Quetta Acquisition Corp S-1, filed Aug 21, 2023
Quetta Acquisition Corp (QETA)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2023
Registration No. 333-[●]
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
QUETTA
ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 6770 | 93-1358026 | ||
| (State
or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(Primary
Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification Number) |
1185
Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: (212) 612-1400
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
Number, Including Area Code,
of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
Hui
Chen, Esq.
Hui Chen and Associates, P.L.L.C.
136-20 38th Avenue, Suite 9E
Flushing, NY 11354
Telephone:
(718) 463-2666
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Mitchell S. Nussbaum Giovanni Caruso |
Arila Zhou, Esq. Ze’-ev D. Eiger, Esq. 666 Third Avenue, 20th floor (212) 451-2999 — Facsimile |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ | |
| Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
| PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS | SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED August 18, 2023 |
$60,000,000
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
6,000,000 Units
Quetta Acquisition Corporation 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. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited, although the company intends to prioritize the evaluation of businesses in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Macau) that operate in the financial technology sector. We shall not undertake our initial business combination with any entity with its principal business operations in China (including Hong Kong and Macau). We do not have any specific business combination under consideration and we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction with our company.
This is an initial public offering of our securities. Each unit has an offering price of $10.00 and consists of: (i) one share of common stock, and (ii) one-tenth (1/10) of a right denominated in one share of our common stock, redeemable upon the consummation of the initial business combination, as described in more detail in this prospectus. The underwriters have a 45-day option from the date of the closing of this offering to purchase up to an additional 900,000 units to cover over-allotments, if any. We will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their shares of our common stock, or “public shares”, in connection with the consummation 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 described below as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations and on the conditions described herein. We have 9 months (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) (the “Combination Period”) from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part to consummate our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from that date, we will 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, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to applicable law and certain conditions as further described herein. Our public stockholders will not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our extensions of time to consummate an initial business combination from 9 months to up to 21 months or redeem their shares in connection with such extensions.
Our Sponsor, Yocto Investments LLC, has committed to purchase from us, in one or more private placements that will close simultaneously with the closing of this offering, an aggregate of 235,045 units (or 253,045 units if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at $10.00 per unit for a total purchase price of $2,350,450 (or $2,530,450 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). These private units will be identical to the units sold in this offering, except as described in this prospectus. The private units will be sold in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of this offering. A portion of the proceeds we receive from these purchases will be placed in the trust account described below. The principal of our Sponsor is Ms. Chen Chen, who is the wife of Mr. Hui Chen, our CEO and Chairman, and resides in the United States of America and has a professional network in Asia and North America. We are not permitted to use the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interests earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
Our initial stockholders, which include our sponsor, and our directors and officers, own an aggregate of 1,725,000 shares of our common stock (up to 225,000 of which are subject to forfeiture by the sponsor depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part).
Currently, there is no public market for our units, common stock, or rights. We expect to apply to list our units on the Nasdaq Global Market, and applied to reserve the symbol “QETAU” for our units. We expect that our units will be listed on Nasdaq on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. We cannot guarantee that our securities will be approved for listing on Nasdaq. We expect the common stock and rights comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 52nd day following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, unless EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (which we refer to as “EF Hutton”, the representative of the underwriters, or the Representative throughout this prospectus) informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our satisfaction of certain conditions as described further herein. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, we expect that the common stock and rights will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “QETA” and “QETAR,” respectively. We cannot assure you that our securities will be, or will continue to be, listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to our initial business combination.
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and therefore will be subject to reduced reporting requirements.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 30 for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities. Investors will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
| Price to Public |
Underwriting
Discounts |
Proceeds Before
Expenses to Us |
||||||||||
| Per Unit | $ | 10.00 | $ | 0.55 | (1) | $ | 9.45 | |||||
| Total | 60,000,000 | $ | 3,300,000 | $ | 56,700,000 | |||||||
| (1) | $0.20 per unit or $1,200,000 in the aggregate (or $1,380,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full) is payable upon the closing of this offering. The discount includes $2,100,000, or $0.35 per unit, equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering (or $2,415,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full) payable to the underwriters as deferred underwriting discounts at the closing of our initial business combination from the funds to be placed in the trust account described below. The underwriters have agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses in connection with this offering, not to exceed $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). The underwriter will also be entitled to 1% of the gross proceeds of this offering as underwriting discounts and commissions in the form of our shares at a price of $10.00 per share, which will equal 60,000 shares (or 69,000 shares if the underwriter’s overallotment option is exercised in full) (the “Representative Shares”), to be issued at closing of this offering. Such funds and shares will be released to the underwriters only upon consummation of an initial business combination, as described in this prospectus. The Representative Shares will be registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. If the business combination is not consummated, such deferred discounts will be forfeited by the underwriters. The underwriters will not be entitled to any interest accrued on the deferred underwriting discount. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Underwriting” beginning on page 128 for a description of compensation and other items of value payable to the underwriters. |
Upon consummation of the offering, $10.10 per unit sold to the public in this offering (whether or not the underwriter’s over-allotment option has been exercised in full or in part) will be deposited into a United-States-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. Such amount includes $2,100,000, or $0.35 per unit, (or $2,415,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full) payable to the underwriters as deferred underwriting discounts. Except as described in this prospectus, the funds held in trust will not be released until the earlier of the consummation of our initial business combination or our redemption of the shares of common stock sold in this offering upon our failure to consummate a business combination within the required period.
The underwriters are offering the units on a firm commitment basis. EF Hutton, acting as the sole book-running manager and representative of the underwriters, expects to deliver the units to purchasers on or about [●], 2023.
Sole Book-Running Manager
EF Hutton
division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
The date of this prospectus is [●], 2023
There is presently no public market for our units, shares of common stock, or rights. We have applied to have our units listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “QETAU”. We cannot guarantee that our securities will be approved for listing on Nasdaq. The common stock and rights comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 52nd day following the date of this prospectus unless EF Hutton division of Benchmark Investments LLC, informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission containing an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds of this offering and issuing a press release announcing when such separate trading will begin. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading as described in this prospectus, the shares of common stock and rights will be traded on Nasdaq under the symbols “QETA” and “QETAR,” respectively. We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq after this offering.
Although we currently do not have any People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) subsidiary or China operations, our sponsor and certain of our executive officers and directors may have significant ties to China, which may make us a less attractive partner to potential target companies outside the PRC than a non-PRC related SPAC and may therefore limit the pool of acquisition candidates given a combination with a U.S. target company may be subject to review by a U.S. government entity. See “Risk Factors — General Risk Factors — We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited” on page 68.
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and therefore will be subject to reduced reporting requirements.
We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information, and neither we nor the underwriters take responsibility for any other information others may give to you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
i
This summary only highlights the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. As this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making an investment decision. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the information under the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before investing. Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus or the context otherwise requires, references to:
| ● | “the 80% test” are to the requirement that our initial business combination be with a target entity that has an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the proceeds from this initial public offering which are deposited to a trust account (excluding any deferred underwriters fees and taxes payable on the income earned on the deposit account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial combination; |
| ● | “affiliate” are to companies controlled by or under common control with the Sponsor, our officers, and/or our officers’ controlled entities; |
| ● | “common stock” are to the shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001, offered as a part of our units in this offering; |
| ● | “DGCL” are to the Delaware General Corporation Law; |
| ● | “founder shares” are to the 1,725,000 shares of our common stock initially purchased by our Sponsor in a private placement prior to this offering (including up to an aggregate of 225,000 shares of our common stock subject to forfeiture by our sponsor depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part); |
| ● | “initial business combination” are to our merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in our trust account (less any taxes payable on interest earned) at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our such business combination; |
| ● | “insiders” and “initial stockholders” are to the Sponsor, directors, officers and any holders of our founder shares prior to closing of this offering (or their permitted transferees); |
| ● | “management team” are to Mr. Hui Chen, Mr. Robert L. Labbe, and our independent directors (Mr. Brandon Miller, Mr. Daniel M. McCabe, and Mr. Michael Lazar), collectively; |
| ● | “private placement shares” and “private shares” are to shares of common stock included in our private units; |
| ● | “private rights” are to the rights included in our private units; |
| ● | “private units” are to the units, each consisting of one common stock and one right that our sponsor is purchasing in a private placement concurrent with the closing of this offering, as well as any units issued upon conversion of working capital loans; |
| ● | “working capital loan” are to certain loans to be extended by our initial stockholders, officers and directors or their affiliates in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering if the funds not held in the trust account are insufficient. Our initial stockholders, officers and directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the relevant insider’s discretion, up to $500,000 of the notes may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into private units at a price of $10.00 per unit (which, for example, would result in the holders being issued units to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 rights if $500,000 of notes were so converted). If we do not complete a business combination, the loans will only be repaid with funds not held in the trust account, to the extent available; |
| ● | “rights” are to the rights included as part of our public and private units, and each unit includes one-tenth (1/10) of a right, with each right entitles the holder thereof to automatically receive one share of a common stock upon consummation of our initial business combination. In the event we will not be the surviving company upon completion of our initial business combination, each holder of whole rights will be required to affirmatively convert his, her or its rights in order to receive shares of common stock underlying such rights upon consummation of the business combination. We will not issue fractional shares in connection with an exchange of rights; |
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| ● | “public shares” are to shares of common stock included in the public units that are registered and described herein as a part of our public offering; |
| ● | “Sponsor” are to Yocto Investments LLC; |
| ● | “public units” are to the 6,000,000 units (or 6,900,000 units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) offered to the public investors as described in this registration statement, which is comprised of one share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right; and |
Except as specifically provided otherwise, the information in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option.
Our Company
General
We are a blank check company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 1, 2023 for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited, although the company intends to prioritize the evaluation of businesses in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Macau) that operate in the financial technology sector. We shall not undertake our initial business combination with any entity with its principal business operations in China (including Hong Kong and Macau). We do not have any specific business combination under consideration and we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction with our company.
We will seek to capitalize on the significant contacts and experience of our management team, including Mr. Hui Chen, our CEO and Director, Mr. Robert L. Labbe, our CFO, and Mr. Brandon Miller, Mr. Daniel M. McCabe, and Mr. Michael Lazar, each a member of our board of directors.
Context and Competitive Advantage
We will seek to leverage our management team’s proprietary network of relationships with corporate executives, private equity, venture and growth capital funds, investment banking firms, consultants, family offices, and large corporations in order to source, acquire, and support the operations of the business combination target. We believe our team’s extensive and applicable experience investing in and operating businesses in Asia and North America will make us a preferred partner and allow us to source high-quality combination targets. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular geographic region or industry, although the Company intends to focus on operating businesses in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Macau), and we prefer an initial business combination with a digital asset exchange, such as a bitcoin marketplace.
The future development and growth of digital assets such as crypto is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to predict and evaluate. In fact, crypt asset markets in general are distressed due to recent bankruptcies and financial failure of FTX Trading Ltd. (“FTX”), which may limit our ability to identify perspective target for business combination, affect the attractiveness of prospective target business, or, following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of operations. Digital asset exchanges on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. The legal and regulatory regimes, including the laws, rules, and regulations associated with them, are evolving and will be impacted by the bankruptcy of the FTX Exchange and other regulatory concerns with the industry generally. It is possible the failure of FTX in November 2022 and the resulting market turmoil could lead to increased SEC, CFTC, or criminal investigations, enforcement, and/or other regulatory activity, which may subject our potential business combination to significant legal and regulatory consequences, leading to significant delay or even termination of our initial business combination. For additional discussion regarding our belief about the market risks existing and future regulations pose to our initial business combination, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 30 of this prospectus.
2
Our team consists of experienced professionals and senior operating executives who bring a unique background and skill set that will be attractive to leading Asia-based companies. We believe that we will be able to leverage the following competitive strengths in identifying, structuring, and consummating a business combination:
| ● | An extensive network across several industries in Asia; which include longstanding relationships with leading executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and investment bankers in the Asia region and thus will provide us with access to proprietary investment opportunities and strong deal flow in our target sectors; |
| ● | Structuring and execution capabilities; through their respective careers, our team has extensive experience in identifying, evaluating and executing investments in companies at various stages of their life cycle. We believe that the combined and complementary expertise of our team will allow us to structure and execute a highly attractive transaction; |
| ● | U.S. and Asia cross-border deal experience; cross-border transactions require industry and local regulatory knowledge, rigorous due diligence and structuring creativity. Our team has significant transaction experience completing large-scale domestic and cross-border transactions, involving acquirers and targets located across the U.S. and Asia. |
Our Sponsor is Yocto Investments LLC and our manager is Ms. Chen Chen, who is the wife of our chief executive officer. We will seek to capitalize on the collective deal-making experience and business connections of our management team.
Hui Chen has been our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since May 1, 2023. He has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since December 2021. Mr. Chen is a cross-industry expert in computer science and law. Mr. Chen founded Law Offices of Hui Chen & Associates, PC in 2012, a New York-based law firm. Mr. Chen focuses his practice on patent prosecution, copyright infringement, and other general intellectual property matters. Mr. Chen has also been an adjunct professor at Hofstra University since September 2019, where he instructs multiple undergraduate computer science programming courses in Visual C++. Before joining Hofstra University, Mr. Chen was an adjunct associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Pace University, Touro College, and Saint Francis College between 2000 and 2018 and was a full-time professor at Technical Career of Institute, College of Technology from December 2011 to December 2017. Before forming his law office in 2012, Mr. Chen worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Chen worked as an Oracle developer at eBay, Inc. from February 2008 to May 2015. Mr. Chen worked at IBM Global Services, where he was a solo back-end developer in designing and building the database and back-end process for DHS Inspection Application, from November 2007 to March 2008, and a programmer analyst between March 1998 and May 2004. Mr. Chen also worked at MultiPlan Inc. between June 2005 and February 2008 as a technical lead where he participated in designing new application systems and partnered with external vendors in coding and implementing new systems by using Java and Oracle PL/SQL. Before that, Mr. Chen worked at Pepsi Cola Inc. from January 2004 to June 2005, where he designed, coded, implemented, and documented a growth forecasting system and developed an automatic purchasing system. Mr. Chen received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1992, a Bachelor’s degree in HVAC from Technical Career Institutes in 1997, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Pace University in 2000, and his J.D. degree from Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University in 2010. We believe that Mr. Chen’s access to contacts and sources, ranging from high-technology companies and legal contacts, will allow us to generate acquisition opportunities and identify suitable acquisition candidates.
Robert L. Labbe has been our Chief Financial Officer since May 1, 2023. He will become one of our directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer and director of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since December 2021. Mr. Labbe is a real estate veteran and real estate finance attorney licensed in California and New York with over thirty (30) years of experience in real estate. Mr. Labbe also has been a manager of MCAP Realty Advisors, LLC, a real estate advisor company, since January 2010. Mr. Labbe has been the general counsel of Global Premier Development Inc. and Global Premier America, LLC, real estate development companies, from March 2012 to December 2021. Mr. Labbe was a co-founder, general counsel, and managing director of Lenders Direct Capital, a wholesale lender, and its retail affiliate Lenders Republic Financial, a nationwide mortgage banker, from May 2003 to December 2007. Mr. Labbe was also a co-founder and partner at Mazda Butler LLP, a commercial and real estate law firm in California, from January 2003 to December 2007. Mr. Labbe co-founded First Allegiance Financial, a national specialty finance company, where he was the president and chairman from September 1996 to December 1998. First Allegiance Financial was acquired by City Holding Company, a financial holding company, for approximately $22 million in 1997. Mr. Labbe received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Law (B.C.L.) and Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) from McGill University in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Mr. Labbe also received his Diplome d’Etude Collegiale St. Lawrence College (Quebec) in 1978. Mr. Labbe is a licensed broker with the California Department of Real Estate since 1990. Mr. Labbe also holds the UC Irvine Extension Light Construction and Development Management Program Certificate. We believe that Mr. Labbe is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his entrepreneurship and extensive experience in the real estate industry.
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Brandon Miller will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. Miller has been the managing partner at Aspect Property Management LLC, a property management company in Connecticut, since January 2015. Before joining Aspect Property Management LLC, Mr. Miller spent a decade in the consulting industry at Matté & Company, a private and public sector consulting company from January 2005 to January 2015, where he offered executive recruiting, strategic planning, leadership, and corporate consulting services. Mr. Miller was a corporate controller at Corporate Dining Solutions, a corporate catering company, from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Miller is presently a certified manager of community associations (“CMCA”) and an association management specialist (“AMS”). Mr. Miller received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Bridgeport in 1986 and studied in Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University from 1980 to 1983. We believe that Mr. Miller is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his extensive experience in the real estate and business consulting industries.
Daniel M. McCabe will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. McCabe has been admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of Connecticut since 1974. Mr. McCabe’s legal career began as an assistant clerk of the Superior Court at Stamford from 1974 to 1976, and since then he has had his own legal practice, Daniel McCabe LLC, a general practice law firm in Connecticut founded in 1982. His work includes rendering legal advice to individuals and business entities concerning commercial transactions, business organizations, and complex litigation. Mr. McCabe is also an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Sacred Heart University. Mr. McCabe previously was the Chairman of the Stamford Housing Authority, Co-chair of the Stamford Reapportionment Committee, Member of the Board of Parole for the State of Connecticut, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee of the City of Stamford and Counsel for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority. He also served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Stamford where he held the position of chief legal counsel and advisor to Mayor Stanley Esposito of the City of Stamford. Mr. McCabe obtained his Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University Law School in 1974. We believe that Mr. McCabe is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his legal experience, contacts, and relationships.
Michael Lazar will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. Lazar has over 14 years of experience in guiding corporate issuers with the filing of their regulatory filings with the SEC. Mr. Lazar founded Empire Filings, a full-service financial printer, in October 2020, and has been the chief executive officer of the company since then. Mr. Lazar acted as the chief executive officer of Adorbs, Inc., an organic apparel company quoted on the OTC market, from April 2019 to October 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Lazar worked at S2 Filings, a full-service financial printer, from August 2016 to October 2020. Mr. Lazar started his career in the financial printer industry at Vintage Filings, a full-service financial printer and a division of PR Newswire, from August 2006 to August 2016. Mr. Lazar obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brooklyn College in 2004. We believe that Mr. Lazar is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his experience in business management.
Our activities thus far have been limited to the organization of the company and the preparation of this offering. Our subsequent activities will be to identify a target company and to consummate a business combination with the target. We will not limit our search of potential targets for the initial business combination, although we anticipate that our search will primarily be in the financial technology sector due to the expertise of our management. In particular we are interested in exploring the possibility of establishing a digital assets market in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau).
The past performance of our management team, or their respective affiliates, is not a guarantee either (i) of success with respect to any business combination we may consummate or (ii) that we will be able to identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination. No member of our management team has been an officer or director of a special purpose acquisition corporation in the past. You should not rely on the historical record of our management team’s or their respective affiliates’ performance as indicative of our future performance.
Our officers and directors may become officers or directors of another special purpose acquisition company with a class of securities intended to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the completion of our initial business combination.
4
Our Business Strategy and Acquisition Criteria
We intend to focus our efforts on identifying and completing our initial business combination with a company in a financial technology industry that aligns with our team’s experiences, expertise and network of relationships. Our business strategy is focused on potential acquisition targets that exhibit compelling long-term growth potential and highly defensible market positions. Our experience with Asia is a key differentiator for us compared to other blank check companies, the majority of which we believe are seeking business combinations exclusively in the U.S. We believe this will allow us to generate a truly differentiated pipeline of acquisition opportunities and lead to executing a business combination with an attractive target company more quickly, efficiently, and under better terms than our competitors.
We believe that targeting companies in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau) are compelling because there is a significant pool of high-quality private companies that could benefit from going public in the United States. We expect that the financial technology sector will continue to have a strong growth trajectory due to recent trends including increasing digitization, the adoption and advancement of new technology, and changes in consumer habits. We believe Asia in particular represents a compelling market environment with significant growth opportunities and favorable trends within the financial technology industry. We believe that the COVID-19 pandemic and Asia’s growing market has enabled consumer adoption of financial technology to accelerate, creating massive opportunities for our team to capitalize on. Given the high level of business formation and development in Asia, and the number of high-quality emerging companies seeking access to the US capital markets in our network, we believe that we will be able to engage with many leading, Asia-based companies (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau) interested in a business combination. We shall not undertake our initial business combination with any entity with its principal business operations in China (including Hong Kong and Macau).
We have identified the following general criteria and guidelines as we evaluate prospective target companies.
| ● | Large underpenetrated markets with favorable industry dynamics. We intend to actively look for suitable investment opportunities within the financial technology sector with an enterprise value of approximately $250 million to $1 billion. We will prioritize targets that are already benefiting from or capitalizing on trends found within their respective sectors. |
| ● | Strong management team. The strength of the management team will be an important component in our review process. We will seek to partner with a visionary, experienced and professional management team that can drive growth, strategic decision making and long-term value creation. |
| ● | Defensible market position with sustainable competitive advantage. We intend to favor targets that have a strong competitive advantage or are category leaders in their respective verticals. We will target companies that have strong intellectual property, technology, or brand equity within their respective sectors and that can be further monetized on a global basis. |
| ● | Asia-domiciled but operating on a global basis. We will seek targets that have already established a strong operating history within Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau), but which possess a competitive edge to expand into new geographic regions where similar needs exist. |
| ● | Benefit from being a public company. We intend to only acquire businesses that would benefit from being publicly traded in the United States, including access to broader sources of capital and expanded market awareness. This improved access to capital could allow the targets to accelerate growth, pursue new projects, retain and hire employees, and expand into new geographies or businesses. |
While we intend to use these criteria in evaluating the attractiveness of potential business combination opportunities, we may ultimately decide to enter into an initial business combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria. 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 stockholder communications related to our initial business combination, which, as discussed in this prospectus, would be in the form of tender offer documents or proxy solicitation materials that we would file with the SEC.
In evaluating a prospective target business, we expect to conduct a thorough due diligence review that will encompass, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities, as well as the review of financial and other information which will be made available to us. We will also utilize our operational and capital allocation experience. Our acquisition criteria, due diligence processes, and value creation methods are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors, and criteria that our management may deem relevant.
5
Yotta Acquisition Corporation
On March 8, 2021, our management co-founded Yotta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Yotta”), a special purpose acquisition company incorporated for the purposes of effecting a business combination. On April 22, 2022, Yotta consummated its initial public offering of 11,500,000 units (including 1,500,000 units issued upon the full exercise of the over-allotment option), each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right, for an offering price of $10.00 per unit. Its units, common stock and rights are currently traded on Nasdaq under symbols “YOTAU”, “YOTA” and “YOTAR,” respectively.
On October 24, 2022, Yotta entered into a certain merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among NaturalShrimp Incorporated (“NaturalShrimp”), a Nevada corporation, Yotta, and Yotta Merger Sub, Inc. (“MergerSub”), a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Yotta. At the closing of the merger in consideration, Yotta will issue 17.5 million shares of its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, to the former security holders of Yotta. Following the closing of the merger, the former security holders of NaturalShrimp will be entitled to receive up to 10,000,000 additional shares of Yotta’s common stock if, following the closing of the merger, NaturalShrimp meets or exceeds either of two annual revenue thresholds for each of the fiscal years ending on March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025. After the closing of the merger, if NaturalShrimp meets or exceeds $15,000,000 in revenue (per its audited financial statements) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, then Yotta will issue 5,000,000 shares of Yotta’s common stock to the former security holders of NaturalShrimp. If NaturalShrimp meets or exceeds $30,000,000 in revenue (per its audited financial statements) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, then Yotta will issue 5,000,000 shares of its common stock to the former security holders of NaturalShrimp.
At a special meeting of stockholders held on April 19, 2023, Yotta’s stockholders approved Yotta to enter into an amendment to the Investment Management Trust Agreement with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Trust Amendment”) dated as of April 19, 2023. Pursuant to the Trust Amendment, Yotta has the right to extend time to complete its business combination (the “Business Combination Period”) under the Trust Agreement for a period of 12 months from April 22, 2023 to April 22, 2024 and to the extent Yotta’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is amended to extend the Business Combination Period, by depositing $120,000 for each such one-month extension into Yotta’s trust account. Yotta filed an amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 19, 2023 giving Yotta the right to extend the Business Combination Period from April 22, 2023 to April 22, 2024.
On April 21, 2023, May 17, 2023 and June 20, 2023, Yotta each deposited $120,000 (an aggregate of $360,000) into its trust account in order to extend the period of time it has to complete a business combination for an additional one (1) month period, respectively. The purpose of the extensions is to provide more time for Yotta to complete a business combination.
By a letter dated August 10, 2023 (the “Termination Letter”), Yotta informed NaturalShrimp that it was terminating the Merger Agreement. The termination of the Merger Agreement was due to breaches by NaturalShrimp of its obligations thereunder including, but not limited to, NaturalShrimp’s obligation to share the costs associated with the extension of the deadline by which Yotta must complete an initial business combination. Although the payments were to be shared equally, NaturalShrimp failed to provide its portion despite being notified of its obligation to do so.
NaturalShrimp has not responded to the Termination Letter but previously sent a notification that it was terminating the Merger Agreement. Yotta rejected that purported termination as it does not believe NaturalShrimp has a legal basis under the Merger Agreement to terminate it. Moreover, pursuant to Section 10.2(b) of the Merger Agreement, NaturalShrimp was not authorized to terminate the Merger Agreement when it was in breach of its terms. Yotta also included in the Termination Letter a demand for the $3 million termination fee due to it under the terms of the Merger Agreement.
Certain member of our management are officers and/or directors of Yotta, including Mr. Hui Chen serves as Chairman and CEO, Mr. Robert L. Labbe serves as the CFO and director, and each of Mr. Brandon Miller, Mr. Daniel M. McCabe and Mr. Michael Lazar serves as an independent director, and each of the foregoing own fiduciary duties under Delaware general corporate law to Yotta. For more details about our management’s conflict of interests, see “Management-Conflicts of Interest” on page 104 of this prospectus.
Acquisition Process
In evaluating a prospective target business, we expect to conduct an extensive due diligence review which may encompass, as applicable and 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 will also utilize our management team’s operational and capital planning experience as a part of our analysis of any potential target.
We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a target that is affiliated with our Sponsor, officers, or directors nor making the initial business combination through a joint venture or other form of shared ownership with our Sponsor, officers, or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination with an initial business combination target that is affiliated with our Sponsor, officers, or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that such an initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view.
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Our 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 officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination. More specifically, all of our officers and directors have fiduciary and contractual duties to Yotta Acquisition Corporation (“Yotta”), which executed a definitive merger agreement in connection with its initial business combination on October 24, 2022. To the extent that Yotta decides to terminate the agreements with its current target and pursue other opportunity, it may compete with us for business combination opportunities. For more details about our management’s conflict of interests, see “Management-Conflicts of Interest” on page 104 of this prospectus. If Yotta decides to pursue any such opportunity, we may be precluded from pursuing such opportunities. Subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Delaware law, none of the members of our management team who are also employed by, or directors of, our sponsor or its affiliates have any obligation to present us with any opportunity for a potential business combination of which they become aware. Our sponsor and directors and officers are also not prohibited from sponsoring, investing or otherwise becoming involved with, any other blank check companies, including in connection with their initial business combinations, prior to us completing our initial business combination. Our management team, in their capacities as directors, officers or employees of our sponsor or its affiliates or in their other endeavors, may choose to present potential business combinations to the related entities described above, current or future entities affiliated with or managed by our sponsor, or third parties, before they present such opportunities to us, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Delaware law and any other applicable fiduciary duties.
Certain of our directors and officers currently have, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary, or contractual obligations to another entity pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entity subject to his or her fiduciary duties. If any of our directors or officers becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she has then-existing 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.
No members of our management team have any obligation to present us with any opportunity for a potential business combination of which they become aware, unless presented to such member specifically in his or her capacity as an officer or a director of the company. Members of our management team may be required to present potential business combinations to other entities to whom they have fiduciary duties before they present such opportunities to us. Any knowledge or presentation of such opportunities may therefore present conflicts of interest.
Initial Business Combination
We have 9 months from the closing of this offering to consummate our initial business combination (“Combination Period”). If we anticipate that we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering, we may, but are not obligated to, if requested by our sponsor or its affiliates, extend Combination Period up to two times by an additional three months each time for a total of up to 15 months by depositing $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) in connection with each such extension into our trust account (the “Paid Extension Period”). In addition, we will be entitled to an automatic six-month extension to complete a business combination (the “Automatic Extension Period”) if we have executed a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement for an initial business combination during the Combination Period or Paid Extension Period. If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within such time period, we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, including a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes, and then seek to liquidate and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public shareholders. In the event of our liquidation and subsequent dissolution, the public and private rights will expire and will be worthless. Our public stockholders will not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our extensions of time to consummate an initial business combination from 9 months to up to 15 months or redeem their shares in connection with such extensions.
Our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. 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 an independent accounting firm with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. Our stockholders may not be provided with a copy of such opinion, nor will they be able to rely on such opinion.
We will either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose, at which stockholders may seek to redeem their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, for their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of our proposed business combination or 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. Any tender offer documents used in connection with a business combination will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules.
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Pursuant to the Nasdaq listing rules, our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account), at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination, which we refer to as the 80% test. We are not required to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party that the target business we select has a fair market value in excess of at least 80% of the balance of the trust account unless our board of directors cannot make such determination on its own. 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 the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or an independent valuation or appraisal firm with respect to satisfaction of such criteria. Our stockholders may not be provided with a copy of such opinion nor will they be able to rely on such opinion. We do not intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with our initial business combination. Subject to this requirement, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting one or more prospective businesses, although we will not be permitted to effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations. Additionally, pursuant to Nasdaq rules, any initial business combination must be approved by a majority of our independent directors.
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 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 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, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise owns a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns 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-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital 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 equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% test. If the business combination involves more than one target business, the 80% of fair market value 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.
The net proceeds of this offering released to us from the trust account upon the closing of our initial business combination may be used as consideration to pay the sellers of a target business with which we complete our initial business combination. If our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt securities, 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 redemption of our public shares, we may use the balance of the cash released to us from the trust account following the closing for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other companies or for working capital. In addition, we may be required to obtain additional financing in connection with the closing of our initial business combination to be used following the closing for general corporate purposes as described above. There is no limitation on our ability to raise funds through the issuance of equity or equity-linked securities or through loans, advances or other indebtedness in connection with our initial business combination. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would only complete such financing simultaneously with the completion of 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. None of our Sponsor, officers, directors or stockholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after our initial business combination. We may also obtain financing prior to the closing of our initial business combination to fund our working capital needs and transaction costs in connection with our search for and completion of our initial business combination. Our certificate of incorporation will provide that, following this offering and prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, we will be prohibited from issuing additional securities that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote (a) on any initial business combination or (b) to approve an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to (x) extend the time we have to consummate a business combination beyond 9 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (or until 18 months if we extend the period of time to consummate a business combination by the maximum amount) or (y) amend the foregoing provisions, unless (in connection with any such amendment to our certificate of incorporation) we offer our public stockholders the opportunity to redeem their public shares.
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Corporate Information
Our principal office is located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, New York, New York 10036, and our telephone number is (212) 612-1400.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 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. References herein to “emerging growth company” shall have the meaning associated with it in the JOBS Act.
Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 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 held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the prior June 30th, or (2) our annual revenues exceed $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last completed fiscal year.
Private Placement
Yocto Investments LLC has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 235,045 units, which we refer to as the private units, at a price of $10.00 per unit (for a total purchase price of $2,350,450) or up to 253,045 units at $10.00 per unit (for a total purchase price of $2,530,450) if the underwriter elects to fully exercise its over-allotment option. This or these purchases will occur by way of one or more private placements, initially with the commencement of this offering and then at any time for that forty-five-day period in which the underwriter may exercise its over-allotment option in part or in full. Most of the proceeds that we receive from the private units will be placed in the trust account described below so as to fund the trust account in that amount representing one hundred and one percent (101%) of the amount of the public shares, with the anticipated balance of $345,000 being held in the company’s working capital accounts and reserved for expenses related to our search process. We are not permitted to use the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interests earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
The company will enter into a registration rights agreement upon or prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part with the purchasers of these private units and the purchasers of the founder shares which will permit the registration of those same securities (or their underlying parts) after the consummation of the initial business combination. As with the founder shares, the purchasers of these private units will agree to: waive their right to redeem their shares of common stock in connection with the initial business combination, vote in favor of any proposed initial business combination, and waive any claim of right to the funds held in the trust account upon liquidation or other events. As such, if we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable), public stockholders will have the right to redeem their public shares (subject to the requirements of applicable law) in exchange for their pro rata share of the funds available in the trust account; thereafter, the holders of those shares of common stock attributable to the sale of private units and the founder shares will participate with all other stockholders in any claims to funds that may remain in the capital accounts of the company. The likely result is that absent an initial business combination, these private units, like the founder shares, will expire worthless or with de minimis value.
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The Offering
In making your decision as to whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account not only the backgrounds of the members of our management team, but also the special risks we face as a blank check company and the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 as promulgated under the Securities Act. You therefore will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. You should carefully consider these and the other risks set forth in the section below entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 30 of this prospectus.
| Securities offered | 6,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of: | |||
| ● | one share of common stock, and | |||
| ● | one-tenth (1/10) of one right. | |||
| ● | Each right entitles the holder thereof to receive one common stock upon consummation of our initial business combination. | |||
| Proposed Nasdaq symbols | We anticipate that the units, the shares of common stock, and the rights, once they begin separate trading, will be listed on the Nasdaq under the symbols, | |||
| ● | units: QETAU; | |||
| ● | common stock: QETA; and | |||
| ● | rights: QETAR. | |||
| Separation of common stock and rights | Each of the shares of common stock and rights may trade separately on the 52nd day after the date of this prospectus unless EF Hutton determines that an earlier date is acceptable (based upon, among other things, its assessment of the relative strengths of the securities markets and small capitalization companies in general, and the trading pattern of, and demand for, our securities in particular). In no event will EF Hutton allow separate trading of the shares of common stock and rights prior to our filing of an audited balance sheet with the SEC which evidences our receipt of the gross proceeds from this offering. We will also include in the Form 8-K, or amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K, information indicating if EF Hutton has allowed separate trading of the common stock and rights prior to the 52nd day after the date of this prospectus. | |||
Once the shares of common stock and rights commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into their component pieces. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent in order to separate the units into separately traded shares of common stock and rights. No fractional shares will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole shares will trade. | ||||
| The Filing of Form 8-K | We will file a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC, including an audited balance sheet, promptly upon the consummation of this offering, which is anticipated to take place two business days from the date the units commence trading. The audited balance sheet will reflect our receipt of the proceeds from the exercise of the over-allotment option if the over-allotment option is exercised on the date of this prospectus. If the over-allotment option is exercised after the date of this prospectus, we will file an amendment to the Current Report on Form 8-K or a new Current Report on Form 8-K to provide new financial information to reflect the exercise of the over-allotment option. We will also include in the Current Report on Form 8-K, or amendment thereto, or in a subsequent current report on Form 8-K, information indicating if EF Hutton has allowed separate trading of the shares of common stock and rights prior to the 52nd day after the date of this prospectus. |
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| Units: | ||
| Number outstanding before this offering | 0 | |
| Number to be sold in this offering | 6,000,000 | |
| Number to be sold in the private placement | 235,045(1) | |
| Number outstanding after this offering | 6,235,045(1) | |
| Shares of common stock: | ||
| Number outstanding before this offering | 1,725,000 shares of common stock(2) | |
| Number outstanding after this offering and private placement offering | 7,795,045 shares of common stock(3) | |
| Rights: | ||
| Number of Rights outstanding before this offering | 0 | |
| Number of Rights to be sold in this offering | 600,000(4) | |
| Number of Rights to be sold in the private placement as part of the private placement units | 23,505(4) | |
| Number of Rights outstanding after this offering | 623,505(4) |
| (1) | This assumes no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option and thus the sale of 6,000,000 public units and 235,045 private units. The underwriter may exercise its over-allotment option partially or in full, which may lead to the sales of a maximum aggregate amount of 6,900,000 public units and 253,045 private units. Each unit consists of one share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right. |
| (2) | Includes up to an aggregate of 225,000 shares of common stock that are subject to forfeiture by our sponsor depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. |
| (3) | Comprised of 7,500,000 shares of common stock, 60,000 representative’s shares, and 235,045 shares of our common stock underlying the private placement units. The numbers assume that the underwriters’ over-allotment has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 shares of common stock held by our sponsor have been forfeited. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, there will be a total of 8,947,045 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. |
| (4) | This assumes that the over-allotment option has not been exercised. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, there will be a total of 715,305 rights issued and outstanding, including an aggregate of 23,505 rights underlying the private units. |
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| Terms of Rights: | Upon consummation of our initial business combination, each holder of one (1) public right may redeem such one (1) right in exchange for one share of common stock. We will not issue fractional shares in connection with an exchange of rights. If we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period, and we redeem the public shares for the funds held in the trust account, holders of rights will not receive any of such funds for their rights and the rights will expire worthless. | |||
| Founder shares | On May 17, 2023, our Sponsor purchased 1,725,000 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0145 per share (or $0.0167 in the case of the forfeiture of 225,000 shares of common stock if the over-allotment option is not exercised). The per share purchase price of the founder shares was determined by dividing the amount of cash contributed to the company by the aggregate number of founder shares issued. Prior to the initial investment in the company of $25,000 by our Sponsor, the company had no assets, tangible or intangible. The number of founder shares issued was determined based on the expectation that the founder shares would represent approximately 20% of the outstanding shares after this offering (not including the shares to be issued to the underwriter at closing or the shares underlying the private placement units). None of our Sponsor, officers, nor directors have expressed an intention to purchase any units in this public offering. We will effect a stock dividend or share contribution prior to this offering should the size of the offering change, in order to maintain such ownership percentage. | |||
| The founder shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below, although we will grant registration rights to the founders for those shares by way of the registration rights agreement to be entered into on or prior to the closing of this offering. | ||||
| Our Sponsor, officers, and directors will have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they agree (i) to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 9 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) (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). If we submit our initial business combination to our public stockholders for a vote, our Sponsor has agreed, pursuant to such letter agreement, to vote its founder shares and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in favor of our initial business combination, if permitted by law or regulation. | ||||
| The founder shares are identical to our common stock included in the units being sold in this offering, except that: | ||||
| ● | the founder shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below; | |||
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| ● | our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to (i) waive their redemption rights with respect to any founder shares and public shares they hold in connection with the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) waive their redemption rights with respect to any founder shares and public shares they hold in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (A) to modify the substance or timing of the ability of holders of our public shares to seek redemption in connection with our initial business combination or our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders' rights or pre-initial business combination activity and (iii) waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any founder shares they hold if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable), although they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any public shares they hold if we fail to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame. Permitted transferees of the founder shares held by our sponsor, officers, directors, special advisor and our other advisors would be subject to the same restrictions; | |||
| ● | pursuant to the letter agreement, our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to vote any founder shares held by them and any public shares purchased during or after this offering (including in open market and privately negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial business combination, if permitted by law or regulation. If we submit our initial business combination to our public stockholders for a vote, 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 initial business combination. As a result, in addition to our initial stockholders' founder shares, we would need a minimum of 213,717, or 3.56%, of the 6,000,000 public shares sold in this offering (if the approval requirement was a majority of shares voted and the minimum number of shares required for a quorum attended the meeting and assuming the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 founder shares have been forfeited as a result thereof), would need to be voted in favor a business combination in order for it to be approved. Additionally, each public stockholder may elect to redeem its public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed transaction (subject to the limitation described in the preceding paragraph); and | |||
| ● | the founder shares are entitled to registration rights. | |||
| Transfer restrictions on founder shares | Our Sponsor and initial stockholders have agreed not to transfer, assign, or sell any of the founder shares (except to certain permitted transferees) until, with respect to 50% of the founder shares, the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period following the consummation of our initial business combination and, with respect to the remaining 50% of the founder shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier in each case if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we complete a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities, or other property. All of the founder shares issued and outstanding prior to the date of this prospectus will be held in escrow with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company during the period in which they are subject to the transfer restrictions described above. | |||
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| Private placement units | Our Sponsor has committed, pursuant to certain written agreement, to purchase an aggregate of 235,045 private placement units (or, if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, 253,045 private placement units) at a price of $10.00 per unit in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of this offering. A portion of the proceeds derived from the sale of the private units will be added to the proceeds from this offering, which together will be held in the trust account such that, upon the consummation of this offering, $60.6 million (or $69.69 million if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full) will be held in the trust account.
