Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc 8-K, filed Oct 16, 2026
Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc (OMEX)
About this 8-K
Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc filed this 8-K on October 16, 2026, reporting on events of October 15, 2026.
Odyssey Marine Exploration announced that the SEC declared its Form S-4 effective on October 15, 2026, for its proposed merger with American Ocean Minerals Corporation, with a stockholder meeting set for December 2, 2026. The company will effect a 1-for-25 reverse stock split on October 28, 2026. AI summary
Items reported
- Item 5.02: Director or officer change, or executive pay
- Item 8.01: Other events
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Background Information
On April 8, 2026, Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (the “Company”), a subsidiary of Odyssey (“Merger Sub”), and American Ocean Minerals Corporation (“AOM”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into AOM, with AOM surviving the proposed merger and becoming a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Odyssey (the “Merger”). The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (as amended, the “Registration Statement”) with respect to the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the Merger and related matters contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The Registration Statement was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 15, 2026. The Company expects to hold a special meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) on December 2, 2026, at which the Company’s stockholders will consider and vote upon the proposals described in the Registration Statement.
| Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On October 15, 2026, the Company’s board of directors adopted and approved, subject to stockholder approval, a 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2026 Plan”). A summary of the terms and conditions of the 2026 Plan is set forth in the Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement, as filed with the SEC on October 7, 2026, under the heading “Proposal No. 5—The Equity Plan Proposal.” Such summary is incorporated herein by reference. A proposal relating to the approval of the 2026 Plan will be considered and voted upon by the Company’s stockholders at the Special Meeting.
| Item 8.01 | Other Events. |
On October 16, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing that the Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC at 4:30 Eastern Time on October 15, 2026, and that it intends to implement a 1-for-25 reverse stock split of its common stock on October 28, 2026, to holders of record as of the close of business on October 26, 2026. The Company’s common stock will begin trading on a reverse stock split—adjusted basis when the market opens on October 29, 2026. The reverse stock split was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 1, 2026.
A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The press release and the information set forth therein shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise be subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
| Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
| 10.1† | 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex L to the Preliminary Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed October 7, 2026). | |
| 99.1 | Press release issued on October 16, 2026. | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | |
| † | Management contract or compensatory plan. |
Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements based upon Odyssey’s and AOM’s current expectations. This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “expect,” “goal,” “seek,” “future,” “likely,” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions. These statements are only predictions. Odyssey and AOM have based these forward-looking statements largely on their then-current expectations and projections about future events, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond each of Odyssey’s and AOM’s control, and actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing or consummation of the proposed Merger are not satisfied, including the failure to obtain stockholder approval for the proposed Merger; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the proposed Merger and the ability of each of Odyssey and AOM to consummate the transactions contemplated by the proposed Merger; (iii) risks related to Odyssey’s and AOM’s ability to correctly estimate their respective operating expenses and expenses associated with the proposed Merger, as applicable, as well as uncertainties regarding the impact any delay in the closing would have on the anticipated cash resources of the resulting combined company upon closing and other events and unanticipated spending and costs that could reduce the combined company’s cash resources; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance or condition that could give rise to the termination of the proposed Merger by either Odyssey or AOM; (v) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed Merger on Odyssey’s or AOM’s business relationships, operating results, and business generally; (vi) costs related to the proposed Merger; (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Odyssey, AOM, or any of their respective directors or officers related to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby; (viii) the ability of Odyssey or AOM to protect their respective intellectual property rights; (ix) competitive responses to the proposed Merger; (x) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed Merger; (xi) whether the combined business of AOM and Odyssey will be successful; (xii) legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments; and (xiii) additional risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of Odyssey’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026, as amended, and Odyssey’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2026. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in Odyssey’s registration statements, reports and other filings with the SEC, which are available on Odyssey’s website, and at www.sec.gov. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Neither Odyssey nor AOM can assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this communication relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, Odyssey and AOM undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investors should not assume that any lack of update to a previously issued “forward-looking statement” constitutes a reaffirmation of that statement.
