,779,025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities, Redeemable Common Stock and Stockholders’
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
176,057
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
176,057
|
|
Warrant
liabilities
|
|
|
21,370,200
|
|
Deferred legal fees
|
|
|
640,067
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
22,186,324
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redeemable Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
Class A
common stock subject to possible redemption, 25,000,000 shares at
$10.00 per share redemption value
|
|
|
250,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’ Deficit:
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued or outstanding
|
|
|
-
|
|
Class A
common stock, $0.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued or outstanding, excluding 25,000,000 shares subject to
possible redemption
|
|
|
-
|
|
Class B
common stock, $0.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
6,250,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
625
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
-
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(20,407,924
|
)
|
Total stockholders’ deficit
|
|
|
(20,407,299
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Common Stock and Stockholders’
Deficit
|
|
$
|
251,779,025
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For
the period from July 27, 2020 (Inception) through December 31,
2020
(AS
RESTATED)
Formation and operating costs
|
|
$
|
180,497
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(180,497
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
4,658
|
|
Offering expense allocated to warrant issuance
|
|
|
(295,225
|
)
|
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of warrants
|
|
|
(1,831,450
|
)
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(2,122,017
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(2,302,514
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A common
stock
|
|
|
25,000,000
|
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share, Class A common stock
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class B common
stock
|
|
|
6,250,000
|
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share, Class B common stock
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
For
the period from July 27, 2020 (Inception) through December 31,
2020
(AS
RESTATED)
|
|
Class
A Common Stock
|
|
|
Class
B Common Stock
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Stockholders’
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Paid-in Capital
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
Balance as of
July 27, 2020 (Inception)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Issuance of Class B Common Stock
to founders
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
7,187,500
|
|
|
|
719
|
|
|
|
24,281
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Forfeiture of Class B common
stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(937,500
|
)
|
|
|
(94
|
)
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,302,514
|
)
|
|
|
(2.302,514
|
)
|
Accretion of Class A common stock
to possible redemption amount
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(24,375
|
)
|
|
|
(18,105,410
|
)
|
|
|
(18,129,785
|
)
|
Balance as of
December 31, 2020, as restated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
|
|
|
|
)
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For
the period from July 27, 2020 (Inception) through December 31,
2020
(AS
RESTATED)
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(2,302,514
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest earned on investments held in Trust Account
|
|
|
(4,549
|
)
|
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of warrants
|
|
|
1,831,450
|
|
Offering expense allocated to warrant issuance
|
|
|
295,225
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid
expense
|
|
|
(246,814
|
)
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
176,057
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(251,145
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Investment held in Trust Account
|
|
|
(250,000,000
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(250,000,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of common stock to initial stockholders
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Proceeds from sale of Units, net of offering costs
|
|
|
244,753,807
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of Private Placement Warrants
|
|
|
7,000,000
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
251,778,807
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in cash
|
|
|
1,527,662
|
|
Cash, beginning of the period
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash, end of period
|
|
$
|
1,527,662
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred legal fee payable charged to additional paid in
capital
|
|
|
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
ATLANTIC AVENUE ACQUISITION CORP
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020
NOTE
1 — ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Organization and General
Atlantic
Avenue Acquisition Corp (formerly known as “Atlantic Street
Acquisition Corp”) (the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on
July 27, 2020. The Company is a blank check company and was formed
for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange,
asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar
business combination with one or more businesses that the Company
had not yet identified (the “Business Combination”). Although the
Company is not limited to a particular industry or geographic
region for consummating a Business Combination, the Company intends
to capitalize on the ability of its management team to identify,
acquire and operate a business that may provide opportunities for
attractive risk-adjusted returns.
The Company
is an emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject
to all of the risks associated with emerging growth
companies.
As of
December 31, 2020, the Company had not commenced any operations.
All activity for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through
December 31, 2020, relates to the Company’s formation and initial
public offering (“Public Offering” or “IPO”), and, since the
completion of the Public Offering, searching for a target to
consummate a Business Combination. 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 interest income from the
proceeds derived from the Public Offering and placed in the Trust
Account (defined below).
Public Offering
On October
6, 2020, the Company consummated the Public Offering of 25,000,000
units (the “Units” and, with respect to the shares of Class A
common stock included in the Units sold, the “Public Shares”), at
$10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $250,000,000, which
is described in Note 4.
Simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering on October
6, 2020, the Company consummated the sale of an aggregate of
7,000,000 private warrants (the “Private Placement Warrants”) to
Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC (the “Sponsor”), ASA Co-Investment LLC
(“ASA Co-Investment”) and the Company’s independent directors,
generating gross proceeds to the Company of $7,000,000, which is
described in Note 5.
The Company
complies with the requirements of the ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC
Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5A - “Expenses of
Offering”. Offering costs consist principally of professional and
registration fees incurred through the balance sheet date that are
related to the IPO. The Company allocates the offering costs
between common stock and public warrants using relative fair value
method, the offering costs allocated to the public warrants will be
expensed immediately and offering costs associated with equity
components will be charged to temporary equity. Accordingly, as of
December 31, 2020, the Company incurred offering costs in the
aggregate of $5,886,260 of which $5,591,035 have been charged to
temporary equity and $295,225 was allocated to the public warrants
and was expensed immediately.