Each of the private units sold by way of private placement will be identical to the publicly offered units described in this prospectus, except that, pursuant to certain letter agreement, the purchasers of the founder shares and the private units have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and private units: (i) in connection with the consummation of the initial business combination; (ii) in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the terms of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws which specify (a) the substance or timing of our obligation to permit the redemption of shares in connection with our initial business combination, (b) the requirement to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable), or (c) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders' rights or pre-initial business combination activity; and, (iii) if we fail to consummate a business combination within 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) or if we liquidate prior to the expiration of the prescribed period. | ||
Transfer restrictions on the private placement units |
Subject to any applicable law to which we and the Sponsor will comply, our Sponsor has agreed that it shall not transfer any of its unregistered shares until the earlier of 180 days after the completion of the initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a thirty-trading-day period following the consummation of our initial business combination and, with respect to the remaining 50% of the founder shares, six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier in each case if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we complete a liquidation, merger, stock exchange, or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities, or other property. Our Sponsor also has agreed to hold the founder shares in escrow during the period in which they are subject to the transfer restrictions described above. | ||
| Proceeds to be held in the trust account | Nasdaq rules provide that at least 90% of the gross proceeds from this offering must be deposited into a trust account ($9.00 per unit). Of the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units, at least $60.6 million, or $10.10 per publicly offered unit ($69.69 million, if the underwriter's over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be placed into a trust account in the United States with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee. These proceeds include $2,100,000 (or $2,415,000 if the underwriter's over-allotment option is exercised in full) in deferred underwriting discounts. | ||
| The funds in the trust account will be invested only in specified U.S. government treasury bills or in specified money market funds. | |||
| Except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the trust account that may be released to us to pay our taxes, our certificate of incorporation and the trust agreement to be entered into among the company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company provide that the proceeds from this offering will not be released from the trust account until the earliest of: | |||
| (a) | the completion of our initial business combination; |
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| (b) | the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our certificate of incorporation to (i) modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide for the redemption of our public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) or (ii) with respect to any other material provisions relating to stockholders' rights or pre-initial business combination activity; and, | |||
| (c) | the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus), subject to applicable law. | |||
| The proceeds deposited in the trust account could be subject to the claims of our creditors, if any, which could have priority over the claims of our public stockholders; although we will generally seek to require that creditors waive their right to make claims against the proceeds held in the trust account. | ||||
Anticipated expenses and funding sources
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Excluding the withdrawal of interest earned on the funds held in trust so as to pay any applicable taxes, no proceeds held in the trust account will be available for our use, unless and until we complete our initial business combination. Based upon current interest rates, we expect the trust account to generate approximately $2,727,000 of interest annually (assuming no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option and an interest rate of 4.50% per annum) following the investment of such funds in specified U.S. government treasury bills or in specified money market funds. | |||
| Unless and until we complete our initial business combination, we may pay our expenses only from: | ||||
| ● | $345,000 in working capital not held in trust that will be available to us from the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement units (which is the amount of funds estimated to be available after the payment of approximately $675,000 in expenses relating to this offering and certain advancements to the underwriters’ representative (excluding the underwriting discounts totaling $2,100,000 or, in the case of over-allotment $2,415,000); and | |||
| ● | any working capital loans or additional investments from our Sponsor, members of our management team or their affiliates, or other third parties, although they are under no obligation to advance funds or invest in us (and, provided that, any such loans will not have any claim on the proceeds held in the trust account unless such proceeds are released to us upon completion of a business combination). | |||
| There will be no fees, reimbursements, or other cash payments paid to our insiders or any of the members of our management team prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction involved) other than: | ||||
| ● | reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by our insiders or any of their affiliates in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations; and, | |||
| ● | repayment of working capital loans which may be made by our insiders or any of their affiliates to finance transaction costs in connection with an initial business combination, the terms of which have not been determined. | |||
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| There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we were to consummate an initial business combination or secure another source of financing. We have no policy which prohibits our insiders or any member of our management team from negotiating the reimbursement of such expenses by a target business. | ||
| Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to any insider or member of our management team, or our or their respective affiliates, and any reimbursements and payments made to members of our audit committee will be reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval. | ||
| Stockholder approval of, or tender offer in connection with, initial business combination | In connection with any proposed initial business combination, we will either: (1) seek stockholder approval of such initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to redeem their shares for that pro rata amount of cash then on deposit in the trust account attributable to those shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination; or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of our proposed business combination or 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. If we provide stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially similar financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we will consummate the business combination only if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the 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 needed to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceeds the aggregate amount of cash available to us (including any cash we may obtain from financing from third parties or our insiders or their affiliates, which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all), we will not complete the business combination (as we may be required to have a lesser number of shares redeemed). As a result, we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. If we seek stockholder approval of a business combination and if a significant number of public stockholders properly seek to redeem their public shares in connection with a proposed business combination, we or our insiders or their affiliates could purchase some or all of such shares in the open market or in private transactions in order to seek to satisfy the cash conditions. 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. No funds from the trust account can be released from the trust account prior to the consummation of the initial business combination to make such purchases (although such purchases could be made using funds available to us after the closing of a business combination). 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we or our insiders and their affiliates will not make purchases of shares of common stock if the purchases would violate Sections 9(a)(2) or 10(b) of the Exchange Act or Regulation M, which are rules that prohibit manipulation of a company’s stock, and we and they will comply with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act in connection with any open-market purchases. If purchases cannot be made without violating applicable law, no such purchases will be made. |
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| Letter agreement among the insiders and the company | a. | Our insiders have agreed A) to vote their unregistered shares in favor of any proposed business combination, if permitted by law or regulation, | ||
| b. | not to redeem any shares (including the founder shares and private units) into the right to receive cash from the trust account in connection with a stockholder vote to approve our proposed initial business combination (or sell to us any shares they hold in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination) or a vote to amend the provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and | |||
| c. | that the founder shares and private units shall not be redeemable for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account if a business combination is not consummated. | |||
| Our insiders also have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our certificate of incorporation that would (i) 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 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) or (ii) with respect to the other provisions relating to pre-business combination activity, unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of 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 (which interest shall be net of taxes and other permissible expenses permitted to be paid with the funds available from the interest earned) divided by the number of then issued and outstanding public shares. | ||||
| None of our insiders, or their affiliates has committed to purchase shares of common stock in this offering in the open market or in private transactions. However, if a significant number of stockholders vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against a proposed business combination, our insiders or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions in order to influence the vote. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our insiders and their affiliates will not make purchases of shares of common stock if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. | ||||
| Conditions to completing our initial business combination | Depending on the structure of our initial business combination, as few as 163,501 public shares, or approximately 2.73% of the publicly offered shares would need to be voted for a business combination structured as an acquisition of the target pursuant to article 216 of the DGCL (assuming the minimum number of shares necessary to constitute a quorum are present and vote a majority in favor) due to our insiders' ownership of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock upon consummation of the initial public offering. If all outstanding shares of common stock are present and vote at the meeting, then 2,162,479 public shares in addition to the insiders’ shares would need to approve the transaction (which amount does not include giving effect to the exercise of rights and assumes that the underwriter does not exercise the over-allotment option). | |||
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| There is no limitation on our ability to raise funds privately or through loans in connection with our initial business combination. Our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the funds held in the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriter’s fees and taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. If we are no longer listed on Nasdaq, we will not be required to satisfy the 80% test. However, we intend to satisfy the requirement of the 80% test even if our securities are not listed on Nasdaq at the time of our initial business combination because this is a requirement in our certificate of incorporation which may only be avoided pursuant to an affirmative stockholder vote to amend the certificate. We do not intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with our initial business combination. | |||
| If our board is not able to independently determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, we may obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking or accounting firm as to the fair market value of the target business. While we consider it unlikely that our board of directors will not be able to make an independent determination of the fair market value of our initial business combination, it may be unable to do so if it is less familiar or experienced with the business of a particular target or if there is a significant amount of uncertainty as to the value of a target’s assets or prospects. | |||
| 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 equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. However, we may structure our initial business combination so 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 an initial business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the initial business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the initial business combination. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital 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 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 taken into account for purposes of Nasdaq’s 80% of fair market value test. If the initial business combination involves more than one target business, the 80% of fair market value test will be based on the aggregate value of all of the transactions and we will treat the target businesses together as our initial business combination for purposes of seeking stockholder approval or conducting a tender offer, as applicable. | |||
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Permitted purchases of public shares by our affiliates
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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 Sponsor, initial stockholders, directors, officers, advisors, or their affiliates may purchase public shares in privately-negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination. There is no limit on the number of shares our initial stockholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable law and Nasdaq rules. | |
| However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. If they engage in such transactions, they will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Subsequent to the consummation of this offering, we will adopt an insider trading policy which will require insiders to: (i) refrain from purchasing our securities during certain blackout periods when they are in possession of any material non-public information and (ii) clear all trades of company securities with a compliance officer prior to execution. We cannot currently determine whether our insiders will make such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, as it will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to, the timing and size of such purchases. Depending on such circumstances, our insiders may either make such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan or determine that such a plan is not necessary. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. None of the funds held in the trust account will be used to purchase shares in such transactions prior to completion of our initial business combination. See “Proposed Business — Permitted Purchases of Our Securities” for a description of how our Sponsor, initial stockholders, directors, officers, advisors or any of their affiliates will select which stockholders to purchase securities from in any private transaction. Our Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or any of their affiliates will not make any purchases if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. | ||
The purpose of any such purchases of shares could be to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. Any such purchases of our securities 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 shares of common stock 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. |
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| Redemption rights for public stockholders upon completion of our initial business combination | In conjunction with any stockholder vote either to: (i) amend our certificate prior to our initial business combination or (ii) approve any proposed initial business combination: we will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares at a pro rata, per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our 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 deferred underwriting discounts that we will pay to the underwriters. | ||
| The proposed initial 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 initial business combination. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the initial business combination or redeem any shares, and all shares of common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof. | ||
| Manner of conducting redemptions | In connection with our initial business combination, we will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares either (i) pursuant to a stockholder meeting called to approve the initial business combination or (ii) without a stockholder vote by means of conducting a tender offer. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed initial 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 requirements. So long as we obtain and maintain a listing for our securities on Nasdaq, we will be required to comply with Nasdaq’s stockholder approval rules. | |||
| The requirement that we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares may be amended if approved by holders of 50% plus one share of all of our common stock entitled to vote thereon. | ||||
| Each public stockholder may elect to redeem its public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed transaction or whether they were a stockholder on the record date for the stockholder meeting held to approve the proposed transaction. | ||||
| If a stockholder vote is not required and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we can: | ||||
| ● | conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers, and | |||
| ● | file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination, which will contain substantially similar 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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| In the event we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, our offer 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. If public stockholders tender more shares than we have offered to purchase, we will withdraw the tender offer and not complete the initial business combination. | |||
| Upon the public announcement of our initial business combination, if we elect to conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, we or our Sponsor will terminate any plan established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 to purchase shares of our common stock in the open market so as to comply with Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act. | |||
| We intend to require our public stockholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to, at the holder’s option, deliver their shares to our transfer agent electronically using the Continental Stock Transfer and Trust system, prior to the date set forth in the proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable. In the case of proxy materials, this date may be up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the initial business combination. In addition, if we conduct redemptions in connection with a stockholder vote, we intend to require a public stockholder seeking redemption of its public shares to also submit a written request for redemption to our transfer agent two business days prior to the vote in which the name of the beneficial owner of such shares is included. The proxy materials or tender offer documents, 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. We believe that this will allow our transfer agent to efficiently process any redemptions without the need for further communication or action from the redeeming public stockholders, which could delay redemptions and result in additional administrative cost. If the proposed initial business combination is not approved and we continue to search for a target company, we will promptly return any certificates or shares delivered by public stockholders who elected to redeem their shares. | |||
| The proposed initial 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 initial business combination. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the initial business combination or redeem any shares, and all shares of common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof. | |||
| Limitation on redemption rights of stockholders holding more than 15% of the shares sold in this offering if we hold stockholder vote | Notwithstanding the foregoing redemption rights, 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 certificate of incorporation will provide 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 this offering, without our prior consent. | ||
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| Redemption rights in connection with proposed amendments to our certificate of incorporation | Our certificate of incorporation will provide that any of its provisions, including those related to pre-business combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of this offering and the private placement units into the trust account and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public stockholders as described herein and in our certificate of incorporation), may be amended if approved by holders of a majority our common stock. We may not issue additional securities that can vote on amendments to our certificate of incorporation or on our initial business combination. Our Sponsor, which will beneficially own approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock upon the closing of this offering (assuming that it does not purchase public units in this offering), may participate in any vote to amend our certificate of incorporation and/or trust agreement and will have the discretion to vote as it deems. | |
| Release of funds in trust account upon the close of our initial business combination | An aggregate of $10.10 per unit sold to the public in this offering (regardless of whether or not the over-allotment option is exercised) will be placed in a U.S.-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee, pursuant to an agreement to be signed on the date of this prospectus. The trustee will deposit the proceeds into a United States-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. The proceeds will be invested at the direction of the trustee. Except as set forth below, the proceeds held in the trust account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of an initial business combination and our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period. Therefore, unless and until an initial business combination is consummated, the proceeds held in the trust account will not be available for our use for any expenses related to this offering or expenses which we may incur related to the investigation and selection of a target business and the negotiation of an agreement to acquire a target business. | |
| Upon the consummation of our initial business combination, all amounts held in the trust account will be released to us. We will use these funds to pay amounts due to any public stockholders who exercise their redemption rights as described above under “Redemption rights for public stockholders upon completion of our initial business combination,” to pay the underwriters their deferred underwriting discounts, to pay all or a portion of the consideration payable to the target or targets or owners of the target or targets of our initial business combination, and to pay other expenses associated with our initial business combination. If our initial business combination is paid for using stock or debt securities, or not all of the funds released from the trust account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with our initial business combination, we may apply the balance of the cash released to us from the trust account for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other companies, or for working capital. | ||
| Liquidation if no business combination | If we cannot complete our initial business combination within 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus), we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders' rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining holders of common stock and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. At such time, the rights will expire and holders of the rights will receive nothing upon a liquidation with respect to such rights, and the rights will be worthless |
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| In connection with our redemption of 100% of our outstanding public shares, each holder will receive an amount equal to (1) the number of public shares being redeemed by such public holder divided by the total number of public shares multiplied by (2) the amount then in the trust account (initially $10.10 per share), which includes the deferred underwriting commission, plus a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes and other expenses (subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors). | ||
| The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims, if any, of our creditors that are in preference to the claims of our stockholders. We may not have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims. Although we will seek to have all vendors, service providers (excluding 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, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreements that they would be prevented from bringing claims against the trust account including, but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility, or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain an 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. The underwriters will not execute agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account. 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. 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. None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties, including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses. | ||
| Accordingly, we cannot assure you that due to claims of creditors the actual value of the per-share redemption price will not be less than $10.10 per share. | ||
| 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 $10.10 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, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors, our board of directors may be deemed to have breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or to have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons. |
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| The holders of the founder shares will not participate in any redemption distribution with respect to their founder shares, but may have any public shares redeemed upon liquidation. | |||
| If we are unable to conclude our initial business combination and we expend all of the net proceeds of this offering not deposited in the trust account, without taking into account any issues of taxation or interest earned on the trust account, we expect that the initial per-share redemption price will be approximately $10.10. | |||
| We will pay the costs of any liquidation following the redemptions from our remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, our insiders have agreed to pay the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $100,000) and have agreed not to seek repayment for such expenses. | |||
| The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to the deferred underwriting discounts held in the trust account in the event that we do not consummate a business combination (which amounts will be drawn from the funds held in the trust account that will be available to fund the redemption of our public shares). | |||
| Conflicts of interest | Our 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 officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination. More specifically, all of our officers and directors have fiduciary and contractual duties to Yotta Acquisition Corporation (“Yotta”), which executed a definitive merger agreement in connection with its initial business combination on October 24, 2022. To the extent that Yotta decides to terminate the agreements with its current target and pursue other opportunity, it may compete with us for business combination opportunities. For more details about our management’s conflict of interests, see “Management-Conflicts of Interest” on page 104 of this prospectus. If Yotta decides to pursue any such opportunity, we may be precluded from pursuing such opportunities. Subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Delaware law, none of the members of our management team who are also employed by, or directors of, our sponsor or its affiliates have any obligation to present us with any opportunity for a potential business combination of which they become aware. Our sponsor and directors and officers are also not prohibited from sponsoring, investing or otherwise becoming involved with, any other blank check companies, including in connection with their initial business combinations, prior to us completing our initial business combination. Our management team, in their capacities as directors, officers or employees of our sponsor or its affiliates or in their other endeavors, may choose to present potential business combinations to the related entities described above, current or future entities affiliated with or managed by our sponsor, or third parties, before they present such opportunities to us, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Delaware law and any other applicable fiduciary duties.
Further, in the future any of our directors and our officers may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present acquisition opportunities to such entity. Accordingly, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Delaware law and pursuant to our letter agreement, prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, such opportunities first shall be presented to us. Our certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: (i) no individual serving as a director or an officer shall have any duty, except and to the extent expressly assumed by contract, to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us; and (ii) we renounce any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any director or officer, on the one hand, and us, on the other. We do not believe, however, that any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our directors or officers would materially undermine our ability to complete our business combination. | ||
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| Audit Committee | We will establish and maintain an audit committee to, among other things, monitor compliance with the terms described above and the other terms relating to this offering. If any noncompliance is identified, then the audit committee will be charged with the responsibility to immediately take all action necessary to rectify such noncompliance or otherwise to cause compliance with the terms of this offering. For more information, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Management — Committees of the Board of Directors — Audit Committee.” | |
| Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our Sponsor, officers or directors, or our or their affiliates. | ||
| Indemnity | Our Sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we have entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below (i) $10.10 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 taxes; provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the trust account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable), nor will it apply to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. However, we have not asked our Sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations, nor have we independently verified whether our Sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations, and believe that our Sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our Sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties, including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.
In the event an excise tax and/or any other similar fees or taxes in nature are levied or imposed on us pursuant to any current, pending or future rule(s) or law(s), including without limitation any excise tax imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 in relation to a redemption of securities as described in the registration statement or otherwise, and such tax or fee has not been paid by us to the applicable regulatory authority on or prior to the due date for such a tax or fee, our sponsor agrees to promptly (but in any event sufficiently prior to the due date for such tax or fee to assure timely payment thereof) either directly pay such tax or fee on behalf of us or advance to us such funds as necessary and appropriate to allow us to pay such tax or fee timely. Our sponsor agrees not to seek recourse for such expenses from the trust account.
However, the sponsor may not be able to satisfy the above obligations, as we have not required it to retain any assets to provide for such obligations, nor have we taken any further steps to ensure that it will be able to satisfy any of the above obligations that arise. |
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this prospectus may 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 prospectus may include, for example, statements about:
| ● | our ability to select an appropriate target business or businesses; |
| ● | our ability to complete our initial business combination, particularly while considering the disruption that may result from limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| ● | our expectations around the performance of the 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 directors and officers allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial business combination, as a result of which they would then receive expense reimbursements; |
| ● | our potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination; |
| ● | our pool of prospective target businesses; |
| ● | the ability of our directors and officers to generate a number of potential acquisition opportunities; |
| ● | potential change in control if we acquire one or more target businesses for stock; |
| ● | our public securities’ potential liquidity and trading; |
| ● | the lack of a market for our securities; |
| ● | the use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to us from any interest income on the trust account balance; or, |
| ● | our financial performance following this offering. |
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described in the section of this prospectus entitled “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.
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We are a newly formed company that has conducted no operations and has generated no revenues. Until we complete our initial business combination, we will have no operations and will generate no operating revenues. In making your decision whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account not only the background of our management team, but also the special risks we face as a blank check company. This offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. For additional information concerning how Rule 419 blank check offerings differ from this offering, please see “Proposed Business — Comparison to offerings of blank check companies subject to Rule 419.” You should carefully consider these and the other risks set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus before making an investment.
Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The occurrence of one or more of the events or circumstances described in the section titled “Risk Factors,” alone or in combination with other events or circumstances, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Such risks include, but are not limited to:
| ● | Our public stockholders might not be afforded the opportunity to vote on our proposed initial business combination, which means that we might be able to complete an initial business combination even though a majority of our stockholders might oppose the transaction. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 30 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Our insiders will control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a stockholder vote. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 30 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | The rules of the exchange requires the approval of a majority of independent directors as do our governing documents; thus our initial business combination may not be successful absent a majority approval. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 32 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Absent a business combination, the net investment proceeds may be held in trust for as long as 18 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 32 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Our Sponsor may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 52 of this prospectus. |
| ● | We rely upon key personnel in order to identify a target, effect an initial business combination, and operate successfully thereafter. Our results could be negatively impacted by the loss of any individual prior to or after the business combination. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 52 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | We are dependent upon our officers and directors and their departure could adversely affect our ability to operate. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 52 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Since our Sponsor, officers, and directors 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. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 52 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | 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 $10.10 per share. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 57 of this prospectus. |
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| ● | If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, we may be required to adhere to that Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, which may make it more difficult for us to effect our initial business combination. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 57 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Public stockholders, together with any affiliates of theirs or any other person with whom they are acting in concert or as a “group,” will be restricted from seeking conversion rights with respect to more than 15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 58 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | We are a company with no operating history and no revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 66 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Past performance of members of our management team may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in the Company. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 66 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Cyber incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 66 of this prospectus. | |
| ● | Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations. See more detailed discussion of this risk factor on page 66 of this prospectus. |
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The following table summarizes the relevant financial data for our business and should be read with our financial statements, which are included in this prospectus. We have not had any significant operations to date, so only balance sheet data is presented.
| May 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Actual | As Adjusted | |||||||
| Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||
| Working capital (deficit)(1) | $ | (70,300 | ) | $ | 370,000 | |||
| Total assets(2) | 410,000 | 60,970,000 | ||||||
| Total liabilities(3) | 385,000 | 2,171,101 | ||||||
| Value of shares of common stock subject to possible redemption/tender(4) | - | 60,600,000 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ equity/(deficit)(5) | 25,000 | (1,801,101 | ) | |||||
| (1) | The “as adjusted” calculation includes $345,000 in cash held outside the trust account, plus $25,000 of actual stockholders’ equity at May 31, 2023. |
| (2) | The “as adjusted” calculation includes $60,600,000 of cash held in the trust account from the proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement units, plus $345,000 in cash held outside the trust account, plus $25,000 of actual stockholders’ equity at May 31, 2023. |
| (3) | The “as adjusted” calculation includes $2,100,000 of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions payable and $71,101 over-allotment option liability. |
| (4) | The “as adjusted” value of common stock which may be redeemed for cash equals the “as adjusted” the 6,000,000 common stock sold in the offering multiplied by the redemption value of $10.10 per share/unit. |
| (5) | Excludes 6,000,000 shares of common stock purchased in the public market which are subject to redemption in connection with our initial business combination. The “as adjusted” calculation equals the “as adjusted” total assets, less the “as adjusted” total liabilities, less the value of shares of common stock that may be redeemed in connection with our initial business combination (approximately $10.10 per share). |
If no business combination is completed within 9 months from the closing of this offering (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus), the proceeds then on deposit in the trust account, including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable, and less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses) will be used to fund the redemption of our public shares. Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within such 9-month (or 15 months or up to 21-month) time period.
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An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, which we believe represent the material risks related to the offering, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our units. 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. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks described below.
RISKS
RELATING TO OUR SEARCH FOR, CONSUMMATION OF, OR INABILITY TO
CONSUMMATE, A BUSINESS COMBINATION AND POST-BUSINESS COMBINATION RISKS
Our public stockholders might not be afforded the opportunity to vote on our proposed initial business combination, which means that we might be able to complete an initial business combination even though a majority of our stockholders might oppose the transaction.
Unless required by law, we might not seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination or we might provide stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by way of a tender offer for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this prospectus. Moreover, Nasdaq 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 would require us to issue more than 20% of our outstanding shares, we would seek stockholder approval of such a business combination instead of conducting a tender offer.
In the case that we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we will call a meeting for such purpose where shares may be redeemed, if they vote against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable). In the case of a tender offer, public stockholders will have the opportunity to sell their shares to us for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this prospectus. Thus, depending on various factors such as the economics of the initial business combination, the timing, et cetera, we will decide in our sole discretion the best resolution. Therefore, as concerns the initial business combination, even if a majority of stockholders disapproves, we might still be able to effect the transaction. Please see the section of this prospectus entitled “Proposed Business — Effecting Our Initial Business Combination” for additional information.
Our insiders will control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a stockholder vote.
Upon the consummation of this offering and private placement to be conducted simultaneously with this offering, our insiders, collectively will own beneficially approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. None of our insiders has committed to purchase units in this offering or any units or shares from persons in the open market or in private transactions. In addition, our insiders could determine in the future to make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions, to the extent permitted by law, in order to influence the vote. In connection with any vote for a proposed business combination, pursuant to letter agreement, our insiders will or have agreed to vote the shares of common stock owned by them immediately before this offering as well as the private shares and any shares of common stock acquired in this offering or in the aftermarket in favor of such proposed business combination (if permitted by law or regulation), and therefore will have a significant influence on the vote. As a result, in addition to our initial stockholders’ founder shares, we would need a minimum of 213,717, or 3.56%, of the 6,000,000 public shares sold in this offering (if the approval requirement was a majority of shares voted and the minimum number of shares required for a quorum attended the meeting and assuming the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 founder shares have been forfeited as a result thereof), would need to be voted in favor a business combination in order for it to be approved.
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Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares or rights from public holders, which may influence a vote on a proposed initial business combination and reduce the public “float” of our public securities.
Our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or public rights or a combination thereof, in privately-negotiated transactions or in the open market, either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination, although they are under no obligation to do so and they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. Moreover, none of the funds in the trust account would be used to purchase shares or public rights in such transactions. See “Proposed Business — Permitted Purchases of Our Securities” for a description of how our sponsor, directors, officers or any of their affiliates will select which stockholders to purchase securities from in any private transaction.
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 sponsor, 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 purpose of such purchases could be to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public rights could be to reduce the number of public rights outstanding. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.
In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our ordinary shares or public rights and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange. However, in the event our sponsor, directors, officers or their affiliates were to purchase shares or rights from public stockholders, such purchases would by structured in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act including, in pertinent part, through adherence to the following:
| ● | the Company’s registration statement/proxy statement filed for its business combination transaction would disclose the possibility that the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or rights from public stockholders outside the redemption process, along with the purpose of such purchases; | |
| ● | if the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates were to purchase shares, or rights from public stockholders, they would do so at a price no higher than the price offered through the Company’s redemption process; | |
| ● | the Company’s registration statement/proxy statement filed for its business combination transaction would include a representation that any of the Company’s securities purchased by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates would not be voted in favor of approving the business combination transaction; | |
| ● | the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers or their affiliates would not possess any redemption rights with respect to the Company’s securities or, if they do acquire and possess redemption rights, they would waive such rights; and | |
| ● | the Company would disclose in its Form 8-K, before to the Company’s security holder meeting to approve the business combination transaction, the following material items: |
| i. | the amount of the Company’s securities purchased outside of the redemption offer by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates, along with the purchase price; | |
| ii. | the purpose of the purchases by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates; | |
| iii. | the impact, if any, of the purchases by the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates on the likelihood that the business combination transaction will be approved; | |
| iv. | the identities of Company security holders who sold to the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates (if not purchased on the open market) or the nature of Company security holders (e.g., 5% security holders) who sold to the Company’s sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates; and | |
| v. | the number of Company securities for which the Company has received redemption requests pursuant to its redemption offer. |
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The rules of the exchange requires the approval of a majority of independent directors as do our governing documents; thus our initial business combination may not be successful absent a majority approval.
Various factors that the board must consider when evaluating whether to approve our initial business combination include valuation, the issuance of additional equity, incentive to retain key management personnel, et cetera. For example, we may issue additional equity so as to complete our initial business combination or so as to retain key management and other personnel after completion of our initial business combination. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our public stockholders and possibly present other risks.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at effectiveness of this prospectus will authorize the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. We also may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common or preferred stock to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination; provided, however, that our governing documents require a stockholder approval for the authorization of additional equity. Thus, any additional issuance of equity may: significantly dilute or subordinate the equity ownership of the investors in this offering; cause a change in control; or adversely affect the market price of your units.
Absent a business combination, the net investment proceeds may be held in trust for as long as 18 months from the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
We will not have an obligation to return the funds held in trust unless we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable). Consequently, your investment funds and the interest accrued thereon, if applicable, may not be available to you for the next 18 months. We may also at that time make a proposal to stockholders to amend our governing documents so as to allot additional time for our search; in which case you would be provided the opportunity to redeem your shares. Your only other alternative to recoup your investment would be to sell your shares to the public, and you risk capital loss if you sell your shares because we cannot guarantee that the price for our securities after this initial public offering will equal the consideration that you paid for our units.
Your ability to influence the outcome of the investment decision concerning the initial business combination will be limited.
Upon your initial investment in us, little information will be available to you concerning our likely future target company for the initial business combination. This makes it difficult for you to evaluate your investment risk. Moreover, a decision whether to pursue the initial business combination may not require your approval, for example, in the case of a tender offer. Your only opportunity to influence the outcome of a proposed initial business combination may be to exercise your right to redeem your shares for cash.
We may not be required to seek stockholder approval of our merger, and therefore, beyond electing to redeem your shares for cash, you may not have any other economic or legal influence over the consummation of the initial business combination.
For example, section 251 of the DGCL provides that a stockholder vote as to a proposed merger may not be necessary in certain scenarios. If we encounter an opportunity that we believe is in the best interest of the company and that also does not require a stockholder vote because the criteria of, for example, section 251(f) or 251(g), are satisfied, then we may elect to consummate the transaction absent stockholder approval. In addition, due to the ownership interest of our insiders, under section 216 of the DGCL, if our initial business combination is proposed to our stockholders and presuming the majority approval of a quorum of our outstanding shares represented, then we may need as few as 213,717 public shares, or approximately 3.56% of the publicly offered shares would need to be voted for a business combination structured as an acquisition of the target pursuant to article 216 of the DGCL (assuming the minimum number of shares necessary to constitute a quorum are present and vote a majority in favor) due to our insiders’ ownership of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock upon consummation of the initial public offering. If all outstanding shares of common stock are present and vote at the meeting, then 2,102,479 public shares in addition to the insiders’ shares would need to approve the transaction (which assumes that the underwriter does not exercise the over-allotment option).
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The ability of our public stockholders to redeem their shares constitutes a capital structure risk that we cannot easily predict or mitigate and as a result such risk may hinder our ability to successfully consummate an initial business combination.
The total amount of our capital that will be recalled as a result of public stockholders opting to redeem their shares is not readily ascertainable and therefore should we need to pay any amount of consideration for the initial business combination in cash or otherwise provide cash as a result of the initial business combination, we would not be able to easily ascertain whether we would have sufficient cash as a result of the unpredictability of capital calls resulting from stockholder redemptions. As a result, we would need to arrange for third-party financing for which there is no guarantee that we would be successful. Moreover, raising additional third-party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. The above considerations may force us to restructure an otherwise optimal capital structure or limit our ability to complete the most desirable business combination available to us.
Any stockholder redemption would cause cash to be depleted from the trust subject only to the underwriter’s commission but not the subsequent business combination commission. As a result, the proportion of fees payable to the underwriter may increase significantly for those who elect not to redeem their shares prior to the initial business combination. This would increase the total cost of capital and possibly cause your return on investment to be less than it otherwise would have been.
Whether and the extent to which stockholders redeem their shares for cash may constitute a risk that could cause us to fail to successfully consummate the initial business combination because a condition of the transaction might be a requirement for us to tender a certain amount of cash which, absent third-party financing, might not be possible if subjected to an excess amount of redemptions.
As a part of our initial business combination, it is possible that a condition to the consummation of the transaction might be that we tender a certain amount of cash. If more stockholders than predicted were to elect to redeem their shares for cash then, absent third-party financing to accommodate any inadequacy in funds, we might not have sufficient cash to satisfy the condition and therefore to consummate the transaction.
Members of our management team may in the future be involved in governmental investigations and civil litigation relating to the business affairs of companies with which they are, were or may in the future be affiliated with.
Members of our management team may in the future be involved in governmental investigations and civil litigation relating to the business affairs of companies with which they are, were or may in the future be affiliated with. Any such investigations or litigations may divert our management team’s attention and resources away from searching for an initial business combination, may be detrimental to our reputation, and thus may negatively affect our ability to complete an initial business combination.
We may become involved in litigation that may materially adversely affect us.
From time to time, we may become involved in various legal proceedings relating to matters incidental to the ordinary course of our business, including litigation and claims, and governmental and other regulatory investigations and proceedings. Such matters can be time-consuming, divert management’s attention and resources, cause us to incur significant expenses or liability or require us to change our business practices. Because of the potential risks, expenses and uncertainties of litigation, we may, from time to time, settle disputes, even where we believe that we have meritorious claims or defenses. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, we cannot assure you that the results of any of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our share price may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities litigation, including class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future.
Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.
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The requirement to complete an initial business combination within a prescribed timeframe may disadvantage us in negotiating with a potential target, especially as the deadline nears, at which point we would cease all operations and liquidate.
The prescribed timeframe of 9 months (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) to complete an initial business combination may limit our ability to thoroughly complete due diligence, which might hinder our ability to negotiate superior terms for our stockholders. Furthermore, any potential target will be informed of our schedule and may use this information as leverage against us, for example, as the end-of-term approaches, such target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating an initial business combination, knowing that if we do not complete our initial business combination with them, the consequences would be a dissolution.
Our use of funds prior to the completion of the initial business combination may be limited.
The amount of funds held in trust from the combination of this offering, the private placement, and the founder’s shares will be in the amount of 100% of the securities registered and described herein until the earlier of the completion of our initial business combination or the expiration of 9 months (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus). The balance of $345,000 to be held outside of our trust account will be available to fund our operating expenses until the consummation of our initial business combination. The expenditures necessary from the time of this offering until we are able to effect our initial business combination might surpass this allocation in which case we would need to secure additional funds or would be forced to terminate our search and liquidate. Our officers, directors, and insiders would not be obligated to lend us money in such a scenario.
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 $10.10 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our rights will expire worthless.
We have 9 months from the closing of this offering to consummate our initial business combination (“Combination Period”). If we anticipate that we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering, we may, but are not obligated to, if requested by our sponsor or its affiliates, extend Combination Period up to two times by an additional three months each time for a total of up to 15 months by depositing $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) in connection with each such extension into our trust account (the “Paid Extension Period”). In addition, we will be entitled to an automatic six-month extension to complete a business combination (the “Automatic Extension Period”) if we have executed a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement for an initial business combination during the Combination Period or Paid Extension Period. 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. Additionally, the continued outbreak of COVID-19 may negatively impact businesses we may seek to acquire. If we have not completed our initial business combination within such twelve-month (or up to eighteen-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 $10.10 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our rights 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 $10.10 per share” and other risk factors herein.
The effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the economy and the markets, and any other similar phenomenon, may materially affect our ability to successfully consummate an initial business combination.
Dislocations to the market as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other similar phenomenon cause significant and unpredictable risks that may affect our ability to successfully consummate an initial business combination in a materially adverse way.
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If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares from public stockholders, which would reduce the public “float” of our common stock prior to a vote, which may influence a vote on a proposed business combination.
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 Sponsor, directors, officers, or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination, although they are under no obligation to do so. 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 addition, none of the funds in the trust account will be used to purchase shares in such transactions.
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 Sponsor, 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 purpose of such purchases could be to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent that such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.
In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our common stock and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing, or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.
If a stockholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem the shares of this offering in connection with our initial business combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.
We will comply with the tender offer rules or proxy rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial business combination. Nonetheless, if a stockholder does not receive our tender offer or proxy materials, as applicable, such stockholder may not have notice of the opportunity to redeem shares. In addition, the proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, that we will furnish to our public stockholders in connection with our initial business combination will describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly tender or redeem such shares. For example, 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 mailed to such holders or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve our initial business combination in the event we distribute proxy materials, or in the alternative, to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically. In the event that a stockholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures, its shares may not be redeemed.
Your investment will not be returned to you except in limited circumstances.
Your investment will be held in trust, and you will have no interest therein except by exercising your right of redemption at either: (i) the time of our stockholder vote as to the initial business combination; (ii) the end of the term for our initial business combination if no combination was consummated; or, (iii) the time to amend our certificate of incorporation in connection with a stockholder vote to grant additional time beyond the original time limit of 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable). In no other circumstances will a public stockholder have any right or interest of any kind in the trust account.
In addition, if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering 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.
You may be able to transfer your shares so long as we remain listed, but you would risk a potential loss.
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We anticipate that our efforts to identify a target for a business combination may be hindered by significant competition.
We anticipate that there may be significant competition in the market for the identification of investments from other blank check companies, investment companies, and other individuals. Some of these competitors may be more experienced, better staffed, and with cost of capital or other financial objectives that might permit a more competitive offering than what we might be able to offer. For example, our unpredictable future balance sheet at the time and as a result of redemptions for cash might place us at a significant disadvantage to a competitor who would not be subject to such a variation.
The future development and growth of crypto is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to predict and evaluate. If crypto does not grow as we expect, it may limit the ability for us to identify perspective target for business combination, affect the attractiveness of any target business, consummate any business combination, or, following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of operations.
Crypto assets built on blockchain technology were only introduced in 2008 and remain in the early stages of development. In addition, different crypto assets are designed for different purposes. Bitcoin, for instance, was designed to serve as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, while Ethereum was designed to be a smart contract and decentralized application platform. Many other crypto networks—ranging from cloud computing to tokenized securities networks—have only recently been established. The further growth and development of any crypto assets and their underlying networks and other cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the creation, transfer, and usage of crypto assets represent a new and evolving paradigm that is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to evaluate, including:
| ● | many crypto networks have limited operating histories, have not been validated in production, and are still in the process of developing and making significant decisions that will affect the design, supply, issuance, functionality, and governance of their respective crypto assets and underlying blockchain networks, any of which could adversely affect their respective crypto assets or exchange platforms; |
| ● | many crypto networks are in the process of implementing software upgrades and other changes to their protocols, which could introduce bugs, security risks, or adversely affect the respective crypto networks or exchange platforms; |
| ● | several large networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, are developing new features to address fundamental speed, scalability, and energy usage issues. If these issues are not successfully addressed, or are unable to receive widespread adoption, it could adversely affect the underlying crypto assets; |
| ● | security issues, bugs, and software errors have been identified with many crypto assets and their underlying blockchain networks, some of which have been exploited by malicious actors. There are also inherent security weaknesses in some crypto assets, such as when creators of certain crypto networks use procedures that could allow hackers to counterfeit tokens. Any weaknesses identified with a crypto asset could adversely affect its price, security, liquidity, and adoption. If a malicious actor or botnet (a volunteer or hacked collection of computers controlled by networked software coordinating the actions of the computers) obtains a majority of the compute or staking power on a crypto network, as has happened in the past, it may be able to manipulate transactions, which could cause financial losses to holders, damage the network’s reputation and security, and adversely affect its value; |
| ● | the development of new technologies for mining, such as improved application-specific integrated circuits (commonly referred to as ASICs), or changes in industry patterns, such as the consolidation of mining power in a small number of large mining farms, could reduce the security of blockchain networks, lead to increased liquid supply of crypto assets, and reduce a crypto’s price and attractiveness; |
| ● | if rewards and transaction fees for miners or validators on any particular crypto network are not sufficiently high to attract and retain miners, a crypto network’s security and speed may be adversely affected, increasing the likelihood of a malicious attack; |
| ● | many crypto assets have concentrated ownership or an “admin key”, allowing a small group of holders to have significant unilateral control and influence over key decisions related to their crypto networks, such as governance decisions and protocol changes, as well as the market price of such crypto assets; |
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| ● | the governance of many decentralized blockchain networks is by voluntary consensus and open competition, and many developers are not directly compensated for their contributions. As a result, there may be a lack of consensus or clarity on the governance of any particular crypto network, a lack of incentives for developers to maintain or develop the network, and other unforeseen issues, any of which could result in unexpected or undesirable errors, bugs, or changes, or stymie such network’s utility and ability to respond to challenges and grow; and |
| ● | many crypto networks are in the early stages of developing partnerships and collaborations, all of which may not succeed and adversely affect the usability and adoption of the respective crypto assets. |
Various other technical issues have also been uncovered from time to time that resulted in disabled functionalities, exposure of certain users’ personal information, theft of users’ assets, and other negative consequences, and which required resolution with the attention and efforts of their global miner, user, and development communities. While our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular geographic region or industry, we would prefer an initial business combination with a digital asset exchange, such as a bitcoin marketplace. If any such risks or other risks regarding crypto materialize, and in particular if they are not resolved, the development and growth of crypto may be significantly affected. As a result, we may be limited in our ability to identify a prospective target business or to consummate any business combination.
We anticipate that our efforts to identify a target for a business combination may be negatively affected by a highly-evolving regulatory landscape and any adverse changes to, or our target’s failure to comply with, any laws or regulations could affect our ability to complete a business combination.
While our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular geographic region or industry, we would prefer an initial business combination with a digital asset exchange, such as a bitcoin marketplace.
Digital asset exchanges on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. Many digital exchanges do not provide the public with significant information regarding their ownership structure, management teams, corporate practices or regulatory compliance. As a result, the marketplace may lose confidence in, or may experience problems relating to, cryptocurrency exchanges, including prominent exchanges handling a significant portion of the volume of digital asset trading.
For example, in the first half of 2022, each of Celsius Network, Voyager Digital Ltd., and Three Arrows Capital declared bankruptcy, resulting in a loss of confidence in participants of the digital asset ecosystem and negative publicity surrounding digital assets more broadly. In November 2022, FTX, the third largest digital asset exchange by volume at the time, halted customer withdrawals and shortly thereafter, FTX and its subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy.
In response to these events, the digital asset markets, including the market for bitcoin specifically, have experienced extreme price volatility and several other entities in the digital asset industry have been, and may continue to be, negatively affected, further undermining confidence in the digital assets markets and in bitcoin. These events have also negatively impacted the liquidity of the digital assets markets as certain entities affiliated with FTX engaged in significant trading activity. If the liquidity of the digital assets markets continues to be negatively impacted by these events, digital asset prices (including the price of bitcoin) may continue to experience significant volatility and confidence in the digital asset markets may be further undermined. These events are continuing to develop and it is not possible to predict at this time all of the risks that they may pose to potential targets, or on the digital asset industry as a whole.
A perceived lack of stability in the digital asset exchange market and the closure or temporary shutdown of digital asset exchanges due to business failure, hackers or malware, government-mandated regulation, or fraud, may reduce confidence in digital asset networks and result in greater volatility in cryptocurrency values. These potential consequences of a digital asset exchange’s failure could adversely affect any investment in the industry.
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In addition, as the popularity and size of the crypto-asset market has grown, the Federal Reserve Board, the US Congress, and some US agencies (for example, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation) have begun to study the crypto assets operations, crypto-asset users and crypto asset exchange markets. While digital asset exchanges are subject to extensive laws, rules, regulations, policies, and legal and regulatory guidance, including those governing securities, commodities, custody of crypto assets, exchange and transfer, data management, data protection, cybersecurity, and taxation, many of current legal and regulatory regimes are outdated and do not address or address the unique challenges associated with crypto economics. As a result, the businesses of potential targets related to digital asset exchanges are subject to significant uncertainty, which varies widely across U.S. federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. These uncertainties have only increased due to the recent bankruptcy of the FTX exchange and other recent regulatory issues faced by crypto-currency based companies and assets. The legal and regulatory regimes, including the laws, rules, and regulations associated with them, are evolving and will be impacted by the bankruptcy of the FTX Exchange and other regulatory concerns with the industry generally. New and current rules and regulations may be interpreted and applied inconsistently across jurisdictions, and may conflict with each other, which may subject targets in the digital asset exchange business to incompliance or subject our potential business combination to significant legal and regulatory consequences, leading to significant delay or even termination of our initial business combination.
If the net proceeds of this offering and any other financing are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 9 months, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination, in which case our public stockholders may only receive $10.10 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances.
The funds available to us outside of the trust account may not be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 9 months, assuming that our initial business combination is not completed during that time. We believe that, upon the closing of this offering, the funds available to us outside of the trust account will be sufficient to allow us to operate for the next 9 months; 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 or merger agreements 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 initial business combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we entered into a letter of intent or merger agreement 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 conducting due diligence with respect to, a target business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.10 per share, or less in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our trust account. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.10 per share upon our liquidation. See “Risk Factors — 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 $10.10 per share” and other risk factors described herein.
Subsequent to the completion of our initial business combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our stock price, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.
Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business with which we combine, we cannot assure you that this diligence will reveal all material issues that may be present inside a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a result of these factors, we may be forced to later write down or write off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining debt financing to partially finance our initial business combination, whichever may apply. Accordingly, any security holders who choose to remain security holders following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by our directors or officers of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to our initial business combination, constituted an actionable material misstatement or omission.
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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 $10.10 per share.
Our placing of funds in the trust account may not protect those funds from third-party claims against us. Although we will seek to have all vendors, service providers (other than our independent auditors), prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business waive 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 waive 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 the shares issued in this offering, if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed timeframe, 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 any applicable statute of limitations following redemption.
Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us and is not subsequently dismissed, or if we otherwise enter compulsory or court supervised liquidation, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders.
Accordingly, the per-share redemption amount received by public stockholders could be less than the $10.10 per share initially held in the trust account, due to claims of such creditors.
Our directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of our Sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders.
In the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.10 per share of common stock issued in this offering and (ii) the actual amount per share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account (if less than $10.10 per share) due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, and our Sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine 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 and subject to their fiduciary duties may choose not to do so in any particular instance if, for example, the cost of such legal action is deemed by the independent directors to be too high relative to the amount recoverable or if the independent directors determine that a favorable outcome is not likely. If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders may be reduced below $10.10 per share.
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We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of our directors and officers.
We have agreed to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law and we will purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances, and that insures us against our obligations to indemnify our directors and officers. However, any such insurance may not be available or sufficient. Further, our directors and officers have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account and to not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided by us will be able to be satisfied by us only if (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the trust account, or (ii) we consummate our initial business combination. Our obligations to indemnify our directors and officers may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors and officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers even though, such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we may incur the costs of settlement and damage awards against our directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and the members of our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors, thereby exposing the members of our board of directors and us to claims of punitive damages.
If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, 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 all amounts received by our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.
If, before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over the claims of our stockholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our stockholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.
If, before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, 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, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our stockholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.
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 their shares of common stock in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) 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 with respect to any claim commenced after the third anniversary of the dissolution. However, we intend to redeem the shares of our common stock issued in this offering as soon as reasonably possible following the 9th month (or 15th or 21st in the case of an election of one or more extensions) from the closing of this offering in the event we do not complete our initial business combination and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with the foregoing procedures.
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Because we will not be complying with Section 280 of the DGCL, 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 potentially may be 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 with respect to any claim commenced 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 the shares of our common stock issued in this offering in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within 18 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein is not considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful (potentially due to the imposition of legal proceedings that a party may bring or due to other circumstances that are currently unknown), 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. Unlike in the case of claims against stockholders relating to an unlawful liquidating distribution, however, stockholders are only liable for an unlawful redemption distribution if they knew that the redemption was unlawful.
Our stockholders may attempt to cause us to hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect directors prior to our initial business combination which may cause us to incur additional expense.
In accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on Nasdaq. Under Section 211(b) of the DGCL, we are, however, required to hold an annual meeting of stockholders for the purposes of electing directors in accordance with our certificate of incorporation unless such election is made by written consent in lieu of such a meeting. We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, and thus we may not be in compliance with Section 211(b) of the DGCL, which requires an annual meeting. Therefore, if our stockholders want us to hold an annual meeting prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, they may attempt to force us to hold one by submitting an application to the Delaware Court of Chancery in accordance with Section 211(c) of the DGCL.
Because we are neither limited to evaluating a target business in a particular industry, nor have we selected 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 or sector. Because we have not yet selected or approached any specific target business with respect to our initial business combination, there is no basis to evaluate the possible merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition or prospects. To the extent we complete our business combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations with which we combine. Although our directors and officers 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 ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such opportunity were available, in a business combination target. Accordingly, any security holders who choose to remain security holders following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by our directors or officers of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to our initial business combination, constituted an actionable material misstatement or omission.
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We may not have significant experience or knowledge of the jurisdiction or industry of the business of the initial business combination.
Although we prefer an initial business combination with a digital asset exchange, such as a bitcoin marketplace, we may consummate an initial business combination with any business in any jurisdiction we choose. As a result, we might not have sufficient expertise or the experience necessary to make an informed analysis and resulting decision concerning the initial business combination.
We have identified target criteria and other investment guidelines as a part of developing our strategy for the identification of a target business for the initial business combination; however, we are not obliged to adhere to these criteria which means that we may effect a combination with a significantly different business.
Our investment criteria constitute a general strategy composed of certain identification and qualification guidelines that we prefer in the identification of a target business for completing the initial business combination. We are not obliged to adhere to these guidelines and we may not, for example, in the scenario where we find an opportunity that we perceive as being a suitable option or the next best option if no target meeting all of our criteria was identified. As a result, you risk that at the time of a stockholder vote as to a business combination, any proposal that does not adhere to our strategy might be at an increased risk for rejection. This would mean an increase in redemption elections resulting in decreased cash held in trust and thus potentially a risk that we might not have enough funds to consummate the transaction. In the alternative, you risk that our evaluation of the company might later prove to be incorrect, for example, that the target’s failure to demonstrate all of the investment criteria might as a result cause it to be an unsuccessful venture after the combination due to any single or various combination of factors.
We may seek business combination opportunities with an early-stage company, a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenue, cash flow or earnings, which could subject us to volatile revenues, cash flows or earnings or difficulty in retaining key personnel.
To the extent we complete our initial business combination with an early-stage company, a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of sales or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which we combine. These risks include investing in a business without a proven business model and with limited historical financial data, volatile revenues or earnings, intense competition and difficulties in obtaining and retaining key personnel. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors and we may not have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business.
We may, but 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 economically fair to our company.
Unless we complete our initial business combination with an affiliated entity or our board cannot independently determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, 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 proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, related to our initial business combination.
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, consultants, 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 are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.10 per share, or less in certain circumstances, upon the liquidation of our trust account. 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 $10.10 per share” and other risk factors below.
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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 our initial business combination meeting certain financial significance tests include 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 to 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 so as to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed timeframe.
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 our initial business combination.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls beginning with our first Annual Report on Form 10-K. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer will we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not 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 company 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 initial business combination.
We do not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us to complete our initial business combination with which a substantial majority of our stockholders do not agree.
Our certificate of incorporation does not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold. 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 Sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete our initial business combination or redeem any shares, all shares of common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate business combination.
In order to effectuate our initial business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and other governing instruments. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our certificate of incorporation or other governing documents in a manner that will make it easier for us to complete our initial business combination but that might also be opposed by our stockholders.
In order to effectuate our initial business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and other governing instruments. For example, blank check companies have amended the definition of business combination, increased redemption thresholds, and extended the time to consummate their initial business combinations. Amending the provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to certain pre-business combination activity will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock.
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In addition, our certificate of incorporation requires us to provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares for cash if we propose an amendment to our certificate of incorporation (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemptions in connection with our initial business combination, (B) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of the shares of common stock issued in this offering if we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering or (C) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity. To the extent any such amendments would be deemed to fundamentally change the nature of any securities offered through this registration statement, we would register, or seek an exemption from registration for, the affected securities. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our certificate of incorporation to extend the time to consummate our initial business combination, or seek other amendments to our governing documents in order to effectuate our initial business combination.
The provisions of our 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) including an amendment to permit us to withdraw funds from the trust account such that the per-share amount investors receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated, may be amended with the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding 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 certificate of incorporation and the trust agreement to facilitate the completion of our initial business combination that some of our stockholders may not support.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that any of its provisions related to pre-initial business combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of this offering and certain proceeds of other financing activity and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, to provide redemption rights to public stockholders as described herein and including to permit us to withdraw funds from the trust account such that the per-share amount investors will receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated) may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our stockholders entitled to vote thereon. In all other instances, our certificate of incorporation may be amended by holders of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock entitled to vote thereon, subject to applicable provisions of the DGCL or applicable stock exchange rules.
The initial stockholders will hold, in the aggregate, approximately 20% of the voting power of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately following the IPO (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering), will participate in any vote to amend our certificate of incorporation and/or trust agreement, and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose except as otherwise required by the letter agreement.
As a result, we may be able to amend the provisions of our certificate of incorporation which govern our pre-initial-business-combination behavior more easily than some other blank check companies, and this may increase our ability to complete an initial business combination with which you do not agree. Our stockholders may pursue remedies against us for any breach of our certificate of incorporation.
Additional financing might not be available to us, if necessary, to complete our initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.
We have not yet identified any prospective target business and therefore the capital requirements for any particular transaction remain to be determined; thus, although we believe that the net proceeds of this offering will be sufficient to allow us to consummate a business combination, we cannot be certain that we will not require additional capital, which may not be available to us. If the net proceeds of this offering prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of the business combination, the depletion of the available net proceeds in search of a target business, or the obligation to redeem into cash a significant number of shares of common stock, we will be required to seek additional financing which may not be available or may not be available on acceptable terms. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to consummate a particular business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we may require additional financing to fund the operations or the 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.
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The normal regulatory protections for blank check companies will not apply to your investment in this company.
Under the U.S. securities laws, our company has characteristics of a “blank check company” because our “business plan is to engage in a merger or acquisition with an unidentified company or companies, or other entity or person,” and Rule 419 as promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 governs such offerings and provides an exclusion for which we qualify because the Exchange Rule 3a51-1(a)(2) excludes from the definition of “penny stock” a security that is registered, or approved for registration upon notice of issuance, on a national securities exchange, or is listed, or approved for listing upon notice of issuance on, an automated quotation system sponsored by a registered national securities association, that has established initial listing standards that meet or exceed the criteria set forth in the Exchange Rule. Once the Company’s securities are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market and have been so listed since the consummation of its proposed IPO, the Company can therefore rely on the Exchange Rule to avoid being treated as a penny stock. Thus, the investor protections of Rule 419 will not apply: restriction on the transferability of the securities, completion of an initial business combination within 18 months, and restriction on the use of interest earned on the funds held in trust. For more information comparing our offering with offerings governed by Rule 419, please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled “Proposed Business: Comparison of This Offering to Blank Check Offerings Subject to Rule 419.”
Our initial stockholders will hold a substantial interest in us. As a result, they may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.
Upon the closing of this offering, our initial stockholders will own shares representing approximately 20.00% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock (not including the shares of common stock underlying the private units and assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering). Neither our initial stockholders nor, to our knowledge, any of our officers or directors, have any current intention to purchase additional securities, other than as disclosed in this prospectus. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our 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 certificate of incorporation and approval of major corporate transactions. If our initial stockholders purchase any units in this offering or any additional shares of common stock in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated transactions, this would increase their influence over these actions. In addition, our board of directors, whose members were elected by our initial stockholders, will serve for three years prior to appointing replacement directors in three, staggered classes of directors, therefore providing for the election of only one class of directors in each subsequent year thereafter. We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the completion of our initial business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the completion of the initial business combination. If there is an annual meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a portion of the board of directors will be considered for election. Accordingly, our initial stockholders will exert significant influence over actions requiring a stockholder vote. Please see “Proposed Business — Effecting Our Initial Business Combination.”
