Playboy, Inc DEFA14A, filed Jan 13, 2021
Playboy, Inc. (PLBY)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
| Filed by the Registrant | x |
| Filed by a Party other than the Registrant | ¨ |
Check the appropriate box:
| ¨ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ¨ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ¨ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ¨ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| x | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section240.14a-12 |
MOUNTAIN CREST ACQUISITION CORP
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| x | No fee required. |
| ¨ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11. |
| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
| (2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
| (4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
| (5) | Total fee paid: |
| ¨ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ¨ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
| (1) | Amount Previously Paid: |
| (2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No. |
| (3) | Filing Party: |
| (4) | Date Filed: |
Important Information and Where To Find It
In connection with the proposed business combination described herein (the “Business Combination”), Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp. (“MCAC”) intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, which includes the preliminary proxy statement filed on January 12, 2021 with the SEC, and a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, when available. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, MCAC will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the Business Combination. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF MCAC ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT MCAC WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MCAC, PEI (AS DEFINED BELOW) AND THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement, the preliminary proxy statement and other relevant materials in connection with the Business Combination (when they become available), and any other documents filed by MCAC with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) or by visiting the investor relations section of www.mcacquisition.com.
Participants in the Solicitation
MCAC and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from MCAC’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in MCAC, and additional information regarding the interests of such participants are included in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed Business Combination and is available at www.sec.gov. Information about MCAC’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of MCAC common stock is set forth in MCAC’s prospectus, dated June 4, 2020, and in the preliminary proxy statement, as modified or supplemented by any Form 3 or Form 4 filed with the SEC since the date of such filing. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation is included in the preliminary proxy statement pertaining to the proposed Business Combination, and will be included in a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, when it becomes available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (“PEI”) and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of MCAC in connection with the proposed Business Combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed Business Combination is included in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed Business Combination, and will be included in a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, when it becomes available.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing script contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “would,” “positioned,” “future,” “forecast,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements made in script regarding the proposed transactions contemplated by the agreement and plan of merger, dated as of September 30, 2020, by and among MCAC, PEI, MCAC Merger Sub Inc. and Suying Liu (as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), including the benefits of the Business Combination, integration plans, expected synergies and revenue opportunities, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth, the expected management and governance of the combined company, and the expected timing of the Business Combination. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on MCAC’s and PEI’s managements’ current beliefs, expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: (1) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against MCAC and PEI following the announcement of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of MCAC and PEI, certain regulatory approvals, or satisfy other conditions to closing in the Merger Agreement; (4) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close; (5) the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on PEI’s business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the proposed Business Combination; (6) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of MCAC’s shares of Common Stock on Nasdaq following the proposed Business Combination; (7) the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of PEI to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (9) costs related to the proposed Business Combination; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (11) the possibility that MCAC or PEI may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (12) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to PEI; (13) risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of PEI’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; (14) the amount of redemption requests made by MCAC’s stockholders; and (15) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of MCAC for its initial public offering dated June 4, 2020 filed with the SEC and the preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 12, 2021 relating to the proposed Business Combination, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in MCAC’s other filings with the SEC. MCAC cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. MCAC and PEI caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. MCAC and PEI do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Playboy Expands Global Footprint to India as International Demand Surges
Iconic Lifestyle Brand Continues to Grow Presence in Greater Asia Following Success of Fashion & Apparel Sales in China and Japan
LOS ANGELES, CA — January 12, 2021 — Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company” or “Playboy”), one of the largest and most recognizable lifestyle brands in the world, today announces the expansion of its global consumer products business into India, in partnership with Jay Jay Iconic Brands, a leading fashion and lifestyle Company in India. With a proven track record of highly successful brand extensions in over 180 markets worldwide, Playboy now looks to India as it seeks to expand its international footprint and unleash the brand’s lifestyle category offerings in the market.
“With Playboy’s proven track record as a leading fashion and lifestyle brand in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, we are confident that expansion into India to meet the young Indian consumers’ demand for streetwear fashion is the best next step in the evolution of our international roadmap,” said Ben Kohn, CEO of Playboy Enterprises. “We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Jay Jay Iconic Brands, who has demonstrated its ability to create exceptional shopping experiences for leading global brands.
The Playboy international portfolio has been flourishing for over 25 years in several South Asian markets such as China and Japan. In particular, it has strategically targeted the Millennial and Gen-Z audiences across categories such as apparel, footwear, home textiles, eyewear and watches.
The Playboy and Jay Jay partnership was brokered by Ashish Saxena of MDR Brand Management. Both teams are working closely to identify other exciting extension opportunities in key lifestyle categories including beauty and grooming, food and beverage and sexual wellness.