Initial Business
Combination
The
Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the
specific application of the net proceeds of its Public Offering and
Private Placement Warrants, although substantially all of the net
proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a
Business Combination. Because the Company’s securities are listed
on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), the Company’s initial
Business Combination must be with one or more operating businesses
or assets with a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the
assets held in the Trust Account (net of amounts disbursed to
management for working capital purposes and excluding the amount of
any deferred underwriting discount held in trust) at the time of
the Company signing a definitive agreement in connection with its
initial Business Combination. However, the Company will only
complete a 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. Upon the
closing of the Public Offering, management has agreed that an
amount equal to at least $10.00 per Unit sold in the Public
Offering, including a portion of the proceeds of the Private
Placement Warrants, will be held in a Trust Account and invested 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 any open-ended investment company that holds itself
out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting certain
conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as
determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the completion
of a Business Combination and (ii) the distribution of the Trust
Account, as described below.
The Company
will provide its stockholders of Public Shares (“Public
Stockholders”) with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of
their Public Shares upon the completion of a Business Combination
either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting called to
approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender
offer. The decision as to whether the Company will seek stockholder
approval of a Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will
be made by the Company. If, however, stockholder approval of the
transaction is required by applicable law or stock exchange listing
requirement, or the Company decides to obtain stockholder approval
for business or other reasons, it will: (i) conduct the redemptions
in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), which regulates the solicitation of proxies, and not
pursuant to the tender offer rules; and (ii) file proxy materials
with the SEC. The Public Stockholders will be entitled to redeem
their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount in the
Trust Account (initially approximately $10.00 per share), plus any
pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and
not previously released to the Company to pay for the Company’s tax
obligations, calculated as of two business days prior to the
consummation of the Business Combination. The per-share amount to
be distributed to Public Stockholders who redeem their Public
Shares will not be reduced by the marketing fee the Company will
pay to the underwriters (as discussed in Note 8).
If the
Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the
Combination Period (as defined below in Note 4), 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 100% of the outstanding Public Shares which
redemption will completely extinguish Public Stockholders’ rights
as stockholders (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 the remaining
stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, proceed to
commence a voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution
of the Company, subject in each case to its obligations to provide
for claims of creditors and the requirements of applicable
law.
In
connection with the redemption of 100% of the Company’s outstanding
Public Shares for a portion of the funds held in the Trust Account,
each holder will receive a full pro rata portion of the amount then
in the Trust Account, plus any pro rata interest earned on the
funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the
Company to pay the Company’s taxes payable (less up to $100,000 of
interest to pay dissolution expenses).
The initial
stockholders have agreed to waive their liquidation rights with
respect to the Founder Shares if the Company fails to complete a
Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the
initial stockholders should acquire Public Shares in or after the
Public Offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions
from the Trust Account with respect to such Public Shares if the
Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the
Combination Period. The underwriters have agreed to waive their
rights to their marketing fee (see Note 8) held in the Trust
Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business
Combination within the Combination Period 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 the Company’s
Public Shares.
In the event
of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of
the residual assets remaining available for distribution (including
Trust Account assets) will be only $10.00 per share initially held
in the Trust Account (or less than that in certain circumstances).
In order to protect the amounts held in the Trust Account, the
Sponsor has agreed to 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 discussed entering into a transaction
agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account. This
liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third
party who executed a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim
of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account or to any
claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the
Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”). Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to
be unenforceable against a third party, the Sponsor will not be
responsible to the extent of any liability for such third-party
claims. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that the
Sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of
creditors by endeavoring to have all third parties, service
providers (other than the Company’s independent auditors),
prospective target businesses or other entities with which the
Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving
any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies
held in the Trust Account.
Liquidity and
Capital Resources
As of
December 31, 2020, the Company had cash of $1,527,662.
The Company
does not believe it will need to raise additional funds in order to
meet the expenditures required for operating the business. However,
if the estimate of the costs of identifying a target business,
undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating a Business
Combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, the
Company may have insufficient funds available to operate its
business prior to the Business Combination. Moreover, in addition
to the access of the Working Capital Loans (as defined below in
Note 6), the Company may need to obtain other financing
either to complete its Business Combination or because the Company
becomes obligated to redeem a significant number of the public
shares upon consummation of our Business Combination, in which case
the Company may issue additional securities or incur debt in
connection with such Business Combination. Subject to compliance
with applicable securities laws, the Company would only complete
such financing simultaneously with the completion of the Business
Combination. If the Company is unable to complete the Business
Combination because the Company does not have sufficient funds
available, the Company will be forced to cease operations and
liquidate the Trust Account. In addition, following the Business
Combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, the Company may need
to obtain additional financing in order to meet its
obligations.
Based on the
foregoing, management believes that the Company will have
sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity from the Sponsor
or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s
officers and directors to meet its needs through the earlier of the
consummation of a Business Combination or one year from this
filing. Over this time period, the Company will be using these
funds for paying existing accounts payable, identifying and
evaluating prospective initial Business Combination candidates,
performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying
for travel expenditures, selecting the target business to merge
with or acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the
Business Combination.
NOTE 2 —
RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subsequent
to the filing of the September 30, 2021 Form 10-Q, management
re-evaluated the materiality of the adjustment on prior periods and
management determined it should restate its previously reported
financial statements. The Company previously determined the Class A
common stock subject to possible redemption to be equal to the
redemption value of $10.00 per Class A common stock while also
taking into consideration its charter’s requirement that a
redemption cannot result in net tangible assets being less than
$5,000,001. Previously, the Company did not consider redeemable
shares classified as temporary equity as part of net tangible
assets. Effective with these financial statements, the Company
revised this interpretation to include temporary equity in net
tangible assets. Upon review of its financial statements for the
period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020,
the Company reevaluated the classification of the Class A common
stock and determined that the Class A common stock issued during
the Initial Public Offering can be redeemed or become redeemable
subject to the occurrence of future events considered outside the
Company’s control under ASC 480-10-S99. Therefore, management
concluded that the carrying value should include all Class A common
stock subject to possible redemption, resulting in the Class A
common stock subject to possible redemption being classified as
temporary equity in its entirety. As a result, management has noted
a reclassification adjustment related to temporary equity and
permanent equity. Accordingly, effective with this filing, the
Company presents all redeemable Class A common stock as temporary
equity and to recognize accretion from the initial book value to
redemption value at the time of its Initial Public Offering and in
accordance with ASC 480. This resulted in an adjustment to the
initial carrying value of the Class A common stock subject to
possible redemption with the offset recorded to additional paid-in
capital (to the extent available), accumulated deficit and Class A
common stock.