Additional Information About the Proposed Merger and Where to Find It
This Current Report on Form 8-K does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This Current Report on Form 8-K relates to the proposed Merger. In connection with the proposed Merger, Odyssey has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which includes a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of Odyssey (the “proxy statement/prospectus”), and Odyssey has filed and will file other documents regarding the proposed Merger with the SEC. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to Odyssey’s stockholders. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these documents (when available) free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and stockholders should note that Odyssey communicates with investors and the public using its website (www.odysseymarine.com), the investor relations website (https://www.ir.odysseymarine.com) where anyone will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Odyssey with the SEC, and stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed Merger. A copy of the proxy statement/prospectus may be obtained by contacting Odyssey’s proxy solicitor, Sodali & Co, at (203) 658-9400 or email at OMEX.info@investor.sodali.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
Odyssey, AOM, and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees and certain of their respective significant stockholders may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Odyssey and AOM stockholders in respect of the proposed Merger. Information about Odyssey’s directors and executive officers is available in Odyssey’s proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 21, 2026, for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Odyssey’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, which was filed with the SEC on August 11, 2026. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holding or otherwise, is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed Merger when they become available. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the SEC and Odyssey as indicated above.
No Offer or Solicitation
This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. | ||||||
| Dated: October 16, 2026 | By: | /s/ Mark D. Gordon | ||||
| Mark D. Gordon | ||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
Exhibit 99.1
|
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Media Liz Shows Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (813) 876-1776 lshows@odysseymarine.com
Investors OMEX@info.sodali.com |
Odyssey Marine Exploration Announces Corporate Update on
Proposed Merger with American Ocean Minerals Corporation
SEC Declares Merger Registration Statement Effective;
Company Announces 1-for-25 Reverse Stock Split
TAMPA, Fla., October 16, 2026 (BUSINESSWIRE) – Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMEX) (“Odyssey” or the “Company”), an ocean exploration and marine mineral development company, today announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) declared effective on October 15, 2026, its registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger with American Ocean Minerals Corporation (“AOMC”). The Company plans to hold a special meeting of stockholders on December 2, 2026, to vote on proposals related to the merger.
The Company also announced that it will effect a 1-for-25 reverse stock split of its common stock on October 28, 2026.
Following the reverse stock split, Odyssey’s common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “OMEX” and under a new CUSIP number 676118300. Odyssey’s common stock will begin trading on a reverse stock split-adjusted basis when the market opens on October 29, 2026.
The reverse stock split is intended to increase the trading price of Odyssey’s common stock and reduce stockholder transaction costs. The previously announced merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) between Odyssey and AOMC requires Odyssey to use reasonable best efforts to effect the reverse stock split. Completion of the reverse stock split is a condition to the obligation of certain investors to provide financing to AOMC and Odyssey to fund the operations of the combined company following merger completion.
Merger Update
The SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4 registration statement marks an important milestone toward completion of the proposed merger, which is intended to create a scaled, U.S.-based deep-sea critical minerals platform. Odyssey filed a definitive proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC on October 15, 2026, and will distribute it to eligible stockholders ahead of a special meeting scheduled for December 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
At the meeting, stockholders will be asked to vote on proposals related to the merger, including the issuance of shares of Odyssey common stock in connection with the merger and related transactions, as required by applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules. Odyssey’s Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote in favor of all proposals presented at the special meeting, following the unanimous recommendation of Odyssey’s Special Transaction Committee with respect to relevant proposals. The reverse stock split was previously approved by Odyssey stockholders and is not subject to approval at the special meeting.
Odyssey and AOMC continue to work toward completion of the transaction, subject to stockholder approval and the satisfaction or waiver of other applicable closing conditions. Following completion of the merger, Odyssey is expected to be renamed “American Ocean Minerals Corporation,” and the common stock of the combined company is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “AOMC.” The combination is expected to bring together complementary technical capabilities and leadership, strengthening the combined platform’s position in the emerging offshore critical minerals sector.
Reverse Split Mechanics
The reverse stock split was approved by Odyssey’s stockholders at Odyssey’s annual meeting of stockholders held on June 1, 2026, with the Board authorized to effect the reverse stock split, in its discretion, at a ratio ranging from 1-for-20 to 1-for-25. The final reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-25 was approved by the Board on June 15, 2026. Separately, Odyssey’s stockholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 75 million to 82 million, which also will become effective on October 28, 2026.