Dr. Rohit Malhotra, CEO of Jay Jay Iconic Brands said, “Playboy is an amazing brand, rich in heritage and unique assets such as the Rabbit Head logo. The Indian market today is dominated by consumers under the age of 35, who represent more than 65% of the country’s total population and are driving India’s significant online shopping growth. The Playboy brand’s core values of playfulness and exploration resonate strongly with the expressed desires of today’s younger millennial consumers. For us, Playboy was the perfect fit.”
Playboy demonstrates a clear vision to
be the leading purveyor of consumer lifestyle product offerings worldwide. The Playboy brand currently holds retail operations
(approximately 3000 POS) across online and offline channels, while seeing a continuously high purchasing demand across younger
customers. The first collection of Playboy casual fashion, footwear and accessories are expected to launch in India in mid- 2021
on select e-commerce platforms, followed by brick and mortar retail expansion in 2022 across top cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai
and Bangalore, producing a true multichannel experience.
Playboy recently announced the change of its parent company name after the completion of its proposed business combination with Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp (Nasdaq: MCAC) (“Mountain Crest”) from Playboy Group, Inc. to PLBY Group, Inc. to reflect its expansion into a leading global pleasure and leisure platform across multiple brands and businesses.
About Playboy
Playboy is one of the largest and most recognizable global lifestyle platforms in the world, with a strong consumer business focused on four categories comprising The Pleasure Lifestyle: Sexual Wellness, Style & Apparel, Gaming & Lifestyle and Beauty & Grooming. Under its mission of Pleasure for All, the 67-year-old Playboy brand drives more than $3 billion in global consumer spend and sells products across 180 countries. Playboy is one of the most iconic brands in history.
About Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp
Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Mountain Crest’s efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, although the Company intends to focus on operating businesses in North America. Visit https://www.mcacquisition.com/.
About Jay Jay Iconic Brands
Jay Jay Iconic Brands is a sister concern company of Jay Jay Capital and Investments Pvt. Ltd. Established in 2010, the group is headquartered in Bengaluru, India with business interest in the field of Food and Beverage, Hospitality, Consulting, Business Liasioning, and Retailing. Group has signed brands in F&B, hospitality and retail with an aim to launch multiple formats in the current year.
Important Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed business combination, Mountain Crest intends to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes the preliminary proxy statement filed on December 18, 2020 with the SEC, and a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, when available. Mountain Crest’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement and the amendments thereto and, when available, the definitive proxy statement and documents incorporated by reference therein filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about Playboy, Mountain Crest, and the proposed business combination. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination with the SEC, Mountain Crest will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting on the business combination and the other proposals. STOCKHOLDERS OF MOUNTAIN CREST ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION THAT MOUNTAIN CREST FILES WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MOUNTAIN CREST, PLAYBOY, AND THE BUSINESS COMBINATION. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement, and other relevant materials filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by visiting the investor relations section of https://www.mcacquisition.com/.
Participants in the Solicitation
Mountain Crest and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Mountain Crest’s stockholders with respect to the business combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Mountain Crest , and additional information regarding the interests of such participants are included in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed business combination available at www.sec.gov. Information about Mountain Crest’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Mountain Crest common stock is set forth in Mountain Crest’s prospectus, dated June 4, 2020 and in the preliminary proxy statement, as modified or supplemented by any Form 3 or Form 4 filed with the SEC since the date of such filings. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation is included in the preliminary proxy statement pertaining to the proposed business combination. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
Playboy and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Mountain Crest in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed business combination is included in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed business combination.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Mountain Crest’s and Playboy’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Mountain Crest’s and Playboy’s expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the proposed business combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the proposed business combination, and the timing of the Mountain Crest shareholders meeting and completion of the proposed business combination.
These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Mountain Crest’s and Playboy’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive merger agreement (the “Agreement”); (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Mountain Crest and Playboy following the announcement of the Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the proposed business combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Mountain Crest, certain regulatory approvals, or satisfy other conditions to closing in the Agreement; (4) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close; (5) the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Playboy’s business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the proposed business combination; (6) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of Mountain Crest’s shares of common stock on Nasdaq following the proposed business combination; (7) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed business combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Playboy to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (9) costs related to the proposed business combination; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (11) the possibility that Mountain Crest or Playboy may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (12) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Playboy; (13) risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of Playboy’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; (14) the amount of redemption requests made by Mountain Crest’s stockholders; and (15) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Mountain Crest for its initial public offering and the proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in Mountain Crest’s other filings with the SEC. Mountain Crest cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Mountain Crest and Playboy caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Mountain Crest and Playboy do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination. This press release shall also 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 states or jurisdictions 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 of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.
Contacts:
Investors
PlayboyIR@icrinc.com
Media
PlayboyPR@icrinc.com