In
connection with the change in presentation for the Class A common
stock subject to redemption, the Company also restated its earnings
per share calculation to allocate net income (loss) pro rata to
Class A and Class B common stock. This presentation contemplates a
Business Combination as the most likely outcome, in which case,
both classes of common stock share pro rata in the income (loss) of
the Company.
The impact of the restatement on
the Company’s financial statements is reflected in the following
table:
|
|
As
Reported
|
|
|
Adjustment
|
|
|
As
Restated
|
|
Balance Sheet as of October 6, 2020 (per form 10-K/A filed on June
15, 2021)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A
common stock subject to possible redemption
|
|
$
|
226,585,640
|
|
|
$
|
23,414,360
|
|
|
$
|
250,000,000
|
|
Class A
common stock
|
|
|
234
|
|
|
|
(234
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Additional paid-in Capital
|
|
|
5,308,623
|
|
|
|
(5,308,623
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
$
|
(309,569
|
)
|
|
$
|
(18,105,503
|
)
|
|
$
|
(18,415,072
|
)
|
Total
stockholders’ equity (deficit)
|
|
$
|
5,000,007
|
|
|
$
|
(23,414,360
|
)
|
|
$
|
(18,414,353
|
)
|
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 (per form 10K/A filed on June
15, 2021)
|
|
Class A
common stock subject to possible redemption
|
|
$
|
224,592,700
|
|
|
$
|
25,407,300
|
|
|
$
|
250,000,000
|
|
Class A
common stock
|
|
|
254
|
|
|
|
(254
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Additional paid-in Capital
|
|
|
7,301,636
|
|
|
|
(7,301,636
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
$
|
(2,302,514
|
)
|
|
$
|
(18,105,410
|
)
|
|
$
|
(20,407,924
|
)
|
Total
stockholders’ equity (deficit)
|
|
$
|
5,000,001
|
|
|
$
|
(25,407,300
|
)
|
|
$
|
(20,407,299
|
)
|
Statement
of Operations for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) to
December 31, 2020 (per form
10K/A filed on June 15, 2021)
|
|
Basic
and diluted net income (loss) per share, Class A common
stocks
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share, Class B common stocks
|
|
$
|
(0.37
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.30
|
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement
of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit for the period from July 27,
2020 (inception)to December 31, 2020 (per form 10K/A filed on June 15,
2021)
|
|
Sale of
25,000,000 Units on October 6, 2020 through public offering, net of
fair value of Public Warrant liabilities
|
|
$
|
237,461,250
|
|
|
$
|
(237,461,250
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Underwriters’ discount
|
|
|
(4,749,225
|
)
|
|
|
4,749,225
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other
offering costs
|
|
|
(841,810
|
)
|
|
|
841,810
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Shares
subject to possible redemption
|
|
|
(224,592,700
|
)
|
|
|
224,592,700
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Accretion of Class A common stock to possible redemption
amount
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(18,129,785
|
)
|
|
$
|
(18,129,785
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement
of Cash Flows for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) to
December 31, 2020 (per form
10K/A filed on June 15, 2021)
|
|
Initial
value of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption
|
|
$
|
226,585,640
|
|
|
$
|
(226,585,640
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Change
in value of Class A common stock subject to possible
redemption
|
|
$
|
(1,992,940
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,992,940
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
All of the
25,00,000 Class A common stock sold as part of the Units in the IPO
contain a redemption feature which allows for the redemption of
such public shares in connection with the Company’s liquidation, if
there is a stockholder vote or tender offer in connection with the
Business Combination and in connection with certain amendments to
the Company’s certificate of incorporation. In accordance with SEC
guidance on redeemable equity instruments, which has been codified
in ASC 480-10-S99, redemption provisions not solely within the
control of the Company require common stock subject to redemption
to be classified outside of permanent equity.
The Class A
common stocks are accounted for in accordance to codified in ASC
480-10-S99. If it is probable that the equity instrument will
become redeemable, the Company has the option to either 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 earliest
redemption date of the instrument or to 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 recognizes changes in
redemption value immediately as they occur. Immediately upon the
closing of the IPO, the Company recognized the accretion from
initial book value to redemption amount value. The change in the
carrying value of redeemable common stock resulted in charges
against additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit.
As of
December 31, 2020, the common stock reflected on the balance sheet
are reconciled in the following table:
Gross
proceeds from IPO
|
|
$
|
250,000,000
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds allocated to Public Warrants
|
|
|
(12,538,750
|
)
|
Common
stock issuance costs
|
|
|
(5,591,035
|
)
|
Plus:
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion of carrying value to redemption value
|
|
|
18,129,785
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption
|
|
$
|
250,000,000
|
|
Going Concern
In
connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern
considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard
Board’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures
of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going
Concern,” the Company has until October 6, 2022 to consummate a
Business Combination. It is uncertain that the Company will be able
to consummate a Business Combination by this time. If a Business
Combination is not consummated by this date, there will be a
mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution of the Company.
Management has determined that the mandatory liquidation, should a
Business Combination not occur, and potential subsequent
dissolution raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the
carrying amounts of assets or liabilities should the Company be
required to liquidate after October 6, 2022.