Resources could be wasted in researching business combinations that are not completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.10 per share or less upon the liquidation of our trust account.
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 are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.10 per share on the liquidation of our trust account.
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Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with the target or surviving entity in connection with negotiating the business combination.
Our key personnel may remain with us after the initial business combination so long as they are able to successfully negotiate an employment or consulting agreement that would be negotiated simultaneous to the negotiation of the initial business combination. As such, the personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business. As a result, this potential conflict of interest could impair our evaluation of whether any particular acquisition would be more advantageous than another.
Our assessment of the skills and qualifications of the management of the target company may be limited which could cause us to make a sub-optimal selection.
We will make our evaluation of the target company and its management subject to the limitations of time, information, and resources. As a result, our analysis will be a qualified-analysis, and therefore our determination may ultimately prove to be incorrect. For example, a latent discovery could emerge that the management of the target company might not be suited to managing a publicly traded company. Such a scenario may cause the publicly traded shares of the company to decline in value.
Unlike other blank check companies, we may extend the time to complete a business combination by up to six months without a stockholder vote or your ability to redeem your shares.
We have 9 months from the closing of this offering to consummate our initial business combination (“Combination Period”). If we anticipate that we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering, we may, but are not obligated to, if requested by our sponsor or its affiliates, extend Combination Period up to two times by an additional three months each time for a total of up to 15 months by depositing $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) in connection with each such extension into our trust account (the “Paid Extension Period”). In addition, we will be entitled to an automatic six-month extension to complete a business combination (the “Automatic Extension Period”) if we have executed a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement for an initial business combination during the Combination Period or Paid Extension Period. If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within such time period, we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, including a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes, and then seek to liquidate and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public shareholders. In the event of our liquidation and subsequent dissolution, the public and private rights will expire and will be worthless. Our public stockholders will not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our extensions of time to consummate an initial business combination from 9 months to up to 15 months or redeem their shares in connection with such extensions.
Public stockholders will not be offered the opportunity to vote on or redeem their shares in connection with any such extension.
As the number of special purpose acquisition companies increases, there may be more competition to find an attractive target for an initial business combination. This could increase the costs associated with completing our initial business combination and may result in our inability to find a suitable target for our initial business combination.
In recent years, the number of special purpose acquisition companies that have been formed has increased substantially. Many companies have entered into business combinations with special purpose acquisition companies, and there are still many special purpose acquisition companies seeking targets for their initial business combination, as well as many additional special purpose acquisition companies currently in registration. As a result, at times, fewer attractive targets may be available, and it may require more time, effort and resources to identify a suitable target for 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 a suitable target for and/or complete our initial business combination.
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Changes in the market for directors’ and officers’ liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to negotiate and complete an initial business combination.
In recent months, the market for directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for special purpose acquisition companies has changed. Fewer insurance companies are offering quotes for directors’ and officers’ liability coverage, the premiums charged for such policies have generally increased and the terms of such policies have generally become less favorable. There can be no assurance that these trends will not continue. The increased cost and decreased availability of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for us to negotiate an initial business combination. In order to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance or modify its coverage as a result of becoming a public company, the post-business combination entity might need to incur greater expense, accept less favorable terms or both. However, any failure to obtain adequate directors and officers liability insurance could have an adverse impact on the post-business combination’s ability to attract and retain qualified officers and directors. In addition, even after we were to complete an initial business combination, our directors and officers could still be subject to potential liability from claims arising from conduct alleged to have occurred prior to the initial business combination. As a result, in order to protect our directors and officers, the post-business combination entity may need to purchase additional insurance with respect to any such claims (“run-off insurance”). The need for run-off insurance would be an added expense for the post-business combination entity, and could interfere with or frustrate our ability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors.
If our initial business combination includes economic interests external to the jurisdiction of the United States, we would incur substantial additional risks.
Additional risk items applicable to us in a scenario wherein we would acquire economic interests beyond the borders of the United States as a part of our initial business combination are difficult to predict and therefore you should be cautious in evaluating any potential negative impact to your investment as a result of such an acquisition. For example: complex issues of taxation arise within a multi-jurisdictional business; other increased costs as a result of operating under more than one legal regime; tariffs, customs, or other barriers to trade could exist today or could arise in the future; capital controls such as the restriction of cross-border currency exchanges; currency valuation risk; increased payment settlement times; differing economies and thus interest rate risk; differing rates of inflation; differing laws concerning enforceability of judgments; differing laws concerning corporate governance and the responsibilities of management to the corporation and ultimately the stockholders and perhaps an entirely different legal regime; corruption; other cultural differences; language differences; force majeure events, civil disturbances, warfare; deterioration of relations with the United States; government confiscation of assets; and other issues that are difficult to predict.
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to mitigate every and all risks. As a result, our performance and hence our financial condition could degrade.
If our management following our initial business combination is unfamiliar with U.S. 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 U.S. securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with U.S. 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.
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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.
Other than the extensions of credit from our Sponsor to pay for costs incurred by us in connection with our search for a combination target, we have no commitments as of the date of this prospectus to issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt, but we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our business combination. Under such a scenario, the incurrence of debt may have a variety of negative effects, including:
| ● | default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after our initial business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations; |
| ● | acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant; |
| ● | our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; |
| ● | our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding; and, |
| ● | limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt. |
We may issue shares of our capital stock to complete our initial business combination, which would reduce the equity interest of our stockholders and likely cause a change in control of our ownership.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at effectiveness of this prospectus will authorize the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Upon our initial capitalization, 1,725,000 shares were issued to our Sponsor as founder shares. Immediately after this offering and the purchase of the private units (assuming no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option), there will be 12,204,955 authorized but unissued shares of common stock available for issuance (or in the case of over-allotment 11,052,955). Beyond those shares anticipated to be issued as a result of the exchange of rights upon the consummation of the initial business combination, we have no other commitment as of the date of this offering, and we may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock, or a combination of common stock and preferred stock, to complete our initial business combination. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or preferred stock:
| ● | may significantly reduce the equity interest of investors in this offering; |
| ● | may subordinate the rights of holders of shares of common stock if we issue shares of preferred stock with rights senior to those afforded to our shares of common stock; |
| ● | may cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of 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; and |
| ● | may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares of common stock. |
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We may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of this offering, which will cause us to depend upon a single business which may have a limited number of products or services.
It is likely that we will consummate our initial business combination with only a single target business, although we will have the ability to simultaneously consummate our initial business combination with more than one target businesses. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive, and regulatory developments. Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may be:
| ● | entirely dependent upon the performance of a single business, or |
| ● | dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes, or services. |
This lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive, and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to our initial business combination.
Alternatively, if we determine to simultaneously consummate our initial business combination with several businesses, and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple business combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the target 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 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. We do not, however, intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with 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.
Our initial business combination is likely to be with a private company for which little public data may be available which means that our estimates as to profitability risk being erroneous.
Our initial business combination strategy may include evaluating whether to combine with a privately held company. The risks associated with evaluating privately held companies include limited availability of public information. As a result, our conclusions as to profitability might not be correct.
We may issue our shares to investors in connection with our initial business combination at a price that is less than the prevailing market price of our shares at that time. In connection with our initial business combination, we may issue shares to investors in private placement transactions (so-called PIPE transactions) at a price of $10.00 per unit or which approximates the per share amounts in our trust account at such time, which is generally approximately $10.00. The purpose of such issuances will be to enable us to provide sufficient liquidity to the post-business combination entity. The price of the shares we issue may therefore be less, and potentially significantly less, than the market price for our shares at such time. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our public stockholders, and could result in significant dilution if the issuance price was significantly less than $10.00 per share.
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The requirement that our initial business combination occur with one or more target businesses having an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 80% of the value of the trust account at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination may limit the type and number of companies that we may complete such a business combination with.
Pursuant to the Nasdaq listing rules, our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses having an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 80% of the value of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination. This restriction may limit the type and number of companies that we may complete a business combination with. If we are unable to locate a target business or businesses that satisfy this fair market value test, we may be forced to liquidate and you will only be entitled to receive your pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account. If we are no longer listed on Nasdaq, we will not be required to satisfy the 80% test if, pursuant to stockholder vote, we elect to remove this requirement from our certificate of incorporation.
Our ability to consummate an attractive business combination may be impacted by the market for initial public offerings.
Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to any particular industry or geographic region. If the market for initial public offerings is limited, we believe there will be a greater number of attractive target businesses open to consummating an initial business combination with us as a means to achieve publicly held status. Alternatively, if the market for initial public offerings is robust, we believe that there will be fewer attractive target businesses amenable to consummating an initial business combination with us to become a public reporting company. Accordingly, during periods with strong public offering markets, it may be more difficult for us to complete an initial business combination.
Prior to the completion of our initial business combination, we may not have sufficient working capital.
As set forth in this prospectus we will allocate 100% of the proceeds from the public offering to the trust account and will rely on excess funding as a result of our sale of Sponsor shares (in the amount of $25,000) and the private placement of units to our Sponsor (in the amount of $2,350,450, or in the case of maximum over-allotment, $2,530,450) in order to fund our expenses during our search period. After the allocation of 100% of the value of this offering to the trust account, the balance of such funds $345,000 will not be held in the trust account and will be used to pay our expenses. We estimate that our expenses will consist of approximately $100,000 of legal, accounting and other expenses attendant to the structuring and negotiation of a business combination, $50,000 of third party expenses related to the search for target businesses and the due diligence investigation, structuring and negotiation of our initial business combination; $50,000 of legal and accounting fees related to SEC reporting obligations, $90,000 for the payment of the administrative fee to our sponsor (of $10,000 per month for 9 months), subject to deferral as described herein, and $55,000 as working capital and reserves (including finders’ fees, consulting fees or other similar compensation, potential deposits, down payments in connection with our initial business combination and liquidation obligations and reserves, if any). In addition, subject to the satisfaction of any taxable amounts, interest received in connection with the funds held in trust will also be available to us to fund our operations during the search period.
If our estimates are insufficient, we might not have sufficient funds to cover our expenses because the proceeds from this offering will be held in trust. As a result, we would only be able to continue our operations upon an extension of credit. There is no guarantee that our insiders, officers, directors, or any third party would provide us with additional financing. As such, absent sufficient funds, we would be forced to terminate our search for a target company. We would thereafter commence dissolution.
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We may not be able 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 this offering and the other sources of financing, such as the extension of credit to us from our Sponsor for the purposes of funding our search process, will be sufficient to allow us to complete our initial business combination, because we have not yet identified any prospective target business, we cannot ascertain the capital requirements for any particular transaction. If the net proceeds of this offering and the other financing 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 repurchase 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. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.10 per share, or less in certain circumstances, plus any pro-rata interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes and other expenses.
We may enter into agreements with consultants or financial advisers that provide for the payment of fees upon the consummation of our initial business combination, and, therefore, such consultants or financial advisers may have conflicts of interest.
We may enter into fee-based agreements with consultants that pay fees upon the consummation of our initial business combination. Accordingly, any fees that we pay these advisors could cause a conflict of interest to arise because their interest in such fees may influence their services to us as concerns a potential business combination. For example, if a fee is determined by the size of the transaction rather than other criteria, then there may be an incentive towards recommending larger transactions as opposed to other transactions that hypothetically might be better pursuant to other criteria, for example, better long-term value or greater growth opportunities. Similarly, consultants whose fees are based on the consummation of a business combination may be influenced to present potential business combinations to us regardless of whether they provide longer-term value for our stockholders. While we will endeavor to structure agreements with consultants and financial advisors so as to minimize the possibility and extent of these conflicts of interest, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so and that we will not be impacted by the adverse influences they create.
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RISKS RELATING TO OUR SPONSOR AND MANAGEMENT TEAM
Our Sponsor may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.
In addition, prior to our initial business combination, our directors may be elected and removed only by the Sponsor. Accordingly, our Sponsor will continue to exert control at least until the completion of our initial business combination.
We rely upon key personnel in order to identify a target, effect an initial business combination, and operate successfully thereafter. Our results could be negatively impacted by the loss of any individual prior to or after the business combination.
We rely upon the key personnel of our business to identify and cause the initial business combination, any of whom could leave prior to the combination. Subsequently, we will rely upon, as yet to be identified, key personnel in the target business. Any of these individuals may decide to leave the company post-combination. Although we will evaluate these individuals, we cannot assure you that our evaluations will prove to be correct. Moreover, because we anticipate combining with a privately held company, we cannot predict how adept personnel will be at adapting to the needs of managing a publicly traded company subject to reporting and other requirements.
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 and, in particular, our officers and directors. 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. 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.
Since our Sponsor, officers, and directors 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.
On May 17, 2023, our Sponsor paid $25,000 in exchange for 1,725,000 shares of our common stock. Such founder shares include an aggregate of up to 225,000 shares that will be subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. The number of founder shares issued was determined based on the expectation that the founder shares would represent approximately 20% of the outstanding shares after this offering (not including the shares to be issued to the underwriter at closing or the shares underlying the private placement units). The founder shares will be worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination, especially because, pursuant to letter agreement, the holders of the Sponsor shares and private units have or will have waived their right to claim funds held in the trust account in connection with any redemption of shares. Holders of founder shares and private units have agreed (A) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed initial business combination (if permitted by law or regulation) and (B) not to redeem any founder shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination. In addition, any loans from our Sponsor will not be repaid if our business combination is not consummated. In addition, we may obtain loans from our Sponsor, affiliates of our Sponsor or an officer or director. In the scenario wherein an initial business combination is not consummated within the applicable time period (9, 15 or 21 months, as applicable), our governing documents provide that all public shares will be redeemable for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account and any interest paid thereon; provided, however, that such claims shall be limited by (i) prior disbursements to us attributable to interest accrued, and (ii) creditor claims as a result of taxable events or otherwise. Upon settlement of all creditor claims and stockholder disbursements, the company will dissolve and, subject to section 278 of the DGCL, all stockholder rights will terminate. The Sponsor has waived any right to the proceeds held in trust in such a scenario pursuant to the trust agreement. As such, the Sponsor’s investment capital would be forfeited while in the case of a merger, the capital would not be forfeited. 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.
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The shares beneficially owned by our insiders, officers and directors will not participate in a redemption and, therefore, our insiders, officers and directors may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for our initial business combination.
Our Sponsor, directors, officers, and other insiders have waived their redemption rights with respect to their shares if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination. Accordingly, these securities will be worthless if we do not consummate our initial business combination. Any rights they hold, like those held by the public, will also be worthless if we do not consummate an initial business combination. The personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting a target business and completing a business combination. Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions, and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest.
Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by our insiders, officers, directors or any of their affiliates in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations, could reduce the funds available to us to consummate a business combination. In addition, an indemnification claim by one or more of our officers and directors in the event that any of them are sued in their capacity as an officer or director could also reduce the funds available to us outside of the trust account.
We may reimburse our insiders, officers, directors or any of their affiliates for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations. There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, that, to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. In addition, pursuant to our certificate of incorporation and Delaware law, we may be required to indemnify our officers and directors in the event that any of them are sued in their capacity as an officer or director. We will also enter into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our certificate of incorporation and under Delaware law. In the event that we reimburse our insiders, officers, directors or any of their affiliates for out-of-pocket expenses prior to the consummation of a business combination or are required to indemnify any of our officers or directors pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, Delaware law, or the indemnity agreements that we will enter into with them, we would use funds available to us outside of the trust account. Any reduction in the funds available to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to locate and investigate prospective target businesses and to structure, negotiate, and conduct due diligence in connection with or consummate our initial business combination.
Since, if our business combination is not completed, our officers and directors will not be eligible to be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses, and our Sponsor will not be eligible to be repaid for loans our Sponsor has provided to us, a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular business combination target is appropriate for our initial business combination.
Our officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Reimbursement for such expenses will be paid by us out of loans by our Sponsor and interest earned on the trust account. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf. In addition, at the closing of our initial business combination, our Sponsor will be repaid an aggregate of up to $300,000 by our Company pursuant to certain promissory note dated May 21, 2023. These financial interests of our Sponsor, officers, and directors may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business combination and completing an initial business combination.
Members of our management team will 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.
The members of our management team are not required to, and will 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 our initial business combination and their other businesses. As a matter of fact, all of our officer and directors are also officer and directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation currently listed on Nasdaq. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination. The members of our management team may be engaged in other business endeavors for which he or she may be entitled to substantial compensation, and our officers are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs. Our directors may also serve as officers or board members for other entities. If a person’s 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 further discussion of our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs, please see the section of this prospectus entitled “Management — Directors and Executive Officers.”
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Members of our management team may have affiliations with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us and accordingly, may have conflicts of interest.
Members of our management team may have affiliations with companies, including companies that are engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us. Accordingly, they may participate in transactions and have obligations that may be in conflict or competition with our consummation of our initial business combination. As a result, a potential target business may be presented by our management team to another entity prior to its presentation to us and we may not be afforded the opportunity to engage in a transaction with such target business. For a more detailed description of the potential conflicts of interest of our management, see the section titled “Management — Conflicts of Interest.”
Certain of our directors and officers may in the future become, affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time and determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Following the completion of this offering 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, directors, and officers may in the future become, affiliated with entities that are engaged in a similar business.
In addition, the Sponsor may Sponsor or form other public blank check companies similar to ours, or Sponsor or form any private equity fund targeting private company acquisitions, during the period in which we are seeking our initial business combination, including but not limited to, investment vehicles that may invest side-by-side with our company.
Though we do not believe that the insider’s activities present significant conflicts of interest with respect to our pursuit of an acquisition target, because we intend that our acquisition target will be a privately owned company, certain conflicts described herein may still arise.
Our directors and officers currently have, and any of them in the future may have, additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to another entity pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entity, including, without limitation, funds managed or advised by our Sponsor or its affiliates, subject to their fiduciary duties. If any of our directors or officers becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she has pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she may be required to present such business combination opportunity to such entity prior to presenting such business combination opportunity to us.
Our directors and officers also may become aware of business opportunities which may be necessary or appropriate for presentation to other entities to which they owe certain fiduciary or contractual duties. Any presentation of such opportunities to such other entities may present additional conflicts.
Our insiders may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. Our letter agreement with them provides that subject to pre-existing duties, they must present opportunities to us prior to other companies. Our 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.
The Sponsor is not required to commit his full time to our affairs. The members of our management Team and our Sponsor have other professional engagements. While the members of our management team intend to vote as much of their time as they deem necessary to our affairs, and while we believe the members of our management team will be able to allocate their duties to us and to the Company in a manner that allows them to provide us with the resources and support we require while also fulfilling their responsibilities to the Company, such persons may have conflicts of interest in allocating his or her time among various business activities.
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 the sections of this prospectus entitled “Management — Directors and Executive Officers,” “Management — Conflicts of Interest” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
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Our officers, directors, security holders 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, security holders 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. It is possible that we enter into our initial business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our Sponsor and/or its affiliates, our directors or officers. We do not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.
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 an initial business with one or more businesses affiliated with our directors, officers, or current stockholders, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of our initial business combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest.
We may engage in an initial business combination with one or more target businesses that have relationships with entities that may be affiliated with our Sponsor, officers, directors or existing holders which may raise potential conflicts of interest.
Considering the involvement of our Sponsor, directors, and officers with other entities, we may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated with our Sponsor, directors or officers. Our directors and officers may also serve as officers and board members for other entities, including, without limitation, those described under the section of this prospectus entitled “Management — Conflicts of Interest.” Such entities may compete with us for business combination opportunities. Our Sponsor, directors and officers 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 preliminary discussions concerning an initial business combination with any such entity or entities. Although we will not be specifically targeting any transaction with any affiliated entities, we would pursue such a transaction if we determined that such affiliated entity met our criteria for our initial business combination as set forth in the section of this prospectus entitled “Proposed Business” and such transaction were 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 an initial business with one or more businesses affiliated with our directors, officers, or current stockholders, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of our initial business combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest.
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 such that the post-transaction company own 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, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise owns a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital 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. 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.
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The ownership interest of our Sponsor may change.
Our Sponsor is a single-member LLC that is owned by Ms. Chen Chen, wife of our Chief Executive Officer Mr. Hui Chen; however, this may change as there is no restriction on her ability to share part or all of her interest in such entity.
Our board of directors is composed of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hui Chen, our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Robert L. Labbe, and, our independent directors, Mr. Brandon Miller, Mr. Daniel M. McCabe, and Mr. Michael Lazar.
Although we may be required to by governing law, we do not intend to hold a stockholders’ meeting to elect directors prior to the completion of our initial business combination. We will ask that our directors commit to serving as directors until the completion of the initial business combination, although we cannot assure you that they will not depart for other opportunities. They may also participate in the management or other entities, which may or may not conflict with our business or the businesses of any potential target. As a result, we cannot assure you that they will not have a conflict of interest.
Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report originally contained an explanatory paragraph that expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going concern.” Only upon further discussion and consideration of management’s plans was the going concern opinion retracted.
As of May 31, 2023, we had $314,700 in cash and a working capital deficit (current assets less current liabilities, excluding deferred offering costs) of $70,300. Further, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of our finance and acquisition plans. Management’s plans to address this need for capital through this offering are discussed in the section of this prospectus titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We cannot assure you that our plans to raise capital or to consummate an initial business combination will be successful. These factors, among others, originally raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus do not include any adjustments that might result from our inability to consummate this offering.
We will have 9 months from the close of this offering (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) to consummate our initial business combination. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to such date unless: (i) we consummate our initial business combination or (ii) otherwise hold a stockholder vote in certain limited circumstances. Stockholders will otherwise not be entitled to distributions from the trust account. Accordingly, investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until the occurrence of one of the aforementioned events and therefore may be forced to sell their public shares, potentially at a loss, so as to liquidate their investment.
Our Insiders risk all of their investment if an initial business combination is not consummated. As a result, at the time of merger, if the combined entity will not have adequate capital to satisfy the related party loan which will become due as a result of the transaction, our Chief Executive Officer (who is also the sole-member of our Sponsor) will nonetheless have an incentive to attempt to cause the merger because a delayed satisfaction of a related party loan would be a better economic result than a total loss of investment due to a failure to propose the transaction. Even if the transaction were not pursued by way of a tender offer, an investment proposal pursuant to our governing documents could be made by a majority of the board (which would satisfy the requirement for a quorum) and any decision could be satisfied by as few as two directors; provided, however, that this presumes no other alternative investment wherein the post-combination capital structure would be sufficient to satisfy the related party loan obligation.
We cannot assure you that our Chief Executive Officer and therefore Sponsor might have more influence on the board of directors’ decision to propose an investment to the stockholders than as would be the case with other special purpose acquisition company offerings. In addition, if the Company would default on that certain $300,000 promissory note dated May 21, 2023 between our Sponsor and the Company upon the consummation of our initial business combination, the Sponsor would have the ability to force the Company into an involuntary bankruptcy reorganization or liquidation.
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RISKS RELATING TO OUR SECURITIES
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 $10.10 per share.
The net proceeds of this offering and certain proceeds from the sale of the private placement units, in the amount of $60,600,000 (or $69,690,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full), will be held in an interest-bearing trust account. The proceeds held in the trust account may only be invested in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. 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 $60,600,000 (or $69,690,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) 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 $10.10 per share.
If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, we may be required to adhere to that Act and the rules promulgated thereunder, which may make it more difficult for us to effect our initial business combination.
If we do not qualify for an exclusion from the Investment Company Act, our activities may be regulated thereunder. This may include restrictions on our corporate governance as well as our investments. Other requirements that would apply to us if we were deemed to qualify for regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940 include: registration as an investment company; adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements, and other rules and regulations. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to effect a business combination.
The Investment Company Act excludes enterprises engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, and our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. As a result, we do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to regulation under the Investment Company Act because our business will be to identify and complete our initial business combination and thereafter to operate the post-combination business or assets for the long-term. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We also do not plan to be a passive investor except that, the proceeds held in the trust account, which may only be invested in direct U.S. Treasury obligations (which are United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act) having a maturity of 180 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. Treasury obligations.
Pursuant to certain trust agreement to be entered into between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the trustee is not permitted to invest in other securities or assets. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan to acquire and grow an enterprise for the long-term (rather than to buy and sell businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or a private equity fund), we intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. The trust account is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of our initial business combination (including any redemptions made in connection therewith); (ii) the redemption of any of the shares of our common stock issued in this offering that are properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our certificate of incorporation (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemptions in connection with our initial business combination, (B) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of the shares of common stock issued in this offering if we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein, or (C) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent a business combination within prescribed time periods our return of the funds held in the trust account to our public stockholders by redeeming their shares of common stock. Thus this offering is not intended for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government securities or investment securities.
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If we do not invest the proceeds as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act. In such a scenario, compliance with these additional regulations would require additional expenses for which we have not allotted funds and may hinder our ability to complete our initial business combination or result in our liquidation. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.10 per share, or less in certain circumstances, upon the liquidation of our trust account.
Public stockholders, together with any affiliates of theirs or any other person with whom they are acting in concert or as a “group,” will be restricted from seeking conversion rights with respect to more than 15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering.
In connection with any meeting held to approve an initial business combination, we will offer each public stockholder (but not our insiders, officers or directors) the right to have his, her, or its shares of common stock redeemed for cash. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of his or hers, or any other person with whom he or she is acting in concert or as a “group” will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to more than 15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering without our prior written consent. Generally, in this context, a stockholder will be deemed to be acting in concert or as a group with another stockholder when such stockholders agree to act together for the purpose of acquiring, voting, holding or disposing of our equity securities. Accordingly, if you purchase more than 15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering and our proposed business combination is approved, you will not be able to seek redemption rights with respect to the full amount of your shares and may be forced to hold such additional shares of common stock or sell them in the open market. The value of such additional shares might not appreciate over time following our initial business combination, and the market price of our shares of common stock might not exceed the per-share redemption price.
Nasdaq may delist our securities from its exchange which could limit the ability to transact in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
We anticipate that our securities will be listed on Nasdaq, a national securities exchange, upon the consummation of this offering. Although after giving effect to this offering we expect to meet, on a pro forma basis, the minimum initial listing standards set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards, we cannot assure you that our securities will be, or will continue to be, listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to our initial business combination. In order to continue listing our securities on Nasdaq prior to our initial business combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and stock price levels. Generally, we must maintain at least 400 holders of our securities. Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, we must demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of our securities on Nasdaq. For example, the minimum bid price of our stock must be at least $4 per share and our net tangible assets must be in excess of $5 million. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet these initial listing requirements at the time of the business combination.
Also, under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, if the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate the auditor of a company that is our initial business combination target, then Nasdaq may delist our securities because this might cause us to no longer qualify for Nasdaq’s prerequisites for continued listing on its market.
If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
| ● | limited price discovery for our securities; |
| ● | reduced liquidity for our securities; |
| ● | a determination that our shares constitute “penny stock” and hence require brokers trading in our shares to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our shares; |
| ● | a limited news and analyst coverage of our company; and, |
| ● | a decreased ability to issue additional securities or to obtain additional financing in the future. |
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For an aggregate consideration of $25,000, our insiders purchased 1,725,000 shares of our common stock, 225,000 of which are subject to forfeiture. Our Sponsor also will purchase up to 253,045 private placement units in connection with this offering (assuming the overallotment is exercised in full), and thus, you will experience substantial dilution upon the consummation of our initial business combination when our Sponsor’s economic interest in us will cease to be restricted.
The difference between the public offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering constitutes the dilution to the investors in this offering. Although our initial stockholders have agreed to waive their redemption rights and to vote in favor of any proposed business combination (if permitted by law or regulation), they acquired their founder shares at a nominal price, significantly contributing to this dilution. Upon consummation of this offering and presuming that you hold your shares through the consummation of the initial business combination, you and the other new investors will incur a substantial dilution of approximately 113.6% or $10.33 per share (the difference between the public offering price of $9.09 per share and the pro forma net tangible book value of $(1.24) per share). This is because investors in this offering will be contributing approximately 96.19% % of the total amount paid to us for our outstanding securities after this offering but will only own approximately 78.40% of our outstanding securities. However, this is not the amount that you would receive if redeeming your shares because the amount you receive may depend on the amount of other stockholders doing the same, and would be influenced by our Sponsor’s agreement to waive its redemption rights. Nonetheless the per-share purchase price you will be paying substantially exceeds our per share net tangible book value after accounting for the cost of the proceeds of this offering.
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. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at effectiveness of this prospectus will authorize the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately after this offering, there will be 12,204,955 authorized but unissued shares of common stock (assuming no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option), which amount includes the shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exchange of rights. Immediately after the consummation of this offering, there will be no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. We may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common to complete our initial business combination (including pursuant to a specified future issuance) or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination (although our certificate of incorporation will provide that we may not issue securities that can vote with common stockholders on matters related to our pre-initial business combination activity, on any amendment to certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation or on our initial business combination). However, our certificate of incorporation will provide, 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 on any initial business combination. These provisions of our certificate of incorporation, like all provisions of our certificate of incorporation, may be amended with the approval of our stockholders. However, our officers, directors, and, if applicable, director nominees have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our 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 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering 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 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 (which interest shall be net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. The issuance of additional shares of common stock:
| ● | may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in this offering; |
| ● | 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 of 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; and |
| ● | may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our units, common stock and/or rights. |
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We may issue notes or other debt instruments, or otherwise incur substantial debt, to complete our initial 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 as of the date of this prospectus to issue any notes or other debt instruments beyond our Sponsor’s credit line to us, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt following this offering, we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our initial business. We do not intend to 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 our initial business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations; |
| ● | acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant; |
| ● | our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; |
| ● | our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding; |
| ● | our inability to pay dividends on our 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, our ability to pay expenses, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, and fund 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 disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt. |
Since our Sponsor paid only approximately $0.0145 per share for the founder shares, certain of our officers and directors could potentially make a substantial profit even if we acquire a target business that subsequently declines in value.
On May 17, 2023 our Sponsor purchased 1,725,000 shares of our common stock in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000. After giving effect of forfeiture of 225,000 of the common stock assuming that the underwriter’s overallotment option is not exercised, the resulting purchase price will be approximately $0.0167 per share. Certain of our officers and directors have a significant economic interest in our Sponsor. As a result, the low acquisition cost of the founder shares creates an economic incentive whereby our officers and directors could potentially make a substantial profit even if we complete a business combination with a target business that subsequently declines in value and is unprofitable for public investors.
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The nominal purchase price paid by our Sponsor for the founder shares may result in significant dilution to the implied value of your public shares upon the consummation of our initial business combination.
We are offering our units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, implying an initial value of $10.00 per public share. However, prior to this offering, our Sponsor paid a nominal aggregate purchase price of $25,000 for the founder shares, or approximately $0.0145 per share. As a result, the value of your public shares may significantly decline upon the consummation of our initial business combination. For example, the following table shows the dilutive effect of the founder shares on the implied value of the shares sold by way of this offering upon the consummation of our initial business combination, assuming that our equity value at that time is $10.10, which is the amount we would have for our initial business combination in the trust account, assuming 1) the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised, 2) no interest is earned on the funds held in the trust account, 3) no public shares are redeemed in connection with our initial business combination, and 4) without taking into account any other potential impacts on our valuation at such time, such as the trading price of our public shares, the business combination transaction costs, any equity issued or cash paid to the target’s sellers or other third parties, or the target’s business itself (including its assets, liabilities, management and prospects, as well as the value of our public and private rights). At such valuation, each of our shares of common stock would have an implied value of $7.50 per share upon consummation of our initial business combination, which would be a 25.0% decrease as compared to the initial implied value per public share of $10.00 (the price per unit in this offering, assuming no value to the public rights).
| Public shares | 6,000,000 | |||
| Private shares | 235,045 | |||
| Representative shares | 60,000 | |||
| Insider shares(1) | 1,500,000 | |||
| Total shares | 7,795,045 | |||
| Total funds in trust available for initial business combination (less deferred underwriting commissions)(2) | 58,500,000 | |||
| Initial implied value per public share | $ | 10.00 | ||
| Implied value per share upon consummation of initial business combination | $ | 7.50 |
| (1) | Assumes the full forfeiture of 225,000 founder shares that are subject to forfeiture by our Sponsor depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised. |
| (2) | Assumes the allocation of additional funds to the trust account from the sale of the private units so as to maintain 101% in trust after deducting the expenses of this offering. |
The value of the founder shares following completion of our initial business combination is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of our common stock at such time is substantially less than $10.00 per share.
Upon the closing of this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, our Sponsor and its affiliates will have invested in us an aggregate of $2,375,450, comprised of the $25,000 purchase price for the founder shares and the $2,350,450 purchase price for the private placement units. Assuming a trading price of $10.00 per share upon consummation of our initial business combination, the 1,735,045 founder shares (assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option) would have an aggregate implied value of $17,350,450. As a result, our Sponsor is likely to have the ability to recoup its investment in us and make a substantial profit on that investment, even if our public shares have lost significant value. Accordingly, our management team, which owns interests in our Sponsor, may have an economic incentive that differs from that of the public stockholders to pursue and consummate an initial business combination rather than to liquidate and to return all of the cash in the trust to the public stockholders, even if that business combination were with a riskier or less-established target business. For the foregoing reasons, you should consider our management team’s financial incentive to complete an initial business combination when evaluating whether to redeem your shares prior to or in connection with the initial business combination.
If our insiders exercise their registration rights, it may have an adverse effect on the market price of our shares of common stock and the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effect our initial business combination.
Our insiders are entitled to make a demand that we register the resale of the founder shares and the shares sold via private placement (a total of 1,735,045 shares if the over-allotment option is not exercised and all rights are subsequently redeemed for shares of common stock) at any time. The presence of these additional shares of common stock trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities. In addition, the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effectuate our initial business combination or increase the cost of consummating our initial business combination with the target business, as the stockholders of the target business may be discouraged from entering into a business combination with us or will request a higher price for their securities because of the potential effect the exercise of such rights may have on the trading market for our shares of common stock.
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The determination of the offering price of our units and the size of this offering is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities and size of an offering of an operating company in a particular industry. You may have less assurance, therefore, that the offering price of our units properly reflects the value of such units than you would have in a typical offering of an operating company.
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for any of our securities. The public offering price of the units were negotiated between us and the underwriters. In determining the size of this offering, management held customary organizational meetings with the representatives of the underwriters, both prior to our inception and thereafter, with respect to the state of capital markets, generally, and the amount the underwriters believed they reasonably could raise on our behalf. Factors considered in determining the size of this offering, prices and terms of the units, including the common stock underlying the units, include:
| ● | the history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies; |
| ● | prior offerings of those companies; |
| ● | our prospects for acquiring an operating business; |
| ● | a review of debt-to-equity ratios in leveraged transactions; |
| ● | our capital structure; |
| ● | an assessment of our management and their experience in identifying operating companies; |
| ● | general conditions of the securities markets at the time of this offering; and, |
| ● | other factors as were deemed relevant. |
Although these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities of an operating company in a particular industry since we have no historical operations or financial results.
Prior to this offering, there is no market for our securities and there is no guarantee that a market will develop which means that you will not be able to easily predict the liquidity and other price discovery aspects of our securities.
Prior to this offering, there is no market for our securities. As a result, information about us is limited which may limit your ability to determine an appropriate price for our securities. Moreover, our valuation may change depending on any combination of economic factors, market conditions, or the business combination that we choose. A liquid market for our securities might never develop or may dissipate. Absent a market for our securities, you would have limited opportunities to recoup your investment.
Provisions in our 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 common stock and could entrench management.
Our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include the ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.
Section 203 of the DGCL affects the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in certain business combinations, for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder.” We will take all necessary corporate action to ensure that our Sponsor, its affiliates, and their transferees will not be deemed to be “interested stockholders,” regardless of the percentage of our voting stock owned by them, and will therefore not be subject to such restrictions. See “Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.”
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Our certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our certificate of incorporation. This exclusive provision forum will not apply to suits arising under the Exchange Act or any other claim for which federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act.
This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our 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 harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
An investment in this offering may result in uncertain or adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
An investment in this offering may result in uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences. For instance, because there are no authorities that directly address instruments similar to the units we are issuing in this offering, the allocation an investor makes with respect to the purchase price of a unit between the share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right included in each unit could be challenged by the IRS or the courts. It is also unclear whether the redemption rights with respect to our shares of common stock suspend the running of a U.S. holder’s holding period for purposes of determining whether any gain or loss realized by such holder on the sale or exchange of common stock is long-term capital gain or loss and for determining whether any dividend we pay would be considered “qualified dividends” for federal income tax purposes. See the section titled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” for a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our securities. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to these and other tax consequences when purchasing, holding or disposing of our securities.
Our certificate of incorporation and Delaware law may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
Our certificate of incorporation will require that, subject to certain exceptions and unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, employee, agent to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or our certificate of incorporation or the bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the company, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware.
The above will apply with the exception of, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, (a) any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, or (b) any action or claim arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts will have exclusive jurisdiction.
The federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
As for any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Exchange Act, section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all claims brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
This provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the company and its directors, officers, or other employees.
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The proceeds held in trust will be invested in securities that may lose value or may not even pay a positive rate of interest which consequently may result in a price per share of less than $10.10 and may also result in a reduction in the amount of income available to pay taxes and other expenses.
The net proceeds from this offering will be deposited into a United States-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. Pursuant to the exemptions to the Investment Company Act of 1940 the trust may only invest in direct U.S. Treasury obligations having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in certain money market funds which invest only in direct U.S. Treasury obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations are not required to yield a positive rate of interest. In the event of low or no interest income, we would have reduced funds available to us to pay our tax obligations and, if applicable, dissolution expenses.
We may require public stockholders who wish to redeem their shares of common stock in connection with a vote of stockholders on a proposed business combination to comply with specific requirements for redemption that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their conversion rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights.
In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, each public stockholder will have the right, regardless of whether he or she is voting for or against such proposed business combination, to demand that we redeem his or her shares of common stock for a proportional claim to the funds then available on deposit in the trust account. We may require public stockholders seeking to redeem their shares in connection with a stockholder vote on a proposed business combination, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender their certificates to our transfer agent or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, at least two business days on the initial business combination (a tender of shares is always required in connection with a tender offer). In order to obtain a physical stock certificate, a stockholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and our transfer agent will need to act to facilitate this request. It is our understanding that stockholders should generally allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. However, because we do not have any control over this process or over the brokers or Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, it may take significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate. While we have been advised that it takes a reasonable amount of time to deliver shares through the Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company System, this may not be the case. Under Delaware law and our bylaws, we are required to provide at least 10 days advance notice of any stockholder meeting, which would be the minimum amount of time a public stockholder would have to determine whether to exercise conversion rights. Accordingly, if it takes longer than we anticipate for stockholders to deliver their shares, stockholders who wish to redeem may be unable to meet the deadline for exercising their conversion rights and thus may be unable to redeem their shares.
If we require public stockholders who wish to redeem their shares of common stock to comply with the delivery requirements discussed above for redemption, such redeeming stockholders may be unable to sell their securities when they wish to in the event that the proposed business combination is not approved.
If we require public stockholders who wish to redeem their shares of common stock to comply with the delivery requirements discussed above for redemption and such proposed business combination is not consummated, we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public stockholders. Accordingly, investors who attempted to redeem their shares in such a circumstance will be unable to sell their securities after the failed business combination until we have returned their securities to them. The market price for our shares of common stock may decline during this time and you may not be able to sell your securities when you wish to, even while other stockholders that did not seek conversion may be able to sell their securities.
Investors may not appropriately allocate a tax basis to the components of the unit.
Because investors in this offering will be investing in units comprised of one share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right, investors will need to allocate a tax basis to each item in proportion to their values at the time of the investment. We are not required to provide any guidance as to the proper allocation of tax basis. Failure to properly allocate a tax basis could result in adverse tax consequences to an investor.
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The Excise Tax included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may decrease the value of our securities following our initial business combination, hinder our ability to consummate an initial business combination, and decrease the amount of funds available for distribution in connection with a liquidation.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which, among other things, imposes a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of stock repurchased by a domestic corporation beginning in 2023, with certain exceptions (the “Excise Tax”). Because we are a Delaware corporation and our securities will trade on Nasdaq following the date of this prospectus, we will be a “covered corporation” within the meaning of the Inflation Reduction Act following this offering. While not free from doubt, absent any further guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), who has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the Excise Tax, the Excise Tax may apply to any redemptions of our common stock, including redemptions in connection with an initial business combination and any amendment to our certificate of incorporation to extend the time to consummate an initial business combination, or otherwise, unless an exemption is available. The Excise Tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holders. Generally, issuances of securities in connection with our initial business combination transaction (including any PIPE transaction at the time of our initial business combination), as well as any other issuances of securities not in connection with our initial business combination, would be expected to reduce the amount of the Excise Tax in connection with redemptions occurring in the same calendar year, but the number of securities redeemed may exceed the number of securities issued.
Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the Excise Tax in connection with an extension, a business combination, or otherwise will depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with an extension, business combination, or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a business combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any equity issuances issued within the same taxable year of any such redemptions or repurchases, and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. Finally, based on recently issued interim guidance from the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury, subject to certain exceptions, the Excise Tax should not apply in the event of our liquidation.
If such redemptions are subject to the Excise Tax, any stockholders that do not elect to redeem their shares in connection with the initial business combination may economically bear the impact of the Excise Tax.
Consequently, the value of your investment in our securities may decrease as a result of the Excise Tax. In addition, the Excise Tax may make a transaction with us less appealing to potential business combination targets, and thus, potentially hinder our ability to enter into and consummate an initial business combination. Nonetheless, we are not permitted to use the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interests earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
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GENERAL RISK FACTORS
We are a 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 company with no operating results, and we will not commence operations until obtaining funding through this offering. 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 have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective target business concerning an initial business combination and 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 of members of our management team may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in the Company.
Information regarding performance by, or businesses associated with our management team is presented for informational purposes only. Any past experience and performance, is not a guarantee either (i) that we will be able to locate a suitable candidate for our initial business combination or (ii) of success with respect to any business combination we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical record or performance of our management team as indicative of the future performance of us or an investment in the Company or the returns the Company will, or is likely to, generate going forward. An investment in us is not an investment in EF Hutton or any of its affiliates.
Cyber incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
We depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early-stage company without significant investments in data security protection, we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.
Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.
We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, state, and local governments. In particular, we will be required to comply with certain reporting rules promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as well as other legal regimes. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult and consume our resources. The applicable laws and the regulatory environment could change and such changes may have a detrimental effect on our results. Any failure to comply with an applicable law or regulation, as interpreted and applied, could also have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The disclosures in this prospectus relating to the agreements among the company and management may be inaccurate if we decide to amend those agreements.
Although we do not at the moment plan to, we may change our agreements with management without stockholder approval. For example, restrictions on our executives relating to the voting of securities owned by them, the agreement of our management team to remain with us until the closing of a business combination, the obligation of our management team to not propose certain changes to our organizational documents or the obligation of the management team and its affiliates to not receive any compensation in connection with a business combination could be modified without obtaining stockholder approval. We will not agree to any such changes unless we believe that such changes are in the best interests of our stockholders (for example, if such a modification were necessary to complete a business combination).
There are risks related to the financial technology sector to which we may be subject.
Business combinations with companies with operations in the financial technology sector entail special considerations and risks. If we are successful in completing a business combination with a target business with operations in the financial technology sector, we will be subject to, and possibly adversely affected by, the following risks, including but not limited to:
| ● | if we do not develop successful new products or improve existing ones, our business will suffer; |
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| ● | we may invest in new lines of business that could fail to attract or retain users or generate revenue; |
| ● | we will face significant competition and if we are not able to maintain or improve our market share, our business could suffer; |
| ● | disruption or failure of our networks, systems, platform or technology that frustrate or thwart our users’ ability to access our products and services, may cause our users, advertisers, and partners to cut back on or stop using our products and services altogether, which could seriously harm our business; |
| ● | mobile malware, viruses, hacking and phishing attacks, spamming, and improper or illegal use of our products could seriously harm our business and reputation; |
| ● | if we are unable to successfully grow our user base and further monetize our products, our business will suffer; |
| ● | if we are unable to protect our intellectual property, the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be seriously harmed; |
| ● | we may be subject to regulatory investigations and proceedings in the future, which could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a way that could seriously harm our business; and |
| ● | components used in our products may fail as a result of a manufacturing, design, or other defect over which we have no control, and render our devices inoperable. |
Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on our operations following a business combination. However, our efforts in identifying prospective target businesses will not be limited to the financial technology sector. Accordingly, if we acquire a target business in another industry, these risks will likely not affect us and we will be subject to other risks attendant with the specific industry in which we operate or target business which we acquire, none of which can be presently ascertained.
We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth 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 to hold 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.
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We may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.
Certain federally licensed businesses in the United States, such as broadcasters and airlines, may be subject to rules or regulations that limit foreign ownership. In addition, CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized to review certain transactions involving foreign investment in the United States by foreign persons in order to determine the effect of such transactions on the national security of the United States. Our sponsor, Yocto Investments LLC, is currently controlled by Ms. Chen Chen, a United States’ resident who is the sole member of Yocto Investments LLC, and will own approximately 20% of our outstanding shares following this offering. Because we may be considered a “foreign person” under such rules and regulations, any proposed business combination between us and a U.S. business engaged in a regulated industry or which may affect national security could be subject to such foreign ownership restrictions and/or CFIUS review.
The scope of CFIUS was expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (“FIRRMA”) to include certain non-passive, non-controlling investments in sensitive U.S. businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying U.S. business. FIRRMA and subsequent implementing regulations that are now in force also subject certain categories of investments to mandatory filings. If our potential initial business combination with a U.S. business falls within the scope of foreign ownership restrictions, we may be unable to consummate a business combination with such business.
In addition, if our potential business combination falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we may be required to make a mandatory filing, determine to submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS, or proceed with the initial business combination without notifying CFIUS and then bear the risk of CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the initial business combination. CFIUS may decide to block or delay our initial business combination, impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such initial business combination or order us to divest all or a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company if we had proceeded without first obtaining CFIUS clearance. The foreign ownership limitations, and the potential impact of CFIUS, may limit the attractiveness of a transaction with us or prevent us from pursuing certain initial business combination opportunities that we believe would otherwise be beneficial to us and our stockholders. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited and we may be adversely affected in terms of competing with other special purpose acquisition companies which do not have similar foreign ownership issues.
Moreover, the process of government review, whether by CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy. Because we only have 9 months (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) to complete our initial business combination, our failure to obtain any required approvals within the requisite time period may prevent us from completing the transaction and require us to liquidate. If we liquidate, our public stockholders may only receive $10.10 per share initially, and our rights will expire worthless. Our public stockholders may also lose the potential investment opportunity in a target company and the opportunity of realizing future gains on such investments through any price appreciation in the combined company.
Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them.
If we have not completed our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held and available in the trust account (net of interest used to pay taxes) which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining holders of common stock and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
We may not 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 not more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of the date of distribution. Accordingly, third parties may seek to recover from our stockholders amounts owed to them by us.
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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 their shares of common stock in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within 9 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) 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 with respect to any claim commenced after the third anniversary of the dissolution. However, we intend to redeem the shares of our common stock issued in this offering as soon as reasonably possible following the 12th month (or 15th or 18th in the case of an election of one or more extensions) from the closing of this offering 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 of the DGCL, 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 potentially may be 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 with respect to any claim commenced 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 the shares of our common stock issued in this offering in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within prescribed periods post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein is not considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful (potentially due to the imposition of legal proceedings that a party may bring or due to other circumstances that are currently unknown), 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. Unlike in the case of claims against stockholders relating to an unlawful liquidating distribution, however, stockholders are only liable for an unlawful redemption distribution if they knew that the redemption was unlawful.