As a result of the reverse stock split, every twenty-five pre-split shares of Odyssey’s common stock outstanding as of the close of business on a record date of October 26, 2026, will be combined into one share of common stock. The reverse stock split is expected to reduce Odyssey’s outstanding common stock from approximately 58.6 million shares to approximately 2.3 million shares. The par value of Odyssey’s common stock will remain unchanged at $0.0001 per share.
The reverse stock split will affect all stockholders uniformly and will not change their percentage ownership in Odyssey, except for adjustments resulting from fractional shares. No fractional shares will be issued; instead, stockholders of record otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive a cash payment, without interest or deduction, based upon the fractional amount multiplied by the closing price of Odyssey’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the effective date of the reverse stock split.
The reverse stock split will also apply to common stock issuable upon the exercise of Odyssey’s outstanding warrants and stock options, with a proportionate adjustment to the exercise prices thereof, and under Odyssey’s equity incentive plans.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., is acting as the exchange agent and transfer agent for the reverse stock split. Stockholders holding their shares in book-entry form or in brokerage accounts need not take any action in connection with the reverse stock split. Beneficial holders are encouraged to contact their bank, broker, or custodian with any procedural questions.
About Odyssey Marine Exploration
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMEX) is a U.S.-based ocean exploration and marine mineral development company with more than 30 years of subsea operating experience spanning offshore exploration, marine operations, environmental research, and project development. Learn more at www.odysseymarine.com.
About American Ocean Minerals Corporation
American Ocean Minerals Corporation is establishing a U.S.-based global supply chain for critical minerals and rare earth elements sourced from polymetallic nodules. To learn more, please visit www.aomusa.com.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed merger transaction between Odyssey and AOM, Odyssey has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which includes a proxy statement/prospectus of Odyssey. The most recent amendment to the registration statement was filed with the SEC on October 7, 2026. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on October 15, 2026. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus for the merger transaction will be mailed to stockholders of Odyssey beginning on or about October 19, 2026.
This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Odyssey has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ODYSSEY AND AOMC ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AS WELL AS OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN AND WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ODYSSEY, AOMC AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, and other documents filed with the SEC by Odyssey through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by emailing OMEX.info@investor.sodali.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
Odyssey, AOMC, and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees and certain of their respective significant stockholders may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Odyssey and AOMC stockholders in respect of the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about Odyssey’s directors and executive officers is available in Odyssey’s proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 21, 2026, for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and Odyssey’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests,
by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the registration statement and definitive proxy statement/prospectus and will be included in other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements. Generally, the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “predict,” “forecast,” “likely,” “believe,” “target,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “potential,” “may” and similar expressions or their negative, may, but are not necessary to, identify forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements include those regarding the timing, consummation and anticipated benefits of the Transaction, described herein, estimates of mining resources, projections of future cash or financial position, and the reverse stock split. The experience and results of the Transaction may differ materially from the experience and results anticipated in such statements. The accuracy of such statements is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but are not limited to, the following factors: the risk that the conditions to the closing of the Transaction are not satisfied, including the risk that required approvals of the transaction are not obtained; litigation relating to the transaction; uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the Transaction; risks that the proposed Transaction disrupts the current plans or operations of Odyssey or AOMC; the ability to retain and hire key personnel; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Transaction; potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; the ability to achieve the synergies expected from the transaction; ability to commercially extract mineral deposits after the Transaction; risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in exploring, developing, constructing and operating mining projects); uncertainty about the ability to obtain required capital to execute business plans; changes in the market prices of minerals; uncertainty around whether and when regulatory and other approvals for the Transaction will be received or the listing or exploration licensing will be obtained; and geopolitical, regulatory and macroeconomic risks in the areas in which Odyssey and AOMC operate. Other factors that might cause such a difference include those discussed in Odyssey’s filings with the SEC, which include its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed in connection with the proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof and no person is under any obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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