NOTE 3 —
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of
Presentation
The
accompanying financial statements of the Company are presented in
U.S. dollars in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”).
The Company
is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of 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 independent registered public accounting firm 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 stockholder 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 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.
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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.
One of the
more significant accounting estimates included in these financial
statements is the determination of the fair value of the warrant
liability. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current
information becomes available and accordingly the actual results
could differ significantly 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 held no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020.
Investments
Held in Trust Account
The
Company’s portfolio of investments held in the Trust Account is
comprised of 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, investments in money market funds
that invest in U.S. government securities, cash, or a combination
thereof. The Company’s investments held in the Trust Account are
classified as trading securities. Trading securities are presented
on the balance sheets at fair value at the end of each reporting
period. Gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value of
these securities is included in gain on Investments Held in Trust
Account in the accompanying statement of operations. The estimated
fair values of investments held in the Trust Account are determined
using available market information.
Fair
Value Measurements
FASB ASC
Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”)
defines fair value, the methods used to measure fair value and the
expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is
the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between the buyer
and the seller at the measurement date. In determining fair value,
the valuation techniques consistent with the market approach,
income approach and cost approach shall be used to measure fair
value. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for inputs, which
represent the assumptions used by the buyer and seller in pricing
the asset or liability. These inputs are further defined as
observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are those
that buyer and seller would use in pricing the asset or liability
based on market data obtained from sources independent of the
Company. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions
about the inputs that the buyer and seller would use in pricing the
asset or liability developed based on the best information
available in the circumstances.
The fair
value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the
inputs as follows:
Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has
the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts
are not being applied. Since valuations are based on quoted prices
that are readily and regularly available in an active market,
valuation of these securities does not entail a significant degree
of judgment.
Level 2 — Valuations based on (i) quoted prices in active markets
for similar assets and liabilities, (ii) quoted prices in markets
that are not active for identical or similar assets, (iii) inputs
other than quoted prices for the assets or liabilities, or (iv)
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market
through correlation or other means.
Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and
significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The fair
value of the Company’s certain assets and liabilities, which
qualify as financial instruments under ASC 820, “Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts
represented in the balance sheet. The fair values of cash, prepaid
assets, and accounts payable are estimated to approximate the
carrying values as of December 31, 2020 due to the short maturities
of such instruments.
The
Company’s warrant liability is based on a valuation model utilizing
management judgment and pricing inputs from observable and
unobservable markets with less volume and transaction frequency
than active markets. Significant deviations from these estimates
and inputs could result in a material change in fair value. In some
circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be
categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In
those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its
entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level
input that is significant to the fair value measurement. See Note 7
for additional information on assets and liabilities measured at
fair value.
Concentration
of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations
of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial
institution, which, at times, may exceed the Federal Depository
Insurance Corporation coverage limits of $250,000. As of December
31, 2020, the Company has not experienced losses on this account
and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant
risks on such account.
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption
The Company
accounts for its common stock subject to possible redemption in
accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing
Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory
redemption (if any) is classified as a liability instrument and is
measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock
(including common stock that feature 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) is classified as temporary equity. At all other
times, common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity. The
Company’s common stock feature certain redemption rights that is
considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to
the occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, 25,000,000
shares of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption is
presented at redemption value as temporary equity, outside of the
stockholders’ equity section of the Company’s balance sheet.
Net
Loss Per Common Share
The Company
has two classes of shares, which are referred to as Class A common
stock and Class B common stock. Earnings and losses are shared pro
rata between the two classes of shares. The potential common stock
for outstanding warrants to purchase the Company’s shares were
excluded from diluted earnings per share for the year ended
December 31, 2020 because the warrants are contingently
exercisable, and the contingencies have not yet been met. As a
result, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net
loss per common share for the period presented. The table below
presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used to
compute basic and diluted net loss per share for each class of
common stock:
|
|
For the period
from July 27, 2020
(inception)
through December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
Basic and diluted
net loss per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation of
net loss
|
|
$
|
(1,842,011
|
)
|
|
$
|
(460,503
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average
shares outstanding
|
|
|
25,000,000
|
|
|
|
6,250,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted
net loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
Offering Costs
The Company
complies with the requirements of the ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC
Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5A - “Expenses of
Offering”. Offering costs consist of legal, accounting,
underwriting fees and other costs incurred in connection with the
preparation for the Public Offering. Offering costs are allocated
to the separable financial instruments issued in the IPO based on a
relative fair value basis compared to total proceeds received.
Offering costs allocated to warrant liabilities are expensed, and
offering costs allocated to the Class A common stock are charged to
the temporary equity.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company
evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such
instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as
embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives
and Hedging”. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on
the grant date and re-valued at each reporting date, with changes
in the fair value reported in the statements of income. Derivative
assets and liabilities are classified on the balance sheet as
current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement
or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months
of the balance sheet date. The Company has determined the warrants
are a derivative instrument.
FASB ASC
470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options addresses the
allocation of proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt into
its equity and debt components. The Company applies this guidance
to allocate IPO proceeds from the Units between common stock and
warrants, using the residual method by allocating IPO proceeds
first to fair value of the warrants and then the common
stock.
Income
Taxes
The Company
complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of ASC
Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability
approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for
differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets
and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible
amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the
periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable
income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to
reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be
realized.
ASC Topic
740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute
for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax
positions 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. The Company’s management determined that the United
States of America is the Company’s only major tax jurisdiction. 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 December 31, 2020. The Company is currently not
aware of any issues under review that could result in significant
payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.