Certain agreements related to this offering may be amended without stockholder approval.
Each of the agreements related to this offering to which we are or will be a party upon the closing of this offering may be amended without stockholder approval. Such agreements include the underwriting agreement; the letter agreement among us and our Sponsor, officers, and directors; the promissory note between us and our Sponsor; and the investment management trust agreement. These agreements contain various provisions that our public stockholders might deem to be material. For example, certain of these agreements contain certain lock-up and transfer restriction provisions with respect to the common stock, Sponsor securities, any shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion thereof, and certain other securities held by our Sponsor, officers, and directors. Amendments to such agreements would require the consent of the applicable parties thereto and would need to be approved by our board of directors, which may do so for a variety of reasons, including to facilitate our initial business combination. While we do not expect our board of directors to approve any amendment to any of these agreements prior to our initial business combination, it may be possible that our board of directors, in exercising its business judgment and subject to its fiduciary duties, chooses to approve one or more amendments to any such agreement. Any amendment entered into in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination will be disclosed in our proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, related to such initial business combination, and any other material amendment to any of our material agreements will be disclosed in a filing with the SEC. Any such amendments would not require approval from our stockholders, may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible, and may have an adverse effect on the value of an investment in our securities. For example, amendments to the lock-up provision discussed above may result in our certain stockholders selling their securities earlier than they would otherwise be permitted, which may have an adverse effect on the price of our securities.
This disclosure relates to the anticipated trust agreement. Although we have not yet entered into an agreement. Therefore, the terms herein discussed and relating thereto concern only what we reasonably anticipate as a result of our ongoing discussions and market practice.
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V. Risks Associated with Acquiring and Operating a Business outside of the United States
We may effect our initial business combination with a company located outside of the United States.
If we effect our initial business combination with a company located outside of the United States, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated with companies operating in the target business’ home jurisdiction, including any of the following:
| ● | rules and regulations or currency redemption or corporate withholding taxes on individuals; |
| ● | laws governing the manner in which future business combinations may be effected; |
| ● | exchange listing and/or delisting requirements; |
| ● | tariffs and trade barriers; |
| ● | regulations related to customs and import/export matters; |
| ● | longer payment cycles; |
| ● | tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States; |
| ● | currency fluctuations and exchange controls; |
| ● | rates of inflation; |
| ● | challenges in collecting accounts receivable; |
| ● | cultural and language differences; |
| ● | employment regulations; |
| ● | crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and wars; and |
| ● | deterioration of political relations with the United States. We may not be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer. |
There are costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations.
Managing a business, operations, personnel or assets in another country is challenging and costly. Any management that we may have (whether based abroad or in the United States) may be inexperienced in cross-border business practices and unaware of significant differences in accounting rules, legal regimes and labor practices. Even with a seasoned and experienced management team, the costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations, personnel and assets can be significant (and much higher than in a purely domestic business) and may negatively impact our financial and operational performance.
Social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, or policy changes or enactments may occur in a country in which we may operate after we effect our initial business combination.
Political events in another country may significantly affect our business, assets or operations. Social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, and policy changes or enactments could negatively impact our business in a particular country.
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Many countries have difficult and unpredictable legal systems and underdeveloped laws and regulations that are unclear and subject to corruption and inexperience.
Our ability to seek and enforce legal protections, including with respect to intellectual property and other property rights, or to defend ourselves with regard to legal actions taken against us in a given country, may be difficult or impossible, which could adversely impact our operations, assets or financial condition.
Rules and regulations in many countries are often ambiguous or open to differing interpretation by responsible individuals and agencies at the municipal, state, regional and federal levels. The attitudes and actions of such individuals and agencies are often difficult to predict and inconsistent.
Delay with respect to the enforcement of particular rules and regulations, including those relating to customs, tax, environmental and labor, could cause serious disruption to operations abroad and negatively impact our results.
If relations between the United States and foreign governments deteriorate, it could cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to become less attractive.
The relationship between the United States and foreign governments could be subject to sudden fluctuation and periodic tension. For instance, the United States may announce its intention to impose quotas on certain imports. Such import quotas may adversely affect political relations between the two countries and result in retaliatory countermeasures by the foreign government in industries that may affect our ultimate target business. Changes in political conditions in foreign countries and changes in the state of U.S. relations with such countries are difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations or cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to become less attractive. Because we are not limited to any specific industry, there is no basis for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible extent of any impact on our ultimate operations if relations are strained between the United States and a foreign country in which we acquire a target business or move our principal manufacturing or service operations.
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.
Following our initial business combination, our management may resign from their positions as officers or directors of the company and the management of the target business at the time of the business combination will remain in place. Management of the target business may not be familiar with United States securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with our laws, they may have to expend time and resources becoming familiar with such laws. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues, which may adversely affect our operations.
Currency policies may cause a target business’ ability to succeed in the international markets to be diminished.
In the event we acquire a non-U.S. target, all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, the dollar equivalent of our net assets and distributions, if any, could be adversely affected by reductions in the value of the local currency. The value of the currencies in our target regions fluctuate and are affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Any change in the relative value of such currency against our reporting currency may affect the attractiveness of any target business or, following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if a currency appreciates in value against the dollar prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, the cost of a target business as measured in dollars will increase, which may make it less likely that we are able to consummate such transaction.
Because foreign law could govern our material agreements, we may not be able to enforce our rights within such jurisdiction or elsewhere.
Foreign law could govern our material agreements. The target business may not be able to enforce any of its material agreements or that remedies will be available outside of such foreign jurisdiction’s legal system. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws and contracts in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The judiciaries in certain foreign countries may be relatively inexperienced in enforcing corporate and commercial law, leading to a higher than usual degree of uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation, any such jurisdictions may not favor outsiders or could be corrupt. As a result, the inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business and business opportunities.
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U.S. laws and regulations, including the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, may restrict or eliminate our ability to complete a business combination with certain companies.
Future developments in U.S. laws may restrict our ability or willingness to complete certain business combinations with companies. For instance, the recently enacted Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCAA”) would restrict our ability to consummate a business combination with a target business unless that business met certain standards of the PCAOB and would require delisting of a company from U.S. national securities exchanges if the PCAOB is unable to inspect its public accounting firm for three consecutive years. The HFCAA also requires public companies to disclose, among other things, whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government. We may not be able to consummate a business combination with a favored target business due to these laws.
The documentation we may be required to submit to the SEC proving certain beneficial ownership requirements and establishing that we are not owned or controlled by a foreign government in the event that we use a foreign public accounting firm not subject to inspection by the PCAOB or where the PCAOB is unable to completely inspect or investigate our accounting practices or financial statements because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction could be onerous and time consuming to prepare. HFCAA mandates the SEC to identify issuers of SEC-registered securities whose audited financial reports are prepared by an accounting firm that the PCAOB is unable to inspect due to restrictions imposed by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the audits are performed. If such identified issuer’s auditor cannot be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, the trading of such issuer’s securities on any U.S. national securities exchanges, as well as any over-the-counter trading in the U.S., will be prohibited.
On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. An identified issuer will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies it as having a “non-inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. The SEC is assessing how to implement other requirements of the HFCAA, including the listing and trading prohibition requirements described above. Future developments with respect to increased U.S. regulatory access to audit information are uncertain, as the legislative developments are subject to the legislative process and the regulatory developments are subject to the rule-making process and other administrative procedures.
In the event that we complete a business combination with a company with substantial operations outside of the United States and any of the legislative actions or regulatory changes discussed above were to proceed in ways that are detrimental to issuers based in such country, it could cause us to fail to be in compliance with U.S. securities laws and regulations, we could cease to be listed on a U.S. securities exchange, and U.S. trading of our shares could be prohibited. Any of these actions, or uncertainties in the market about the possibility of such actions, could adversely affect our prospects to successfully complete a business combination with a non-U.S. company, our access to the U.S. capital markets and the price of our shares.
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We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering, in addition to the funds we will receive from the sale of the private units, will be used as set forth in the following table:
| Without Over-Allotment Option |
Over-Allotment Option Exercised |
|||||||
| Gross proceeds | ||||||||
| From offering | $ | 60,000,000 | $ | 69,000,000 | ||||
| From sale of units via private placement | $ | 2,350,450 | $ | 2,530,450 | ||||
| Total gross proceeds | $ | 62,350,450 | $ | 71,530,450 | ||||
| Offering expenses(1) | ||||||||
| Non-contingent underwriting discounts (2% of gross proceeds from offering) | $ | 1,200,000 | (2) | $ | 1,380,000 | (2) | ||
| Initial trustee fees | $ | 6,500 | $ | 6,500 | ||||
| Legal fees and expenses | $ | 200,000 | $ | 200,000 | ||||
| Nasdaq listing fee | $ | 55,000 | $ | 55,000 | ||||
| Printing and engraving expenses | $ | 30,000 | $ | 30,000 | ||||
| Accounting fees and expenses | $ | 50,000 | $ | 50,000 | ||||
| SEC & FINRA registration fees | $ | 20,430 | $ | 20,430 | ||||
| D&O Insurance Premiums(3) | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | ||||
| Expense Advancement to EF Hutton | $ | 130,000 | $ | 130,000 | ||||
| Miscellaneous expenses | $ | 163,520 | $ | 163,520 | ||||
| Reimbursement of offering expenses by the underwriter(4) | $ | (600,000 | ) | $ | (690,000 | ) | ||
| Total offering expenses (including non-contingent underwriting discounts) | $ | 1,405,450 | $ | 1,495,450 | ||||
| Held in the trust account | $ | 60,600,000 | $ | 69,690,000 | ||||
| Not held in the trust account(5) | $ | 345,000 | $ | 345,000 | ||||
| Amount | % of Total |
|||||||
| Legal, accounting and other third-party expenses attendant to the search for target businesses and to the due diligence investigation, structuring and negotiation of our initial business combination | $ | 100,000 | 28.99 | % | ||||
| Legal and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting obligations | $ | 50,000 | 14.49 | % | ||||
| Due diligence, identification and research of prospective target business and reimbursement of out of pocket due diligence expenses to management | $ | 50,000 | 14.49 | % | ||||
| Payment of administrative fee to the Sponsor ($10,000 per month for 9 months), subject to deferral as described herein | $ | 90,000 | 26.09 | % | ||||
| Working capital and reserves (including finders’ fees, consulting fees or other similar compensation, potential deposits, down payments in connection with a business combination and liquidation obligations and reserves, if any) | $ | 55,000 | 15.94 | % | ||||
| Total | $ | 345,000 | 100.00 | % | ||||
| (1) | This does not include the deferred underwriting discounts payable in cash to EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EF Hutton”), in an amount equal to 3.5% of the total gross proceeds raised in the offering ($2,100,000, or $2,415,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full). The underwriter will also be entitled to 1% of the gross proceeds of this offering as underwriting discounts and commissions in the form of our shares at a price of $10.00 per share, which will equal 60,000 shares (or 69,000 shares if the underwriter’s overallotment option is exercised in full) (the “Representative Shares”), to be issued at closing of this offering. |
| (2) | This represents the estimated costs and the discounts, but does not include the deferred underwriting discounts of 3.5%. |
| (3) | The D&O insurance market has recently undergone significant changes in pricing as a result of increased demand for D&O coverage for special purpose acquisition corporations. As a result, although we intend to provide coverage for our directors and officers, we cannot precisely estimate the amount until such time as our registration statement is public. |
| (4) | The underwriters have agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses in connection with this offering, not to exceed $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). |
| (5) | These expenses are estimates only. Our actual expenditures for some or all of these items may differ from the estimates set forth herein. For example, we may incur greater legal and accounting expenses than our current estimates in connection with negotiating and structuring our initial business combination based upon the level of complexity of that business combination. We do not anticipate any change in the categories of our intended use of proceeds. |
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The Sponsor has committed to purchase 235,045 units from us (the private units) for $2,350,450 (or $2,530,450 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) by way of one or more private placements contemporaneous to the consummation of this initial public offering. All of the proceeds we receive from these purchases will be placed in the trust account described below. We are not permitted to use the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interests earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
$60,600,000, or $69,690,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, of net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units will be deposited into a United States-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. The funds held in the trust account will be invested only in United States government treasury bills, bonds, or notes having a maturity of 185 days or less, or in money market funds meeting the applicable conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that invest solely in U.S. treasuries, so that we are not deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the trust account that may be released to us to pay our tax obligations, the proceeds will not be released from the trust account until the earlier of the completion of our initial business combination or our redemption of public shares in connection with a business combination or a stockholder vote to amend our certificate of incorporation. The proceeds held in the trust account may be used as consideration to pay the sellers of a target business with which we complete our initial business combination to the extent not used to satisfy stockholder redemption requests. Any amounts not paid as consideration to the sellers of the target business may be used to finance operations of the acquired business.
No compensation of any kind (including finder’s fees, consulting fees, or other similar compensation) will be paid to our insiders, members of our management team, or any of our or their respective affiliates, for services rendered to us prior to or in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type or form of transaction). However, we will pay to our Sponsor certain reimbursement of up to $10,000 per month up to the closing of our initial business combination for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations, as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants, or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations; provided, however, that subject to available funds, the Sponsor loan in the amount of $300,000 may be repaid and, any other funds that may be lent to the company in furtherance of its pursuit, initiation, and completion of its initial business combination may be repaid at any time, available funds permitting. Since the role of present management after our initial business combination is uncertain, we have no ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to those persons after our initial business combination.
The net proceeds from this offering and the private sale of units to the Sponsor that will be available to us out of trust for our working capital requirements in searching for our initial business combination will be approximately $345,000. This is in addition to the $300,000 loan made to us by our Sponsor per certain promissory note dated May 21, 2023. The allocation of the net proceeds available to us outside of the trust account represents our best estimate of the intended uses of these funds. In the event that our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, we may reallocate some of such proceeds within the above-described categories. If our estimate of the costs of undertaking due diligence and negotiating our initial business combination is less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may be required to raise additional capital, the amount, availability, and cost of which is currently unascertainable. In this event, we could seek such additional capital through loans or additional investments from our insiders, members of our management team, or third parties, but our insiders, members of our management team, or third parties are not under any obligation to advance funds, or to invest in, us.
We will likely use substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the trust account, in connection with our initial business combination and to pay our expenses relating thereto, including the deferred underwriting commission payable to EF Hutton in an amount equal to 3.5% of the total gross proceeds raised in the offering upon consummation of our initial business combination. To the extent that our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration for our initial business combination, the proceeds held in the trust account which are not used to consummate a business combination will be disbursed to the combined company and will, along with any other net proceeds not expended, be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways, including continuing or expanding the target business’s operations, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research, and development of existing or new products.
To the extent we are unable to consummate a business combination, we will pay the costs of liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the trust account.
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We believe that, upon consummation of this offering, we will have sufficient available funds to operate for the next 9 months. However, if necessary, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our insiders may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or if we do not complete a business combination, any loans and advances from our insiders or their affiliates, will be repaid only from amounts remaining outside our trust account, if any.
A public stockholder will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of (1) our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period, (2) if that public stockholder elects to redeem public shares in connection with a stockholder vote or (3) if that public stockholder sells shares to us in any tender offer in connection with a proposed business combination. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.
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We have not paid any cash dividends on our shares of common stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of our initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends subsequent to the completion of our initial business combination will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements, and general financial condition subsequent to completion of our initial business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to our initial business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time. It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our board of directors does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our board of directors is not currently contemplating and does not anticipate declaring any stock dividends in the foreseeable future, except if we increase the size of the offering, including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, in which case we will effect a stock dividend immediately prior to the consummation of the offering in such amount as to maintain our insiders’ ownership as measured by the amount of founder shares at an aggregate amount that shall be representative of approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of our publicly offered common stock at the time of the initial public offering (assuming our insiders do not purchase units in this offering and not accounting for the sale of the private units). Further, if we incur any indebtedness in connection with our initial business combination, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants that we may agree to in connection therewith.
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The difference between the public offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering constitutes the dilution to investors in this offering. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value, which is our total tangible assets less total liabilities (including the value of shares of common stock which may be converted into cash), by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.
At May 31, 2023, our net tangible book value was a deficit of $70,300, or approximately $(0.05) per share assuming the underwriters do not exercise any portion of the over-allotment option and the forfeiture of 225,000 insider shares. For purposes of the dilution calculation, in order to present the maximum estimated dilution as a result of this offering, we have assumed (i) the issuance of one-tenth (1/10) of a right denominated in one share of our common stock, as such issuance will occur upon a business combination without the payment of additional consideration and (ii) the number of shares included in the units offered hereby will be deemed to be 6,600,000 (consisting of 6,000,000 shares included in the units we are offering by this prospectus and 600,000 shares for the outstanding rights), and the price per share in this offering will be deemed to be $9.09. After giving effect to the sale of 6,600,000 shares of common stock included in the units we are offering by this prospectus, the deduction of underwriting discounts and over-allotment liability, estimated expenses of this offering, the sale of 258,550 shares of common stock included in the private units, and 60,000 representative shares, our pro forma net tangible book value on May 31, 2023 would have been $(3,001,101) or $(1.24) per share, representing an immediate decrease in net tangible book value of $(1.19) per share to the insiders and an immediate dilution of 113.6% or $10.33 per share to new investors not exercising their redemption/tender rights. For purposes of presentation, our pro forma net tangible book value after this offering is $60,600,000 less than it otherwise would have been because if we effect a business combination, the ability of public stockholders to exercise redemption rights or sell their shares to us in any tender offer may result in the redemption or tender of up to 6,000,000 shares sold in this offering.
The following table illustrates the dilution to the new investors on a per-share basis:
| Without Over-Allotment |
With Over-Allotment |
|||||||||||||||
| Public offering price | $ | 9.09 | $ | 9.09 | ||||||||||||
| Net tangible book value before this offering | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||
| Decrease attributable to new investors and private sales | (1.19 | ) | (1.20 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Pro forma net tangible book value after this offering | (1.24 | ) | (1.24 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Dilution to new investors | $ | 10.33 | $ | 10.33 | ||||||||||||
| Percentage of dilution to new investors | 113.6 | % | 113.6 | % | ||||||||||||
The following table sets forth information with respect to our insiders and the new investors:
| Shares Purchased | Total Consideration | Average Price | ||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Percentage | Amount | Percentage | Per Share | ||||||||||||||||
| Insiders(1) | 1,500,000 | 17.82 | % | $ | 25,000 | 0.04 | % | $ | 0.02 | |||||||||||
| Shares underlying private unit(2) | 258,550 | 3.07 | % | 2,350,450 | 3.77 | % | $ | 9.09 | ||||||||||||
| Representative shares | 60,000 | 0.71 | % | - | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||
| New investors(3) | 6,600,000 | 78.40 | % | 60,000,000 | 96.19 | % | $ | 9.09 | ||||||||||||
| 8,418,550 | 100 | % | $ | 62,375,450 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||
| (1) | Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 insider shares held by our insiders have been forfeited as a result thereof. |
| (2) | Assumes the issuance of an additional 23,505 private shares (25,305 shares if over-allotment option is exercised) underlying the private rights. |
| (3) | Assumes the issuance of an additional 600,000 public shares (690,000 shares if over-allotment option is exercised) underlying the public rights. |
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The pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering is calculated as follows:
| Without over-allotment | With full over-allotment | |||||||
| Numerator: | ||||||||
| Net tangible book value before the offering | $ | (70,300 | ) | $ | (70,300 | ) | ||
| Offering costs paid in advance | 95,300 | 95,300 | ||||||
| Net proceeds from this offering and private placement of private units | 59,745,000 | 68,655,000 | ||||||
| Less: Deferred underwriting discounts and commissions(2) | (2,100,000 | ) | (2,415,000 | ) | ||||
| Less: Over-allotment liability | (71,101 | ) | - | |||||
| Less: Proceeds held in trust subject to redemption/tender | (60,600,000 | ) | (69,690,000 | ) | ||||
| $ | (3,001,101 | ) | $ | (3,425,000 | ) | |||
| Denominator | ||||||||
| Shares of common stock outstanding prior to this offering | 1,500,000 | (1) | 1,725,000 | |||||
| Shares of common stock to be sold in this offering | 6,000,000 | 6,900,000 | ||||||
| Shares of common stock to be sold in private placement | 235,045 | 253,045 | ||||||
| Shares of common stock underlying the rights to be sold in this offering | 600,000 | 690,000 | ||||||
| Shares of common stock underlying the rights to be sold in private placement | 23,505 | 25,305 | ||||||
| Representative shares | 60,000 | 69,000 | ||||||
| Less: Shares subject to redemption/tender | (6,000,000 | ) | (6,900,000 | ) | ||||
| 2,418,550 | 2,762,350 | |||||||
| (1) | Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 shares of common stock held by our insiders have been forfeited by us as a result thereof. |
| (2) | Deferred underwriting discounts and commission of 3.5%. |
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The following table sets forth our capitalization at May 31, 2023 and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of our units offered by this prospectus and the private units and the application of the estimated net proceeds derived from the sale of such securities:
| As of May 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Actual | As Adjusted(1) | |||||||
| Promissory note – related party(2) | $ | 300,000 | $ | - | ||||
| Deferred underwriting discounts and commissions payable | - | 2,100,000 | ||||||
| Over-allotment liability | - | 71,101 | ||||||
| Accrued offering expenses | 85,000 | - | ||||||
| Shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, none and 6,000,000 shares are subject to possible redemption/tender, respectively(3) | - | 60,600,000 | ||||||
| Shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized(4), 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 1,795,045 shares issued and outstanding(5) (excluding 6,000,000 shares subject to possible redemption/tender), as adjusted | 172 | 180 | ||||||
| Additional paid in capital | 24,828 | - | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | - | (1,801,281 | ) | |||||
| Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) | 25,000 | (1,801,101 | ) | |||||
| Total capitalization(6) | $ | 410,000 | $ | 60,970,000 | ||||
| (1) | Includes the $2,350,450 in aggregate we will receive from the sale of the private units. |
| (2) | As of May 31, 2023, our sponsor loaned to us an aggregate of $300,000 which was used to pay formation and a portion of the expenses of this offering. The loan is payable without interest and due after the day on which the Company closes the initial Business Combination. |
| (3) | Represents net of proceeds allocated to the public common stock less the allocated transaction costs related to this offering. The shares of public common stock contain redemption rights that make them redeemable by our public stockholders. Accordingly, they are classified within temporary equity in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 480-10-S99-3A and will be subsequently accredited at redemption value. |
| (4) | Represents the number of shares to be authorized upon the effectiveness of this prospectus. |
| (5) | Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 insider shares have been forfeited by our insiders as a result thereof. Includes 235,045 shares underlying the private units purchased by the Sponsor concurrent with this offering. |
| (6) | Derived by adding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions payable, total stockholders’ equity and the value of shares of common stock subject to possible conversion. |
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Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
We were formed on May 1, 2023 for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more target businesses. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, although the company intends to prioritize the evaluation of businesses in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau) that operate in the financial technology sector. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this offering and the private placement of the private units, our securities, debt or a combination of cash, securities and debt, in effecting our initial business combination. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or preferred stock in our initial business combination:
| ● | may significantly dilute the equity interest of our investors in this offering who may not have pre-emption rights in respect of any such issuance; |
| ● | may subordinate the rights of holders of shares of common stock if we issue shares of preferred stock with rights senior to those afforded to our shares of common stock; |
| ● | will likely cause a change in control if a substantial number of our shares of common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and most likely will also result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; and |
| ● | may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our securities. |
Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:
| ● | default and foreclosure if after, our initial business combination, our operating revenues are insufficient to pay our debt obligations; |
| ● | acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we have made all principal and interest payments when due if the debt security contains covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves and we breach any such covenant without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant; |
| ● | our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; |
| ● | our inability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain additional financing while such security is outstanding; and |
| ● | limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt. |
We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our entire activity since inception has been preparing for our proposed offering of our securities.
Results of Operations and Known Trends or Future Events
We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities since inception have been organizational activities and those necessary to prepare for this offering. Following this offering, we will not generate any operating revenues until after completion of our initial business combination. We will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents after this offering. There has been no significant change in our financial or trading position and no material adverse change has occurred since the date of our audited financial statements. After this offering, we expect to incur increased expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses. We expect our expenses to increase substantially after the closing of this offering.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As indicated in the accompanying financial statements, as of May 31, 2023, we had $314,700 in cash and a working capital deficit (current assets less current liabilities, excluding deferred offering costs) of $70,300. Further, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of our financing and acquisition plans. Management plans to address this uncertainty through this offering, although we cannot assure you that our plans to raise capital or to consummate an initial business combination will be successful. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our liquidity needs have been satisfied to date through receipt of approximately $25,000 from the sale of the founder shares and a $300,000 loan from our Sponsor backed by a promissory note dated May 21, 2023. We estimate that the net proceeds from (1) the sale of the shares in this offering, after deducting estimated offering expenses of approximately $805,450 and underwriting discounts payable in cash of $2,100,000 (or $2,415,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and (2) the sale of the private units for a purchase price of $2,350,450 (or $2,530,450 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full), will be $58,500,000 (or $67,275,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). We will allocate 101% of the value of the publicly offered shares to the trust account. The balance will be held outside of trust for our use in funding our search process, estimated to be approximately $345,000.
We intend to use substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the trust account, in connection with our initial business combination and to pay our expenses relating thereto, including a deferred underwriting commission payable to the underwriters in an amount equal to 3.5% of the total gross proceeds raised in the offering upon consummation of our initial business combination. To the extent that our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect our initial business combination, the remaining proceeds held in the trust account as well as any other net proceeds not expended will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways including the: continuation or expansion of the operations of the target business; strategic acquisitions and marketing; and, research and development of existing or new products. Such funds can also be used to repay any operating expenses or finders’ fees which we might incur prior to the consummation of our initial business combination if the funds available to us outside of the trust account are insufficient to cover such expenses.
We believe that, upon the consummation of this offering, the allocation of $345,000 to our working capital accounts will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 9 months, assuming that a business combination is not consummated during that time. Over this time period, we will use these funds for identifying and evaluating prospective business combination candidates; performing due diligence of prospective target businesses; traveling to and from the offices, plants, or similar locations of prospective target businesses; reviewing corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses; and, selecting the target business to consummate our initial business combination with as well as the structuring, negotiation and consummation of the business combination. We anticipate that we will incur approximately:
| ● | $100,000 of legal, accounting and other expenses attendant to the structuring and negotiation of a business combination; |
| ● | $50,000 of third party expenses related to the search for target businesses and the due diligence investigation, structuring and negotiation of our initial business combination; |
| ● | $50,000 of legal and accounting fees related to SEC reporting obligations; |
| ● | $90,000 for the payment of the administrative fee to our sponsor (of $10,000 per month for 9 months), subject to deferral as described herein; and |
| ● | $55,000 as working capital and reserves (including finders' fees, consulting fees or other similar compensation, potential deposits, down payments in connection with our initial business combination and liquidation obligations and reserves, if any). |
If our estimates of the costs of undertaking due diligence and negotiating our initial business combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial business combination. Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing either to consummate our initial business combination or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our public shares upon consummation of our initial 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 consummate such financing simultaneously with the consummation of our initial business combination; provided, however, that our insiders may, but are not obligated to, lend us funds as needed. Following our initial business combination, if our available cash is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet our obligations.
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Related Party Transactions
In connection with this initial public offering, our Sponsor will purchase up to 235,045 private placement units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,350,450.
On May 17, 2023, in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, our Sponsor purchased 1,725,000 shares of our common stock (225,000 of which are subject to forfeiture).
We do not believe that we will need to raise additional funds following this offering in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our insiders or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. In the event that the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but none of the proceeds held in our trust account would be used for such repayment. Such loans would be evidenced by promissory notes. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or prior thereto, subject to available funds. If we do not complete an initial business combination, any other outstanding loans from our insiders or their affiliates will be repaid only from that capital held that is not held in our trust account, if any.
Controls and Procedures
We are not currently required to maintain an effective system of internal control as defined by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer and no longer an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act would we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not completed an assessment, nor has our independent registered public accounting firm tested our systems of internal control. We expect to assess the internal control of our target business or businesses prior to the completion of our initial business combination and, if necessary, to implement and test additional controls as we may determine are necessary in order to state that we maintain an effective system of internal control. A target business may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of internal control. Target businesses we may consider for our initial business combination may have internal controls that need improvement in areas such as:
| ● | staffing for financial, accounting, and external reporting areas, including segregation of duties; |
| ● | reconciliation of accounts; |
| ● | proper recording of expenses and liabilities in the period to which they relate; |
| ● | evidence of internal review and approval of accounting transactions; |
| ● | documentation of processes, assumptions, and conclusions underlying significant estimates; and |
| ● | documentation of accounting policies and procedures. |
Because it will take time, management involvement, and perhaps outside resources to determine what internal control improvements are necessary for us to meet regulatory requirements and market expectations for our operation of a target business, we may incur significant expense in meeting our public reporting responsibilities, particularly in the areas of designing, enhancing, or remediating internal and disclosure controls. Doing so effectively may also take longer than we expect, thus increasing our exposure to financial fraud or erroneous financing reporting.
When required by Section 404 and once our management’s report on internal control is complete, we will retain our independent registered public accounting firm to audit and render an opinion on such report. This independent registered public accounting firm may identify additional issues concerning a target business’s internal control while performing its audit of internal control over financial reporting.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private shares held in the trust account will be invested in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; Commitments and Contractual Obligations; Quarterly Results
As of May 31, 2023, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K and did not have any commitments or contractual obligations. No unaudited quarterly operating data is included in this prospectus as we have conducted no operations to date.
Changes in tax law and rates may affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities and our effective tax rate in the future. On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that includes changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including a one percent excise tax on repurchases of stock after December 31, 2022. We are continuing to evaluate the Inflation Reduction Act and its requirements, as well as its application to our Company.
JOBS Act
On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. We will qualify as an “emerging growth company” and under the JOBS Act will be allowed to comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are electing to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Additionally, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if, as an “emerging growth company,” we choose to rely on such exemptions, we may not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis), and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the CEO’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of this offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.
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General
We are a blank check company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 1, 2023. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, although the company intends to pursue businesses in the financial technology sector in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau). We do not have any specific business combination under consideration, and we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction. We shall not undertake our initial business combination with any entity with its principal business operations in China (including Hong Kong and Macau).
Background and Competitive Advantage
We will seek to leverage our management team’s network of relationships with corporate executives, private equity, venture and growth capital funds, investment banking firms, consultants, family offices, and large corporations in order to source, acquire, and support the operations of the business combination target. We believe our team’s extensive and applicable experience investing in and operating businesses in Asia and North America will make us a preferred partner for, and allow us to source, high-quality combination targets. Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular geographic region or industry, although the Company intends to focus on operating businesses in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau). We shall not undertake our initial business combination with any entity with its principal business operations in China (including Hong Kong and Macau).
Our team consists of experienced professionals and senior operating executives who bring a unique background and skillset that will be attractive to leading Asia-based companies. We believe that we will be able to leverage the following competitive strengths in identifying, structuring, and consummating a business combination:
| ● | An extensive network across several industries in Asia; which include longstanding relationships with leading executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and investment bankers in the Asia region and thus will provide us with access to proprietary investment opportunities and strong deal flow in our target sectors; |
| ● | Structuring and execution capabilities; through their respective careers, our team has extensive experience in identifying, evaluating and executing investments in companies at various stages of their life cycle. We believe that the combined and complementary expertise of our team will allow us to structure and execute a competitive transaction; |
| ● | U.S. and Asia cross-border deal experience; cross-border transactions require industry and local regulatory knowledge, rigorous due diligence and structuring creativity. Our team has significant transaction experience completing large-scale domestic and cross-border transactions, involving acquirers and targets located across the U.S. and Asia. |
Our Board of Directors and Management
Hui Chen has been our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since May 1, 2023. He has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since December 2021. Mr. Chen is a cross-industry expert in computer science and law. Mr. Chen founded Law Offices of Hui Chen & Associates, PC in 2012, a New York-based law firm. Mr. Chen focuses his practice on patent prosecution, copyright infringement, and other general intellectual property matters. Mr. Chen has also been an adjunct professor at Hofstra University since September 2019, where he instructs multiple undergraduate computer science programming courses in Visual C++. Before joining Hofstra University, Mr. Chen was an adjunct associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Pace University, Touro College, and Saint Francis College between 2000 and 2018 and was a full-time professor at Technical Career of Institute, College of Technology from December 2011 to December 2017. Before forming his law office in 2012, Mr. Chen worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Chen worked as an Oracle developer at eBay, Inc. from February 2008 to May 2015. Mr. Chen worked at IBM Global Services, where he was a solo back-end developer in designing and building the database and back-end process for DHS Inspection Application, from November 2007 to March 2008, and a programmer analyst between March 1998 and May 2004. Mr. Chen also worked at MultiPlan Inc. between June 2005 and February 2008 as a technical lead where he participated in designing new application systems and partnered with external vendors in coding and implementing new systems by using Java and Oracle PL/SQL. Before that, Mr. Chen worked at Pepsi Cola Inc. from January 2004 to June 2005, where he designed, coded, implemented, and documented a growth forecasting system and developed an automatic purchasing system. Mr. Chen received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1992, a Bachelor’s degree in HVAC from Technical Career Institutes in 1997, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Pace University in 2000, and his J.D. degree from Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University in 2010. We believe that Mr. Chen’s access to contacts and sources, ranging from high-technology companies and legal contacts, will allow us to generate acquisition opportunities and identify suitable acquisition candidates.
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Robert L. Labbe has been our Chief Financial Officer since May 1, 2023. He will become one of our directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer and director of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since December 2021. Mr. Labbe is a real estate veteran and real estate finance attorney licensed in California and New York with over thirty (30) years of experience in real estate. Mr. Labbe also has been a manager of MCAP Realty Advisors, LLC, a real estate advisor company, since January 2010. Mr. Labbe has been the general counsel of Global Premier Development Inc. and Global Premier America, LLC, real estate development companies, from March 2012 to December 2021. Mr. Labbe was a co-founder, general counsel, and managing director of Lenders Direct Capital, a wholesale lender, and its retail affiliate Lenders Republic Financial, a nationwide mortgage banker, from May 2003 to December 2007. Mr. Labbe was also a co-founder and partner at Mazda Butler LLP, a commercial and real estate law firm in California, from January 2003 to December 2007. Mr. Labbe co-founded First Allegiance Financial, a national specialty finance company, where he was the president and chairman from September 1996 to December 1998. First Allegiance Financial was acquired by City Holding Company, a financial holding company, for approximately $22 million in 1997. Mr. Labbe received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Law (B.C.L.) and Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) from McGill University in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Mr. Labbe also received his Diplome d’Etude Collegiale St. Lawrence College (Quebec) in 1978. Mr. Labbe is a licensed broker with the California Department of Real Estate since 1990. Mr. Labbe also holds the UC Irvine Extension Light Construction and Development Management Program Certificate. We believe that Mr. Labbe is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his entrepreneurship and extensive experience in the real estate industry.
Brandon Miller will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. Miller has been the managing partner at Aspect Property Management LLC, a property management company in Connecticut, since January 2015. Before joining Aspect Property Management LLC, Mr. Miller spent a decade in the consulting industry at Matté & Company, a private and public sector consulting company from January 2005 to January 2015, where he offered executive recruiting, strategic planning, leadership, and corporate consulting services. Mr. Miller was a corporate controller at Corporate Dining Solutions, a corporate catering company, from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Miller is presently a certified manager of community associations (“CMCA”) and an association management specialist (“AMS”). Mr. Miller received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Bridgeport in 1986 and studied in Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University from 1980 to 1983. We believe that Mr. Miller is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his extensive experience in the real estate and business consulting industries.
Daniel M. McCabe will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. McCabe has been admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of Connecticut since 1974. Mr. McCabe’s legal career began as an assistant clerk of the Superior Court at Stamford from 1974 to 1976, and since then he has had his own legal practice, Daniel McCabe LLC, a general practice law firm in Connecticut founded in 1982. His work includes rendering legal advice to individuals and business entities concerning commercial transactions, business organizations, and complex litigation. Mr. McCabe is also an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Sacred Heart University. Mr. McCabe previously was the Chairman of the Stamford Housing Authority, Co-chair of the Stamford Reapportionment Committee, Member of the Board of Parole for the State of Connecticut, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee of the City of Stamford and Counsel for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority. He also served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Stamford where he held the position of chief legal counsel and advisor to Mayor Stanley Esposito of the City of Stamford. Mr. McCabe obtained his Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University Law School in 1974.
Michael Lazar will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. Lazar has over 14 years of experience in guiding corporate issuers with the filing of their regulatory filings with the SEC. Mr. Lazar founded Empire Filings, a full-service financial printer, in October 2020, and has been the chief executive officer of the company since then. Mr. Lazar acted as the chief executive officer of Adorbs, Inc., an organic apparel company quoted on the OTC market, from April 2019 to October 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Lazar worked at S2 Filings, a full-service financial printer, from August 2016 to October 2020. Mr. Lazar started his career in the financial printer industry at Vintage Filings, a full-service financial printer and a division of PR Newswire, from August 2006 to August 2016. Mr. Lazar obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brooklyn College in 2004. We believe that Mr. Lazar is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his experience in business management.
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Our Business Strategy and Acquisition Criteria
We intend to focus our efforts on identifying and completing our initial business combination with a company in the financial technology sector that aligns with our team’s experiences, expertise and network of relationships. Our business strategy is focused on potential acquisition targets that exhibit compelling long-term growth potential and highly defensible market positions. Our experience in Asia is a key differentiator for us compared to other blank check companies, the majority of which we believe are seeking business combinations exclusively in the U.S. We believe this will allow us to generate a truly differentiated pipeline of acquisition opportunities and lead to executing a business combination with an attractive target company more quickly, efficiently, and under better terms than our competitors.
We believe that targeting companies in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau for initial business combination) is compelling because there is a significant pool of high-quality private companies that could benefit from going public in the United States. We expect that the financial technology sector industry will continue to have a strong growth trajectory due to recent trends including increasing digitization, the adoption and advancement of new technology, and changes in consumer habits. We believe Asia in particular represents a compelling market environment with significant growth opportunities and favorable trends within the financial technology sector. We believe that the COVID-19 pandemic and Asia’s growing market has enabled consumer adoption of financial technology to accelerate, creating massive opportunities for our team to capitalize on. Given the high level of business formation and development in Asia, and the number of high-quality emerging companies seeking access to the US capital markets in our network, we believe that we will be able to engage with many leading Asia-based companies (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau) interested in a business combination. We shall not undertake our initial business combination with any entity with its principal business operations in China (including Hong Kong and Macau).
We have identified the following general criteria and guidelines as we evaluate prospective target companies.
| ● | Large underpenetrated markets with favorable industry dynamics. We intend to actively look for suitable investment opportunities within the financial technology sector with an enterprise value of approximately $250 million to $1 billion. We will prioritize targets that are already benefiting from or capitalizing on trends found within their respective sectors. |
| ● | Strong management team. The strength of the management team will be an important component in our review process. We will seek to partner with a visionary, experienced and professional management team that can drive growth, strategic decision making and long-term value creation. |
| ● | Defensible market position with sustainable competitive advantage. We intend to favor targets that have a strong competitive advantage or are category leaders in their respective verticals. We will target companies that have strong intellectual property, technology, or brand equity within their respective sectors and that can be further monetized on a global basis. |
| ● | Asia-domiciled but operating on a global basis. We will seek targets that have already established a strong operating history within Asia (excluding China), but which possess a competitive edge to expand into new geographic regions where similar needs exist. |
| ● | Benefit from being a public company. We intend to only acquire businesses that would benefit from being publicly traded in the United States, including access to broader sources of capital and expanded market awareness. This improved access to capital could allow the targets to accelerate growth, pursue new projects, retain and hire employees, and expand into new geographies or businesses. |
While we intend to use these criteria in evaluating the attractiveness of potential business combination opportunities, we may ultimately decide to enter into an initial business combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria. 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 stockholder communications related to our initial business combination, which, as discussed in this prospectus, would be in the form of tender offer documents or proxy solicitation materials that we would file with the SEC.
In evaluating a prospective target business, we expect to conduct a thorough due diligence review that will encompass, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities, as well as the review of financial and other information which will be made available to us. We will also utilize our operational and capital allocation experience. Our acquisition criteria, due diligence processes, and value creation methods are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors, and criteria that our management may deem relevant.
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Yotta Acquisition Corporation
On March 8, 2021, our management co-founded Yotta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Yotta”), a special purpose acquisition company incorporated for the purposes of effecting a business combination. On April 22, 2022, Yotta consummated its initial public offering of 11,500,000 units (including 1,500,000 units issued upon the full exercise of the over-allotment option), each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant, for an offering price of $10.00 per unit. Its units, common stock and warrants are currently traded on Nasdaq under symbols “YOTAU”, “YOTA” and “YOTAW,” respectively.
On October 24, 2022, Yotta entered into a certain merger agreement by and among NaturalShrimp Incorporated (“NaturalShrimp”), a Nevada corporation, Yotta, and Yotta Merger Sub, Inc. (“MergerSub”), a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Yotta. At the closing of the merger in consideration, Yotta will issue 17.5 million shares of its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, to the former security holders of Yotta. Following the closing of the merger, the former security holders of NaturalShrimp will be entitled to receive up to 10,000,000 additional shares of Yotta’s common stock if, following the closing of the merger, NaturalShrimp meets or exceeds either of two annual revenue thresholds for each of the fiscal years ending on March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025. After the closing of the merger, if NaturalShrimp meets or exceeds $15,000,000 in revenue (per its audited financial statements) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, then Yotta will issue 5,000,000 shares of Yotta’s common stock to the former security holders of NaturalShrimp. If NaturalShrimp meets or exceeds $30,000,000 in revenue (per its audited financial statements) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, then Yotta will issue 5,000,000 shares of its common stock to the former security holders of NaturalShrimp.
At a special meeting of stockholders held on April 19, 2023, Yotta’s stockholders approved Yotta to enter into an amendment to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Trust Amendment”) dated as of April 19, 2023. Pursuant to the Trust Amendment, Yotta has the right to extend time to complete its business combination (the “Business Combination Period”) under the Trust Agreement for a period of 12 months from April 22, 2023 to April 22, 2024 and to the extent Yotta’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is amended to extend the Business Combination Period, by depositing $120,000 for each such one-month extension into Yotta’s trust account. Yotta filed an amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 19, 2023 giving Yotta the right to extend the Business Combination Period from April 22, 2023 to April 22, 2024.
On April 21, 2023, May 17, 2023 and June 20, 2023, Yotta each deposited $120,000 (an aggregate of $360,000) into its trust account in order to extend the period of time it has to complete a business combination for an additional one (1) month period, respectively. The purpose of the extensions is to provide more time for Yotta to complete a business combination.
By a letter dated August 10, 2023 (the “Termination Letter”), Yotta informed NaturalShrimp that it was terminating the Merger Agreement. The termination of the Merger Agreement was due to breaches by NaturalShrimp of its obligations thereunder including, but not limited to, NaturalShrimp’s obligation to share the costs associated with the extension of the deadline by which Yotta must complete an initial business combination. Although the payments were to be shared equally, NaturalShrimp failed to provide its portion despite being notified of its obligation to do so.
NaturalShrimp has not responded to the Termination Letter but previously sent a notification that it was terminating the Merger Agreement. Yotta rejected that purported termination as it does not believe NaturalShrimp has a legal basis under the Merger Agreement to terminate it. Moreover, pursuant to Section 10.2(b) of the Merger Agreement, NaturalShrimp was not authorized to terminate the Merger Agreement when it was in breach of its terms. Yotta also included in the Termination Letter a demand for the $3 million termination fee due to it under the terms of the Merger Agreement.
Certain member of our management are officers and/or directors of Yotta, including Mr. Hui Chen serves as Chairman and CEO, Mr. Robert L. Labbe serves as the CFO and director, and each of Mr. Brandon Miller, Mr. Daniel M. McCabe and Mr. Michael Lazar serves as an independent director, and each of the foregoing own fiduciary duties under Delaware general corporate law to Yotta. For more details about our management’s conflict of interests, see “Management-Conflicts of Interest” on page 104 of this prospectus.
Effecting Our Initial Business Combination
General
We are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any substantive commercial business for an indefinite period of time following this offering. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this offering and the private units, the founder shares, debt, or a combination of these in effecting a business combination. Although substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of private units are intended to be applied generally toward effecting a business combination as described in this prospectus, the proceeds are not otherwise being designated for any more specific purposes. Accordingly, investors in this offering are investing without first having an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of any one or more business combinations. A business combination may involve the acquisition of, or merger with, a company which does not need substantial additional capital but which desires to establish a public trading market for its shares, while avoiding what it may deem to be adverse consequences of undertaking a public offering itself. These include time delays, significant expense, loss of voting control and compliance with various U.S. Federal and state securities laws. In the alternative, we may seek to consummate a business combination with a company that may be in its early stages of development or growth. While we may seek to effect simultaneous business combinations with more than one target business, we will probably have the ability, as a result of our limited resources, to effect only a single business combination.
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We Have Not Identified a Target Business
To date, we have not selected any target business. None of our insiders and other affiliates has engaged in discussions on our behalf with representatives of other companies regarding the possibility of a potential merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, or other similar business combination with us, nor have we, nor any of our agents or affiliates, been approached by any candidates (or representatives of any candidates) with respect to a possible business combination with us.
Subject to the limitations that a target business have a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, as described below in more detail, we will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate. We have not established any other specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses. Accordingly, there is no basis for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the target business with which we may ultimately complete a business combination. To the extent we effect a business combination with a company or an entity in its early stage of development or growth, including entities without established records of sales or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business and operations of early stage or potential emerging growth companies. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risk factors.
Sources of Target Businesses
We anticipate that target business candidates will be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers, venture capital funds, private equity funds, leveraged buyout funds, management buyout funds and other members of the financial community. Target businesses may be brought to our attention by such unaffiliated sources as a result of being solicited by us through calls or mailings which will not commence until after the completion of this offering. These sources may also introduce us to target businesses they think we may be interested in on an unsolicited basis, since many of these sources will have read this prospectus and know what types of businesses we are targeting. Our officers and directors, as well as their respective affiliates, may also bring to our attention target business candidates that they become aware of through their business contacts as a result of formal or informal inquiries or discussions they may have, as well as attending trade shows or conventions. While we do not presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions on any formal basis, we may engage these firms or other individuals in the future, in which event we may pay a finder’s fee, consulting fee, or other compensation to be determined in an arm’s length negotiation based on the terms of the transaction. In no event, however, will any of our existing insiders, special advisors or any entity with which they are affiliated, be paid any finder’s fee, consulting fee, or other compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of a business combination (regardless of the type of transaction). If we decide to enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our insiders, we will do so only if we have obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the business combination is fair to our unaffiliated stockholders from a financial point of view. However, as of the date of this prospectus, there is no affiliated entity that we consider a business combination target.
In addition, 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 pre-existing 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 pre-existing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations.
Fair Market Value of Target Business
Pursuant to the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriter’s fees and taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination, which we refer to as the 80% test. Therefore, the fair market value of the target business will be calculated prior to any conversions of our shares in connection with a business combination and therefore will be a minimum of $46.80 Million (or $53.82 Million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) in order to satisfy the 80% test. While the fair market value of the target business must satisfy the 80% test, the consideration we pay the owners of the target business may be a combination of cash (whether cash from the trust account or cash from a debt or equity financing transaction that closes concurrently with the business combination) or our equity securities. The exact nature and amount of consideration would be determined based on negotiations with the target business, although we will attempt to primarily use our equity as transaction consideration. 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 with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. We will also obtain a fairness opinion from an independent investment banking firm before consummating a business combination with an entity affiliated with any of our officers, directors or insiders. If we are no longer listed on Nasdaq, we will not be required to satisfy the 80% test and may hold a stockholder vote to remove this requirement from our certificate of incorporation.
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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 equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination such that the post-transaction company own 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, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise owns a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns 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-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital 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 equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% test.