The Company
may be subject to potential examination by federal, state and city
taxing authorities in the areas of income taxes. These potential
examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of
deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and
compliance with federal, state and city tax laws. The Company’s
management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized
tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months.
The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing
authorities since inception.
Management
continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has
concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could
have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results
of its operations and/or search for a target company, the specific
impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these
financial statements. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
Management
does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective,
accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a
material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
NOTE 4 —
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING, as restated
On October
6, 2020, the Company sold 25,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per
Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of Class A common stock, par
value $0.0001 per share and one-half of one redeemable warrant
(each, a “Public Warrant”). Each whole Public Warrant entitles the
holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of
$11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 9).
The Company
paid an underwriting discount at the closing of the Public Offering
of $5,000,000.
Upon the
closing of the Public Offering and Private Placement, $250 million
($10.00 per Unit) of the net proceeds was placed in a trust
account (“Trust Account”) located in the United States and invested
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 meeting certain
conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company
Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury
obligations, until the earlier of: (a) the completion of the
Company’s initial Business Combination, (b) the redemption of any
public shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder
vote to amend the Company’s amended and restated certificate of
incorporation, and (c) the redemption of the Company’s public
shares if the Company is unable to complete the initial Business
Combination within 24 months from October 6, 2020 (the “Combination
Period”), the closing of the Public Offering.
Warrants
As of
December 31, 2020, there were 19,500,000 warrants outstanding,
including 12,500,000 public warrants and 7,000,000 private
warrants. Public Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number
of shares. No fractional Public Warrants will be issued upon
separation of the Units and only whole Public Warrants will trade.
The Public Warrants will become exercisable on the later of (a) 30
days after the completion of a Business Combination and (b) 12
months from the closing of the Public Offering; provided in each
case that the Company has an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act covering the Class A common stock issuable upon
exercise of the Public Warrants and a current prospectus relating
to them is available (or the Company permits holders to exercise
their Public Warrants on a cashless basis and such cashless
exercise is exempt from registration under the Securities Act). The
Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event
later than 15 business days after the closing of the initial
Business Combination, the Company will use its best efforts to file
with the SEC a registration statement covering the issuance of
shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public
Warrants. The Company will use its best efforts to cause the same
to become effective within 60 business days after the closing of
the initial Business Combination and to maintain the effectiveness
of such registration statement, and a current prospectus relating
thereto, until the expiration or redemption of the warrants in
accordance with the provisions of the warrant agreement. If the
Class A common stock, at the time of any exercise of a warrant, is
not listed on a national securities exchange such that it satisfies
the definition of a “covered security” under Section (18)(b)(1) of
the Securities Act, the Company may require warrant holders who
exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in
accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another
exemption. The Public Warrants will expire five years after the
completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or
liquidation. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating
distributions with respect to the Company’s warrants, which will
expire worthless if the Company fails to complete a Business
Combination within the Combination Period.
The Private
Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying
the Units sold in the Public Offering, except that (i) the Private
Placement Warrants and the Class A common stock issuable upon
exercise of the Private Placement Warrants will not be
transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the
completion of a Business Combination, subject to certain limited
exceptions, (ii) the Private Placement Warrants will be
non-redeemable (except under scenario 2 below) so long as they are
held by the initial purchasers or such purchasers’ permitted
transferees, (iii) the Private Placement Warrants may be exercised
by the holders on a cashless basis, and (iv) the Private Placement
Warrants and the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the
Private Placement Warrants are entitled to registration rights. If
the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the
initial stockholders or their permitted transferees, the Private
Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company in all
redemption scenarios and exercisable by such holders on the same
basis as the Public Warrants.
With respect
to Private Placement Warrants held by ASA Co-Investment, they will
not be exercisable more than five years from the commencement of
sales of the offering in accordance with FINRA Rule
5110(g)(8)(c).
The Company
may call the Public Warrants for redemption:
1.
|
For
cash:
|
|
■
|
in whole and
not in part;
|
|
■
|
at a price
of $0.01 per warrant;
|
|
■
|
upon a
minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; and
|
|
■
|
if, and only
if, the last reported sale price of the Class A common stock equals
or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock
dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any
20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third
trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice
of redemption to the warrant holders.
|
|
|
2.
|
For class A
common stock (commencing 90 days after the warrants become
exercisable):
|
|
■
|
in whole and
not in part;
|
|
■
|
at $0.10 per
warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of
redemption provided that holders will be able to exercise their
warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that
number of shares of Class A common stock to be determined by
reference to a table included in the warrant agreement, based on
the redemption date and the fair market value of Class A common
stock;
|
|
■
|
if, and only
if, the last reported sale price of the Class A common stock equals
or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock
dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) on the
trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice
of redemption to warrant holders;
|
|
■
|
if, and only
if, the Private Placement Warrants are also concurrently exchanged
at the same price (equal to a number of shares of Class A common
stock) as the outstanding Public Warrants; and
|
|
■
|
if, and only
if, there is an effective registration statement covering the
issuance of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon
exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating thereto
available throughout the 30-day period after written notice of
redemption is given.
|
If the
Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption under scenario 1
above, management will have the option to require all holders that
wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless
basis,” as described in the warrant agreement.
The exercise
price and number of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of
the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in
the event of a share dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization,
merger or consolidation. If the Company issues additional shares of
common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising
purposes in connection with the closing of the initial Business
Combination at a newly issued price of less than $9.20 per share of
common stock, then the exercise price of the warrants will be
adjusted to be equal to 115% of the newly issued price.
Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash
settle the warrants shares. If the Company is unable to complete a
Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company
liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants
will not receive any of such funds with respect to their warrants,
nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets
held outside of the Trust Account with the respect to such
warrants. In such a situation, the warrants would expire
worthless.
NOTE 5 —
PRIVATE PLACEMENT
Simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering, the Sponsor
purchased an aggregate of 3,950,000 warrants (“Private Placement
Warrants”), ASA Co-Investment purchased an aggregate of 2,750,000
Private Placement Warrants and the Company’s independent directors
purchased an aggregate of 300,000 Private Placement Warrants, at a
price of $1.00 per unit, for an aggregate purchase price of
$7,000,000 (the “Private Placement”). A portion of the proceeds
from the Private Placements were added to the net proceeds from the
Public Offering held in the Trust Account.
Each Private
Placement Warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A
common stock at $11.50 per share.
NOTE 6 —
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Founder
Shares
On August 5,
2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 7,187,500 shares of Class
B common stock to the Sponsor and ASA Co-Investment (the “Founder
Shares”) in exchange for an aggregate capital contribution of
$25,000. The Founders had agreed to forfeit an aggregate of up to
937,500 Founder Shares to the extent that the over-allotment option
was not exercised in full by the underwriters. On November
16, 2020, the over-allotment option expired unexercised, hence,
937,500 Founder Shares were forfeited.
The initial
stockholders have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to
transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares until the
earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of the
initial Business Combination; or (ii) the date on which the Company
completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar
transaction after the initial Business Combination that results in
all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange
their Class A common stock for cash, securities or other property;
except to certain permitted transferees and under certain
circumstances (the “lock-up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
(1) the closing price of Class A common stock equals or exceeds
$12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends,
reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading
days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days
after the initial Business Combination or (2) if the Company
consummates a transaction after the initial Business Combination
which results in the Company’s stockholders having the right to
exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, the
Founder Shares will be released from the lock-up.
Promissory
Note — Related Party
The Sponsor
and ASA Co-Investment agreed to loan the Company an aggregate of up
to $300,000 to be used for the payment of costs related to the
Public Offering (the Sponsor up to $182,143 and ASA Co-Investment
up to $117,857). The promissory notes were non-interest bearing,
unsecured and due on the earlier of June 30, 2021 and the closing
of the Public Offering.
The Company
borrowed $183,143 under the promissory notes and repaid the amount
in full on the consummation of the IPO. The loan was repaid
out of the offering proceeds not held in the Trust Account.
Working Capital Loans
In addition,
in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business
Combination, the Sponsor may, but is not obligated to, loan the
Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the
Company completes a Business Combination, the Company may repay the
Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account
released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans may
be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the
event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may
use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay
the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account
would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans, other than the
interest on such proceeds that may be released for working capital
purposes. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working
Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written
agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital
Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business
Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up
to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into
warrants of the post Business Combination entity at a price of
$1.00 per warrant. The warrants would be identical to the Private
Placement Warrant. As of December 31, 2020, no Working Capital
Loans were outstanding.
Administrative
Services Agreement
The Company
has agreed, commencing on October 1, 2020 through the earlier of
the Company’s consummation of a Business Combination or its
liquidation, to pay an affiliate of the Sponsor a monthly fee of
$10,000 for office space, administrative and support services. Upon
completion of the initial Business Combination or the Company’s
liquidation, the Company will cease paying these monthly fees. For
the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through December 31,
2020, the Company has not been invoiced nor has it paid any fees
for these services.
NOTE 7 —
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
At December
31, 2020, the Company’s warrant liability was valued at
$21,370,200. Under the guidance in ASC 815-40 the warrants do not
meet the criteria for equity treatment. As such, the warrants must
be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. This valuation is
subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date. With each
re-measurement, the warrant valuation will be adjusted to fair
value, with the change in fair value recognized in the Company’s
statement of operations.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The
following table presents information about the Company’s assets and
liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis
as of December 31, 2020, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of
the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such
fair value.
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Quoted
Prices In
Active
Markets
|
|
|
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
|
|
|
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money
Market funds held in Trust Account
|
|
$
|
250,004,549
|
|
|
$
|
250,004,549
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant
Liabilities—Public Warrants
|
|
$
|
13,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
13,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Warrant
Liabilities—Private Placement Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
21,370,200
|
|
|
$
|
13,750,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
7,620,200
|
|
The
following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair
value of the warrant liability for the period from July 27, 2020
(Inception) through December 31, 2020:
|
|
Public
Warrant Liabilities
|
|
|
Private
Warrant Liabilities
|
|
|
Warrant Liabilities
|
|
Fair value as of July 27, 2020
(Inception)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Initial fair value of warrant
liability upon issuance at October 6, 2020 (initial
measurement)
|
|
|
12,538,750
|
|
|
|
7,000,000
|
|
|
|
19,538,750
|
|
Revaluation of warrant liability
included in other income within the statement of income for the
period from October 6, 2020 (initial measurement) through December
31, 2020
|
|
|
1,211,250
|
|
|
|
620,200
|
|
|
|
1,831,450
|
|
Fair value as of December 31,
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Private
Placement Warrants were initially valued at purchase price, since
the Company noted that the Private Placement Warrants were
purchased substantially concurrently with the consummation of the
IPO on the Valuation Date, providing a robust indication of fair
value given the transaction in the Private Placement Warrants
occurred on or about the Valuation Date. At December 31, 2020, the
Private Placement Warrants were valued using a Monte Carlo Model.
The Private Placement Warrants are considered to be a Level 3 fair
value measurements due to the use of unobservable inputs. The Monte
Carlo Model’s primary unobservable input utilized in determining
the fair value of the Private Placement Warrants is the expected
volatility of the common stock. The expected volatility as of
December 31, 2020 was derived from the historical volatility of
similar SPACs at a similar stage in their life cycle.