Alternative structures to comply with regulations in certain industries within an international context.
We have not selected any target business for our search for our initial business combination nor have we affirmatively identified a target jurisdiction, and we are, therefore, presently unable to determine the future legal form of the target business acquisition and resulting enterprise.
Stockholder Approval of Business Combination
In connection with any proposed business combination, we will either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which public stockholders (but not our insiders, officers or directors) may seek to redeem their shares of common stock, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, into a portion of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and therefore avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, in each case subject to the limitations described herein. If we determine to engage in a tender offer, such tender offer will be structured so that each stockholder may tender all of his, her, or its shares rather than some pro rata portion of his, her, or its shares. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or whether we 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. We anticipate that our business combination could be completed by way of a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar transaction. Stockholder approval may not be required under Delaware law if the business combination is structured as an acquisition of assets of the target company, a share exchange with target company stockholders or a purchase of stock of the target company; however, Nasdaq rules would require us to obtain stockholder approval if we seek to issue shares representing 20% or more of our outstanding shares as consideration in a business combination. A merger of our company into a target company would require stockholder approval under Delaware law. A merger of a target company into our company may not require stockholder approval unless the merger results in a change to our certificate of incorporation, or if the shares issued in connection with the merger exceed 20% of our outstanding shares prior to the merger. A merger of a target company with a subsidiary of our company would not require stockholder approval unless the merger results in a change in our certificate of incorporation; however, Nasdaq rules would require us to obtain stockholder approval of such a transaction if we seek to issue shares representing 20% or more of our outstanding shares as consideration.
If a stockholder vote is not required and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we will provide our stockholders with an opportunity to tender their shares to us pursuant to a tender offer pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers, and we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules.
In the event we allow stockholders to tender their shares pursuant to the tender offer rules, our tender offer 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. If public stockholders tender more shares than we have offered to purchase, we will withdraw the tender offer and not complete the initial business combination.
| ● | If, however, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law or Nasdaq requirements, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons, we will: permit stockholders to redeem their shares 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 |
| ● | file proxy materials with the SEC. |
In the event that we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we will distribute proxy materials and, in connection therewith, provide stockholders with the redemption rights described above upon completion of the initial business combination.
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Our insiders, including our officers and directors, have agreed (1) to vote any shares of common stock owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, if permitted by law or regulation, (2) not to redeem any shares of common stock into the right to receive cash from the trust account in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or a vote to amend the provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity and (3) not to sell any shares of common stock in any tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination.
Depending on how a business combination might be structured, the stockholder approval requirement could be satisfied by obtaining only the approval of a majority of the shares of our common stock at a stockholder meeting (assuming the presence of a quorum at the meeting). Because our insiders, including our officers and directors, will collectively beneficially own approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock upon closing of this offering, as few as 163,501 public shares, or approximately 2.73% of the publicly offered shares or approximately 1.5% of all outstanding shares of our common stock would need to be voted for a business combination structured as an acquisition of the target pursuant to article 216 of the DGCL (assuming the minimum number of shares necessary to constitute a quorum are present and vote a majority in favor) due to our insiders’ ownership of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock upon consummation of the initial public offering. If all outstanding shares of common stock are present and vote at the meeting, then 2,162,479 public shares in addition to the insiders’ shares would need to approve the transaction (which assumes that the underwriter does not exercise the over-allotment option).
None of our insiders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units or shares of common stock from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, if we seek stockholder approval of a business combination and if we hold a meeting to approve a proposed business combination and a significant number of stockholders vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against such proposed business combination, we or our insiders or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions in order to influence the vote. 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. No funds from the trust account can be released from the trust account prior to the consummation of a business combination to make such purchases (although such purchases could be made using funds available to us after the closing of a business combination). 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we or our insiders or their affiliates will not make purchases of shares of common stock if the purchases would violate Sections 9(a)(2) or 10(b) of the Exchange Act or Regulation M, which are rules that prohibit manipulation of a company’s stock, and we and they will comply with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act in connection with any open-market purchases. If purchases cannot be made without violating applicable law, no such purchases will be made. The purpose of such purchases would be to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. This may result in the completion of our business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our common stock 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 insiders anticipate that they may identify the stockholders with whom our insiders or 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 insiders 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.
Ability to Extend Time to Complete Business Combination
We have 9 months from the closing of this offering to consummate our initial business combination (“Combination Period”). If we anticipate that we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering, we may, but are not obligated to, if requested by our sponsor or its affiliates, extend Combination Period up to two times by an additional three months each time for a total of up to 15 months by depositing $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) in connection with each such extension into our trust account (the “Paid Extension Period”). In addition, we will be entitled to an automatic six-month extension to complete a business combination (the “Automatic Extension Period”) if we have executed a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement for an initial business combination during the Combination Period or Paid Extension Period. If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within such time period, we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, including a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes, and then seek to liquidate and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public shareholders. In the event of our liquidation and subsequent dissolution, the public and private rights will expire and will be worthless. Our public stockholders will not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our extensions of time to consummate an initial business combination from 9 months to up to 21 months or redeem their shares in connection with such extensions.
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Redemption Rights
At any meeting called to approve an initial business combination, any public stockholder, whether voting for or against such proposed business combination, will be entitled to demand that its shares of common stock be redeemed for a full pro-rata portion of the amount then in the trust account (initially $10.00 per share), plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes. Alternatively, we may provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares of our common stock to us through a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, net of taxes payable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of his or hers or any other person with whom he or she is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking conversion rights with respect to 15% or more of the shares of common stock sold in this offering. Such a public stockholder would still be entitled to vote against a proposed business combination with respect to all shares of common stock owned by him or her, or his or her affiliates. We believe this restriction will prevent stockholders from accumulating large blocks of shares before the vote held to approve a proposed business combination and attempt to use the conversion right as a means to force us or our management to purchase their shares at a significant premium to the then current market price. By not allowing a stockholder to redeem more than 15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering, we believe we have limited the ability of a small group of stockholders to unreasonably attempt to block a transaction which is favored by our other public stockholders.
None of our insiders will have the right to receive cash from the trust account in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or a vote to amend the provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity with respect to any shares of common stock owned by them, directly or indirectly, whether acquired prior to this offering or purchased by them in this offering or in the aftermarket.
Liquidation if No Business Combination
If we do not consummate an initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares 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 the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. At such time, the rights will expire and holders of the rights will receive nothing upon a liquidation with respect to such rights, and the rights will be worthless.
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 100% of our outstanding public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within the required time period may be considered a liquidation 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 redemptions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a redemption 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 100% of our public shares in the event that we do not consummate our initial business combination within the required time period is not considered a liquidation distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful, then pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, then the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidating distribution. It is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following the applicable deadline from the closing of this offering and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with the above 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.
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Because we will not be complying with Section 280 of the DGCL, Section 281(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law 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 seeking to complete an initial business combination, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target businesses.
We will seek to have all third parties (including any vendors or other entities we engage after this offering) and any prospective target businesses enter into valid and enforceable agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the trust account. The underwriters in this offering will execute such a waiver agreement. As a result, the claims that could be made against us will be limited, thereby decreasing the likelihood that any claim would result in any liability extending to the trust. We therefore believe that any necessary provision for creditors will be reduced and should not have a significant impact on our ability to distribute the funds in the trust account to our public stockholders. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that vendors, service providers, and prospective target businesses will execute such agreements. In the event that a potential contracted party were to refuse to execute such a waiver, we will execute an agreement with that entity only if our management first determines that we would be unable to obtain, on a reasonable basis, substantially similar services or opportunities from another entity willing to execute such a waiver. Examples of instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver would be the engagement of a third-party consultant who cannot sign such an agreement due to regulatory restrictions, such as our auditors who are unable to sign due to conflicts-of-interest requirements, or whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be superior to those of other consultants who would agree to execute a waiver or a situation in which management does not believe it would be able to find a provider of required services willing to provide the waiver. There is also no guarantee that, even if they execute such agreements with us, they will not seek recourse against the trust account. Our insiders will agree that they will be jointly and severally liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a vendor 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 less than $10.10 per public share, except as to any claims by a third party that executed a valid and enforceable agreement with us waiving any right, title, interest, or claim of any kind it may have in or to any monies held in the trust account and except as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Our insiders may not be able to satisfy their indemnification obligations, as we have not required our insiders to retain any assets to provide for their indemnification obligations, nor have we taken any further steps to ensure that they will be able to satisfy any indemnification obligations that arise. Moreover, our insiders will not be liable to our public stockholders and instead will only have liability to us. As a result, if we liquidate, the per-share distribution from the trust account could be less than approximately $10.10 due to claims or potential claims of creditors. We will distribute to all of our public stockholders, in proportion to their respective equity interests, an aggregate sum equal to the amount then held in the trust account, inclusive of any interest not previously released to us, (subject to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors as described below).
If we are unable to consummate an initial business combination and are forced to redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a portion of the funds held in the trust account, we anticipate notifying the trustee of the trust account to begin liquidating such assets promptly after such date and anticipate it will take no more than 10 business days to effectuate the redemption of our public shares. Our insiders have waived their rights to participate in any redemption with respect to their founder shares. We will pay the costs of any subsequent liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, our insiders have agreed to pay the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $100,000) and have agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses. Each holder of public shares 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 us or necessary to pay our taxes. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to claims of our creditors that are in preference to the claims of public stockholders.
Our public stockholders shall be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of our failure to complete our initial business combination in the required time period or if the stockholders seek to have us redeem their respective shares of common stock upon a business combination which is actually completed by us. In no other circumstances shall a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.
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If we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, the per share redemption or conversion amount received by public stockholders may be less than $10.10.
If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, 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 all amounts received by our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors may be deemed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. Claims may be brought against us for these reasons.
Certificate of Incorporation
Our amended certificate of incorporation to be filed at effectiveness of this prospectus will contain certain requirements and restrictions relating to this offering that will apply to us until the consummation of our initial business combination. If we hold a stockholder vote to amend any provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to stockholder’s rights or pre-business combination activity (including the substance or timing within which we have to complete a business combination), we will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of 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 franchise and income taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, in connection with any such vote. Our insiders have agreed to waive any conversion rights with respect to any insider shares, private shares and any public shares they may hold in connection with any vote to amend our certificate of incorporation. Specifically, our certificate of incorporation provides, among other things, that:
| ● | prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, we shall either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which public stockholders may seek to convert their shares of common stock, regardless of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, into a portion of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, net of taxes payable, or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, net of taxes payable, in each case subject to the limitations described herein; |
| ● | we will consummate our initial business combination only if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination; |
| ● | if our initial business combination is not consummated within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) the closing of this offering, then our existence will terminate and we will distribute all amounts in the trust account to all of our public holders of shares of common stock; |
| ● | upon the consummation of this offering, $60,600,000, or $10.10 per publicly offered unit ($69,690,000, if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full), shall be placed into the trust account; |
| ● | we may not consummate any other business combination, merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar transaction prior to our initial business combination; and |
| ● | 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 on any initial business combination. |
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Potential Revisions to Agreements with Insiders
Each of our insiders has entered into one or more letter agreements with us pursuant to which each of them has agreed to do certain things relating to us and our activities prior to an initial business combination. We could seek to amend these letter agreements without the approval of stockholders, although we have no intention to do so. In particular:
| ● | Restrictions relating to our insiders being required to vote in favor of a business combination (if permitted by law or regulation) or against any amendments to our organizational documents could be amended; |
| ● | The requirement of members of the management team to remain our officer or director until the closing of a business combination could be amended to allow persons to resign from their positions with us if, for example, the current management team has difficulty locating a target business and another management team has a potential target business; |
| ● | The restrictions on transfer of our securities could be amended; and, |
| ● | Beyond shareholdings and any agreements negotiated with the post-combination entity, the obligation of insiders to forego compensation in connection with a business combination could be modified in order to allow them to receive such compensation. |
We may not be required to provide stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares in connection with changes to agreements with our insiders. Such changes could result in:
| ● | Our insiders being able to vote against a business combination or in favor of changes to our organizational documents; |
| ● | Our operations being controlled by a new management team that may differ from those with whom our stockholders previously chose to invest; |
| ● | Our insiders receiving compensation in connection with a business combination; and |
| ● | Our insiders closing a transaction with one of their affiliates without receiving an independent valuation of such business. |
We will not agree to any such changes unless we believe that such changes are in the best interests of our stockholders (for example, if we believe a modification is necessary to complete a business combination). Each of our officers and directors has fiduciary obligations to us requiring that he or she act in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders.
Competition
In identifying, evaluating, and selecting a target business, we may encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human, and other resources than us, and our financial resources will be relatively limited as compared with those of many of these competitors. While we believe there may be numerous potential target businesses with which we could complete an initial business combination with the net proceeds of this offering, our ability to compete in completing a business combination with certain sizable target businesses may be limited by our available financial resources.
The following also may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses:
| ● | our obligation to seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination or engage in a tender offer may delay the completion of a transaction; |
| ● | our obligation to redeem shares of common stock held by our public stockholders may reduce the resources available to us for our initial business combination; |
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| ● | our obligation to pay the deferred underwriting commission to the underwriters upon consummation of our initial business combination; |
| ● | our obligation to either repay working capital loans that may be made to us by our insiders or their affiliates; |
| ● | our obligation to register the resale of the founder shares, as well as the private units (and underlying securities) and any shares issued to our insiders or their affiliates upon conversion of working capital loans, if we and they agree to do so; and |
| ● | the impact on the target business’s assets as a result of unknown liabilities under the securities laws or otherwise depending on developments involving us prior to the consummation of a business combination. |
Any of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating our initial business combination. Our management believes, however, that our status as a public entity and potential access to the United States public equity markets may give us a competitive advantage over privately held entities having a similar business objective as ours in connection with an initial business combination with a target business with significant growth potential on favorable terms.
If we succeed in effecting our initial business combination, there will be, in all likelihood, intense competition from competitors of the target business. Subsequent to our initial business combination, we may not have the resources or ability to compete effectively.
Facilities
We currently maintain our principal executive offices at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, New York, New York 10036. This space is provided to us by our Sponsor, at no cost. We consider our current office space, combined with the other office space otherwise available to our executive officers, to be adequate for our current operations.
Employees
We have two executive officers. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters and intend to devote only as much time as they deem necessary to our affairs. The amount of time they will devote in any time period will vary based on whether a target business has been selected for the business combination and the stage of the business combination process the company is in. Accordingly, once a suitable target business has been identified, management will spend more time investigating such target business and negotiating and processing the business combination (and consequently spend more time on our affairs) than had been spent prior to locating a suitable target business. We presently expect our executive officers to devote an average of approximately 10 hours per week to our business. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of our initial business combination.
Periodic Reporting and Audited Financial Statements
We have registered our units and common stock under the Securities Act and have reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, including the requirement that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, our annual report will contain financial statements prepared and audited by our independent registered public accountants.
We will provide stockholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of any proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents sent to stockholders to assist them in assessing the target business. These financial statements will need to be prepared in accordance with or reconciled to United States GAAP or IFRS as issued by the IASB. A particular target business identified by us as a potential business combination candidate may not have the necessary financial statements. To the extent that this requirement cannot be met, we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination with the proposed target business.
We may be required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to have our internal control over financial reporting audited for the year ending December 31, 2023. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of their internal control over financial reporting. The development of the internal control over financial reporting of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such initial business combination.
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JOBS Act
We are 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, or the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.”
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 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 during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” shall have the meaning associated with it in the JOBS Act.
Legal Proceedings
There is no material litigation, arbitration, governmental proceeding, or any other legal proceeding currently pending or known to be contemplated against us or any members of our management team in their capacity as such, and we and the members of our management team have not been subject to any such proceeding in the 10 years preceding the date of this prospectus.
Comparison to Offerings of Blank Check Companies Subject to Rule 419
The following table compares the terms of this offering to the terms of an offering by a blank check company subject to the provisions of Rule 419. This comparison assumes that the gross proceeds, underwriting discounts, and underwriting expenses of our offering would be identical to those of an offering undertaken by a company subject to Rule 419, and that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option. None of the provisions of Rule 419 apply to our offering.
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| Terms of the Offering | Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering | |||
| Escrow of offering proceeds | $60,600,000 of the net proceeds attributable to the publicly offered units and the privately offered units will be deposited into a United States-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. | $50,845,095 of the offering proceeds would be required to be deposited into either an escrow account with an insured depositary institution or in a separate bank account established by a broker-dealer in which the broker-dealer acts as trustee for persons having the beneficial interests in the account. | ||
| Investment of net proceeds | $60,600,000 of net offering proceeds and proceeds from the sale of the private units held in the trust account will be invested only in U.S. government treasury bills, bonds or notes with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting the applicable conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. | Proceeds could be invested only in specified securities such as a money market fund meeting conditions of the Investment Company Act or in securities that are direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the United States. | ||
| Limitation on fair value or net assets of target business | Our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriter’s fees and taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. | The fair value or net assets of a target business must represent at least 80% of the maximum offering proceeds. | ||
| Trading of securities issued | The shares may commence trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus, provided we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K, which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the proceeds of this offering. The distributable right will be distributed upon successful completion of our initial business combination. | No trading of the units or the underlying common stock would be permitted until the completion of a business combination. During this period, the securities would be held in the escrow or trust account. | ||
| Election to remain an investor | We will either (i) give our stockholders the opportunity to vote on the business combination or (ii) provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of our common stock for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, less taxes. If we hold a meeting to approve a proposed business combination, we will send each stockholder a proxy statement containing information required by the SEC. Alternatively, if we do not hold a meeting and instead conduct a tender offer, we will conduct such tender offer in accordance with the tender offer rules of the SEC and file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as we would have included in a proxy statement. Under Delaware law and our bylaws, we must provide at least 10 days’ advance notice of any meeting of stockholders. Accordingly, this is the minimum amount of time we would need to provide holders to determine whether to exercise their rights to redeem their shares for cash or to remain an investor in our company. | A prospectus containing information pertaining to the business combination required by the SEC would be sent to each investor. Each investor would be given the opportunity to notify the company in writing, within a period of no less than 20 business days and no more than 45 business days from the effective date of a post-effective amendment to the company’s registration statement, to decide whether to remain a stockholder of the company or to require the return of its investment. If the company has not received the notification by the end of the 45th business day, funds and interest or dividends, if any, held in the trust or escrow account are automatically returned to the stockholder. Unless a sufficient number of investors elect to remain investors, all funds held in the escrow account must be returned to all of the investors. |
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| Terms of the Offering | Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering | |||
| Business combination deadline | Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable), we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the 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 the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. | If an acquisition has not been completed within 18 months after the effective date of the company’s registration statement, funds held in the trust or escrow account are returned to investors. | ||
| Interest earned on the funds in the trust account | There can be released to us, from time to time, any interest earned on the funds in the trust account that we may need to pay our tax obligations. | Interest on funds in the escrow account would be held for the sole benefit of investors, unless and only after the funds held in escrow were released to us in connection with our consummation of an initial business combination. | ||
| Release of funds | Except for interest earned on the funds in the trust account that may be released to us to pay our tax obligations the proceeds held in the trust account will not be released until the earlier of the consummation of our initial business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect our initial business combination within the allotted time. | The proceeds held in the escrow account are not released until the earlier of the consummation of a business combination or the failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time. |
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Comparison of Redemption or Purchase Prices in Connection with Our Initial Business Combination and if We Fail to Complete Our Initial Business Combination.
The following table compares the redemptions and other permitted purchases of the shares of our common stock issued in this offering that may take place in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination and if we do not complete our initial business combination within the allotted period of time.
| Redemptions
in Connection with Our Initial Business Combination |
Other
Permitted Purchases of Common Stock Issued in This Offering by Us or Our Affiliates |
Redemptions
if We Fail to Complete an Initial Business Combination | ||||
| Calculation of redemption price | Redemptions at the time of our initial business combination may be made pursuant to a tender offer or in connection with a stockholder vote. The redemption price will be the same whether we conduct redemptions pursuant to a tender offer or in connection with a stockholder vote. In either case, our public stockholders may redeem their shares of common stock for cash equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of five business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination (which is initially anticipated to be $10.10 per share of common stock issued in this offering, although could be less), including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes and other permissible expenses, divided by the number of then outstanding shares of our common stock issued in this offering. | If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors, or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to or following completion of our initial business combination. There is no limit to the prices that our Sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may pay in these transactions. | If we are unable to complete our business combination within 18 months post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein, we will redeem all shares of our common stock issued in this offering at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (which is initially anticipated to be $10.10 per share of common stock, although could be less), 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 shares of our common stock issued in this offering. | |||
| Impact to remaining stockholders | The redemptions in connection with our initial business combination will reduce the book value per share for our remaining stockholders, who will bear the burden of the deferred underwriting discounts and taxes payable. | If the permitted purchases described above are made there would be no impact to our remaining stockholders because the purchase price would not be paid by us. | The redemption of the shares of our common stock issued in this offering if we fail to complete our business combination will reduce the book value per share for the shares held by our Sponsor, who will be our only remaining stockholders after such redemptions. |
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Directors and Executive Officers
Our current executive officers and directors are as follows:
| Name | Age | Position | ||
| Hui Chen | 51 | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Robert L. Labbe | 63 | Chief Financial Officer, Director Nominee | ||
| Brandon Miller | 60 | Independent Director Nominee | ||
| Daniel M. McCabe | 73 | Independent Director Nominee | ||
| Michael Lazar | 39 | Independent Director Nominee |
Below is a summary of the business experience of each our executive officers and directors.
Hui Chen has been our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since May 1, 2023. He has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since December 2021. Mr. Chen is a cross-industry expert in computer science and law. Mr. Chen founded Law Offices of Hui Chen & Associates, PC in 2012, a New York-based law firm. Mr. Chen focuses his practice on patent prosecution, copyright infringement, and other general intellectual property matters. Mr. Chen has also been an adjunct professor at Hofstra University since September 2019, where he instructs multiple undergraduate computer science programming courses in Visual C++. Before joining Hofstra University, Mr. Chen was an adjunct associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Pace University, Touro College, and Saint Francis College between 2000 and 2018 and was a full-time professor at Technical Career of Institute, College of Technology from December 2011 to December 2017. Before forming his law office in 2012, Mr. Chen worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Chen worked as an Oracle developer at eBay, Inc. from February 2008 to May 2015. Mr. Chen worked at IBM Global Services, where he was a solo back-end developer in designing and building the database and back-end process for DHS Inspection Application, from November 2007 to March 2008, and a programmer analyst between March 1998 and May 2004. Mr. Chen also worked at MultiPlan Inc. between June 2005 and February 2008 as a technical lead where he participated in designing new application systems and partnered with external vendors in coding and implementing new systems by using Java and Oracle PL/SQL. Before that, Mr. Chen worked at Pepsi Cola Inc. from January 2004 to June 2005, where he designed, coded, implemented, and documented a growth forecasting system and developed an automatic purchasing system. Mr. Chen received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1992, a Bachelor’s degree in HVAC from Technical Career Institutes in 1997, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Pace University in 2000, and his J.D. degree from Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University in 2010.
We believe that Mr. Chen’s access to contacts and sources, ranging from high-technology companies and legal contacts, will allow us to generate acquisition opportunities and identify suitable acquisition candidates.
Robert L. Labbe has been our Chief Financial Officer since May 1, 2023. He will become one of our directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer and director of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since December 2021. Mr. Labbe is a real estate veteran and real estate finance attorney licensed in California and New York with over thirty (30) years of experience in real estate. Mr. Labbe also has been a manager of MCAP Realty Advisors, LLC, a real estate advisor company, since January 2010. Mr. Labbe has been the general counsel of Global Premier Development Inc. and Global Premier America, LLC, real estate development companies, from March 2012 to December 2021. Mr. Labbe was a co-founder, general counsel, and managing director of Lenders Direct Capital, a wholesale lender, and its retail affiliate Lenders Republic Financial, a nationwide mortgage banker, from May 2003 to December 2007. Mr. Labbe was also a co-founder and partner at Mazda Butler LLP, a commercial and real estate law firm in California, from January 2003 to December 2007. Mr. Labbe co-founded First Allegiance Financial, a national specialty finance company, where he was the president and chairman from September 1996 to December 1998. First Allegiance Financial was acquired by City Holding Company, a financial holding company, for approximately $22 million in 1997. Mr. Labbe received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Law (B.C.L.) and Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) from McGill University in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Mr. Labbe also received his Diplome d’Etude Collegiale St. Lawrence College (Quebec) in 1978. Mr. Labbe is a licensed broker with the California Department of Real Estate since 1990. Mr. Labbe also holds the UC Irvine Extension Light Construction and Development Management Program Certificate.
We believe that Mr. Labbe is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his entrepreneurship and extensive experience in the real estate industry.
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Brandon Miller will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. Miller has been the managing partner at Aspect Property Management LLC, a property management company in Connecticut, since January 2015. Before joining Aspect Property Management LLC, Mr. Miller spent a decade in the consulting industry at Matté & Company, a private and public sector consulting company from January 2005 to January 2015, where he offered executive recruiting, strategic planning, leadership, and corporate consulting services. Mr. Miller was a corporate controller at Corporate Dining Solutions, a corporate catering company, from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Miller is presently a certified manager of community associations (“CMCA”) and an association management specialist (“AMS”). Mr. Miller received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Bridgeport in 1986 and studied in Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University from 1980 to 1983.
We believe that Mr. Miller is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his extensive experience in the real estate and business consulting industries.
Daniel M. McCabe will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. McCabe has been admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of Connecticut since 1974. Mr. McCabe’s legal career began as an assistant clerk of the Superior Court at Stamford from 1974 to 1976, and since then he has had his own legal practice, Daniel McCabe LLC, a general practice law firm in Connecticut founded in 1982. His work includes rendering legal advice to individuals and business entities concerning commercial transactions, business organizations, and complex litigation. Mr. McCabe is also an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Sacred Heart University. Mr. McCabe previously was the Chairman of the Stamford Housing Authority, Co-chair of the Stamford Reapportionment Committee, Member of the Board of Parole for the State of Connecticut, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee of the City of Stamford and Counsel for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority. He also served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Stamford where he held the position of chief legal counsel and advisor to Mayor Stanley Esposito of the City of Stamford. Mr. McCabe obtained his Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University Law School in 1974.
We believe Mr. McCabe is well-qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his professional experience.
Michael Lazar will become one of our independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. He has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA) since April 2022. Mr. Lazar has over 14 years of experience in guiding corporate issuers with the filing of their regulatory filings with the SEC. Mr. Lazar founded Empire Filings, a full-service financial printer, in October 2020, and has been the chief executive officer of the company since then. Mr. Lazar acted as the chief executive officer of Adorbs, Inc., an organic apparel company quoted on the OTC market, from April 2019 to October 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Lazar worked at S2 Filings, a full-service financial printer, from August 2016 to October 2020. Mr. Lazar started his career in the financial printer industry at Vintage Filings, a full-service financial printer and a division of PR Newswire, from August 2006 to August 2016. Mr. Lazar obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brooklyn College in 2004.
We believe that Mr. Lazar is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his experience in business management.
Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors
Our board of directors will consist of four members, three of whom are deemed to be “independent” under SEC and Nasdaq rules. We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders until after we consummate our initial business combination. 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 directors may consist of a chairman of the board, and that our officer may consist of a chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, vice president(s), secretary, treasurer and such other officers as may be determined by the board of directors.
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Executive Compensation
No executive officer has received any cash compensation for services rendered to us. No compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s fees, consulting fees, and other similar fees, will be paid to our insiders or any of the members of our management team for services rendered prior to or in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, such individuals will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence of suitable target businesses and business combinations, as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants, or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account and the interest income earned on the amounts held in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. In addition, our executive officers have significant financial interests in the company as described in the section of this document entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” These interests reward our Sponsor who is also an executive manager, as well as other holders of the Founder Shares, upon the successful consummation of the initial public offering, and, subsequently, the completion of the initial business combination. Meanwhile the failure to consummate an initial business combination would result in significant financial loss for our Sponsor and other holders of the Founder Shares.
After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management, or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders. It is unlikely that the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider our initial business combination because the directors of the post-combination business will determine executive and director compensation. In this event, such compensation will be publicly disclosed at the time of its determination in a Current Report on Form 8-K, as required by the SEC.
Director Independence
Nasdaq listing standards require that within one year of the listing of our securities on the Nasdaq Global Market we have at least a majority of independent directors and 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 determined that Mr. McCabe, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Lazar each qualify as an “independent director” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules.
We will only enter into a business combination if it is approved by a majority of our directors. Additionally, we will only enter into transactions with our officers and directors and their respective affiliates that are on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from independent parties. Any related-party transactions must be approved by our audit committee and a majority of disinterested directors.
Audit Committee
Effective as of the date of this prospectus, we will establish an audit committee of the board of directors, which will consist of the independent directors. Mr. Brandon Miller will serve as chairperson of the audit committee. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:
| ● | reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, and recommending to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K; |
| ● | discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements; |
| ● | discussing with management major risk assessment and risk management policies; |
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| ● | monitoring the independence of the independent auditor; |
| ● | verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law; |
| ● | reviewing and approving all related-party transactions; |
| ● | inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations; |
| ● | pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed; |
| ● | appointing or replacing the independent auditor; |
| ● | determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work; |
| ● | establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies; and |
| ● | approving reimbursement of expenses incurred by our management team in identifying potential target businesses. |
Financial Experts on Audit Committee
The audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively of “independent directors” who are “financially literate” as defined under the Nasdaq listing standards. The Nasdaq listing standards define “financially literate” as being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
In addition, we must certify to Nasdaq that the committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Brandon Miller qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.
Compensation Committee
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will establish a compensation committee of the board of directors consisting of the independent directors. Mr. Daniel M. McCabe will serve as chairman of the compensation committee. We will adopt a compensation committee charter, which will detail the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:
| ● | reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance within the context of such goals and objectives, and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation; |
| ● | reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our other executive officers; |
| ● | reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans; |
| ● | implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans; |
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| ● | assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements; |
| ● | approving all special perquisites, special cash payments, and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our executive officers and employees; |
| ● | producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and |
| ● | reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors. |
The charter will also provide that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by NASDAQ and the SEC.
Director Nominations
We do not have a standing nominating committee, though we intend to form a corporate governance and nominating committee as and when required to do so by law or NASDAQ rules.
The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at a future annual meeting of stockholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to the Board should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.
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 education, 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
We may not have a compensation committee in place prior to the completion of our initial business combination. Any executive compensation matters that arise prior to the time we have a compensation committee in place will be determined by our independent directors. None of our directors who currently serve as members of our compensation committee is, or has at any time in the past been, one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our compensation committee.
Code of Ethics
Effective upon consummation of this offering, we will adopt a code of ethics that applies to all of our executive officers, directors, and employees. The code of ethics codifies the business and ethical principles that govern all aspects of our business.
Conflicts of Interest
Investors should be aware of the following potential conflicts of interest.
| ● | None of our officers and directors is required to commit their full time to our affairs and, accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time among various business activities. |
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| ● | In the course of their other business activities, our officers and directors may become aware of investment and business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to our company as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated. Our directors and officers may continue to be involved in the formation of other special purpose acquisition companies in the future. Thus, our officers and directors may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. |
| ● | Our officers and directors may in the future become affiliated with entities, including other blank check companies, engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by our company. |
| ● | Unless we consummate our initial business combination, our officers, directors, and other insiders will not receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them to the extent that such expenses exceed the amount of available proceeds not deposited in the trust account. |
| ● | The founder shares beneficially owned by our officers and directors will be released from escrow only if our initial business combination is successfully completed. Additionally, if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time frame, our officers and directors will not be entitled to receive any amounts held in the trust account with respect to any of their founder shares or private units. Furthermore, our Sponsor, Yocto Investments LLC, agreed that the private units will not be sold or transferred by it until after we have completed our initial business combination. For the foregoing reasons, our board may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effect our initial business combination. |
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 the corporation and its stockholders for the opportunity not to be brought to the attention of the corporation. |
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. Furthermore, our certificate of incorporation provides that the doctrine of corporate opportunity will not apply with respect to any of our officers or directors in circumstances where the application of the doctrine would conflict with any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations they may have. In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise from multiple affiliations, our officers and directors (other than our independent directors) have agreed to present to us for our consideration, prior to presentation to any other person or entity, any suitable opportunity to acquire a target business, until the earlier of: (1) our consummation of an initial business combination and (2) 18 months from the date of this prospectus (or any other applicable deadline as described in this prospectus). This agreement is, however, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations such officer or director may from time to time have to another entity. Accordingly, if any of them becomes aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has pre-existing 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, and only present it to us if such entity rejects the opportunity. We do not believe, however, that the pre-existing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our officers and directors will materially undermine our ability to complete our business combination because in most cases the affiliated companies are closely held entities controlled by the officer or director or the nature of the affiliated company’s business is such that it is unlikely that a conflict will arise.
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The following table summarizes the current material pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations of our officers, and directors:
| Name of Individual | Name of Affiliated Company | Entity’s Business | Affiliation | |||
| Hui Chen | Law Offices of Hui Chen & Associates, PC | Law Firm | Partner | |||
| Hofstra University | Education | Adjunct Professor | ||||
| Yotta Acquisition Corporation | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman | ||||
| Robert L. Labbe | MCAP Realty Advisors, LLC | Real Estate Advisory Services | Chief Financial Officer and Director | |||
| Yotta Acquisition Corporation | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | |||||
| Brandon Miller | Aspect Property Management LLC | Real Estate | Partner | |||
| Yotta Acquisition Corporation | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | Independent Director | ||||
| Daniel M. McCabe | Daniel M. McCabe, LLC | Law Firm | Partner | |||
| 1200 Summer Street Association | Real Estate | Managing Partner | ||||
| Yotta Acquisition Corporation | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | Independent Director | ||||
| Michael Lazar | Empire Filings | Financial Printer | Chief Executive Officer | |||
| Yotta Acquisition Corporation | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | Independent Director |
Our insiders, including our officers and directors, have agreed to vote any shares of common stock held by them in favor of our initial business combination, if permitted by law or regulation. In addition, they have agreed to waive their respective rights to receive any amounts held in the trust account with respect to their founder shares and private units if we do not complete our initial business combination within the required time frame. If they purchase shares of common stock in this offering or in the open market, however, they would be entitled to receive their pro rata share of the amounts held in the trust account if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within the required time frame, but have agreed not to redeem such shares in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination.
All ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will therefore comply with section 144 of the DGCL.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors and officers will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law as it now exists or may in the future be amended. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors.
Our bylaws also will permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. In such a scenario we will purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify the directors and officers.
These provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these provisions. We believe that these provisions as well as the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary so as to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
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The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares of common stock as of the date of this prospectus and upon completion of the sale of our shares of common stock included in the units offered by this prospectus (assuming none of the individuals listed purchase units in this offering), by:
| ● | each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock; |
| ● | each of our officers, and directors; and |
| ● | all of our officers, and directors as a group. |
Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.
In May 2023, our sponsor purchased 1,725,000 founder shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0145 per share. Our sponsor will transfer 2,000 founder shares (in an aggregate of 8,000 founder shares) to each of Robert L. Labbe, Brandon Miller, Daniel M. McCabe, and Michael Lazar upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The following table presents the number of shares and percentage of our common stock owned by our initial stockholders before and after this offering. The post-offering numbers and percentages presented assume that the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option, that our sponsor forfeits an aggregate of 225,000 founder shares and that there are 7,795,045 shares of our common stock, consisting of (i) 6,000,000 shares of our public common stock, (ii) 1,500,000 founder shares, (iii) 60,000 representative shares, and (iv) 235,045 shares of our common stock underlying the private placement units, issued and outstanding after this offering.
| Prior to Offering | After Offering | |||||||||||||||
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Amount
and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock(2) |
Approximate Percentage of Outstanding Shares of Common Stock |
Amount
and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock(3) |
Approximate Percentage of Outstanding Shares of Common Stock |
||||||||||||
| Yocto Investments LLC (our sponsor)(4) | 1,717,000 | 99.54 | % | 1,727,045 | 22.03 | % | ||||||||||
| Hui Chen(5) | 1,717,000 | 99.54 | % | 1,727,045 | 22.03 | % | ||||||||||
| Robert L. Labbe | 2,000 | * | 2,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| Brandon Miller | 2,000 | * | 2,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| Daniel M. McCabe | 2,000 | * | 2,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| Michael Lazar | 2,000 | * | 2,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| All officers and directors as a group (5 individuals) | 1,725,000 | 100 | % | 1,735,045 | 22.13 | % | ||||||||||
| * | Less than 1%. |
| (1) | Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, New York, NY 10036. |
| (2) | These shares represent the founder shares held by our initial stockholders, an aggregate of 225,000 of which are subject to forfeiture by our sponsor depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part. |
| (3) | Assumes no exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, an aggregate of 225,000 shares of common stock held by our sponsor are forfeited. |
| (4) | Ms. Chen Chen has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares owned by Yocto Investments LLC. |
| (5) | Consists of shares owned by Yocto Investments LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which is controlled solely by Ms. Chen Chen, who is the wife of Mr. Hui Chen, our CEO and Chairman. |
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Immediately after the completion of the public sale of our common stock, our insiders will beneficially own shares of common stock in an amount representing approximately 22.13% of the then issued and outstanding shares of publicly offered common stock. Our Sponsor will retain a 22.03% ownership interest in us.
Because of the ownership block held by our insiders, such individuals may be able to effectively exercise influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions other than approval of our initial business combination.
The Sponsor will purchase the private units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,350,450 (or $2,530,450 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full) from us. This purchase will occur by way of private placements contemporaneous to the consummation of this offering. The private units are identical to the public units sold in this offering. Additionally, the Sponsor has agreed not to transfer, assign, or sell any of the private units or underlying securities (except to the same permitted transferees as the founder shares and provided that the transferees agree to the same terms and restrictions to which the permitted transferees of the founder shares must agree, each as described above) until the consummation of our initial business combination. These private units and the founder shares are the principal source of the Sponsor’s ownership interest in us, with any additional interest not being forbidden so long as it is acquired by way of the purchase securities from the pool of the publicly offered securities described herein, or pursuant to any other, duly-approved, to-be-formed, future agreement among the Sponsor and the company. We are not permitted to use the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interests earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 (H.R. 5376) on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our insiders may, but are not obligated to lend funds to us, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes may be repaid upon consummation of our initial business combination. If we do not complete a business combination, any outstanding loans from our insiders or their affiliates will be repaid only from amounts not held in our trust account, if any.
All of the insider shares outstanding prior to the date of this prospectus will be placed in escrow with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as escrow agent. Subject to certain limited exceptions, 50% of these shares will not be transferred, assigned, sold or released from escrow until the earlier of six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination, and the remaining 50% of the insider shares will not be transferred, assigned, sold, or released from escrow until six months after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination or earlier in either case if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we complete a liquidation, merger, stock exchange, or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities, or other property.
Our executive officers and directors are deemed to be our “promoters,” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws.
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Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
On May 17, 2023, our Sponsor purchased founder shares in the amount of 1,725,000 shares of our common stock. If the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option, 225,000 shares of our common stock shall be forfeited by our sponsor. We refer to these shares throughout this prospectus as the “founder shares”. Our Sponsor expects to transfer 2,000 of these founder shares to each of the three independent directors and an executive officer at the closing of this offering. The number of founder shares issued was determined based on the expectation that the founder shares would represent approximately 20% of the outstanding shares after this offering (not including the shares to be issued to the underwriter at closing).
If the underwriters determine that the size of the offering should be increased (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) or decreased, a share dividend or a contribution back to the Sponsor, as applicable, would be effectuated in order to maintain its pre-IPO ownership interest at 20% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering. Our insiders may purchase from us at a price of $10.00 per unit the number of private units that is necessary to maintain in the trust account an amount equal to $10.10 per share sold to the public in this offering.
The Sponsor will purchase, pursuant to certain written purchase agreement with us, private units for a total purchase price of $2,350,450 or, in the case of full exercise of the over-allotment, $2,530,450. We refer to these securities throughout this prospectus as the private units. This purchase will occur by way of private placements to be conducted simultaneous to the consummation of this offering. The purchase price for the private units, including those that may be purchased if the over-allotment option is exercised, will be paid directly to the company. The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering except that they are not registered under the Securities Act. Additionally, the Sponsor has agreed not to transfer, assign, or sell any of the private units or the securities underlying such private units (except to certain permitted transferees as the founder shares and provided that such transferees agree to the same terms and restrictions as the permitted transferees of the founder shares, each as described above) until the completion of our initial business combination.
In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our insiders may, but are not obligated to lend working capital funds to us, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes may be repaid upon consummation of our initial business combination. If we do not complete a business combination, any outstanding loans from our insiders or their affiliates, will be repaid only from amounts not held in our trust account, if any.
The holders of our founder shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the private units (and underlying securities) will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part as provided for in certain letter agreement among us, the Sponsor, and the underwriter. The holders of the founder shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after we consummate a business combination. In addition, the holders have certain “tag-along” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of our initial business combination. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
The Sponsor has agreed that, commencing on the date of this prospectus through the earlier of the consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation, it will make available to us certain general and administrative services, including office space, utilities, and administrative support, as we may require from time to time at $10,000 per month. No compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s fees, consulting fees, or other similar compensation, will be paid to our insiders or any of the members of our management team, for services rendered to us prior to, or in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, such individuals will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing due diligence of suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants, or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account and the interest income earned on the amounts held in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed to us unless we consummate an initial business combination.
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After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, board, management, or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider our initial business combination, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation. In this event, such compensation will be publicly disclosed at the time of its determination in a Current Report on Form 8-K, as required by the SEC.
All ongoing and future transactions among us and any of our officers and/or directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will require prior approval by our audit committee and a majority of our disinterested independent directors, who in either case may, at our expense, be provided with access to our attorneys or independent legal counsel. We will not enter into any such transaction unless our audit committee and a majority of our disinterested independent directors determines that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to us than those that would be available to us with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.
Related Party Policy
Our Code of Ethics to be adopted at closing of this offering will require us to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interest, except under guidelines approved by the board of directors (or the audit committee). Related party transactions are defined as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) we or any of our subsidiaries is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director, or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5% beneficial owner of our shares of common stock, or (c) immediate family member, of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). A conflict-of-interest situation can arise when a person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position.
We also require each of our directors and executive officers to annually complete a director’s and officer’s questionnaire that elicits information about related-party transactions.
These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related-party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee, or officer.
In no event will our insiders, or any of the members of our management team be paid any finder’s fee, consulting fee or other similar compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effect the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is), although out-of-pocket expenses, loans made to the company, and other costs incurred in connection with the pursuit, initiation, and final consummation of the initial business combination may be repaid in connection therewith.
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General
Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at closing of this offering, our authorized capital stock consists of 20,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value. The following description summarizes the material terms of our capital stock. Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you.
Units
Each unit consists of one share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right.
We expect that the shares of common stock and rights comprising the units will commence trading separately on the 52nd day following the closing of this offering unless EF Hutton informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our having filed the Current Report on Form 8-K described below and having issued a press release announcing when such separate trading will begin. Once the shares of common stock and rights commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component securities. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent in order to separate the units into shares of common stock and rights.
In no event will the common stock and rights be traded separately until we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K that includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds at the closing of this offering. We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K that includes this audited balance sheet upon the completion of this offering, which closing is anticipated to take place three business days after the date of this prospectus. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised following the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K, a second or amended Current Report on Form 8-K will be filed to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.
Common Stock
Upon the closing of this offering, 7,795,045 shares of our common stock will be issued and outstanding (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option and the corresponding forfeiture of 225,000 founder shares by our initial stockholders), consisting of:
| ● | 6,000,000 shares of common stock underlying the units being offered in this offering; |
| ● | 235,045 shares of common stock underlying private units; |
| ● | 1,500,000 shares of common stock (founder shares) held by our initial stockholders; and |
| ● | 60,000 shares of common stock as representative shares that will be registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. |
If we increase or decrease the size of this offering (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act), a share capitalization or a contribution back to capital, as applicable, would be effectuated in order to maintain our initial stockholders’ ownership at approximately 20% of the number of shares issued and outstanding after the closing of this offering.
Our stockholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Unless specified in our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or as required by applicable law or stock exchange rules, the affirmative vote of a majority of our shares of common stock that are voted is required to approve any such matter voted on by our stockholders, presuming a quorum at a duly convened meeting.
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In connection with any vote held to approve our initial business combination, our Sponsor, as well as all of our officers and directors, have agreed to vote their respective shares of common stock owned by them as a result of the purchase of the founder shares and the private units immediately prior to this offering and any shares purchased in this offering or following this offering in the open market in favor of the proposed business combination, if permitted by law or regulation. If a vote is held to approve a business combination, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination, presuming that all stockholders are represented at the stockholders’ meeting. In some cases, a business combination may be effected with less. For example, the majority approval of a meeting of stockholders meeting the requirements for a quorum (fifty percent and one share, represented).
Because our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, if we were to enter into an initial business combination, we may (depending on the terms of such an initial business combination) be required to increase the number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue at the same time as our stockholders vote on the initial business combination to the extent we seek stockholder approval in connection with our initial business combination.
In accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until as late as one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on Nasdaq. Under Section 211(b) of the DGCL, we are, however, required to hold an annual meeting of stockholders for the purposes of electing directors in accordance with our bylaws, unless such election is made by written consent in lieu of such a meeting. We may not hold an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, and thus we may not be in compliance with Section 211(b) of the DGCL, which requires an annual meeting. Therefore, if our stockholders want us to hold an annual meeting prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, they may attempt to force us to hold one by submitting an application to the Delaware Court of Chancery in accordance with Section 211(c) of the DGCL.
We will provide our stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion of our initial business combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our 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 $10.10 per public share. Our Sponsor, 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. Unlike many blank check companies that hold stockholder votes and conduct proxy solicitations in conjunction with their initial business combinations and provide for related redemptions of public shares for cash upon completion of such initial business combinations even when a vote is not required by law, if a stockholder vote is not required by law and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we will, pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC, and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination. Our certificate of incorporation will require these tender offer documents to contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. If, however, a stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons, we will, like many blank check companies, offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. If we seek 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 initial business combination. 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 shares of capital stock of the company entitled to vote at such meeting.
However, the participation of our Sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates in privately-negotiated transactions (as described in this prospectus), if any, could result in the approval of our initial business combination even if most of our public stockholders vote, or indicate their intention to vote, against such business combination. For purposes of seeking approval of the majority of our outstanding shares of common stock voted, non-votes will have no effect on the approval of our initial business combination once a quorum is obtained. We intend to give approximately 30 days (but not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days) prior written notice of any such meeting, if required, at which a vote shall be taken to approve our initial business combination. The quorum and voting thresholds, as well as the voting agreements of our initial stockholders, may make it more likely that we will consummate our initial business combination.
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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 certificate of incorporation will provide 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 of common stock sold in this offering, which we refer to as the Excess Shares. 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 stockholders’ inability to redeem the Excess Shares will reduce their influence over our ability to complete our initial business combination, and such stockholders could suffer a material loss in their investment if they sell such Excess Shares on the open market. Additionally, such stockholders will not receive redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we complete the initial business combination. And, as a result, such stockholders will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose such shares would be required to sell their stock in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.
If we seek stockholder approval in connection with our initial business combination, pursuant to the letter agreement our Sponsor, officers and directors will have agreed to vote their founder shares, private units, and any public shares purchased during or after this offering (including in open market and privately negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial business combination, if permitted by law or regulation. As a result, in addition to our initial stockholders’ founder shares, we would need a minimum of 213,717, or 3.56%, of the 6,000,000 public shares sold in this offering (if the approval requirement was a majority of shares voted and the minimum number of shares required for a quorum attended the meeting and assuming the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 225,000 founder shares have been forfeited as a result thereof), would need to be voted in favor a business combination in order for it to be approved. Additionally, each public stockholder may elect to redeem its public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed transaction (subject to the limitation described in the preceding paragraph).
Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at effectiveness of this prospectus, if we do not consummate our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) post-effectiveness of the registration statement of the securities described herein, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 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), 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 the case of (ii) and (iii) above, subject to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Our insiders have agreed to waive their rights to share in any distribution with respect to their insider shares and private shares. However, If we anticipate that we may not be able to consummate our initial business combination within 9 months from the closing of this offering, we may, but are not obligated to, if requested by our sponsor or its affiliates, extend Combination Period up to two times by an additional three months each time for a total of up to 15 months by depositing $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) in connection with each such extension into our trust account (the “Paid Extension Period”). In addition, we will be entitled to an automatic six-month extension to complete a business combination (the “Automatic Extension Period”) if we have executed a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement for an initial business combination during the Combination Period or Paid Extension Period. If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination within such time period, we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, including a pro rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us or necessary to pay our taxes, and then seek to liquidate and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public shareholders. In the event of our liquidation and subsequent dissolution, the public warrants will expire and will be worthless. Our public stockholders will not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our extensions of time to consummate an initial business combination from 9 months to up to 21 months or redeem their shares in connection with such extensions. Our Sponsor, officers and directors will have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they agree to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any founder shares and shares privately held by them if we fail to complete our initial business combination within the maximum allotted time.
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In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company after an initial business combination, our stockholders are entitled to share pro rata in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision is made for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the common stock. Our stockholders have no pre-emptive or other subscription rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock, except that we will provide our stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, upon the completion of our initial business combination, subject to the limitations described herein.
Our Sponsor, officers, and directors have agreed to waive their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution from the trust account occurring upon our failure to consummate an initial business combination with respect to the founder shares. Our Sponsor, officers and directors will therefore not participate in any liquidation distribution from the trust account with respect to such shares. They will, however, participate in any liquidation distribution from the trust account with respect to any shares of common stock acquired in, or following, this offering.
Public stockholders will have the right to sell their shares to us in any tender offer; to have their shares of common stock redeemed for cash in the amount of their pro rata claim to the funds held in the trust account in connection with the consummation of the initial business combination; if we hold a stockholder vote to amend our certificate of incorporation relating to stockholder’s rights or pre-business combination activity (including the substance or timing within which we have to complete a business combination), we will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of 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, in connection with any such vote. In either of such events, redeeming stockholders would be paid their pro rata portion of the trust account promptly following consummation of the business combination or the approval of the amendment to the certificate of incorporation. If the business combination is not consummated or the amendment is not approved, then stockholders will not be able to redeem their shares in connection with that specific proxy.
Founder Shares
The founder shares are consist of 1,725,000 shares of common stock (225,000 of which will be subject to forfeiture if the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option).
The founder shares are identical to the shares of common stock included in the units being sold in this offering, and holders of founder shares have the same stockholder rights as public stockholders, except that
| (i) | the founder shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below; |
| (ii) | our Sponsor, 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 of their founder shares and public shares held by them in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, (B) to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to our 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 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering or (y) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity and (C) 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 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering, 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 such time period; and |
| (iii) | If we submit our initial business combination to our public stockholders for a vote, our initial stockholders and each member of our management team have agreed to vote their founder shares and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in the open market in favor of our initial business combination, if permitted by law or regulation. In addition, the founder shares may be registered pursuant to the registration rights agreement. |
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Voting Agreement: if we submit our initial business combination to our public stockholders for a vote, our Sponsor, officers and directors have agreed pursuant to the letter agreement to vote any founder shares held by them and any public shares purchased during or after this offering (including in open market and privately negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial business combination, if permitted by law or regulation.
Transfer Restrictions: Holders of the founder shares have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell (subject to certain limited exceptions set forth below) the founder shares (i) with respect to 50% of the Founder Shares and private placement units for a period ending on the earlier of the six month anniversary of the Business Combination or the date on which the closing price of the common stock exceeds $12.50 for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period following the closing of the initial business combination, and (ii) with respect to the other 50% of the Insider Units and Insider Shares for a period ending on the six month anniversary of the closing of the initial business combination, unless approved by the company’s public stockholders; provided, however, that if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, stock exchange, or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities, or other property. The limited exceptions include transfers, assignments or sales (i) to our or our Sponsor’s officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to an entity’s members upon its liquidation, (iii) to relatives and trusts for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to us for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, or (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination at prices no greater than the price at which the shares were originally purchased, in each case (except for clause (vi) or with our prior consent) where the transferee agrees to be bound by these transfer restrictions and other agreements of our initial stockholders with respect to any founder shares.
Forfeiture of Shares: The Sponsor’s initial investment of $25,000 was in exchange for 1,725,000 shares of common stock. Of these shares, 225,000 shares of common stock will be subject to forfeiture in whole or in part if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full by the underwriters. For example, the shares of common stock that shall be forfeited by the Subscriber shall be determined by subtracting: the product of (x) that number that is the quotient of (a) that amount of common stock purchased by the underwriter in connection with its exercise of its over-allotment option divided by (b) the maximum amount of 900,000 of common stock available to the underwriter in the form of an over-allotment option, and (y) the forfeiture maximum. The Sponsor (together with all other initial stockholders prior to the IPO, if any) will own an aggregate number of that amount not to be less than 1,500,000 shares of common stock equal to 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of publicly offered common stock in the anticipated IPO (and if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriter such greater amount as provided for in this clause).
Rights: public and private
Each right entitles the holder thereof to one share of our common stock upon the consummation of our initial business combination; provided, however, that we will not issue fractional shares. The public rights will be initially offered as a part of the units in connection with our initial public offering and will subsequently decouple and trade separately. The private rights will be issued in one or more private placement sales of private units in conjunction with our initial public offering. Although these rights will not be registered and therefore not traded on Nasdaq until such time they are registered. Beyond registration with the SEC and thus being publicly traded on Nasdaq, private rights and public rights will be otherwise identical and will only be exchangeable upon consummation of the initial business combination. We will not issue fractional shares and will round down to the nearest share or otherwise as pursuant to the DGCL.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on our shares of common stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of a business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements, and general financial condition subsequent to completion of a business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to a business combination will be within the discretion of our then board of directors. It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our board does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future.
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Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at the effectiveness of this registration statement will contain certain requirements and restrictions relating to this offering that will apply to us until the completion of our initial business combination. These provisions cannot be amended without the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding stock. Our initial stockholders, who will collectively beneficially own approximately 20% of our common stock upon the closing of this offering (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering and that 225,000 shares of common stock are forfeited assuming the underwriter’s over-allotment option), will participate in any vote to amend our certificate of incorporation and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. Specifically, our certificate of incorporation provides, among other things, that:
| ● | If we are unable to complete our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering, 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; |
| ● | 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 on any initial business combination; |
| ● | Although we do not intend to enter into an initial business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our Sponsor, our directors or our officers, we are not prohibited from doing so. In the event we enter into such a transaction, we, or a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent firm that commonly renders valuation opinions that such an initial business combination is fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view; |
| ● | If a stockholder vote on our initial business combination is not required by law and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we will offer to redeem our public shares pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, and will file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination which contain substantially the same financial and other information about our initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act; whether or not we maintain our registration under the Exchange Act or our listing on Nasdaq, we will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares by one of the two methods listed above; |
| ● | So long as we obtain and maintain a listing for our securities on Nasdaq, Nasdaq rules require that we must complete one or more business combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the assets held in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial business combination; moreover, our certificate of incorporation also requires the same; |
| ● | If our stockholders approve an amendment to our certificate of incorporation (i) 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 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering or (ii) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity, we will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their shares of common stock upon such approval at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares; and |
| ● | We will not effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations. |
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Authorized But Unissued Shares
After consummation of our initial public offering, any authorized but unissued common stock will be available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions, or employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger, or otherwise.
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Our certificate of incorporation will provide that our board of directors will be structured into three tiers of directors. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of our board only by successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings.
We will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, regulating corporate takeovers upon completion of this offering. This statute prevents certain Delaware corporations, under certain circumstances, from engaging in a “business combination” with:
| ● | a stockholder who owns 10% or more of our outstanding voting stock (otherwise known as an “interested stockholder”); |
| ● | an affiliate of an interested stockholder; or |
| ● | an associate of an interested stockholder, for three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. |
A “business combination” includes a merger or sale of more than 10% of our assets. However, the above provisions of Section 203 do not apply if:
Special meeting of stockholders
Our certificate of incorporation provides that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by resolution of the board of directors, by the Chairman, or by the Chief Executive Officer.
Exclusive Forum for Certain Lawsuits
Our certificate of incorporation will require, subject to certain exceptions and unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, that the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, employee, agent to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the company, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, be the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware.
The above will apply with the exception of, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, (a) any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, or (b) any action or claim arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts will have exclusive jurisdiction.
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Although we believe this forum provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, a court may determine that this provision is unenforceable, and to the extent it is enforceable, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope the forum provisions of our certificate of incorporation, is filed in a court other than a court of the State of Delaware, such action we refer to as a foreign action, in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in such court to enforce the forum provisions, such action we refer to as an enforcement action, and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such enforcement action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such stockholder.
In addition, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
However, our certificate of incorporation does not purport to require suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act to be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or another court of the State of Delaware. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all claims brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors and officers will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law as it now exists or may in the future be amended. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, unless they violate their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, act in bad-faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived an improper personal benefit from their actions as directors.
We will enter into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our certificate of incorporation. Our bylaws also will permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. We will purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement, or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify the directors and officers.
These provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. We believe that these provisions, the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Our Registrar
The registrar for our securities is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
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Our Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our securities is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, New York, New York 10004. We have agreed to indemnify Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company in its roles as transfer agent, its agents and each of its stockholders, directors, officers and employees against all claims and losses that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to any gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the indemnified person or entity.
Listing of our Securities
We have or will imminently apply to have our units, common stock, and rights listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “QETAU,” “QETA,” and “QETAR.” If approved for listing, we anticipate that our units will be listed on Nasdaq on or promptly after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Following the date that the common stock and rights are eligible to trade separately, we anticipate that the common stock and rights will be listed separately, and, for those not separated, as a unit on Nasdaq.
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United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our units (each consisting of one share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right) that are purchased in this offering by U.S. Holders (as defined below) and Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below). Because the components of a unit are generally separable at the option of the holder, the holder of a unit generally should be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as the owner of the underlying share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right of the unit. As a result, the discussion below with respect to holders of shares of our common stock and rights should also apply to holders of units (as the deemed owners of the underlying common stock and rights that constitute the units).
This discussion is limited to certain U.S. federal income tax considerations to beneficial owners of our securities who are initial purchasers of a unit pursuant to this offering and hold the unit and each component of the unit as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221(a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (generally, property held for investment). This discussion assumes that the shares of our common stock and rights will trade separately and that any distributions made (or deemed made) by us on the shares of our common stock and any consideration received (or deemed received) by a holder in consideration for the sale or other disposition of our securities will be in U.S. dollars. This discussion is a summary only and does not consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of a unit by a prospective investor in light of its particular circumstances or that is subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to:
| ● | our Sponsor, officers, directors or other holders of our founder shares or private placement securities; |
| ● | banks and other financial institutions or financial services entities; |
| ● | broker-dealers; |
| ● | mutual funds; |
| ● | retirement plans, individual retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts; |
| ● | taxpayers that are subject to the mark-to-market tax accounting rules; |
| ● | tax-exempt entities; |
| ● | S-corporations, partnerships or other flow-through entities and investors therein; |
| ● | governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof; |
| ● | insurance companies; |
| ● | regulated investment companies; |
| ● | real estate investment trusts; |
| ● | passive foreign investment companies; |
| ● | controlled foreign corporations; |
| ● | qualified foreign pension funds; |
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| ● | expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States; |
| ● | persons that actually or constructively own five percent or more of our voting shares; |
| ● | persons that acquired our securities pursuant to an exercise of employee share options, in connection with employee share incentive plans or otherwise as compensation or in connection with services; |
| ● | persons required for U.S. federal income tax purposes to conform the timing of income accruals to their financial statements under Section 451 of the Code; |
| ● | persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
| ● | persons that hold our securities as part of a straddle, constructive sale, hedging, conversion or other integrated or similar transaction; or |
| ● | U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. |
The discussion below is based upon current provisions of the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code (“Treasury Regulations”), judicial decisions and administrative rulings of the IRS, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly on a retroactive basis. Any such differing interpretations or change could alter the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed below. Furthermore, this discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift, estate or Medicare contribution tax laws, or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws.
We have not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the IRS as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described herein. The IRS may disagree with the discussion herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Moreover, there can be no assurance that future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will not adversely affect the accuracy of the statements in this discussion.
As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of units, shares of our common stock and rights that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) a trust if (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) it has in effect a valid election under Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States person.
This discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities (including branches) or persons who hold our securities through such entities. If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partner and the partnership. If you are a partner or a partnership holding our securities, we urge you to consult your own tax advisor.
THIS DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR UNITS. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IN OUR UNITS IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH INVESTOR OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR UNITS, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-UNITED STATES TAX LAWS
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Personal Holding Company Status
We could 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 be a PHC following this offering or 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.
Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit
No statutory, administrative or judicial authority directly addresses the treatment of a unit or instruments similar to a unit for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and therefore, that treatment is not entirely clear. The acquisition of a unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the acquisition of one share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right, with each whole right exchangeable to acquire one share of our common stock, and we intend to treat the acquisition of a unit in this manner. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each holder of a unit must allocate the purchase price paid by such holder for such unit among the one share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right based on the relative fair market value of each at the time of issuance. Under U.S. federal income tax law, each investor must make its own determination of such value based on all the relevant facts and circumstances. Therefore, we strongly urge each investor to consult its tax advisor regarding the determination of value for these purposes. The price allocated to each share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right should constitute the holder’s initial tax basis in such share and one-tenth (1/10) of one right, respectively. Any disposition of a unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a disposition of the share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right comprising the unit, and the amount realized on the disposition should be allocated among the share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right based on their respective relative fair market values at the time of disposition. Neither the separation of the share of our common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right constituting a unit nor the combination of fractions of rights into a single right should be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The foregoing treatment of the shares of our common stock and rights and a holder’s purchase price allocation are not binding on the IRS or the courts. Because there are no authorities that directly address instruments that are similar to the units, no assurance can be given that the IRS or the courts will agree with the characterization described above or the discussion below. Accordingly, each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of an investment in a unit (including alternative characterizations of a unit). The balance of this discussion assumes that the characterization of the units described above is respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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U.S. Holders
Taxation of Distributions
If we pay distributions in cash or other property (other than certain distributions of our stock or rights to acquire our stock) to U.S. Holders of our common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital that will be applied against and reduce (but not below zero) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares of our common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the shares of our common stock and will be treated as described under “U.S. Holders — Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Stock and Rights” below.
Dividends we pay to a corporate U.S. Holder generally will qualify for the dividends received deduction if certain holding period requirements are met. With certain exceptions (including, but not limited to, dividends treated as investment income for purposes of investment interest deduction limitations), and provided certain holding period requirements are met, dividends we pay to a non-corporate U.S. Holder will generally be taxed as qualified dividend income at the preferential tax rate for long-term capital gains. It is unclear whether the redemption rights with respect to the shares of our common stock described in this prospectus may prevent a U.S. Holder from satisfying the applicable holding period requirements with respect to the dividends received deduction or the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income, as the case may be. If the holding period requirements are not met, then a corporation may not be able to qualify for the dividends received deduction and would have taxable income equal to the entire dividend amount, and non-corporate holders may be subject to tax on such dividend at regular ordinary income tax rates instead of the preferential rate that applies to qualified dividend income.
Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Securities
A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on a sale or other taxable disposition of our shares of common stock or rights (including on our dissolution and liquidation if we do not complete an initial business combination within the required time period). Any such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for such shares of our common stock or rights exceeds one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by a non-corporate U.S. Holder are currently eligible to be taxed preferential rates. It is unclear, however, whether certain redemption rights described in this prospectus may suspend the running of the applicable holding period for this purpose. If the running of the holding period for the common stock is suspended, then non-corporate U.S. Holders may not be able to satisfy the one-year holding period requirement for long-term capital gain treatment, in which case any gain on a sale or taxable disposition of the shares would be subject to short-term capital gain treatment and would be taxed at regular ordinary income tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
The amount of gain or loss recognized on a sale or other taxable disposition generally will be equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received in such disposition (or, if the shares of our common stock or rights are held as part of units at the time of the disposition, the portion of the amount realized on such disposition that is allocated to the shares of our common stock or rights based upon the then relative fair market values of the shares of our common stock and the rights included in the units) and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock or rights so disposed of. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock and rights generally will equal the U.S. Holder’s acquisition cost (that is, the portion of the purchase price of a unit allocated to a share of our common stock or one-tenth (1/10) of one right, as described above under “— Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit”) reduced, in the case of a share of our common stock, by any prior distributions treated as a return of capital. See U.S. Holders — Acquisition of Common Stock Pursuant to the Rights” below for a discussion regarding a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in a share of our common stock acquired pursuant to the rights.
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Redemption of Our Common Stock
In the event that a U.S. Holder’s shares of our common stock are redeemed pursuant to the redemption provisions described in this prospectus under “Description of Securities — Common Stock” or if we purchase a U.S. Holder’s shares of our common stock in an open market transaction (each referred to herein as a “redemption”), the treatment of the redemption for U.S. federal income tax purposes will depend on whether it qualifies as a sale or exchange of the shares of our common stock under Section 302 of the Code. If the redemption qualifies as a sale or exchange of the shares of our common stock under the tests described below, the U.S. Holder will be treated as described under “U.S. Holders — Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Stock and Rights” above. If the redemption does not qualify as a sale or exchange of the shares of our common stock, the U.S. Holder will be treated as receiving a corporate distribution with the tax consequences described above under “U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions.” Whether a redemption qualifies for sale or exchange treatment will depend largely on the total number of our shares treated as held by the U.S. Holder (including any shares constructively owned by the U.S. Holder as described in the following paragraph) relative to all of our shares outstanding both before and after such redemption. The redemption of our common stock generally will be treated as a sale or exchange of the shares of our common stock (rather than as a corporate distribution) if, within the meaning of Section 302 of the Code, such redemption (i) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the U.S. Holder, (ii) results in a “complete termination” of the U.S. Holder’s interest in us or (iii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. Holder.
In determining whether any of the foregoing tests are satisfied, a U.S. Holder must take into account not only shares of our stock actually owned by the U.S. Holder, but also shares of our stock that are constructively owned by it. A U.S. Holder may constructively own, in addition to stock owned directly, stock owned by certain related individuals and entities in which the U.S. Holder has an interest or that have an interest in such U.S. Holder, as well as any stock the U.S. Holder has a right to acquire by exercise of an option, which would generally include shares of our common stock which could be acquired pursuant to the exchange of the rights. In order to meet the “substantially disproportionate” test, the percentage of our outstanding voting shares actually and constructively owned by the U.S. Holder immediately following the redemption of shares of our common stock must, among other requirements, be less than 80% of the percentage of our outstanding voting stock actually and constructively owned by the U.S. Holder immediately before the redemption. Prior to our initial business combination, the shares of our common stock may not be treated as voting shares for this purpose and, consequently, this substantially disproportionate test may not be applicable. There will be a complete termination of a U.S. Holder’s interest if either (i) all of our shares actually and constructively owned by the U.S. Holder are redeemed or (ii) all of our shares actually owned by the U.S. Holder are redeemed and the U.S. Holder is eligible to waive, and effectively waives in accordance with specific rules, the attribution of shares owned by certain family members and the U.S. Holder does not constructively own any other shares of our stock. The redemption of the shares of our common stock will not be essentially equivalent to a dividend with respect to a U.S. Holder if it results in a “meaningful reduction” of the U.S. Holder’s proportionate interest in us. Whether the redemption will result in a meaningful reduction in a U.S. Holder’s proportionate interest in us will depend on the particular facts and circumstances. However, the IRS has indicated in a published ruling that even a small reduction in the proportionate interest of a small minority stockholder in a publicly-held corporation who exercises no control over corporate affairs may constitute such a “meaningful reduction.” A U.S. Holder should consult with its own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of a redemption.
If none of the foregoing tests are satisfied, then the redemption will be treated as a corporate distribution and the tax effects will be as described under “U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions” above. After the application of those rules, any remaining tax basis of the U.S. Holder in the redeemed shares of our common stock will be added to the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its remaining shares, or, if it has none, to the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its rights or possibly in other stock constructively owned by it.
Non-U.S. Holders
This section applies to “Non-U.S. Holders.” As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our units, common stock or rights that is not a U.S. Holder and is not a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such term generally does not include an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition. If you are such an individual, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or sale or other disposition of our securities.
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Taxation of Distributions
In general, any distributions (including constructive distributions) we make to a Non-U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Provided such dividends are not effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (or, if required pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty, are not attributable to a permanent establishment of fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States), we will be required to withhold tax from the gross amount of the dividend at a rate of 30%, unless such Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty and provides proper certification of its eligibility for such reduced rate (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable). In the case of any constructive dividend, it is possible that this tax would be withheld from any amount owed to a Non-U.S. Holder by the applicable withholding agent, including cash distributions on other property or sale proceeds from properties subsequently paid or credited to such holder. Any distribution not constituting a dividend will be treated first as reducing (but not below zero) the Non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock and, to the extent such distribution exceeds the Non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis, as gain realized from the sale or other disposition of the shares of our common stock, which will be treated as described under “Non-U.S. Holders — Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Securities” below. In addition, if we determine that we are or are likely to be classified as a “United States real property holding corporation” (see “Non-U.S. Holders — Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Securities” below), we will withhold 15% of any distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, including a distribution in redemption of shares of our common stock. See also “Non-U.S. Holders — Possible Constructive Distributions” for potential U.S. federal tax consequences with respect to constructive distributions.
Dividends that we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder that are effectively connected with such Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if a tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States) will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax, provided such Non-U.S. Holder complies with certain certification and disclosure requirements (usually by providing an IRS Form W-8ECI). Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. resident, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate).
Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Securities
Subject to the discussion of FATCA and backup withholding below, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax in respect of gain recognized on a sale, taxable exchange or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock (including upon a dissolution and liquidation if we do not complete an initial business combination within the required time period) and rights without regard to whether such securities were held as part of a unit, unless:
| ● | the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States (and, under certain income tax treaties, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States); or |
| ● | we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of disposition or the period that the Non-U.S. Holder held our common stock, and, in the case where shares of our common stock are regularly traded on an established securities market, the Non-U.S. Holder has owned, directly or constructively, more than 5% of our common stock at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or such Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period for the shares of our common stock. There can be no assurance that our common stock will be treated as regularly traded on an established securities market for this purpose. These rules may be modified for Non-U.S. Holders of rights. If we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” and you own rights, you are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of these rules. |
Unless an applicable treaty provides otherwise, gain described in the first bullet point above will generally be subject to tax at the applicable U.S. federal income tax rates as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. resident. Any gains described in the first bullet point above of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or lower treaty rate).
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If the second bullet point above applies to a Non-U.S. Holder, gain recognized by such holder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock or rights will generally be subject to tax at applicable U.S. federal income tax rates as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. resident. In addition, a buyer of our common stock or rights from such holder may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 15% of the amount realized upon such disposition. We cannot determine whether we will be a United States real property holding corporation in the future until we complete an initial business combination. In general, we would be classified as a United States real property holding corporation if the fair market value of our “United States real property interests” equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests plus our other assets used or held for use in a trade or business, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Redemption of Our Common Stock
The characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the redemption of a Non-U.S. Holder’s shares of our common stock pursuant to the redemption provisions described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Securities — Common Stock” will generally correspond to the U.S. federal income tax characterization of such a redemption of a U.S. Holder’s shares of our common stock, as described under “U.S. Holders — Redemption of Our Common Stock” above, and the consequences of the redemption to the Non-U.S. Holder will be as described above under “Non-U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions” and “Non-U.S. Holders — Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Securities,” as applicable.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend payments (including constructive dividends) with respect to our common stock and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of shares of our common stock or rights may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and possible United States backup withholding. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to payments made to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes other required certifications, or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding and establishes such exempt status. Payments made to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to backup withholding if the Non-U.S. Holder provides certification of its foreign status, under penalties of perjury, on a duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8 or by otherwise establishing an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against a holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, and a holder generally may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information. All holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of information reporting and backup withholding to them.
FATCA Withholding Taxes
Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance promulgated thereunder (commonly referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” or “FATCA”) generally impose withholding of 30% in certain circumstances on payments of dividends (including constructive dividends) and, subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below, on proceeds from sales or other disposition of our securities paid to “foreign financial institutions” (which is broadly defined for this purpose and includes investment vehicles) and certain other non-U.S. entities unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements (relating to ownership by U.S. persons of interests in or accounts with those entities) have been satisfied or an exemption applies (typically certified as to by the delivery of a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN-E). If FATCA withholding is imposed, a beneficial owner that is not a foreign financial institution will be entitled to a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax return (which may entail significant administrative burden). Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Similarly, dividends and, subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below, proceeds from sales or other disposition in respect of our units held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity that does not qualify under certain exceptions generally will be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies to us or the applicable withholding agent that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which will in turn be provided to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has proposed regulations which eliminate the federal withholding tax of 30% applicable to the gross proceeds of a sale or other disposition of our securities. Withholding agents may rely on the proposed Treasury Regulations until final regulations are issued. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible effects of FATCA on their investment in our securities.
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON A HOLDER’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, ESTATE, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND TAX TREATIES AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN U.S. OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
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Shares Eligible for Future Sale
Immediately after this offering, we will have 7,795,045 shares of common stock outstanding, or 8,947,045 shares of common stock if the over-allotment option is exercised in full. Of these shares, the 6,000,000 shares of common stock underlying the public units sold in this offering (or 6,900,000 units in the case of over-allotment) will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act except for any shares purchased by one of our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act).
Rule 144
A person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell their shares provided that (1) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding a sale and (2) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least three months before the sale. Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of common stock for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the three months preceding a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
| ● | 1% of the number of shares then outstanding; and |
| ● | the average weekly trading volume of the shares of common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale. |
Sales under Rule 144 are also limited by manner of sale provisions and notice requirements as well as to the availability of current public information about us.
Restrictions on the Use of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or Former Shell Companies
Rule 144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by shell companies (other than business combination related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company. However, Rule 144 also includes an important exception to this prohibition if the following conditions are met:
| ● | the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company; |
| ● | the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; |
| ● | the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Form 8-K reports; and |
| ● | at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. |
As a result, it is likely that pursuant to Rule 144, our insiders will be able to sell their founder shares freely without registration one year after we have completed our initial business combination assuming they are not an affiliate of ours at that time.
Registration Rights
The holders of our founder shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, the holders of the private units, and any shares our insiders or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, requiring us to register such securities for resale. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make demands that we register such securities. Both the holders of the founder shares and the holders of the private units as well as shares issued in payment of working capital loans made to us, if applicable, will have the ability to elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after we consummate the initial business combination. In addition, the holders will have certain “tag-along” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of our initial business combination. We will pay the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
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We intend to offer our securities described in this prospectus through the underwriter named below. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters, through their representative and sole book-running manager of the offering, EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, have severally agreed to purchase from us, on a firm commitment basis, the following respective number of units at a public offering price less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:
| Underwriter | Number of Units |
|||
| EF Hutton | 6,000,000 | |||
| Total | 6,000,000 | |||
A copy of the form of underwriting agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Listing of our Securities
We expect our units, common stock and rights to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “QETAU,” “QETA,” and “QETAR,” respectively. We anticipate that our units will be listed on Nasdaq on or promptly after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Following the date the shares of our common stock and rights are eligible to trade separately, we anticipate that the shares of common stock and rights will be listed separately and as a unit on Nasdaq. We cannot guarantee that our securities will be approved for listing on Nasdaq or that they will continue to be listed on Nasdaq after this offering.
Pricing of this Offering
We have been advised by the representative that the underwriters propose to offer the units to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for our securities. The public offering price of the units was negotiated between us and the representative of the underwriters. Factors considered in determining the prices and terms of the units include:
| ● | the history of other similarly structured blank check companies; |
| ● | prior offerings of those companies; |
| ● | our prospects for consummating our initial business combination with an operating business at attractive values; |
| ● | our capital structure; |
| ● | securities exchange listing requirements; |
| ● | market demand; |
| ● | expected liquidity of our securities; and |
| ● | general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering. |
However, although these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry since the underwriters are unable to compare our financial results and prospects with those of public companies operating in the same industry.
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Over-Allotment Option
We have granted the underwriters an option to buy up to 900,000 additional units. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with this offering. The underwriters have 45 days from the closing of this offering to exercise this option. If the underwriters exercise this option, they will each purchase additional units approximately in proportion to the amounts specified in the table above.
Discounts
The following table shows the public offering price and underwriting discounts to be paid by us to the underwriters as well as the proceeds, before expenses, to us. This information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the representative of its over-allotment option.
| Per Unit | Without Over-allotment | With Over-allotment | ||||||||||
| Public offering price | $ | 10.00 | $ | 60,000,000 | $ | 69,000,000 | ||||||
| Discount(1) | $ | 0.55 | $ | 3,300,000 | $ | 3,795,000 | ||||||
| Proceeds before expenses(2) | $ | 9.45 | $ | 56,700,000 | $ | 65,205,000 | ||||||
| (1) | Such amount includes $1,200,000, or $0.20 per unit (or $1,380,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full) payable upon the closing of this offering. In addition, it includes $2,100,000, or $0.35 per unit (or $2,415,000 if the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full) payable to the underwriters as deferred underwriting discounts upon completion of a business combination. The underwriters have agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses in connection with this offering, not to exceed $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). |
| (2) | The offering expenses, without accounting for the deferred commission payable to the underwriter in connection with the consummation of the initial business combination, are estimated at $1,405,450, assuming there is no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option. |
No discounts or commissions will be paid on the sale of the private units.
In addition to the underwriting discount, we paid EF Hutton $25,000, upon the execution of the engagement letter, as an advance against out-of-pocket accountable expenses actually anticipated to be incurred by the underwriters. We have agreed to pay the costs of preparing, printing, mailing, and delivering the Registration Statement, the preliminary and final prospectus contained therein and amendments thereto, post-effective amendments and supplements thereto, the Underwriting Agreement and related documents (all in such quantities as EF Hutton may reasonably require); preparing and printing stock certificates and right certificates; the costs of any “due diligence” meetings; filing fees (including SEC filing fees), costs and expenses (including third party expenses and disbursements) incurred in registering the offering, FINRA filing fees; preparation of leather bound volumes and Lucite cube mementos in such quantities as EF Hutton may reasonably request; transfer taxes; and transfer and registrar fees, which such fees and expenses are capped at an aggregate of $130,000 in the event of an IPO closing and $75,000 in the event there is no IPO closing.
Representative’s Shares
We will issue EF Hutton and/or its designees, 1% of the gross proceeds of this offering as underwriting discounts and commissions in the form of our shares at a price of $10.00 per share, which will equal 60,000 shares (or 69,000 shares if the underwriter’s overallotment option is exercised in full) (the “Representative Shares”) upon the consummation of this offering. The Representative Shares will be registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. EH Hutton has agreed not to transfer, assign, sell, pledge, or hypothecate any such Representative Shares, or subject such Representative Shares to hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the economic disposition of the securities by any person until the later of (i) the completion of our initial business combination or (ii) 180 days immediately following the commencement of sales of this offering pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), subject to exceptions pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). In addition, EF Hutton has agreed (i) to waive its redemption rights with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) to waive its rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 9 months (or up to 15 or 21 months, as applicable) from the closing of this offering.
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Right of First Refusal
Subject to certain conditions, we granted EF Hutton, for a period of 24 months after the date of the consummation of our business combination, a right of first refusal to act as to act as sole investment banker, sole book-runner, and/or sole placement agent, at EF Hutton’s sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offering, including all equity linked financings (each, a “Subject Transaction”), during such twenty-four (24) month period, of the Company, or any successor to or any current or future subsidiary of the Company, on terms and conditions customary to EF Hutton for such Subject Transactions. EF Hutton shall have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker dealer shall have the right to participate in the Subject Transactions and the economic terms of such participation. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(6), such right of first refusal shall not have a duration of more than three years from the commencement of sales in this offering.
Regulatory Restrictions on Purchase of Securities
Rules of the SEC may limit the ability of the underwriters to bid for or purchase our units before the distribution of the units is completed. However, the underwriters may engage in the following activities in accordance with the rules:
| ● | Stabilizing Transactions. The underwriters may make bids or purchases solely for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the price of our units, as long as stabilizing bids do not exceed the offering price of $10.00 and the underwriters comply with all other applicable rules. |
| ● | Over-Allotments and Syndicate Coverage Transactions. The underwriters may create a short position in our units by selling more of our units than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus up to the amount of the over-allotment option. This is known as a covered short position. The underwriters may also create a short position in our units by selling more of our units than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and the units allowed by the over-allotment option. This is known as a naked short position. If the underwriters create a short position during the offering, the representative may engage in syndicate covering transactions by purchasing our units in the open market. The representative may also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option. Determining what method to use in reducing the short position depends on how the units trade in the aftermarket following the offering. If the unit price drops following the offering, the short position is usually covered with shares purchased by the underwriters in the aftermarket. However, the underwriters may cover a short position by exercising the over-allotment option even if the unit price drops following the offering. If the unit price rises after the offering, then the over-allotment option is used to cover the short position. If the short position is more than the over-allotment option, the naked short must be covered by purchases in the aftermarket, which could be at prices above the offering price. |
| ● | Penalty Bids. The representative may reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the units originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. |
Stabilization and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of our securities to be higher than they would be in the absence of these transactions. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the prices of our securities if it discourages resales of our securities.
Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our securities. These transactions may occur on Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or on any trading market. If any of these transactions are commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.
Other Terms
Except as set forth above, we are not under any contractual obligation to engage any of the underwriters to provide any services for us after this offering, and have no present intent to do so. However, any of the underwriters may, among other things, introduce us to potential target businesses or assist us in raising additional capital, as needs may arise in the future. If any underwriter provides services to us after this offering, we may pay the underwriter fair and reasonable fees that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation; provided that no agreement will be entered into with the underwriter and no fees for such services will be paid to the underwriter prior to the date which is 90 days after the date of this prospectus, unless FINRA determines that such payment would not be deemed underwriter’s compensation in connection with this offering.
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Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against some liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in this respect.
Selling Restrictions
Canada
Resale Restrictions
We intend to distribute our securities in the Province of Ontario, Canada (the “Canadian Offering Jurisdiction”) by way of a private placement and exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in such Canadian Offering Jurisdiction. Any resale of our securities in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws that will vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Canadian resale restrictions in some circumstances may apply to resales of interests made outside of Canada. Canadian purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of our securities. We may never be a “reporting issuer”, as such term is defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, in any province or territory of Canada in which our securities will be offered and there currently is no public market for any of the securities in Canada, and one may never develop. Canadian investors are advised that we have no intention to file a prospectus or similar document with any securities regulatory authority in Canada qualifying the resale of the securities to the public in any province or territory in Canada.
Representations of Purchasers
A Canadian purchaser will be required to represent to us and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
| ● | the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase our securities without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under those securities laws; |
| ● | where required by law, that the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent; |
| ● | the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale Restrictions; and |
| ● | the purchaser acknowledges and consents to the provision of specified information concerning its purchase of our securities to the regulatory authority that by law is entitled to collect the information. |
Rights of Action — Ontario Purchasers Only
Under Ontario securities legislation, certain purchasers who purchase a security offered by this prospectus during the period of distribution will have a statutory right of action for damages, or while still the owner of our securities, for rescission against us in the event that this prospectus contains a misrepresentation without regard to whether the purchaser relied on the misrepresentation. The right of action for damages is exercisable not later than the earlier of 180 days from the date the purchaser first had knowledge of the facts giving rise to the cause of action and three years from the date on which payment is made for our securities. The right of action for rescission is exercisable not later than 180 days from the date on which payment is made for our securities. If a purchaser elects to exercise the right of action for rescission, the purchaser will have no right of action for damages against us. In no case will the amount recoverable in any action exceed the price at which our securities were offered to the purchaser and if the purchaser is shown to have purchased the securities with knowledge of the misrepresentation, we will have no liability. In the case of an action for damages, we will not be liable for all or any portion of the damages that are proven to not represent the depreciation in value of our securities as a result of the misrepresentation relied upon. These rights are in addition to, and without derogation from, any other rights or remedies available at law to an Ontario purchaser. The foregoing is a summary of the rights available to an Ontario purchaser. Ontario purchasers should refer to the complete text of the relevant statutory provisions.
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Enforcement of Legal Rights
All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein are located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada upon us or those persons. All of our assets and the assets of those persons are located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.
Collection of Personal Information
If a Canadian purchaser is resident in or otherwise subject to the securities laws of the Province of Ontario, the Purchaser authorizes the indirect collection of personal information pertaining to the Canadian purchaser by the Ontario Securities Commission (the “OSC”) and each Canadian purchaser will be required to acknowledge and agree that the Canadian purchaser has been notified by us (i) of the delivery to the OSC of personal information pertaining to the Canadian purchaser, including, without limitation, the full name, residential address and telephone number of the Canadian purchaser, the number and type of securities purchased and the total purchase price paid in respect of the securities, (ii) that this information is being collected indirectly by the OSC under the authority granted to it in securities legislation, (iii) that this information is being collected for the purposes of the administration and enforcement of the securities legislation of Ontario, and (iv) that the title, business address and business telephone number of the public official in Ontario who can answer questions about the OSC’s indirect collection of the information is the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Corporate Finance, the Ontario Securities Commission, Suite 1903, Box 5520, Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3S8, Telephone: (416) 593-8086, Facsimile: (416) 593-8252.
Hong Kong
The units may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the units may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to units which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
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Loeb & Loeb LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel in connection with the registration of our securities under the Securities Act of 1933, and as such, will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this prospectus. In connection with this offering, Robinson & Cole LLP, New York, New York is acting as U.S. securities counsel to the underwriters.
The balance sheet of Quetta Acquisition Corporation as of May 31, 2023 and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from May 1, 2023 (inception) through May 31, 2023 appearing in this prospectus have been audited by MaloneBailey, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt about the ability of Quetta Acquisition Corporation to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements), appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Where You Can Find Additional Information
We have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the units we are offering by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information about us and our shares, you should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement. Whenever we make reference in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements, or other documents, the references are materially complete but may not include a description of all aspects of such contracts, agreements, or other documents, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or other document.
Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act and will file annual, quarterly, and current event reports, proxy statements, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You can read our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the registration statement, online at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at its public reference facility at 100 F Street, Northeast, Washington, D.C. 20549.
You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.
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QUETTA Acquisition CORPORATION
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| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 206) | F-2 | |
| Financial Statements: | ||
| Balance Sheet | F-3 | |
| Statement of Operations | F-4 | |
| Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | F-5 | |
| Statement of Cash Flows | F-6 | |
| Notes to Financial Statements | F-7 |
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) as of May 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the period from May 1, 2023 (inception) through May 31, 2023, 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 May 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from May 1, 2023 (inception) through May 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Matter
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has a net capital deficiency and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
We have served as the Company’s auditor since May, 2023
Houston, Texas
June 13, 2023, except for notes 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8, which are dated August 18, 2023
F-2
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEET
MAY 31, 2023
| Assets | ||||
| Current asset – cash | $ | 314,700 | ||
| Deferred offering costs | 95,300 | |||
| Total Assets | $ | 410,000 | ||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||
| Due to related party | $ | 85,000 | ||
| Promissory note – related party | 300,000 | |||
| Total Current Liabilities | 385,000 | |||
| Commitments and Contingencies – see Note 6 | ||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized(1); 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding(2) | 172 | |||
| Additional paid-in capital | 24,828 | |||
| Accumulated deficit | - | |||
| Total Stockholders’ Equity | 25,000 | |||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 410,000 |
| (1) | Represents the number of shares to be authorized upon the effectiveness of this prospectus. |
| (2) | Includes up to 225,000 shares of common stock subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part by the underwriters (see Note 5). |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM MAY 1, 2023 (INCEPTION) THROUGH MAY 31, 2023
| Formation and operating costs | $ | - | ||
| Net loss | $ | - | ||
| Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding(1) | 1,500,000 | |||
| Basic and diluted net loss per share | $ | - |
| (1) | Excludes an aggregate of up to 225,000 shares of common stock subject to forfeiture if the over- allotment option is not exercised in full or in part by the underwriters (see Note 5). |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| Additional | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance–May 1, 2023 (Inception) | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||
| Founder shares issued to initial stockholders(1) | 1,725,000 | 172 | 24,828 | - | 25,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Balance–May 31, 2023 | 1,725,000 | $ | 172 | $ | 24,828 | $ | - | $ | 25,000 | |||||||||||
| (1) | Includes up to 225,000 shares of common stock subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part by the underwriters (see Note 5). |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM MAY 1, 2023 (INCEPTION) THROUGH MAY 31, 2023
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||||
| Net loss | $ | - | ||
| Net cash used in operating activities | - | |||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||
| Proceeds from issuance of promissory note to related party | 300,000 | |||
| Proceeds from issuance of founder shares to the initial stockholders | 25,000 | |||
| Payment of offering costs | (10,300 | ) | ||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 314,700 | |||
| Net change in cash | 314,700 | |||
| Cash, Beginning of period | - | |||
| Cash, End of the period | $ | 314,700 | ||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Financing Activities | ||||
| Deferred offering costs paid by a related party | $ | 85,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations
Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) is a newly organized blank check company incorporated as a Delaware Corporation on May 1, 2023. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities (“Business Combination”). The Company intends to focus on target businesses in Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Macau) that operate in the financial technology sector.
As of May 31, 2023, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activities through May 31, 2023 are related to the Company’s formation and the proposed initial public offering (“Proposed Public Offering”), which are described below. 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 Proposed Public Offering. The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end.
The Company’s sponsor is Yocto Investments LLC (the “Sponsor”), a Delaware limited liability company. The Company’s ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate financial resources through a Proposed Public Offering of 6,000,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the shares of common stock included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares”) at $10.00 per Unit (or 6,900,000 Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), which is discussed in Note 3, and the sale of 235,045 units (or 253,045 units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) (the “Private Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Private Unit in a private placement to the Sponsor that will close simultaneously with the Proposed Public Offering (see Note 4).
The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering and the sale of the Private Units, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully. The Company must complete a Business Combination having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the Trust Account (as defined below) (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on interest earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into an initial Business Combination. 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 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, management has agreed that an amount equal to at least $10.00 per Unit sold in the Proposed Public Offering, including the proceeds from the sale of the Private Units, net of the underwriters’ fees and expenses described herein and other accountable expenses, will be placed in trust (the “Trust Fund”) and will be invested only in U.S. government treasury bills, bonds or notes 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 of 1940 and which invest solely in U.S. Treasuries. The Trust Fund will be deposited into a trust account (“Trust Account”) in the U.S. to be released only in the event of either: (i) the consummation of a Business Combination or (ii) the Company’s failure to complete a Business Combination within the applicable period of time.
The Company will provide its holders of the outstanding Public Shares (the “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, solely in its discretion. The Public Stockholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (initially anticipated to be $10.00 per Public Share, plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its franchise and income tax obligations). The Public Shares subject to redemption will be recorded at a redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Proposed Offering in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.”
F-7
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (cont.)
The Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and, if the Company seeks stockholder approval, a majority of the shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination. If a stockholder vote is not required by law and the Company does not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”), conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination. If, however, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or the Company decides to obtain stockholder approval for business or legal reasons, the Company will offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. Additionally, each public stockholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. If the Company seeks stockholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the Company’s Sponsor and any of the Company’s officers or directors that may hold Founder Shares (as defined in Note 5) (the “Initial Stockholders”) and the underwriters have agreed (a) to vote their Founder Shares, Private Shares (as defined in Note 4), Shares issued as underwriting commissions (see Note 6) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Proposed Public Offering in favor of approving a Business Combination and (b) not to convert any shares (including the Founder Shares) in connection with a stockholder vote to approve, or sell the shares to the Company in any tender offer in connection with, a proposed Business Combination.
If the Company seeks stockholder approval of a Business Combination and it does not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, the 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 20% or more of the Public Shares, without the prior consent of the Company.
The Initial Stockholders and underwriters have agreed (a) to waive their redemption rights with respect to the Founder Shares, Private Shares, and Public Shares held by them in connection with the completion of a Business Combination and (b) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that would affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of its Public Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination, unless the Company provides the public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in conjunction with any such amendment.
The Company will have until 9 months (or 15 months or up to 21 months if we extend such period as described in more detail in this prospectus) from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination. In addition, if the Company anticipates that it may not be able to consummate initial business combination within 9 months, the Company’s insiders or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, extend the period of time to consummate a business combination two times by an additional three months each time (for a total of 21 months to complete a business combination) (the “Combination Period”). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a Business Combination, the Sponsor or its affiliate or designees must deposit into the Trust Account $600,000, or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per Public Share in either case or an aggregate of $1,200,000 (or $1,380,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full), on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline.
If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable, and less certain amount 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 the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
F-8
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (cont.)
The Sponsor and the other Initial Stockholders have agreed to waive their liquidation rights with respect to the Founder Shares, and Private Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the Sponsor or the other Initial Stockholders acquires Public Shares in or after the Proposed Public Offering, such Public Shares will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to their deferred underwriting commission (see Note 6) held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within in the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the other funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Public Shares. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the assets remaining available for distribution will be less than $10.10.
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 vendor 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 to below $10.10 per Public Share, except as to any claims by a third party who executed a valid and enforceable agreement with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the Trust Account and except as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of Proposed 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.
Going Concern Consideration
At May 31, 2023, the Company had $314,700 in cash and working capital deficit (current assets less current liabilities, excluding deferred offering costs) of $70,300. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Management plans to address this uncertainty through a Proposed Public Offering as discussed in Note 3. There is no assurance that the Company’s plans to raise capital or to consummate a Business Combination will be successful within the Combination Period. On May 21, 2023, the Sponsor has agreed to loan the Company up to an aggregate amount of $300,000 as discussed in Note 5 to be used, in part, for transaction costs incurred in connection with the Proposed Public Offering. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Risks and Uncertainties
As a result of the military action commenced in February 2022 by the Russian Federation and Belarus in the country of Ukraine and related economic sanctions, the Company’s ability to consummate a Business Combination, or the operations of a target business with which the Company ultimately consummates a Business Combination, may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the Company’s ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing which may be impacted by these events, including as a result of increased market volatility, or decreased market liquidity in third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. The impact of this action and related sanctions on the world economy and the specific impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and/or ability to consummate a Business Combination are not yet determinable. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
F-9
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (cont.)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IR Act”) was signed into federal law. The IR Act provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases (including redemptions) of stock by publicly traded domestic (i.e., U.S.) corporations and certain domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax. The IR Act applies only to repurchases that occur after December 31, 2022.
Any redemption or other repurchase that occurs after December 31, 2022, in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise, may be subject to the excise tax. Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the excise tax in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise would depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with the Business Combination, extension or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a Business Combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances in connection with a Business Combination (or otherwise issued not in connection with a Business Combination but issued within the same taxable year of a Business Combination) and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. In addition, because the excise tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the excise tax have not been determined. The foregoing could cause a reduction in the cash available on hand to complete a Business Combination and in the Company’s ability to complete a Business Combination.
At this time, it has been determined that none of the IR Act tax provisions have an impact to the Company’s fiscal 2023 tax provision. The Company will continue to monitor for updates to the Company’s business along with guidance issued with respect to the IR Act to determine whether any adjustments are needed to the Company’s tax provision in future periods.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Emerging Growth Company
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 that is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
F-10
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Use of Estimates
In preparing these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, the Company’s management makes 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 expenses during the reporting period.
Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. 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 had $314,700 in cash and none in cash equivalents as of May 31, 2023.
Deferred Offering Costs
Deferred offering costs consist of legal, underwriting fees and other costs incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to the Proposed Public Offering and that will be charged to stockholders’ equity upon the completion of the Proposed Public Offering. Should the Proposed Public Offering prove to be unsuccessful, these deferred costs, as well as additional expenses to be incurred, will be charged to operations.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
ASC 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 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 May 31, 2023. 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 is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.
The Company has identified the United States as its only “major” tax jurisdiction.
The Company may be subject to potential examination by federal and state 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 and state 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 provision for income taxes was deemed to be immaterial for the period from May 1, 2023 (inception) to May 31, 2023.
F-11
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)
Net Loss Per Share
Net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, excluding shares of common stock subject to forfeiture by the Initial Stockholders. Weighted average shares were reduced for the effect of an aggregate of 225,000 shares of common stock that are subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full by the underwriters (see Notes 5). At May 31, 2023, the Company did not have any dilutive securities and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into shares of common stock and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share for the period presented.
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 Coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet, primarily due to their short-term nature.
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) are classified as a liability instrument and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that feature redemption rights that is 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 features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. If it is probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable, we have the option to either (i) accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance (or from the date that it becomes probable that the instrument will become redeemable, if later) to the earliest redemption date of the instrument or (ii) recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has elected to recognize the changes immediately. The accretion or remeasurement will be treated as a deemed dividend (i.e., a reduction to retained earnings, or in absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in capital).
Recent accounting pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06, Debt — Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. The ASU also removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity-linked contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, and it simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. ASU 2020-06 is effective January 1, 2024 and should be applied on a full or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted beginning on January 1, 2021. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 from the Company’s inception. Adoption of the ASU did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statement.
F-12
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 3 — Proposed Public Offering
Pursuant to the Proposed Public Offering, the Company intends to offer for sale 6,000,000 Units (or 6,900,000 Units if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock and one-tenth (1/10) of one right (“Public Right”). Each Public Right will convert into one share of common stock upon the consummation of a Business Combination.
Note 4 — Private Placement
The Sponsor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 235,045 Private Units (or 253,045 Private Units if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a price of $10.00 per Private Unit for an aggregate purchase price of $2,350,450, or $2,530,450, if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of the Proposed Public Offering. Each Private Unit will consist of one share of common stock (“Private Share”) and one-tenth (1/10) of one right (“Private Right”). Each Private Right will convert into one share of common stock upon the consummation of a Business Combination. The proceeds from the Private Units will be added to the proceeds from the Proposed Public Offering to be held in the Trust Account. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the proceeds from the sale of the Private Units will be used to fund the redemption of the Public Shares (subject to the requirements of applicable law), and the Private Units and all underlying securities will expire worthless.
Note 5 — Related Party Transactions
Founder Shares
On May 17, 2023, the Company issued 1,725,000 shares of common stock to the Initial Stockholders (the “Founder Shares”) for an aggregated consideration of $25,000, or approximately $0.0145 per share.
As of May 31, 2023, there were 1,725,000 Founder Shares issued and outstanding, among which, up to 225,000 shares subject to forfeiture by the Initial Stockholders to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full, so that the Initial Stockholders will collectively own 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Proposed Public Offering (assuming the Initial Stockholders do not purchase any Public Shares in the Proposed Public Offering and excluding the Private Units).
The Initial Stockholders have agreed, subject to certain limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares until, with respect to 50% of the Founder Shares, the earlier of six months after the consummation of a Business Combination and the date on which the closing price of the common stock equals or exceeds $12.50 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 commencing after a Business Combination and, with respect to the remaining 50% of the Founder Shares, until the six months after the consummation of a Business Combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to a Business Combination, the Company completes a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property.
Due to Related Party
Prior to the inception of the Company, the Sponsor formed a blank check company (which was dissolved in April 2023) and paid professional fees totaling $85,000 in 2022 for transaction costs related to its public offering. The service providers credited a total of $85,000 to the transaction costs incurred in connection with the Proposed Public Offering of the Company. As of May 31, 2023, $85,000 was outstanding; the amount is unsecured, interest-free and due on demand.
F-13
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5 — Related Party Transactions (cont.)
Promissory Note — Related Party
On May 21, 2023, the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to an aggregate amount of $300,000 to be used, in part, for transaction costs incurred in connection with the Proposed Public Offering (the “Promissory Note”). As of May 31, 2023, $300,000 was outstanding under the Promissory Note. The Promissory Note is unsecured, interest-free and due after the date on which the Company closes the initial Business Combination.
Related Party Loans
In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, the Initial Stockholders or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If the Company completes an initial Business Combination, it will repay such loaned amounts. In the event that the initial Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from the Trust Account would be used for such repayment. Certain amount of such loans may be converted into private at $10.00 per share at the option of the lender. As of May 31, 2023, the Company had no borrowings under the working capital loans.
Administrative Support Agreement
The Company intends to enter into an agreement, commencing on the effective date of the Proposed Public Offering through the earlier of the Company’s consummation of a Business Combination and its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative support. However, pursuant to the terms of such agreement, the Sponsor agreed to defer the payment of such monthly fee. Any such unpaid amount will accrue without interest and be due and payable no later than the date of the consummation of initial Business Combination.
Other
Mr. Michael Lazar will serve as an independent director of the board beginning on the date of this prospectus, also is the Chief Executive Officer of Empire Filings, LLC, which is engaged by the Company to provide print and filing services. The Company paid a total of $20,000 for the Proposed Public Offering filings and will pay $1,000 per quarter for ongoing compliance filings.
Note 6 — Commitments and Contingency
Registration Rights
The holders of the Founder Shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the private units and any shares of the Company’s insiders, officers, directors or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans and extension loans made to the Company (and any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the underlying the private rights), will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make up to two demands that we register such securities. The holders of the majority of the Founder Shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these shares of common stock are to be released from escrow. The holders of a majority of the private units and units issued in payment of working capital loans made to us can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing on the date that the Company consummate an initial business combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the consummation of an initial business combination. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
F-14
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 6 — Commitments and Contingency (cont.)
Right of First Refusal
The Company has granted EF Hutton for a period of 24 months after the date of the consummation of the Company’s Business Combination, a right of first refusal to act as sole investment banker, book-running manager, and/or sole placement agent, at EF Hutton’s sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offering, including all equity linked financings.
Underwriting Agreement
The Company has granted EF Hutton, the representative of the underwriters, a 45-day option from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to 900,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the Proposed Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
The underwriters will be entitled to a cash underwriting discount of 2.0% of the gross proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering, or $1,200,000 (or $1,380,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). In addition, the underwriters will be entitled to a deferred fee of 3.5% of the gross proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering, or $2,100,000 (or $2,415,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full), which will be paid upon the closing of a Business Combination from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
The underwriters have agreed to reimburse certain expenses in connection with this offering, not to exceed $600,000 (or $690,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full).
Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock — The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be filed at effectiveness of this prospectus will authorize to issue 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At May 31, 2023, there were 1,725,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, of which an aggregate of up to 225,000 shares are subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full, so that the Initial Stockholders will own 20% of the issued and outstanding shares after the Proposed Public Offering (assuming the Initial Stockholders do not purchase any public units in the Proposed Public Offering and excluding the Private Shares underlying the Private Units).
Rights — Each holder of a right will receive one share of common stock upon consummation of a Business Combination, even if the holder of such right redeemed all shares held by it in connection with a Business Combination. No fractional shares will be issued upon conversion of the rights. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of rights in order to receive its additional shares upon consummation of a Business Combination, as the consideration related thereto has been included in the Unit purchase price paid for by investors in the Initial Public Offering. If the Company enters into a definitive agreement for a Business Combination in which the Company will not be the surviving entity, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of rights to receive the same per share consideration the holders of the common stock will receive in the transaction on an as-converted into common stock basis and each holder of a right will be required to affirmatively covert its rights in order to receive one share underlying each right (without paying additional consideration). The shares issuable upon conversion of the rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of the Company).
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 rights will not receive any of such funds with respect to their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless. Further, there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities to the holders of the rights upon consummation of a Business Combination. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, holders of the rights might not receive the shares of common stock underlying the rights.
F-15
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 8 — 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 the review, management identified the following material subsequent events occurred in August 2023 that require disclosure in the financial statements. Changes have been respectively presented in the notes to financial statements.
The Company revised the following terms of Proposed Public Offering:
| 1) | Decreased the conversion ratio for each Public Right upon the consummation of a Business Combination from one-eighth (1/8) of one share of common stock to one-tenth (1/10) of one share of common stock. |
| 2) | Decreased the amount to be held in the Trust Account from $10.20 per Public Share to $10.10 per Public Share. |
| 3) | Reduced the number of Private Units to be purchased from 283,000 to 235,045 Private Units (or from 310,000 to 253,045 Private Units if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a price of $10.00 per Private Unit for an aggregate purchase price of $2,350,450 (or $2,530,450 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). |
| 4) | Time period to consummate an initial business combination was reduced to 9 months from 12 months from the closing of initial public offering. |
F-16
$60,000,000
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
6,000,000 Units
PROSPECTUS
Sole Book-Running Manager
EF Hutton
division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
[●], 2023
Until __________, 2023 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our shares of common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
No dealer, salesperson or any other person is authorized to give any information or make any representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security other than the securities offered by this prospectus, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not authorized or is unlawful.
Part II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the offering described in this registration statement (other than the underwriting discount) will be as follows:
| Initial trustee fees | $ | 6,500 | ||
| Legal fees and expenses | $ | 200,000 | ||
| Nasdaq listing fee | $ | 55,000 | ||
| Printing and engraving expenses | $ | 30,000 | ||
| Accounting fees and expenses | $ | 50,000 | ||
| SEC & FINRA registration fees | $ | 20,430 | ||
| D&O Insurance Premiums | $ | 150,000 | ||
| Expense Advancement to EF Hutton | $ | 130,000 | ||
| Miscellaneous expenses(1) | $ | 163,520 | ||
| Total | $ | 805,450 |
| (1) | These amounts represent additional expenses that may be incurred by the company in connection with the offering and over and above those specifically listed above, including distribution and mailing costs etc. |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that all directors, officers, employees and agents of the registrant shall be entitled to be indemnified by us to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law concerning indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents is set forth below.
Ҥ 145. Indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents; insurance.
| (a) | A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful. |
| (b) | A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. |
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| (c) | (1) | To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. For indemnification with respect to any act or omission occurring after December 31, 2020, references to “officer” for purposes of this paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section shall mean only a person who at the time of such act or omission is deemed to have consented to service by the delivery of process to the registered agent of the corporation pursuant to § 3114(b) of Title 10 (for purposes of this sentence only, treating residents of this State as if they were nonresidents to apply § 3114(b) of Title 10 to this sentence). |
| (2) | The corporation may indemnify any other person who is not a present or former director or officer of the corporation against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person to the extent he or she has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein. |
| (d) | Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer of the corporation at the time of such determination: |
| (1) | By a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum; or |
| (2) | By a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum; or |
| (3) | If there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or |
| (4) | By the stockholders. |
| (e) | Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director of the corporation in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents of the corporation or by persons serving at the request of the corporation as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate. |
| (f) | The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to or repeal or elimination of the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred. |
| (g) | A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this section. |
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| (h) | For purposes of this section, references to “the corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. |
| (i) | For purposes of this section, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the corporation” as referred to in this section. |
| (j) | The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. |
| (k) | The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation’s obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys’ fees).” |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person in a successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to the court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
In accordance with Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation, will provide that no director shall be personally liable to us or any of our stockholders for monetary damages resulting from breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, except to the extent such limitation on or exemption from liability is not permitted under the DGCL unless they violated their duty of loyalty to the company or its stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived improper personal benefit from their actions as directors. The effect of this provision of our certificate of incorporation is to eliminate our rights and those of our stockholders (through stockholders’ derivative suits on our behalf) to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as a director, including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior, except, as restricted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL. However, this provision does not limit or eliminate our rights or the rights of any stockholder to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of a director’s duty of care.
If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the liability of directors, then, in accordance with our certificate of incorporation, the liability of our directors to us or our stockholders will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as so amended. Any repeal or amendment of provisions of our certificate of incorporation limiting or eliminating the liability of directors, whether by our stockholders or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provisions inconsistent therewith, will (unless otherwise required by law) be prospective only, except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits us to further limit or eliminate the liability of directors on a retroactive basis.
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Our certificate of incorporation will also provide that we will, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law, indemnify our current and former officers and directors, as well as those persons who, while directors or officers of our corporation, are or were serving as directors, officers, employees or agents of another entity, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, in connection with any threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, against all expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by any such person in connection with any such proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person eligible for indemnification pursuant to our certificate of incorporation will be indemnified by us in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if such proceeding was authorized by our board of directors, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification.
The right to indemnification conferred by our certificate of incorporation is a contract right that includes the right to be paid by us the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding referenced above in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by our officer or director (solely in the capacity as an officer or director of our corporation) will be made only upon delivery to us of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such officer or director, to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under our certificate of incorporation or otherwise.
The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses will not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which any person covered by our certificate of incorporation may have or hereafter acquire under law, our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, an agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
Any repeal or amendment of provisions of our certificate of incorporation affecting indemnification rights, whether by our stockholders or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provisions inconsistent therewith, will (unless otherwise required by law) be prospective only, except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits us to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis, and will not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision. Our certificate of incorporation will also permit us, to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other that those specifically covered by our certificate of incorporation.
Our bylaws, which we intend to adopt immediately prior to the closing of this offering, include the provisions relating to advancement of expenses and indemnification rights consistent with those set forth in our certificate of incorporation. In addition, our bylaws provide for a right of indemnity to bring a suit in the event a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses is not paid in full by us within a specified period of time. Our bylaws also permit us to purchase and maintain insurance, at our expense, to protect us and/or any director, officer, employee or agent of our corporation or another entity, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
Any repeal or amendment of provisions of our bylaws affecting indemnification rights, whether by our board of directors, stockholders or by changes in applicable law, or the adoption of any other provisions inconsistent therewith, will (unless otherwise required by law) be prospective only, except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits us to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis, and will not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing thereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.
We will enter into indemnity agreements with each of our officers and directors, a form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.5 to this Registration Statement. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement, we have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain civil liabilities that may be incurred in connection with this offering, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.
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Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
On May 1. 2023, our Sponsor purchased 1,725,000 shares of common stock known as the founder shares (225,000 of which are subject to forfeiture) for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.0167 per share (presuming a forfeiture). Our Sponsor will transfer 2,000 founder shares to each of the three independent directors and one of our officers upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The per share purchase price of the insider shares was determined by dividing the amount of cash contributed to the company by the aggregate number of insider shares issued. The number of insider shares issued was determined based on the expectation that our insiders would own approximately 20% of the outstanding shares after this offering (not including those shares sold as a part of the private placement of units). Such shares were issued in connection with our organization pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as they were sold to accredited investors.
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Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
EXHIBIT INDEX
| * | To be filed by amendment. |
Financial Statements. See page F-1 for an index to the financial statements and schedules included in the registration statement.
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Item 17. Undertakings.
| (a) | The undersigned hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser. |
| (b) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
| (c) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that: |
| (1) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
| (2) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in NEW YORK, State of NEW YORK, on the 18th day of August, 2023.
| Quetta Acquisition Corporation | ||
| By: | /s/ Hui Chen | |
| Name: | Mr. Hui Chen | |
| Title: | Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer | |
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Mr. Hui Chen his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments including post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitute, each acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Hui Chen | Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson | |||
| Mr. Hui Chen | (Principal Executive Officer) | August 18, 2023 | ||
| /s/ Robert L. Labbe | Chief Financial Officer | |||
| Mr. Robert L. Labbe | (Principal Accounting Officer) | August 18, 2023 |
II-8
Exhibit 3.1
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
Pursuant to Section 242 and 245 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law
Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, by its Chief Executive Officer, hereby certifies as follows:
1. The name of the corporation is Quetta Acquisition Corporation
2. The Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation was filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 1, 2023.
3. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates, integrates and amends the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.
4. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by the written consent of the directors and stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 141(f), 228, 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“GCL”).
5. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in full as follows:
FIRST: The name of the corporation is Quetta Acquisition Corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”).
SECOND: The registered office of the Corporation is to be located at 254 Chapman Rd, Ste 209, Newark, DE 19702. The name of its registered agent at that address is Corporate Creations Network Inc.
THIRD: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue is 20,000,000 shares having a par value of $0.0001 per share.
FOURTH: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the GCL.
FIFTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator is Lovette Dobson.
SIXTH: This Article Sixth shall apply during the period commencing upon the filing of this Certificate of Incorporation and terminating upon the consummation of any “Business Combination” (as defined below). A “Business Combination” shall mean any merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination involving the Corporation and one or more businesses or entities (“Target Business”), or entering into contractual arrangements that give the Corporation control over such a Target Business, and, if the Corporation is then listed on a national securities exchange, the Target Business has a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Fund (as defined below), less any deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on interest earned, at the time of signing a definitive agreement in connection with the initial Business Combination. “IPO Shares” shall mean the shares sold pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-1 (“Registration Statement”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) in connection with the Corporation’s initial public offering (“IPO”).
A. Prior to the consummation of a Business Combination, the Corporation shall either (i) submit any Business Combination to its holders of Common Stock for approval (“Proxy Solicitation”) pursuant to the proxy rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), or (ii) provide its holders of IPO Shares with the opportunity to sell their shares to the Corporation by means of a tender offer (“Tender Offer”).
B. If the Corporation engages in a Proxy Solicitation with respect to a Business Combination, the Corporation will consummate the Business Combination only if a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock present and entitled to vote at the meeting to approve the Business Combination are voted for the approval of such Business Combination.
C. In the event that a Business Combination is consummated by the Corporation or the Corporation holds a vote of its stockholders to amend its Certificate of Incorporation, any holder of IPO Shares who (i) voted on the proposal to approve such Business Combination or amend the Certificate of Incorporation, whether such holder voted in favor or against such Business Combination or amendment, and followed the procedures contained in the proxy materials to perfect the holder’s right to convert the holder’s IPO Shares into cash, if any, or (ii) tendered the holder’s IPO Shares as specified in the tender offer materials therefore, shall be entitled to receive the Conversion Price (as defined below) in exchange for the holder’s IPO Shares. The Corporation shall, promptly after consummation of the Business Combination or the filing of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, convert such shares into cash at a per share price equal to the quotient determined by dividing (i) the amount then held in the Trust Fund (as defined below) plus interest earned, less any interest released to pay income taxes owed on such funds but not yet paid, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the Business Combination or the filing of the amendment, as applicable, by (ii) the total number of IPO Shares then outstanding (such price being referred to as the “Conversion Price”). “Trust Fund” shall mean the trust account established by the Corporation at the consummation of its IPO and into which the amount specified in the Registration Statement is deposited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a holder of IPO Shares, together with any affiliate of his or any other person with whom he is acting in concert or as a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (“Group”) with, will be restricted from demanding conversion in connection with a proposed Business Combination with respect to 20.0% or more of the IPO Shares. Accordingly, all IPO Shares beneficially owned by such holder or any other person with whom such holder is acting in concert or as a Group with in excess of 20.0% or more of the IPO Shares will remain outstanding following consummation of such Business Combination in the name of the stockholder and not be converted.
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D. In the event that the Corporation does not consummate a Business Combination by (i) 12 months from the consummation of the IPO or (ii) up to 18 months from the consummation of the IPO if the Corporation elects to extend the amount of time to complete a Business Combination in accordance with the terms of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between the Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association (in any case, such date being referred to as the “Termination Date”), the Corporation shall (i) cease all operations except for the purposes of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter redeem 100% of the IPO Shares for cash for a redemption price per share as described below (which redemption will completely extinguish such holders’ rights as stockholders, including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to approval of the Corporation’s then stockholders and subject to the requirements of the GCL, including the adoption of a resolution by the board of directors pursuant to Section 275(a) of the GCL finding the dissolution of the Corporation advisable and the provision of such notices as are required by said Section 275(a) of the GCL, dissolve and liquidate the balance of the Corporation’s net assets to its remaining stockholders, as part of the Corporation’s plan of dissolution and liquidation, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to the Corporation’s obligations under the GCL to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law. In such event, the per share redemption price shall be equal to a pro rata share of the Trust Account plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Corporation to pay its taxes divided by the total number of IPO Shares then outstanding.
E. A holder of IPO Shares shall only be entitled to receive distributions from the Trust Fund in the event (i) he demands conversion of his shares in accordance with paragraph C above, or (ii) that the Corporation has not consummated a Business Combination by the Termination Date as described in paragraph E above. In no other circumstances shall a holder of IPO Shares have any right or interest of any kind in or to the Trust Fund.
F. Other than the IPO Shares, prior to a Business Combination, the board of directors may not issue any securities which participate in or are otherwise entitled in any manner to any of the proceeds in the Trust Fund or which vote as a class with the Common Stock on a Business Combination.
G. Unless and until the Corporation has consummated its initial Business Combination as permitted under this Article Sixth, the Corporation may not consummate any other business combination transaction, whether by merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination, transaction or otherwise. The Corporation shall not consummate a Business Combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of the Corporation’s officers, directors or sponsors unless the Corporation has obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that such a Business Combination is fair to the Corporation from a financial point of view and a majority of the Corporation’s disinterested independent directors approve such Business Combination.
H. If any amendment is made to this Article Sixth that would modify the substance or timing of the Corporation’s obligation to provide for the conversion of the IPO Shares in connection with an initial Business Combination or to redeem 100% of the IPO Shares if (A) the Corporation has not consummated an initial Business Combination within 12 months (or up to 18 months) from the date of the from the consummation of the IPO or (B) with respect to any other provision in this Article Sixth, the holders of IPO Shares shall be provided with the opportunity to redeem their IPO Shares upon the approval of any such amendment, at the per-share price specified in paragraph C.
SEVENTH: The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:
A. Election of directors need not be by ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation so provide.
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B. The board of directors shall have the power, without the assent or vote of the stockholders, to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation as provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.
C. The directors in their discretion may submit any contract or act for approval or ratification at any annual meeting of the stockholders or at any meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose of considering any such act or contract, and any contract or act that shall be approved or be ratified by the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation which is represented in person or by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat (provided that a lawful quorum of stockholders be there represented in person or by proxy) shall be as valid and binding upon the Corporation and upon all the stockholders as though it had been approved or ratified by every stockholder of the Corporation, whether or not the contract or act would otherwise be open to legal attack because of directors’ interests, or for any other reason.
D. In addition to the powers and authorities hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation; subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the statutes of Delaware, of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and to any bylaws from time to time made by the stockholders; provided, however, that no bylaw so made shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such bylaw had not been made.
E. Any or all of the directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of more than 60% of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
EIGHTH:
A. A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the GCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the GCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the GCL, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of this paragraph A by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation with respect to events occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.
B. The Corporation, to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the GCL, as amended from time to time, shall indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which such officer or director may be entitled to indemnification hereunder shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized hereby.
C. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article Eighth, no indemnification nor advancement of expenses will extend to any claims made by the Corporation’s officers and directors to cover any loss that such individuals may sustain as a result of such individuals’ agreement to pay debts and obligations to target businesses or vendors or other entities that are owed money by the Corporation for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to the Corporation, as described in the Registration Statement.
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NINTH:
A. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the GCL or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, (a) any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, and (b) any action or claim arising under the Exchange Act or Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
B. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Paragraph A of this Article Ninth immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Paragraph A of this Article Ninth immediately above (an “FSC Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such FSC Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
C. If any provision or provisions of this Article Ninth shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article Ninth (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article Ninth containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article Ninth.
TENTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by Hui Chen, its Chief Executive Officer, as of the [Month] ____ day of ______, 2023.
Hui Chen, Chief Executive Officer
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Exhibit 3.3
BY-LAWS
OF
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
ARTICLE
I
OFFICES
SECTION 1. Principal Office. The registered office of the corporation shall be located in such place as may be provided from time to time in the Certificate of Incorporation.
SECTION 2. Other Offices. The corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors (the “Board”) may from time to time determine or as the business of the corporation may require.
ARTICLE
II
STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the corporation shall be held wholly or partially by means of remote communication or at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, on such date and at such time as may be determined by the Board of Directors and as shall be designated in the notice of said meeting.
SECTION 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation, may be held wholly or partially by means of remote communication or at any place, within or without the State of Delaware, and may be called by resolution of the Board of Directors, or by the Chief Executive Officer, or by the holders of not less than one-quarter of all of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting.
SECTION 3. Notice and Purpose of Meetings. Written or printed notice of the meeting stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, stating the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, and in case of a meeting held by remote communication stating such means, shall be delivered not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, either personally, or by telegram, facsimile or cable or other electronic means, by or at the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary, or the persons calling the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. Such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of receipt thereof if given personally or at the time of transmission thereof if given by telegram, telex, facsimile or cable or other electronic means.
SECTION 4. Quorum. The holders of a majority of the shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.
SECTION 5. Voting Process. If a quorum is present or represented, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of stock present or represented at the meeting, by ballot, proxy or electronic ballot, shall be the act of the stockholders unless the vote of a greater number of shares of stock is required by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these by-laws. Each outstanding share of stock having voting power, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders. A stockholder may vote either in person, by proxy executed in writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, or by an electronic ballot from which it can be determined that the ballot was authorized by a stockholder or proxyholder. The term, validity and enforceability of any proxy shall be determined in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 6. Written Consent of Stockholders Without a Meeting. Whenever the stockholders are required or permitted to take any action by vote, such action may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a written consent or electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed or e-mailed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting called for such purpose.
ARTICLE
III
DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. Powers. The business affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these by-laws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders. The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws or applicable laws, as it may deem proper for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the Corporation.
SECTION 2. Number, Qualifications, Term. The Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members. The number of directors shall be fixed initially by the Incorporator and may thereafter be changed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors or of the stockholders. Directors need not be residents of the State of Delaware nor stockholders of the corporation. The directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders, and each director elected shall serve until the next succeeding annual meeting and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified.
SECTION 3. Vacancies. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and shall qualify. A vacancy created by the removal of a director by the stockholders may be filled by the stockholders.
SECTION 4. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors, regular or special, may be held either within or without the State of Delaware.
SECTION 5. First Meeting. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held immediately following and at the place of the annual meeting of stockholders and no other notice of such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected directors in order legally to constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present, or it may convene at such place and time as shall be fixed by the consent in writing of all the directors.
SECTION 6. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held upon such notice, or without notice, and at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board.
SECTION 7. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chief Executive Officer or by the number of directors who then legally constitute a quorum. Notice of each special meeting shall, if mailed, be addressed to each director at least ten nor more than sixty days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held.
SECTION 8. Notice; Waiver. Attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.
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SECTION 9. Quorum. Two-thirds of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business unless a greater number is required by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these by-laws. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
SECTION 10. Action Without A Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the directors may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the directors entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof. In addition, meetings of the Board of Directors may be held by means of conference telephone or voice communication as permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 11. Action. Except as otherwise provided by law or in the Certificate of Incorporation or these by-laws, if a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors will be required for any action.
SECTION 12. Removal of Directors. Any director may be removed, either for or without cause, at any time by action of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, either at a meeting of the holders of such shares or, whenever permitted by law, without a meeting by their written consents thereto.
ARTICLE
IV
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more of its members to constitute members or alternate members of an Executive Committee.
SECTION 2. Powers and Authority of Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise, between meetings of the Board of Directors, all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company, including, the right to authorize the purchase of stock, except that the Executive Committee shall not have such power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of Incorporation; adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation; recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s property and assets; recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution, or amending the by-laws of the Corporation or authorizing the declaration of a dividend.
SECTION 3. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more other committees, each of which shall, except as otherwise prescribed by law, have such authority of the Board as shall be specified in the resolution of the Board designating such committee. A majority of all the members of such committee may determine its action and fix the time and place of its meeting, unless the Board shall otherwise provide. The Board shall have the power at any time to change the membership of, to fill all vacancies in and to discharge any such committee, either with or without cause.
SECTION 4. Procedure; Meetings; Quorum. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee of the Board of Directors, of which no notice shall be necessary, may be held at such times and places as shall be fixed by resolution adopted by a majority of the members thereof. Special meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee of the Board shall be called at the request of any member thereof. So far as applicable, the provisions of Article III of these by-laws relating to notice, quorum and voting requirements applicable to meetings of the Board shall govern meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee of the Board. The Executive Committee and each other committee of the Board shall keep written minutes of its proceedings and circulate summaries of such written minutes to the Board before or at the next meeting of the Board.
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ARTICLE
V
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Number. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after each annual meeting of stockholders shall choose one or more Chief Executive Officers and a Secretary, none of whom need be a member of the Board. The Board may also choose a Chairman from among the directors, one or more Executive Vice Presidents, one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Treasurers and Assistant Treasurers. The Board may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. The same person may hold two or more offices.
SECTION 2. Compensation. The salaries or other compensation of all officers of the corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. No officer shall be prevented from receiving a salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director.
SECTION 3. Term; Removal; Vacancy. The officers of the corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify. Any officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Chairman. The Chairman shall, if one be elected, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors in the absence of a Chairman, shall have general supervision over the business of the corporation and shall see that all directions and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.
SECTION 6. Vice President. The Vice President shall, in the absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officers, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chief Executive officers and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. The Vice President shall, in the absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officer and of the Vice President, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chief Executive Officer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. If there shall be more than one vice president, the vice presidents shall perform such duties and exercise such powers in the absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officer and of the Vice President, in the order determined by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 7. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of the meetings of the corporation and of the Board of Directors in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer, under whose supervision he shall be. He shall have custody of the corporate seal of the corporation and he, or an assistant secretary, shall have the authority to affix the same to an instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by his signature or by the signature of such assistant secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the corporation and to attest the affixing by his signature.
SECTION 8. Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary, if there shall be one, or if there shall be more than one, the assistant secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
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SECTION 9. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all of his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation.
SECTION 10. Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer, if there shall be one, or, if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the Board of Directors, shall, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE
VI
CAPITAL STOCK
SECTION 1. Form. The shares of the capital stock of the corporation shall be represented by certificates in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors and shall be signed by the Chief Executive Officer, a Vice President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer or an assistant treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the corporation, and may be sealed with the seal of the corporation or a facsimile thereof.
SECTION 2. Lost and Destroyed Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, may prescribe such terms and conditions as it deems expedient, and may require such indemnities as it deems adequate, to protect the corporation from any claim that may be made against it with respect to any such certificate alleged to have been lost or destroyed.
SECTION 3. Transfer of Shares. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate representing shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, a new certificate shall be issued to the person entitled thereto, and the old certificate cancelled and the transaction recorded upon the books of the corporation.
ARTICLE
VII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 1. (a) The Corporation shall indemnify, subject to the requirements of subsection (d) of this Section, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation), by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
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(b) The Corporation shall indemnify, subject to the requirements of subsection (d) of this Section, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or such other court shall deem proper.
(c) To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the Corporation shall indemnify him against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
(d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this Section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section. Such determination shall be made (1) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the stockholders.
(e) Expenses incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Section. Such expenses incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this Section shall not limit the Corporation from providing any other indemnification or advancement of expenses permitted by law nor shall they be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
(g) The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Section.
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(h) For the purposes of this Section, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
(i) For purposes of this Section, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Section.
(j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs executors and administrators of such a person.
ARTICLE
VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
SECTION 2. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be determined, and may be changed, by resolution of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner reproduced.
ARTICLE
IX
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended, supplemented or repealed or new by-laws may be adopted (a) at any regular or special meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present or represented, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, provided notice of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal be contained in the notice of such meeting, or (b) by a resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board. The stockholders shall have authority to change or repeal any by-laws adopted by the directors.
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Exhibit 4.1
SPECIMEN UNIT CERTIFICATE
|
NUMBER
[●]U |
UNITS |
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
|
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS |
CUSIP |
UNITS CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND ONE-TENTH (1/10) OF ONE RIGHT,
WITH EACH RIGHT TO RECEIVE ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
THIS CERTIFIES THAT ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ is the owner of ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Units.
Each Unit (“Unit”) consists of one (1) share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), of Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and one-tenth (1/10) of one right (the “Right(s)”). Each whole Right entitles the holder thereof to receive one share of Common Stock upon the consummation of the Business Combination. The Common Stock and Rights comprising the Units represented by this certificate are not transferable separately prior to the 52nd day after the date of the prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”), subject to earlier separation in the discretion of EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, provided that the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting the Company’s receipt of the gross proceeds of the IPO and issued a press release announcing when separate trading will begin.
The terms of the Rights are governed by a rights agreement (the “Rights Agreement”), dated as of [●], 2023, between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as the transfer agent, and is subject to the terms and provisions contained therein, all of which terms and provisions the holder of this certificate consents to by acceptance hereof. A copy of the Rights Agreement is on file at the office of Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004-1561 and is available to Rights holder on written request and without cost.
This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Company.
Witness the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.
| By | |||
| Chief Executive Officer | Secretary |
Quetta Acquisition Corp
The Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests, a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Company and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
| TEN COM | — | as tenants in common | UNIF GIFT MIN ACT | — | Custodian | |||
| (Cust) | (Minor) | |||||||
| TEN ENT | — | as tenants by the entireties | ||||||
| under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act | ||||||||
| JT TEN | — | as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common | ||||||
| (State) | ||||||||
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, ___________________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
| PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE |
|
|
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
|
|
|
| Units represented by the within Certificate, and do(es) hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint |
| Attorney to transfer the said Units on the books of the within named Company will full power of substitution in the premises. |
| Dated | ||||
| Notice: | The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever. |
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Signature(s) Guaranteed:
| THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15). |
The holder(s) of this certificate shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of the funds from the trust account with respect to the common stock underlying this certificate only in the event that (i) the Company is forced to liquidate because it does not consummate an initial business combination within the period of time set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Charter”) or (ii) if the holder(s) seek(s) to convert his, her or its shares upon consummation of, or tender(s) his, her or its shares in a tender offer in connection with, an initial business combination or in connection with certain amendments to the Charter. In no other circumstances shall the holder(s) have any right or interest of any kind in or to the trust account.
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Exhibit 4.2
SPECIMEN COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATE
|
NUMBER
[●] |
SHARES |
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORP.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
COMMON STOCK
|
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS |
CUSIP |
| This Certifies that | |
| is the owner of |
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK,
PAR VALUE OF $0.0001, OF
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORP.
transferable on the books of Quetta Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. The Company will be forced to liquidate if it is unable to complete an initial business combination within the period of time as set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time, all as more fully described in the Company’s final prospectus dated [●], 2023.
This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar of the Company.
Witness the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.
| CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | SECRETARY | |
| [INSERT SEAL HERE] |
Quetta Acquisition Corp.
The Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Company and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the shares represented thereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and all amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issue of shares of Common Stock (copies of which may be obtained from the secretary of the Company), to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
| TEN COM | — | as tenants in common | UNIF GIFT MIN ACT | — | Custodian | |||
| (Cust) | (Minor) | |||||||
| TEN ENT | — | as tenants by the entireties | ||||||
| under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act | ||||||||
| JT TEN | — | as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common | ||||||
| (State) | ||||||||
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, ___________________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
| PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE |
|
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
|
|
|
shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do(es) hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint |
Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Company will full power of substitution in the premises. |
| Dated | ||||
| Notice: | The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever. |
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Signature(s) Guaranteed:
| THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15). |
The holder(s) of this certificate shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of the funds from the trust account only in the event that (i) the Company is forced to liquidate because it does not consummate an initial business combination within the period of time set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Charter”) or (ii) if the holder(s) seek(s) to convert his, her or its shares upon consummation of, or tender(s) his, her or its shares in a tender offer in connection with, an initial business combination or in connection with certain amendments to the Charter. In no other circumstances shall the holder(s) have any right or interest of any kind in or to the trust account.
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Exhibit 4.3
SPECIMEN RIGHTS CERTIFICATE
|
NUMBER
[●]R |
RIGHTS |
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE DELAWARE
RIGHTS
|
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS |
CUSIP |
THIS CERTIFIES THAT, for value received ___________________________________________________________________________________ is the registered holder(s) of a right or rights (each, a “Right”) to automatically receive one share of common stock, $0.0001 par value (“Common Stock”), of Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) for each Right evidenced by this Rights Certificate on the Company’s completion of an initial business combination (as defined in the prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering (“Prospectus”)) upon surrender of this Rights Certificate pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as of [●], 2023, between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent. In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle any Right.
Upon liquidation of the Company in the event an initial business combination is not consummated during the required period as identified in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Rights shall expire and be worthless. The holder of a Right shall have no right or interest of any kind in the Company’s trust account (as defined in the Prospectus).
Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of the Rights Certificate at the office or agency of the Rights Agent, a new Rights Certificate or Rights Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Rights shall be issued to the transferee in exchange for this Rights Certificate, without charge except for any applicable tax or other governmental charge.
The Company shall not issue fractional shares upon exchange of Rights. The Company reserves the right to deal with any fractional entitlement at the relevant time in any manner (as provided in the Rights Agreement).
The Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the registered holder(s) as the absolute owner(s) of this Rights Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone), for the purpose of any conversion hereof, of any distribution to the registered holder(s), and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Right Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
This Right does not entitle the registered holder(s) to any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company.
| CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | SECRETARY | |
| Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent |
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
The Company will furnish without charge to each shareholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of shares or series thereof of the Company and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the rights represented thereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and all amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issue of shares of Common Stock (copies of which may be obtained from the secretary of the Company), to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
| TEN COM | — | as tenants in common | UNIF GIFT MIN ACT | — | Custodian | |||
| (Cust) | (Minor) | |||||||
| TEN ENT | — | as tenants by the entireties | ||||||
| under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act | ||||||||
| JT TEN | — | as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common | ||||||
| (State) | ||||||||
Additional Abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, ___________________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
| PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE |
|
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
|
|
| rights represented by the within Certificate, and do(es) hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint |
| Attorney to transfer said rights on the books of the within named Company will full power of substitution in the premises. |
| Dated | ||||
| Notice: | The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever. |
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Signature(s) Guaranteed:
| THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15). |
The holder of this certificate shall have no right or interest of any kind in or to the funds held in the Company’s trust account (as defined in the Prospectus).
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Exhibit 4.4
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of [●], 2023 between Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York limited purpose trust company, as rights agent (the “Rights Agent”).
WHEREAS, the Company has received a firm commitment from EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (the “Representative”), as representative of the several underwriters, to purchase up to an aggregate of 6,900,000 units, each unit (“Unit”) comprised of one share of common stock of the Company, par value $.0001 (the “Common Stock”) and one-tenth (1/10) of one right, with each right exchangeable to one share of Common Stock (a “Public Right”) upon the happening of the triggering event described herein, and in connection therewith, will issue and deliver up to an aggregate of 690,000 Public Rights upon consummation of such public offering, 90,000 of which are attributable to the over-allotment option (the “Public Offering”);
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the consummation of the Public Offering, the Company will issue and deliver up to an aggregate of 23,504 rights (up to a maximum of 25,304 rights if the over-allotment option is exercised in full rights (the “Private Rights”) underlying private units to be sold in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering;
WHEREAS, the Company may issue additional Rights, which will be identical to the Private Rights, in consideration of certain working capital loans that may be made by the Company’s sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates (together with the Public Rights, the Private Rights, and along with such other rights as the Company issues from time to time hereunder, the “Rights”);
WHEREAS, the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-[●] (the “Registration Statement”), for the registration, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) of, among other securities, the Rights and the shares of Common Stock issuable to the holders of the Rights;
WHEREAS, the Company desires the Rights Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Rights Agent is willing to so act, in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer and exchange of the Rights;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide for the form and provisions of the Rights, the terms upon which they shall be issued, and the respective rights, limitation of rights, and immunities of the Company, the Rights Agent, and the holders of the Rights; and
WHEREAS, all acts and things have been done and performed that are necessary to make the Rights, when executed on behalf of the Company and countersigned by or on behalf of the Rights Agent, as provided herein, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Rights Agent. The Company hereby appoints the Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company for the Rights, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
2. Rights.
2.1. Form of Right. Each Right shall be issued in registered or book entry form only, shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein, and shall be signed by, or bear the electronic signature of, the Chairman of the Board or Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer, Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company and shall bear the Company’s seal, if any. In the event the person whose electronic signature has been placed upon any Right shall have ceased to serve in the capacity in which such person signed the Right before such Right is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he or she had not ceased to be such at the date of issuance.
2.2. Effect of Countersignature. Except with respect to uncertificated Rights as described above, unless and until countersigned by the Rights Agent pursuant to this Agreement, a registered Right shall be invalid and of no effect and may not be exchanged for shares of Common Stock.
2.3. Registration.
2.3.1. Right Register. The Rights Agent shall maintain books (the “Right Register”) for the registration of original issuance and the registration of transfer of the Rights. Upon the initial issuance of the Rights, the Rights Agent shall issue and register the Rights in the names of the respective holders thereof in such denominations and otherwise in accordance with instructions delivered to the Rights Agent by the Company.
2.3.2. Registered Holder. Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Right, the Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the person or entity in whose name such Right shall be registered upon the Right Register (the “registered holder”) as the absolute owner of such Right and of each Right represented thereby (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing on the Right certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Rights Agent), for the purpose of the exchange thereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
2.4. Detachability of Rights. The securities comprising the Units, including the Rights, will not be separately transferable until the fifty-second (52th) day after the date hereof unless the Representative informs the Company and the Rights Agent of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, but in no event will separate trading of the securities comprising the Units begin until (i) the Company files a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting the receipt by the Company of the gross proceeds of the Public Offering including the proceeds received by the Company from the exercise of the over-allotment option, if the over-allotment option is exercised on the date hereof, and (ii) the Company issues a press release announcing when such separate trading shall begin.
3. Terms and Exchange of Rights.
3.1. Rights. Each Right shall entitle the holder thereof to receive one share of Common Stock upon the happening of the Exchange Event (as defined below). No additional consideration shall be paid by a holder of Rights in order to receive his, her or its shares of Common Stock upon the Exchange Event as the purchase price for such shares of Common Stock has been included in the purchase price for the Units. In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the Rights or issue fractional shares of Common Stock. The provisions of this Section 3.1 may not be modified, amended or deleted without the prior written consent of the Representative.
3.2. Exchange Event. The “Exchange Event” shall be the Company’s consummation of an initial Business Combination (as defined in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation).
3.3. Exchange of Rights.
3.3.1. Issuance of Shares of Common Stock. As soon as practicable upon the occurrence of the Exchange Event, the Company shall direct holders of the Rights to return their Rights Certificates to the Rights Agent. If the Company is not the surviving entity in a Business Combination, the holder of Rights must affirmatively elect to such conversion. Upon receipt of a valid Rights Certificate, the Rights Agent shall issue to the registered holder of such Right(s) the number of full shares of Common Stock to which he, she or it is entitled, registered in such name or names as may be directed by him, her or it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any provision contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the Rights. The Company shall not issue fractional shares upon exchange of Rights. At the time of the Exchange Event, the Company will instruct the Rights Agent to round down to the nearest whole share of Common Stock or otherwise inform it how fractional shares will be addressed in accordance with Delaware law.
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3.3.2. Valid Issuance. All shares of Common Stock issued upon an Exchange Event in conformity with this Agreement shall be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
3.3.3. Date of Issuance. Each person in whose name any such certificate or book-entry position for shares of Common Stock is issued shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of such shares on the date of the Exchange Event, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate or book-entry position.
3.3.4. Company Not Surviving Following Exchange Event. If the Exchange Event results in the Company not continuing as the surviving company, the definitive agreement will provide for the holders of Rights to receive the same per share consideration as the holders of the Common Stock will receive in connection with the Exchange Event, for the number of shares such holder is entitled to pursuant to Section 3.1 above, and each holder of a whole Right will be required to affirmatively convert his, her or its Rights in order to receive one share underlying each Right (without paying any additional consideration) upon consummation of the Exchange Event.
3.4. Duration of Rights. If an Exchange Event does not occur within the time period set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Rights shall expire and shall be worthless; provided that, for as long as any of the rights are held by the Representative, or its designees or affiliates, such Rights may not be converted after five years, from the commencement of sales under the Registration Statement.
4. Transfer and Exchange of Rights.
4.1. Registration of Transfer. The Rights Agent shall register the transfer, from time to time, of any outstanding Right upon the Right Register, upon surrender of such Right for transfer, properly endorsed with signatures properly guaranteed and accompanied by appropriate instructions for transfer. Upon any such transfer, a new Right representing an equal aggregate number of Rights shall be issued and the old Right shall be cancelled by the Rights Agent.
4.2. Procedure for Surrender of Rights. Rights may be surrendered to the Rights Agent, together with a written request for exchange or transfer, and thereupon the Rights Agent shall issue in exchange therefor one or more new Rights as requested by the registered holder of the Rights so surrendered, representing an equal aggregate number of Rights; provided, however, that in the event that a Right surrendered for transfer bears a restrictive legend and the new Rights to be issued will not bear a restrictive legend, the Rights Agent shall not cancel such Right and issue new Rights in exchange therefor until the Rights Agent has received an opinion of counsel for the Company stating that such transfer may be made and indicating no restrictive legend is required.
4.3. Fractional Rights. The Rights Agent shall not be required to effect any registration of transfer or exchange which will result in the issuance of a Right certificate for a fraction of a Right.
4.4. Service Charges. No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Rights.
4.5. Right Execution and Countersignature. The Rights Agent is hereby authorized to countersign and to deliver, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Rights required to be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4, and the Company, whenever required by the Rights Agent, will supply the Rights Agent with Rights duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purpose.
4.6. Adjustments to Conversion Ratios. The number of shares of Common Stock that the holders of Rights are entitled to receive as a result of the occurrence of an Exchange Event shall be equitably adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any share split, reverse share split, share dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to the shares of Common Stock occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the Exchange Event.
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5. Other Provisions Relating to Rights of Holders of Rights.
5.1. No Rights as Shareholder. Until the exchange of a Right for shares of Common Stock as provided for herein, a Right does not entitle the registered holder thereof to any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, or other distributions, exercise any preemptive rights to vote or to consent or to receive notice as shareholders in respect of the meetings of shareholders or the election of directors of the Company or any other matter.
5.2. Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Rights. If any Right is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the Company and the Rights Agent may on such terms as to indemnity or otherwise as they may in their discretion impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Right, include the surrender thereof), issue a new Right of like denomination, tenor, and date as the Right so lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. Any such new Right shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed Right shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.
5.3. Reservation of Shares of Common Stock. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available a number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock that will be sufficient to permit the exchange of all outstanding Rights issued pursuant to this Agreement.
6. Concerning the Rights Agent and Other Matters.
6.1. Payment of Taxes. The Company will from time to time promptly pay all taxes and charges that may be imposed upon the Company or the Rights Agent in respect of the issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon the exchange of Rights, but the Company shall not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in respect of the Rights or such shares.
6.2. Resignation, Consolidation, or Merger of Rights Agent.
6.2.1. Appointment of Successor Rights Agent. The Rights Agent, or any successor to it hereafter appointed, may resign its duties and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder after giving sixty (60) days’ notice in writing to the Company. If the office of the Rights Agent becomes vacant by resignation or incapacity to act or otherwise, the Company shall appoint in writing a successor Rights Agent in place of the Rights Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of 30 days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the Rights Agent or by the holder of the Right (who shall, with such notice, submit his, her or its Right for inspection by the Company), then the holder of any Right may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York for the appointment of a successor Rights Agent at the Company’s cost. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such court, shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, in good standing and having its principal office in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority. After appointment, any successor Rights Agent shall be vested with all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations of its predecessor Rights Agent with like effect as if originally named as Rights Agent hereunder, without any further act or deed; but if for any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate, the predecessor Rights Agent shall execute and deliver, at the expense of the Company, an instrument transferring to such successor Rights Agent all the authority, powers, and rights of such predecessor Rights Agent hereunder; and upon request of any successor Rights Agent the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually vesting in and confirming to such successor Rights Agent all such authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations.