A Monte
Carlo Simulation Method was used in estimating the fair value of
the public warrants for periods where no observable traded price
was available, using the same expected volatility as was used in
measuring the fair value of the Private Warrants. For periods
subsequent to the detachment of the warrants from the Units,
including December 31, 2020, the closing price of the public
warrants was used as the fair value as of each relevant date.
Transfers
to/from Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the end of the
reporting period. The estimated fair value of the Public Warrants
transferred from a Level 3 fair value measurement to a Level 1 fair
value measurement as of December 31, 2020 was $13,750,000 which was
determined based on then current trading price of the Public
Warrants.
The key inputs into the Monte
Carlo simulation for the Public and Private Placement Warrants were
as follows:
Input
|
|
October 6,
2020
(Initial
Measurement)
|
|
|
December 31,
2020
|
|
Stock
price
|
|
$
|
9.87
|
|
|
$
|
10.08
|
|
Exercise price
|
|
$
|
11.50
|
|
|
$
|
11.50
|
|
Risk
free rate
|
|
|
0.76
|
%
|
|
|
0.93
|
%
|
Trading
days per year
|
|
|
252
|
|
|
|
252
|
|
Annual
volatility
|
|
|
17.5
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
Time to
exercise (years)
|
|
|
5.75
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
The following table provides a
reconciliation of changes in fair value of the initial balance and
ending balance for warrants classified as Level 3:
Beginning balance
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Initial
classification of Public Warrants at fair value on October 6,
2020
|
|
|
12,538,750
|
|
Public
Warrants reclassified to level 1 (1)
|
|
|
(13,750,000
|
)
|
Change
in fair value
|
|
|
1,211,250
|
|
Private
Warrants reclassified to Level 3(1)
|
|
|
7,000,000
|
|
Change
in fair value
|
|
|
620,200
|
|
Fair
value at December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
7,620,200
|
|
|
(1)
|
Assumes the Public Warrants and Private Warrants were
reclassified on December 31, 2020
|
The Company’s use of models
required the use of subjective assumptions:
|
•
|
The expected
term was determined to be 5.75 years assuming the Company takes
nine months after the valuation date to complete a business
combination. An increase in the expected term, in isolation, would
result in an increase in the fair value measurement of the warrant
liabilities and vice versa.
|
|
•
|
The expected
volatility assumption was based on the implied volatility from a
set of comparable publicly-traded warrants as determined based on
the size and proximity of other similar SPACs at a similar stage in
their life cycle. An increase in the expected volatility, in
isolation, would result in an increase in the fair value
measurement of the warrant liabilities and vice versa.
|
NOTE 8 —
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Registration
Rights
The holders
of the Founder Shares and Private Placement Warrants and warrants
that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans (and
any Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private
Placement Warrants and warrants that may be issued upon conversion
of Working Capital Loans) will be entitled to registration rights
pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be signed prior to
or on the closing date of the Public Offering. The holders of these
securities are entitled to make up to three demands (ASA
Co-Investment will be entitled to one demand in accordance with
FINRA Rules), 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 consummation of a Business
Combination. However, the registration rights agreement provides
that the Company will not permit any registration statement filed
under the Securities Act to become effective until termination of
the applicable lock-up period. The Company will bear the expenses
incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration
statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ASA Co-Investment may
not exercise its demand or “piggyback” registration rights after
five and seven years, respectively, after the effective date of the
registration statement related to the Public Offering and may not
exercise its demand rights on more than one occasion. The Company
will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of
any such registration statements.
Underwriters Agreement
The Company
granted the underwriters a 45-day option beginning October 6, 2020
to purchase up to an additional 3,750,000 units to cover
over-allotments, if any. On November 16, 2020, the over-allotment
option was terminated.
On October
6, 2020, the underwriters were paid a cash underwriting fee of
$5,000,000, which constituted 2% of the gross proceeds of the
Public Offering.
Business Combination Marketing Agreement
The Company
has engaged the underwriters as an advisor in connection with a
Business Combination to assist the Company in holding meetings with
its stockholders to discuss the potential Business Combination and
the target business’ attributes, introduce the Company to potential
investors that are interested in purchasing the Company’s
securities in connection with a Business Combination, assist the
Company in obtaining stockholder approval for the Business
Combination and assist the Company with its press releases and
public filings in connection with the Business Combination. The
Company will pay the underwriters a cash fee for such services, yet
to be performed, upon the consummation of a Business Combination in
an amount equal to, in the aggregate, 3.5% of the gross proceeds of
Public Offering, including any proceeds from the full or partial
exercise of the over-allotment option.
The Company
obtained legal advisory services in connection with the Public
Offering and agreed to pay approximately $640,067 of their fees
upon the consummation of the initial Business Combination, which
was recorded as deferred legal fees in the accompanying balance
sheet. Such fees will not be paid in the event the Company does not
complete an initial Business Combination.
NOTE 9 —
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Preferred
Stock — The Company is authorized to issue a total of
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock at par value of $0.0001 each.
As of December 31, 2020, there were no preferred shares issued or
outstanding.
Class A Common
Stock — The Company is authorized to issue a total of
300,000,000 shares of Class A common stock at par value of $0.0001
each. Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock are entitled to
one vote for each share on each matter on which they are entitled
to vote. As of December 31, 2020, there were no shares of Class A
common stock issued and outstanding, excluding 25,000,000 shares of
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption.
Class B Common
Stock — The Company is authorized to issue a total of
30,000,000 shares of Class B common stock at par value of $0.0001
each. Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock are entitled to
one vote for each share on each matter on which they are entitled
to vote. As of December 31, 2020, there were 6,250,000 shares of
Class B common stock issued and outstanding. The Class B common
stock will automatically convert into Class A common stock at the
time of the consummation of the initial Business Combination, or
earlier at the option of the holder, on a one-for-one basis.
Only holders
of the Founder Shares will have the right to elect all of the
Company’s directors prior to the initial Business Combination.
Otherwise, holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock
will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a
vote of stockholders except as required by law or the applicable
rules of the NYSE then in effect.
In the case
that additional Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities,
are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts sold in the
Public Offering and related to the closing of the initial Business
Combination, the ratio at which the Class B common stock shall
convert into Class A common stock will be adjusted (unless the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B common stock agree
to waive such anti-dilution adjustment with respect to any such
issuance or deemed issuance) so that the number of Class A common
stock issuable upon conversion of all Class B common stock will
equal, in the aggregate, 20% of the sum of the total number of all
common stock outstanding upon the completion of the Public Offering
plus all Class A common stock and equity-linked securities issued
or deemed issued in connection with the initial Business
Combination, excluding any shares or equity-linked securities
issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial Business
Combination.
NOTE 10 —
INCOME TAX
The Company’s net deferred tax
assets are as follows:
|
|
December 31,
2020
|
|
Deferred tax asset
|
|
|
|
Organizational costs/startup expenses
|
|
$
|
17,735
|
|
Federal
net operating loss
|
|
|
19,192
|
|
Total
deferred tax asset
|
|
|
36,927
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(36,927
|
)
|
Deferred tax asset, net of allowance
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
The income tax provision consists
of the following:
|
|
December 31,
2020
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
36,927
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
—
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
—
|
|
Change
in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(36,927
|
)
|
Income
tax provision
|
|
|
|
|
As of
December 31, 2020, the Company has $91,389 of U.S. federal net
operating loss carryovers, which do not expire, and no state net
operating loss carryovers available to offset future taxable
income.
In assessing
the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all of the
deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization
of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future
taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences
representing net future deductible amounts become deductible.
Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax
liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning
strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all of
the information available, management believes that significant
uncertainty exists with respect to future realization of the
deferred tax assets and has therefore established a full valuation
allowance. For the period from July 27, 2020 (inception) through
December 31, 2020, the change in the valuation allowance was
$36,927.
A
reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s
effective tax rate for the period from July 27, 2020 (inception)
through December 31, 2020 is as follows:
Statutory federal income tax rate
|
|
|
21.0
|
%
|
State
taxes, net of federal tax benefit
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
Offering expense allocated to warrant issuance cost
|
|
|
(16.7
|
)%
|
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of warrants
|
|
|
(2.7
|
)%
|
Change
in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)%
|
Income
tax provision
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
The Company
files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction in
various state and local jurisdictions and is subject to examination
by the various taxing authorities.
NOTE 11 —
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company
evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after
the balance sheet date up to the date that the financial statements
were issued. Based on this review, other than the restatement
described in Note 2, the Company did not identify any subsequent
events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the
financial statements.
No.
|
Description of Exhibit
|
|
|
|
Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation. (1)
|
|
Amended and
Restated Bylaws. (2)
|
|
Specimen
Unit Certificate. (3)
|
|
Specimen
Class A Common Stock Certificate. (3)
|
|
Specimen
Warrant Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.4). (1)
|
|
Warrant
Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between the Company and
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. (1)
|
|
Description
of registrant’s securities. (3)
|
|
Investment
Management Trust Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between the
Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
(1)
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, among the Company, the
Sponsor and certain other security holders named therein. (1)
|
|
Private
Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2020,
between the Company and the Sponsor. (1)
|
|
Private
Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2020,
between the Company and ASA Co-Investment LLC. (1)
|
|
Private
Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2020,
between the Company and James Dubin. (1)
|
|
Private
Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2020,
between the Company and Thomas Neff. (1)
|
|
Private
Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2020,
between the Company and Robert Halmi. (1)
|
|
Administrative Services Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between
the Company and MC Credit Partners LP. (1)
|
|
Form of
Letter Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between the Company and
the Sponsor, the Company and ASA Co-Investment LLC and the Company
and each of its officers and directors. (1)
|
|
Form of
Indemnity Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between the Company and
each of its officers and directors. (1)
|
|
Business
Combination Marketing Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between the
Company and the underwriters party thereto. (1)
|
|
Promissory
Note, dated August 5, 2020, issued to Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC.
(2)
|
|
Promissory
Note, dated August 5, 2020, issued to ASA Co-Investment LLC.
(2)
|
|
Securities
Subscription Agreement, dated August 5, 2020, between the Company
and Atlantic Avenue Partners LLC. (2)
|
|
Securities
Subscription Agreement, dated August 5, 2020, between the Company
and ASA Co-Investment LLC. (2)
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as adopted Pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as adopted Pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
101.INS*
|
XBRL
Instance Document (4)
|
101.SCH*
|
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
|
101.CAL*
|
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
|
101.DEF*
|
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
|
101.PRE*
|
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
|
101.LAB*
|
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
|
(1) Previously filed as an
exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 7, 2020
and incorporated by reference herein.
(2) Previously filed as an
exhibit to our Form S-1 (File No.333-248782) initially filed on
September 14, 2020 and incorporated by reference herein.
(3) Previously filed as an
exhibit to our Original Report filed on March 25, 2021 and
incorporated by reference herein.
(4) The instance document does
not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are
embedded within the inline XBRL document.
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
|
Atlantic Avenue Acquisition
Corp
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Barry
Best
|
|
|
|
Barry Best
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Date: March 11, 2022
|
|
|
|
66