6.2.2. Notice of Successor Rights Agent. In the event a successor Rights Agent shall be appointed, the Company shall give notice thereof to the predecessor Rights Agent and the transfer agent for the shares of Common Stock not later than the effective date of any such appointment.
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6.2.3. Merger or Consolidation of Rights Agent. Any corporation into which the Rights Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent shall be a party shall be the successor Rights Agent under this Agreement without any further act.
6.3. Fees and Expenses of Rights Agent.
6.3.1. Remuneration. The Company agrees to pay the Rights Agent reasonable remuneration for its services as such Rights Agent hereunder and will reimburse the Rights Agent upon demand for all expenditures that the Rights Agent may reasonably incur in the execution of its duties hereunder.
6.3.2. Further Assurances. The Company agrees to perform, execute, acknowledge, and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged, and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments, and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Rights Agent for the carrying out or performing of the provisions of this Agreement.
6.4. Liability of Rights Agent.
6.4.1. Reliance on Company Statement. Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer and delivered to the Rights Agent. The Rights Agent may rely upon such statement for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
6.4.2. Indemnity. The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Subject to Section 6.6 below, the Company agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent and save it harmless against any and all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees, for anything done or omitted by the Rights Agent in the execution of this Agreement except as a result of the Rights Agent’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, or bad faith.
6.4.3. Exclusions. The Rights Agent shall have no responsibility with respect to the validity of this Agreement or with respect to the validity or execution of any Right (except its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any Right; nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Right or as to whether any shares of Common Stock will, when issued, be valid and fully paid and nonassessable.
6.5. Acceptance of Agency. The Rights Agent hereby accepts the agency established by this Agreement and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.
6.6. Waiver. The Rights Agent hereby waives any right of set-off or any other right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in, or to any distribution of, the Trust Account (as defined in that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Rights Agent as trustee thereunder) and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever.
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7. Miscellaneous Provisions.
7.1. Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.
7.2. Notices. Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of any Right to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Rights Agent), as follows:
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Hui Chen
E-mail: hui.chen@alum.cardozo.yu.edu
Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the holder of any Right or by the Company to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Rights Agent with the Company), as follows:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004-1561
Attn: Legal Department
and
Loeb & Loeb LLP
35 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attn: Giovanni Caruso, Esq.
and
EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
590 Madison Avenue
39th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attn: Ryan Zhang
and
Robinson & Cole LLP
666 Third Avenue, 20th floor
New York, NY 10017
Attn: Arila Zhou, Esq.
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7.3. Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement and of the Rights shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. Subject to applicable law, the Company and the Rights Agent hereby agree that any action, proceeding or claim against either of them arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Rights Agent hereby waive any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this paragraph will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum or any compliant asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act against the Company or any of the Company’s directors, officers, other employees or agents.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in the Rights shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in this Section 7.3. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope the forum provisions above, is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (a “foreign action”) in the name of any Rights holder, such Rights holder shall be deemed to have consented to: (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the forum provisions (an “enforcement action”), and (y) having service of process made upon such Rights holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such Rights holder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such Rights holder.
7.4. Persons Having Rights under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto and the registered holders of the Rights and, for the purposes of Sections 3.1, 7.4 and 7.8 hereof, the Representative, any right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof. The Representative shall be deemed to be a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement with respect to Sections 3.1, 7.4 and 7.8 hereof. All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises, and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto (and the Representative with respect to Sections 3.1, 7.4 and 7.8 hereof) and their successors and assigns and of the registered holders of the Rights.
7.5. Examination of Rights Agreement. A copy of this Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the office of the Rights Agent in the County of New York, State of New York, for inspection by the registered holder of any Right. The Rights Agent may require any such holder to submit his, her or its Right for inspection by it.
7.6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or electronic counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
7.7. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation thereof.
7.8. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto without the consent of any registered holder for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained herein or adding or changing any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement as the parties may deem necessary or desirable and that the parties deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the registered holders in any material respect. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent or vote of the registered holders of a majority of the then outstanding Rights. The provisions of this Section 7.8 may not be modified, amended or deleted without the prior written consent of the Representative.
7.9. Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties hereto as of the day and year first above written.
| Quetta Acquisition Corporation | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Hui Chen | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
| CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
Signature Page to Rights Agreement
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EXHIBIT A
Form of Rights Certificate
A-1
Exhibit 5.1
| Loeb & Loeb LLP | |||
|
345 Park Avenue New York, NY 10154-1895 |
Main Fax |
212.407.4000 212.407.4990 |
August 18, 2023
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
| Re: | Quetta Acquisition Corporation |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with its filing of the Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended prior to being declared effective (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Registration Statement relates to an underwritten public offering and sale of (i) 6,000,000 units (the “Units”), with each Unit consisting of one share (each a “Share”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and one-tenth of one right (the “Public Rights”), each Public Right to receive one Share of Common Stock upon the consummation of an initial business combination, and (ii) up to 900,000 Units (the “Over-Allotment Units”) for which the underwriters have been granted an over-allotment option.
The Public Rights will be issued and sold pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-[●]) (the “Rights Agreement”).
In connection with this opinion letter, we have examined the Registration Statement and originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Rights Agreement, and such other documents, records and instruments as we have deemed appropriate for purposes of the opinion set forth herein. We have, to the extent deemed appropriate, relied upon certain representations of certain officers of the Company, as to questions of fact material to this opinion.
We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons, the authenticity of the documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as certified, facsimile, or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that (i) the Units have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and sold by the Company and delivered by the Company against receipt of the purchase price therefor, in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, (ii) the Shares have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and sold by the Company and delivered by the Company against receipt of the purchase price therefor, in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, (iii) the Public Rights have been duly authorized by the Company and, provided that the Public Rights have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof against payment therefor, then the Public Rights, when issued and sold in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, and (iv) the Shares underlying the Public Rights have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with the terms therein and the terms of the Rights Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We are opining solely on (i) all applicable statutory provisions of Delaware corporate law, including the rules and regulations underlying those provisions, all applicable provisions of the Constitution of the State of Delaware and all applicable judicial and regulatory determinations, and (ii) the laws of the State of New York.
In addition, the foregoing opinions are qualified to the extent that (a) enforceability may be limited by and be subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law (including, without limitation, concepts of notice and materiality), and by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ and debtors’ rights generally (including, without limitation, any state or federal law in respect of fraudulent transfers); and (b) no opinion is expressed herein as to compliance with or the effect of federal or state securities or blue sky laws.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, to the use of our name as your U.S. counsel and to all references made to us in the Registration Statement and in the prospectus forming a part thereof. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
| Very truly yours, | |
| /s/ Loeb & Loeb LLP | |
| Loeb & Loeb LLP |
Exhibit 10.1
[●], 2023
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
EF Hutton, Division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
590 Madison Avenue
39th Floor
New York, NY 10022
| Re: | Initial Public Offering |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is being delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, as Representative (the “Representative”) of the several underwriters named on Schedule A thereto (the “Underwriters”), relating to an underwritten initial public offering (the “IPO”) of the Company’s units (the “Units”), each comprised of one share of common stock of the Company, $0.0001 par value (the “Common Stock”), and one-tenth (1/10) of one right, with each right to receive one share of Common Stock upon the consummation of an initial business combination. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in paragraph 16 hereof.
In order to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement and to proceed with the IPO, and in recognition of the benefit that such IPO will confer upon the undersigned as a shareholder of the Company, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees with the Company as follows:
1. If the Company solicits approval of its shareholders of a Business Combination, the undersigned will vote all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by him, her or it, whether acquired before, in or after the IPO, in favor of such Business Combination.
2. (a) Unless the Company’s shareholders are previously given the option to redeem their shares in connection with amending applicable documents to extend the time that the Company has to complete a Business Combination and the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within 12 months from the closing of the Company’s IPO (or, in the event that the Company extended the period of time to consummate a business combination up to 18 months from the closing of the Company’s IPO, as specified in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation), the undersigned shall take all reasonable steps to (i) cause the Trust Fund to be liquidated and distributed to the holders of the IPO Shares and (ii) cause the Company to liquidate as soon as reasonably practicable.
(b) The undersigned hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any distribution of the Trust Fund and any remaining net assets of the Company as a result of such liquidation with respect to his, her or its Insider Shares [including any shares underlying the Private Units]1 (“Claim”) and hereby waives any Claim the undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any contracts or agreements with the Company and will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund for any reason whatsoever. [The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that there will be no distribution from the Trust Fund with respect to any Rights underlying the Private Units, all of which will terminate on the Company’s liquidation.]2
| 1 | Yocto Investments LLC only. |
| 2 | Yocto Investments LLC only. |
[3. In the event of the liquidation of the Trust Fund, the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any and all loss, liability, claims, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, whether pending or threatened, or any claim whatsoever) which the Company may become subject as a result of any claim by any target business or vendor or other person who is owed money by the Company for services rendered or products sold or contracted for, but only to the extent necessary to ensure that such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense does not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Fund; provided that such indemnity shall not apply if such target business, vendor or other person has executed an agreement waiving any claims against the Trust Fund.]3
4. [In the event that the Company does not consummate a Business Combination and must liquidate and its remaining net assets are insufficient to complete such liquidation, the undersigned agrees to advance such funds necessary to complete such liquidation and agrees not to seek recourse for such expenses.]4
5. The undersigned will escrow all of his, her or its Insider Shares pursuant to the terms of a Stock Escrow Agreement, which the Company will enter into with the undersigned and an escrow agent acceptable to the Company.
[6. The undersigned agrees that until the Company consummates a Business Combination, the undersigned’s Private Units will be subject to the transfer restrictions described in the Subscription Agreement relating to the undersigned’s Private Units.]5
7. In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise from multiple affiliations, the undersigned agrees to present to the Company for its consideration, prior to presentation to any other person or entity, any suitable opportunity to acquire a target business, until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a Business Combination or the liquidation of the Company, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations the undersigned might have.
8. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that prior to entering into a Business Combination with a target business that is affiliated with any Insiders of the Company or their affiliates, including any company that is a portfolio company of, or otherwise affiliated with, or has received financial investment from, an entity with which any Insider or their affiliates is affiliated, such transaction must be approved by a majority of the Company’s disinterested independent directors and the Company must obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that such Business Combination is fair to the Company’s unaffiliated shareholders from a financial point of view.
9. Neither the undersigned, any member of the family of the undersigned, nor any affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive and will not accept any compensation or other cash payment prior to, or for services rendered in connection with, the consummation of the Business Combination; provided that the Company shall be allowed to repay working capital loans made by the undersigned to the Company in cash upon consummation of the Business Combination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned and any affiliate of the undersigned shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination.
10. Neither the undersigned, any member of the family of the undersigned, nor any affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive or accept a finder’s fee or any other compensation in the event the undersigned, any member of the family of the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
11. [The undersigned agrees to be a director or officer of the Company until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a Business Combination or the liquidation of the Company. The undersigned’s biographical information previously furnished to the Company and the Representative is true and accurate in all material respects, does not omit any material information with respect to the undersigned’s biography and contains all of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 401 of Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.]6 The undersigned’s FINRA Questionnaire or/and Director and Officer Questionnaire previously furnished to the Company and the Representative is true and accurate in all material respects. The undersigned represents and warrants that:
| 3 | Yocto Investments LLC only. |
| 4 | Yocto Investments LLC only. |
| 5 | Yocto Investments LLC only. |
| 6 | Only remove for Yocto Investments LLC. |
2
| (a) | He, she or it has never had a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law been filed by or against (i) him, her or it, or any partnership in which he or she was a general partner at or within two years before the time of filing; or (ii) any corporation or business association of which he or she was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing; |
| (b) | He, she or it has never had a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer been appointed by a court for his business or property, or any such partnership; |
| (c) | He, she or it has never been convicted of fraud in a civil or criminal proceeding; |
| (d) | He, she or it has never been convicted in a criminal proceeding or named the subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and minor offenses); |
| (e) | He, she or it has never been the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining or otherwise limiting him, her or it from (i) acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with any such activity; or (ii) engaging in any type of business practice; or (iii) engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of federal or state securities or federal commodities laws; |
| (f) | He, she, or it has never been the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days his, her or its right to engage in any activity described in 11(e)(i) above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; |
| (g) | He, she, or it has never been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC to have violated any federal or state securities law, where the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; |
| (h) | He, she, or it has never been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the CFTC to have violated any federal commodities law, where the judgment in such civil action or finding by the CFTC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated; |
| (i) | He, she, or it has never been the subject of, or a party to, any Federal, State or foreign judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of (i) any Federal, State or foreign securities or commodities law or regulation, (ii) any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and desist order, or removal or prohibition order or (iii) any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; |
| (j) | He, she or it has never been the subject of, or party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, or any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity, or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member; |
3
| (k) | He, she or it has never been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor: (i) in connection with the purchase or sale of any security; (ii) involving the making of any false filing with the SEC; or (iii) arising out of the conduct of the business of an underwriter, broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment advisor or paid solicitor of purchasers of securities; |
| (l) | He, she or it was never subject to a final order of a state or foreign securities commission (or an agency of officer of a state performing like functions); a state or foreign authority that supervises or examines banks, savings associations, or credit unions; a state or foreign insurance commission (or an agency or officer of a state performing like functions); an appropriate federal or foreign banking agency; the CFTC; or the National Credit Union Administration that is based on a violation of any law or regulation that prohibits fraudulent, manipulative, or deceptive conduct; |
| (m) | He, she or it has never been subject to any order, judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, that, at the time of the sale of the Units, restrained or enjoined him, her or it from engaging or continuing to engage in any conduct or practice: (i) in connection with the purchase or sale of any security; (ii) involving the making of any false filing with the SEC or any foreign regulatory agency with similar functions; or (iii) arising out of the conduct of the business of an underwriter, broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment adviser or paid solicitor of purchasers of securities; |
| (n) | He, she or it has never been subject to any order of the SEC or any foreign regulatory agency with similar functions that orders him, her or it to cease and desist from committing or causing a future violation of: (i) any scienter-based anti-fraud provision of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, Section 17(a)(1) of the Securities Act, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, Section 15(c) and Section 206(1) of the Advisers Act or any other rule or regulation thereunder; or (ii) Section 5 of the Securities Act; |
| (o) | He, she or it has never filed (as a registrant or issuer), or been named as an underwriter in any registration statement or Regulation A offering statement filed with the SEC that was the subject of a refusal order, stop order, or order suspending the Regulation A exemption, or is, currently, the subject of an investigation or proceeding to determine whether a stop order or suspension order should be issued; |
| (p) | He, she or it has never been subject to a United States Postal Service false representation order, or is currently subject to a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction with respect to conduct alleged by the United States Postal Service to constitute a scheme or device for obtaining money or property through the mail by means of false representations; |
| (q) | He, she or it is not subject to a final order of a state securities commission (or an agency of officer of a state performing like functions); a state authority that supervises or examines banks, savings associations, or credit unions; a state insurance commission (or an agency or officer of a state performing like functions); an appropriate federal banking agency; the CFTC; or the National Credit Union Administration that bars the undersigned from: (i) association with an entity regulated by such commission, authority, agency or officer; (ii) engaging in the business of securities, insurance or banking; or (iii) engaging in savings association or credit union activities; |
| (r) | He, she or it is not subject to an order of the SEC entered pursuant to section 15(b) or 15B(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or section 203(e) or 203(f) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) that: (i) suspends or revokes the undersigned’s registration as a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer or investment adviser; (ii) places limitations on the activities, functions or operations of, or imposes civil money penalties on, such person; or (iii) bars the undersigned from being associated with any entity or from participating in the offering of any penny stock; and |
| (s) | He, she or it has never been suspended or expelled from membership in, or suspended or barred from association with a member of, a securities self-regulatory organization (e.g., a registered national securities exchange or a registered national or affiliated securities association) for any act or omission to act constituting conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade. |
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12. The undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement by which he, she or it is bound, to enter into this letter agreement [and to serve as a Director and/or officer of the Company and consents to being named in the registration statement on Form S-1 and prospectus filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, road show and any other materials as an officer and/or director of the Company, as applicable.]7.
13. The undersigned hereby waives his, her or its right to exercise redemption rights with respect to any shares of Common Stock owned or to be owned by the undersigned, directly or indirectly, whether purchased by the undersigned prior to the IPO, in the IPO or in the aftermarket, and agrees that he, she or it will not seek redemption with respect to or otherwise sell, such shares in connection with any vote to approve a Business Combination with respect thereto, a vote to amend the provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or a tender offer by the Company prior to a Business Combination.
14. The undersigned hereby agrees to not propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with respect to the Company’s pre-Business Combination activities prior to the consummation of a Business Combination unless the Company offers holders of IPO Shares the right to receive their pro rata portion of the funds then held in the Trust Fund.
15. In connection with Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, this letter agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction. The parties hereto agree that any action, proceeding or claim arising out of or relating in any way to this letter agreement shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration in accordance with the International Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitration shall be brought before the AAA International Center for Dispute Resolution’s offices in New York City, New York, will be conducted in English and will be decided by a panel of three arbitrators selected from the AAA Commercial Disputes Panel and that the arbitrator panel’s decision shall be final and enforceable by any court having jurisdiction over the party from whom enforcement is sought. The cost of such arbitrators and arbitration services, together with the prevailing party’s legal fees and expenses, shall be borne by the non-prevailing party or as otherwise directed by the arbitrators.
16. As used herein, (i) a “Business Combination” shall mean a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, contractual arrangement, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities; (ii) “Insiders” shall mean all officers, directors and shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the IPO; (iii) “Insider Shares” shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock of the Company acquired by an Insider prior to the IPO and any shares of Common Stock underlying the Private Units; (iv) “IPO Shares” shall mean the shares of Common Stock issued in the Company’s IPO; (v) [“Private Units” shall mean (x) the Units purchased in the private placement taking place simultaneously with the consummation of the Company’s IPO and (y) the additional Units that may be purchased in connection with the exercise of the over-allotment option by the underwriters in the IPO as described in the Registration Statement; (vi)]8 “Registration Statement” means the registration statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with respect to the IPO; and (vii) “Trust Fund” shall mean the trust fund into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Company’s IPO will be deposited.
17. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this letter agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or facsimile transmission.
| 7 | Only remove for Yocto Investments LLC. |
| 8 | Yocto Investments LLC only. |
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If to the Representative:
EF Hutton, Division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
590 Madison Avenue
39th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attn: Ryan Zhang
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Robinson & Cole LLP
666 Third Avenue, 20th floor
New York, NY 10017
Attn: Arila Zhou, Esq.
If to the Company:
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Hui Chen, Chief Executive Officer
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Loeb & Loeb LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attn: Giovanni Caruso, Esq.
18. No party hereto may assign either this letter agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee. This letter agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto and any successors and assigns thereof.
19. The undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Underwriters and the Company will rely upon the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in proceeding with the IPO.
[Signature Page Follows]
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| Sincerely, | ||
| By: | ||
| Name of Insider: | ||
Signature Page to Letter Agreement
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Exhibit 10.2
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
This Investment Management Trust Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of [●], 2023 by and between Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee (the “Trustee”).
WHEREAS, the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1, No. 333-[*] (“Registration Statement”), for its initial public offering of securities (“IPO”) has been declared effective as of the date hereof (“Effective Date”) by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Registration Statement); and
WHEREAS, EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, (“EF Hutton”) is acting as the representative of the underwriters in the IPO; and
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the IPO, Yocto Investment LLC, the Company’s sponsor and EF Hutton will be purchasing 235,045 (or 253,045 if the overallotment is exercised in full) private units (“Private Placement Units”) at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $2,350,450 or $2,530,450 if the overallotment is exercised in full).
WHEREAS, as described in the Registration Statement, and in accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Charter”), $60,000,000 of the gross proceeds of the IPO and sale of the Private Placement Units ($69,000,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be delivered to the Trustee to be deposited and held in a segregated trust account located at all times in the United States (the “Trust Account”) for the benefit of the Company and the holders of the Company’s shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), issued in the IPO as hereinafter provided (the amount to be delivered to the Trustee will be referred to herein as the “Property”; the stockholders for whose benefit the Trustee shall hold the Property will be referred to as the “Public Stockholders,” and the Public Stockholders and the Company will be referred to together as the “Beneficiaries”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, a portion of the Property equal to $2,100,000, or $2,415,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, is attributable to deferred underwriting discounts and commissions that may become payable by the Company to the underwriters upon the consummation of an initial business combination (as described in the Registration Statement, a “Business Combination”); and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Trustee shall hold the Property.
IT IS AGREED:
1. Agreements and Covenants of Trustee. The Trustee hereby agrees and covenants to:
(a) Hold the Property in trust for the Beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in a segregated trust account (“Trust Account”) established by the Trustee at JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA (or at another U.S. chartered commercial bank with consolidated assets of $100 billion or more) in the United States, maintained by Trustee, and at a brokerage institution selected by the Trustee that is reasonably satisfactory to the Company;
(b) Manage, supervise and administer the Trust Account subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein;
(c) In a timely manner, upon the instruction of the Company, invest and reinvest the Property (i) in United States government treasury bills, notes or bonds having a maturity of 185 days or less and/or (ii) in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and that invest solely in U.S. treasuries, as determined by the Company; meeting the conditions of paragraph (d) of Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act, which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations or (ii) cause the brokerage institution referred to in 1(a) above to place the Property in a cash demand deposit account; it being understood that unless the Company instructs the Trustee to do either of the foregoing, the Trust Account will earn no interest while account funds are uninvested awaiting the Company’s instructions hereunder; while the funds are invested or uninvested, and the Trustee may earn bank credits or other consideration.
(d) Collect and receive, when due, all principal and income arising from the Property, which shall become part of the “Property,” as such term is used herein;
(e) Notify the Company and the Underwriters of all communications received by it with respect to any Property requiring action by the Company;
(f) Supply any necessary information or documents as may be requested by the Company in connection with the Company’s preparation of its tax returns;
(g) Participate in any plan or proceeding for protecting or enforcing any right or interest arising from the Property if, as and when instructed by the Company to do so;
(h) Render to the Company monthly written statements of the activities of and amounts in the Trust Account reflecting all receipts and disbursements of the Trust Account; and
(i) Commence liquidation of the Trust Account only after and promptly after receipt of, and only in accordance with, the terms of a letter (“Termination Letter”), in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as either Exhibit A or Exhibit B, signed on behalf of the Company by its President, Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board and Secretary or Assistant Secretary and, in the case of a Termination Letter in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit A, acknowledged and agreed to by EF Hutton, and complete the liquidation of the Trust Account and distribute the Property in the Trust Account only as directed in the Termination Letter and the other documents referred to therein; provided, however, that in the event that a Termination Letter has not been received by the Trustee by the 9-month anniversary of the closing of the IPO (“Closing”) or, in the event that the Company extended the time to complete the Business Combination for up to 15 or 21 months from the closing of the IPO but has not completed the Business Combination within such period, the 15- or 21-month anniversary of the Closing (as applicable, the “Last Date”), the Trust Account shall be liquidated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Termination Letter attached as Exhibit B hereto and distributed to the Public Stockholders as of the Last Date.
(j) Upon receipt of an extension letter (“Extension Letter”) substantially similar to Exhibit D hereto at least five business days prior to the Applicable Deadline, signed on behalf of the Company by an executive officer, and receipt of the dollar amount specified in the Extension Letter on or prior to the Applicable Deadline, to follow the instructions set forth in the Extension Letter.
(k) Upon receipt of a letter (an “Amendment Notification Letter”) in the form of Exhibit E, signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and, distribute to Public Stockholders who exercised their conversion rights in connection with an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (an “Amendment”) an amount equal to the pro rata share of the Property relating to the Common Stock for which such Public Stockholders have exercised conversion/redemption rights in connection with such Amendment.
(l) Not disburse any amounts from the Trust Account in connection with a Business Combination in the event that the amount per share to be received by the redeeming Public Stockholders is less than $10.00 per share (plus the amount per share deposited in the Trust Account pursuant to any Extension Letter).
(m) In connection with a Business Combination, before making disbursements to the Depository Trust Company, the Company or any other person, disburse the per share amount to redeeming Public Stockholders (other than shares tendered through the Depository Trust Company) that have tendered their shares directly to the Trustee.
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2. Limited Distributions of Income from Trust Account.
(a) Upon written request from the Company, which may be given from time to time in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit C, the Trustee shall distribute to the Company the amount of interest income earned on the Trust Account requested by the Company to cover any income or other tax obligation owed by the Company.
(b) The limited distributions referred to in Section 2(a) above shall be made only from income collected on the Property. Except as provided in Section 2(a), no other distributions from the Trust Account shall be permitted except in accordance with Section 1(i) hereof.
(c) The Company shall provide the Underwriters with a copy of any Termination Letters and/or any other correspondence that it issues to the Trustee with respect to any proposed withdrawal from the Trust Account promptly after such issuance.
(d) If applicable, the Company shall issue a press release at least three days prior to the Applicable Deadline announcing that, at least five days prior to the Applicable Deadline, the Company received notice from the Company’s insiders that the insiders intend to extend the Applicable Deadline.
(e) Promptly following the Applicable Deadline, disclose whether or not the term the Company has to consummate a Business Combination has been extended.
3. Agreements and Covenants of the Company. The Company hereby agrees and covenants to:
(a) Give all instructions to the Trustee hereunder in writing, signed by the Company’s Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer. In addition, except with respect to its duties under paragraphs 1(i), 2(a) and 2(b) above, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, any verbal or telephonic advice or instruction which it in good faith believes to be given by any one of the persons authorized above to give written instructions, provided that the Company shall promptly confirm such instructions in writing.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Sections 5 and 7(g) of this Agreement, hold the Trustee harmless and indemnify the Trustee from and against, any and all expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and disbursements, or loss suffered by the Trustee in connection with any claim, potential claim, action, suit or other proceeding brought against the Trustee involving any claim, or in connection with any claim or demand which in any way arises out of or relates to this Agreement, the services of the Trustee hereunder, or the Property or any income earned from investment of the Property, except for expenses and losses resulting from the Trustee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Promptly after the receipt by the Trustee of notice of demand or claim or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, pursuant to which the Trustee intends to seek indemnification under this paragraph, it shall notify the Company in writing of such claim (hereinafter referred to as the “Indemnified Claim”); provided, however, that the Trustee’s failure to provide such notice shall not relieve the Company of its liability hereunder, except to the extent that it is materially prejudiced by such failure. The Trustee shall have the right to conduct and manage the defense against such Indemnified Claim, provided, that the Trustee shall obtain the consent of the Company with respect to the selection of counsel, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Trustee may not agree to settle any Indemnified Claim without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Company may participate in such action with its own counsel.
(c) Pay the Trustee an initial acceptance fee, an annual fee and a transaction processing fee for each disbursement made pursuant to Sections 2(a) and 2(b) as set forth on Schedule A hereto, which fees shall be subject to modification by the parties from time to time. It is expressly understood that the Property shall not be used to pay such fees and further agreed that any fees owed to the Trustee shall be deducted by the Trustee from the disbursements made to the Company pursuant to Sections 1(i) solely in connection with the consummation of the Company’s initial acquisition, share exchange, share reconstruction and amalgamation, purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of, or any other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities, or pursuant to Section 2 (b). The Company shall pay the Trustee the initial acceptance fee and first year’s fee at the consummation of the IPO and thereafter on the anniversary of the Effective Date.
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(d) In connection with any vote of the Company’s stockholders regarding a Business Combination, provide to the Trustee an affidavit or certificate of a firm regularly engaged in the business of soliciting proxies and/or tabulating stockholders votes verifying the vote of the Company’s stockholders regarding such Business Combination.
(e) In the event that the Company directs the Trustee to commence liquidation of the Trust Account pursuant to Section 1(i), the Company agrees that it will not direct the Trustee to make any payments that are not specifically authorized by this Agreement.
4. Limitations of Liability. The Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability to:
(a) Take any action with respect to the Property, other than as directed in paragraphs 1 and 2 hereof and the Trustee shall have no liability to any party except for liability arising out of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct;
(b) Institute any proceeding for the collection of any principal and income arising from, or institute, appear in or defend any proceeding of any kind with respect to, any of the Property unless and until it shall have received instructions from the Company given as provided herein to do so and the Company shall have advanced or guaranteed to it funds sufficient to pay any expenses incident thereto;
(c) Change the investment of any Property, other than in compliance with paragraph 1(c);
(d) Refund any depreciation in principal of any Property;
(e) Assume that the authority of any person designated by the Company to give instructions hereunder shall not be continuing unless provided otherwise in such designation, or unless the Company shall have delivered a written revocation of such authority to the Trustee;
(f) The other parties hereto or to anyone else for any action taken or omitted by it, or any action suffered by it to be taken or omitted, in good faith and in the exercise of its own best judgment, except for its gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Trustee may rely conclusively and shall be protected in acting upon any order, notice, demand, certificate, opinion or advice of counsel (including counsel chosen by the Trustee), statement, instrument, report or other paper or document (not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth and acceptability of any information therein contained) which is believed by the Trustee, in good faith, to be genuine and to be signed or presented by the proper person or persons. The Trustee shall not be bound by any notice or demand, or any waiver, modification, termination or rescission of this Agreement or any of the terms hereof, unless evidenced by a written instrument delivered to the Trustee signed by the proper party or parties and, if the duties or rights of the Trustee are affected, unless it shall give its prior written consent thereto;
(g) Verify the correctness of the information set forth in the Registration Statement or to confirm or assure that any acquisition made by the Company or any other action taken by it is as contemplated by the Registration Statement;
(h) File local, state and/or federal tax returns or information returns with any taxing authority on behalf of the Trust Account and payee statements with the Company documenting the taxes, if any, payable by the Company or the Trust Account, relating to the income earned on the Property;
(i) Pay any taxes on behalf of the Trust Account (it being expressly understood that the Property shall not be used to pay any such taxes and that such taxes, if any, shall be paid by the Company from funds not held in the Trust Account or released to it under Section 2(a) hereof);
(j) Imply obligations, perform duties, inquire or otherwise be subject to the provisions of any agreement or document other than this agreement and that which is expressly set forth herein; and
(k) Verify calculations, qualify or otherwise approve Company requests for distributions pursuant to Section 1(i), 2(a) or 2(b) above.
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5. Trust Account Waiver. The Trustee has no right of set-off or any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) to, or to any monies in, the Trust Account, and hereby irrevocably waives any Claim to, or to any monies in, the Trust Account that it may have now or in the future. In the event the Trustee has any Claim against the Company under this Agreement, including, without limitation, under Section 3(b) or Section 3(c) hereof, the Trustee shall pursue such Claim solely against the Company and its assets outside the Trust Account and not against the Property or any monies in the Trust Account.
6. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate as follows:
(a) If the Trustee gives written notice to the Company that it desires to resign under this Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to locate a successor trustee during which time the Trustee shall act in accordance with this Agreement. At such time that the Company notifies the Trustee that a successor trustee has been appointed by the Company and has agreed to become subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Trustee shall transfer the management of the Trust Account to the successor trustee, including but not limited to the transfer of copies of the reports and statements relating to the Trust Account, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate; provided, however, that, in the event that the Company does not locate a successor trustee within ninety days of receipt of the resignation notice from the Trustee, the Trustee may submit an application to have the Property deposited with any court in the State of New York or with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and upon such deposit, the Trustee shall be immune from any liability whatsoever; or
(b) At such time that the Trustee has completed the liquidation of the Trust Account in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1(i) hereof, and distributed the Property in accordance with the provisions of the Termination Letter, this Agreement shall terminate except with respect to Paragraph 3(b).
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) The Company and the Trustee each acknowledge that the Trustee will follow the security procedures set forth below with respect to funds transferred from the Trust Account. The Company and the Trustee will each restrict access to confidential information relating to such security procedures to authorized persons. Each party must notify the other party immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have obtained access to such information, or of any change in its authorized personnel. In executing funds transfers, the Trustee will rely upon all information supplied to it by the Company, including account names, account numbers and all other identifying information relating to a beneficiary, beneficiary’s bank or intermediary bank. The Trustee shall not be liable for any loss, liability or expense resulting from any error in the information or transmission of the wire.
(b) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. It may be executed in several original or facsimile counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an original, and together shall constitute but one instrument.
(c) This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. Except for Sections 1(i), 1(k), 1(l), 1(m), 1(n), 3(g), 7(c) and 7(h) (which may only be amended with the approval of the holders of at least 50% of the shares of common stock sold in the IPO, provided that all Public Stockholders must be given the right to receive a pro-rata portion of the trust account (no less than $10.00 per share plus the amount per share deposited in the Trust Account pursuant to any Extension Letter) in connection with any such amendment), this Agreement or any provision hereof may only be changed, amended or modified by a writing signed by each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that no such change, amendment or modification may be made without the prior written consent of the Underwriters. As to any claim, cross-claim or counterclaim in any way relating to this Agreement, each party waives the right to trial by jury. The Trustee may require from Company counsel an opinion as to the propriety of any proposed amendment.
(d) The parties hereto consent to the jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, for purposes of resolving any disputes hereunder.
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(e) Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or by email:
if to the Trustee, to:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
One State Street, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Francis Wolf & Celeste Gonzalez
Email: fwolf@continentalstock.com
Email: cgonzalez@continentalstock.com
if to the Company, to:
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Hui Chen, Chief Executive Officer
Email: hui.chen@alum.cardozo.yu.edu
in either case with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
590 Madison Avenue
39th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attn: Ryan Zhang
Email: rzhang@efhuttongroup.com
and:
Loeb & Loeb LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attn: Giovanni Caruso
Email: gcaruso@loeb.com
and:
Robinson & Cole LLP
666 Third Avenue, 20th floor
New York, NY 10017
Attn: Arila Zhou, Esq.
Email: AZhou@rc.com
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(f) This Agreement may not be assigned by the Trustee without the prior consent of the Company.
(g) Each of the Trustee and the Company hereby represents that it has the full right and power and has been duly authorized to enter into this Agreement and to perform its respective obligations as contemplated hereunder. The Trustee acknowledges and agrees that it shall not make any claims or proceed against the Trust Account, including by way of set-off, and shall not be entitled to any funds in the Trust Account under any circumstance.
(h) This Agreement is the joint product of the Company and the Trustee and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of such parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.
(i) This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of a signed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile or electronic transmission shall constitute valid and sufficient delivery thereof.
(j) Each of the Company and the Trustee hereby acknowledge that the Underwriters are a third party beneficiary of this Agreement and that each Public Stockholder is a third party beneficiary of Sections 1(i), 1(k), 1(l), 3(g), 3(h) and 7(c).
(k) Except as specified herein, no party to this Agreement may assign its rights or delegate its obligations hereunder to any other person or entity.
(l) In the event that any Property shall be attached, garnished or levied upon by any court order, or the delivery thereof shall be stayed or enjoined by an order of a court, or any order, judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court order affecting the Property, the Trustee is hereby expressly authorized, in its reasonable discretion, to comply with all writs, orders or decrees so entered or issued, or which it is advised by legal counsel of its own choosing is binding upon it. In the event that the Trustee obeys or complies with any such writ, order or decree it shall not be liable to any of the Parties or to any other person, firm or corporation, should, by reason of such compliance notwithstanding, such writ, order or decree be subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside or vacated.
(m) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligation under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; wars; acts of terrorism; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; epidemic; riots; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental action (any such event, a “Force Majeure Event”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, for purposes of all services provided pursuant to this Agreement (the “Services”), Trustee shall continuously maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans (including regular updates) that are consistent with then-current industry standards applicable to similarly situated providers of services comparable to the Services. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the business continuity and/or disaster recovery plans will cover the computer software, computer hardware, telecommunications capabilities and other similar or related items of automated, computerized, software system(s) and network(s) or system(s) and will be designed, among other things, to permit the ongoing operation and functionality of the Services on a continuous basis and/or to facilitate the continuation and/or resumption of, the Services. In the event of disruption in the Services for any reason including the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event that causes Trustee to be required to allocate limited resources between or among Trustee’s affected customers, Trustee shall not do so in a manner that is intended to treat the Company less favorably than other similarly situated affected customers generally. In addition, in the event Trustee has knowledge that there is, or has been, an incident affecting the integrity or availability of Trustee’s business continuity and disaster recovery system (the “System”), Trustee shall endeavor to notify the Company in writing, as promptly as practicable, of the incident.
(n) The Trustee shall be entitled to consult with legal counsel in the event that a question or dispute arises with regard to the construction of any of the provisions hereof, and shall incur no liability and shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Investment Management Trust Agreement as of the date first written above.
| Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Francis Wolf | ||
| Title: | Vice President | ||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Hui Chen | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Signature Page to Quetta Investment Management Trust Agreement
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SCHEDULE A
| Fee Item | Time and method of payment | Amount |
| Initial acceptance fee | Initial closing of IPO by wire transfer | 3,500.00 |
| Trustee administration fee | Payable annually. First year payable at initial closing of Offering by wire transfer; thereafter on the anniversary of the effective date of the Offering by wire transfer or check | 10,000.00 |
| Transaction processing fee for disbursements to Company under Section 2 | Deduction by Trustee from accumulated income following disbursement made to Company under Section 2 | 250.00 |
| Paying Agent services as required pursuant to section 1(i) | Billed to Company upon delivery of service pursuant to section 1(i) | Prevailing rates |
Sch. A-1
EXHIBIT A
[Letterhead of Company]
[Insert date]
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
One State Street, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Francis Wolf & Celeste Gonzalez
| Re: | Trust Account - Termination Letter |
Dear Mr. Wolf and Ms. Gonzalez:
Pursuant to paragraph 1(i) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Quetta Acquisition Corporation (“Company”) and Americans Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“Trustee”), dated as of [*], 2023 (“Trust Agreement”), this is to advise you that the Company has entered into an agreement with [___________] (“Target Business”) to consummate a business combination with Target Business (“Business Combination”) on or about [insert date]. The Company shall notify you at least 72 hours in advance of the actual date of the consummation of the Business Combination (“Consummation Date”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.
In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to liquidate the Trust Account investments and to transfer the proceeds to the above-referenced account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., to the effect that, on the Consummation Date, all of funds held in the Trust Account will be immediately available for transfer to the account or accounts that the Company shall direct on the Consummation Date. It is acknowledged and agreed that while the funds are on deposit in the trust account awaiting distribution, the Company will not earn any interest or dividends.
On the Consummation Date (i) counsel for the Company shall deliver to you written notification that the Business Combination has been consummated, and (ii) the Company shall deliver to you an affidavit of the Chief Executive Officer, which verifies the vote of the Company’s stockholders in connection with the Business Combination if a vote is held and (b) joint written instructions from the Company and EF Hutton with respect to the transfer of the funds held in the Trust Account, which must provide for the disbursement of no less than $10.00 per share plus the amount per share deposited in the Trust Account per Extension Letter to redeeming Public Stockholders (“Instruction Letter”). You are hereby directed and authorized to transfer the funds held in the Trust Account immediately upon your receipt of the counsel’s letter and the Instruction Letter, in accordance with the terms of the Instruction Letter. In the event that certain deposits held in the Trust Account may not be liquidated by the Consummation Date without penalty, you will notify the Company of the same and the Company shall direct you as to whether such funds should remain in the Trust Account and distributed after the Consummation Date to the Company. Upon the distribution of all the funds in the Trust Account pursuant to the terms hereof, the Trust Agreement shall be terminated.
In the event that the Business Combination is not consummated on the Consummation Date described in the notice thereof and we have not notified you on or before the original Consummation Date of a new Consummation Date, then upon receipt by the Trustee of written instructions from the Company, the funds held in the Trust Account shall be reinvested as provided in the Trust Agreement on the business day immediately following the Consummation Date as set forth in the notice.
| Very truly yours, | |||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
Acknowledged and Agreed:
EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
A-1
EXHIBIT B
[Letterhead of Company]
[Insert date]
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
One State Street, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Francis Wolf & Celeste Gonzalez
| Re: | Trust Account - Termination Letter |
Dear Mr. Wolf and Ms. Gonzalez:
Pursuant to paragraph 1(i) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Quetta Acquisition Corporation (“Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“Trustee”), dated as of [*], 2023 (“Trust Agreement”), this is to advise you that the Company has been unable to effect a Business Combination with a Target Company within the time frame specified in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as described in the Company’s prospectus relating to its IPO. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.
In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to liquidate all the Trust Account investments and to transfer the total proceeds to the Trust Operating Account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. to await distribution to the Public Stockholders. The Company has selected [___, 20] as the record date for the purpose of determining the Public Stockholders entitled to receive their share of the liquidation proceeds. It is acknowledged that no interest will be earned by the Company on the liquidation proceeds while on deposit in the Trust Checking Account. You agree to be the Paying Agent of record and in your separate capacity as Paying Agent, to distribute said funds directly to the Public Stockholders in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Upon the distribution of all the funds in the Trust Account, your obligations under the Trust Agreement shall be terminated.
| Very truly yours, | |||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
Acknowledged and Agreed:
EF Hutton
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
B-1
EXHIBIT C
[Letterhead of Company]
[Insert date]
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
One State Street, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Francis Wolf & Celeste Gonzalez
| Re: | Trust Account - Tax Withdrawal Instruction Letter |
Dear Mr. Wolf and Ms. Gonzalez:
Pursuant to paragraph 2(a) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Quetta Acquisition Corporation (“Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, (“Trustee”), dated as of [*], 2023 (“Trust Agreement”), the Company hereby requests that you deliver to the Company [$ ] of the interest income earned on the Property as of the date hereof. The Company needs such funds to pay for its tax obligations. In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, you are hereby directed and authorized to transfer (via wire transfer) such funds promptly upon your receipt of this letter to the Company’s operating account at:
[WIRE INSTRUCTION INFORMATION]
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
| cc: | EF Hutton |
C-1
EXHIBIT D
[Letterhead of Company]
[Insert date]
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
One State Street, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Francis Wolf & Celeste Gonzalez
| Re: | Trust Account - Extension Letter |
Dear Mr. Wolf and Ms. Gonzalez:
Pursuant to Section 1(l) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Quetta Acquisition Corporation (“Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, dated as of [*], 2023 (“Trust Agreement”), this is to advise you that the Company is extending the time available in order to consummate a Business Combination with the Target Businesses for an additional [three (3) months], from ______________ to ____________ (the “Extension”).
This Extension Letter shall serve as the notice required with respect to Extension prior to the Applicable Deadline. Capitalized words used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Trust Agreement.
[In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to deposit [$1,000,000] [(or $1,150,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option was exercised in full)], which will be wired to you, into the Trust Account investments upon receipt.][Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, we have entered into a definitive agreement for a Business combination within 9 months of the closing of our IPO and our time to complete a Business Combination, as evidenced by the press release attached hereto that the Company released on _________, 20___.]
| Very truly yours, | |||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
| cc: | EF Hutton |
D-1
EXHIBIT E
[Letterhead of Company]
[Insert date]
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
One State Street, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Francis Wolf & Celeste Gonzalez
| Re: | Trust Account - Extension Letter |
Dear Mr. Wolf and Ms. Gonzalez:
Reference is made to that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement between Quetta Acquisition Corporation (“Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, dated as of [*], 2023 (“Trust Agreement”). Capitalized words used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Trust Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 1(k) of the Trust Agreement, this is to advise you that the Company has sought an Amendment. Accordingly, in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to liquidate a sufficient portion of the Trust Account and to transfer $ of the proceeds of the Trust to the Trust Operating Account at JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., for distribution to the stockholders that have requested conversion of their shares in connection with such Amendment. The remaining funds shall be reinvested by you as previously instructed.
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
| cc: | EF Hutton |
E-1
Exhibit 10.3
STOCK ESCROW AGREEMENT
This STOCK ESCROW AGREEMENT, dated as of [*], 2023 (“Agreement”), by and among Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Company”), the initial shareholders listed on the signature pages hereto (collectively, the “Initial Shareholders”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Escrow Agent”).
WHEREAS, the Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement, dated as of [*], 2023 (“Underwriting Agreement”), with EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EF Hutton”) acting as representative of the several underwriters (collectively, the “Underwriters”), pursuant to which, among other matters, the Underwriters have agreed to purchase 6,000,000 units (“Units”) of the Company, plus an additional 900,000 Units if the Underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and one-tenth (1/10) of one right to receive one share of common stock upon the consummation of an initial business combination, all as more fully described in the Company’s final Prospectus, dated [*], 2023 (“Prospectus”), comprising part of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-[*]) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Registration Statement”), declared effective on [*], 2023 (“Effective Date”).
WHEREAS, the Initial Shareholders have agreed as a condition of the sale of the Units to deposit their Insider Shares (as defined in the Prospectus), as set forth opposite their respective names on Exhibit A attached hereto (collectively “Escrow Shares”), in escrow as hereinafter provided.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Initial Shareholders desire that the Escrow Agent accept the Escrow Shares, in escrow, to be held and disbursed as hereinafter provided.
IT IS AGREED:
1. Appointment of Escrow Agent. The Company and the Initial Shareholders hereby appoint the Escrow Agent to act in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act in accordance with and subject to such terms.
2. Deposit of Escrow Shares. On or prior to the date hereof, each of the Initial Shareholders delivered to the Escrow Agent certificates representing such Initial Shareholder’s respective Escrow Shares, together with applicable share powers, to be held and disbursed subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each of the Initial Shareholders acknowledges that the certificate representing such Initial Shareholder’s Escrow Shares is legended to reflect the deposit of such Escrow Shares under this Agreement.
3. Disbursement of the Escrow Shares.
3.1 The Escrow Agent shall hold the Escrow Shares during the period (the “Escrow Period”) commencing on the date hereof and (i) for 50% of the Escrow Shares, ending on the earlier of (x) six months after the date of the consummation of the Company’s initial business combination (as described in the Registration Statement, hereinafter a “Business Combination”) and (y) the date on which the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after the Company’s initial Business Combination and (ii) for the remaining 50% of the Escrow Shares, ending six months after the date of the consummation of an initial Business Combination. The Company shall promptly provide notice of the consummation of a Business Combination to the Escrow Agent. The Company, or its successor, shall provide a written notice to the Escrow Agent when the condition (i)(y) is met. Upon completion of the Escrow Period, the Escrow Agent shall disburse such amount of each Initial Shareholder’s Escrow Shares (and any applicable share power) to such Initial Shareholder; provided, however, that if the Escrow Agent is notified by the Company pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof that the Company is being liquidated at any time during the Escrow Period, then the Escrow Agent shall promptly cancel the certificates representing the Escrow Shares; provided further, however, that if, within six months after the Company consummates an initial Business Combination, the Company (or the surviving entity) subsequently consummates a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the shareholders of such entity having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property, then the Escrow Agent will, upon receipt of a notice executed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or other authorized officer of the Company, in form reasonably acceptable to the Escrow Agent, certifying that such transaction is then being consummated or such conditions have been achieved, as applicable, release the Escrow Shares to the Initial Shareholders. The Escrow Agent shall have no further duties hereunder after the disbursement or cancellation of the Escrow Shares in accordance with this Section 3.1.
3.2 Notwithstanding Section 3.1, if the Underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 900,000 Units of the Company in full within 45 days of the date of the Prospectus (as described in the Underwriting Agreement), the sponsor, Yocto Investments LLC, agrees that the Escrow Agent shall return to the Company for cancellation, at no cost, the number of Escrow Shares held by it determined by multiplying (a) the product of (i) 225,000, by (b) a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is 900,000 minus the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their over-allotment option, and (ii) the denominator of which is 900,000. The Company shall promptly provide notice of the expiration or termination of the Underwriters’ over-allotment option and the number of Units, if any, purchased by the Underwriters in connection with their exercise thereof, and the applicable calculations of the number of Escrow Shares that shall be released for cancellation to the Escrow Agent.
4. Rights of Initial Shareholders in Escrow Shares.
4.1 Voting Rights as a Shareholder. Subject to the terms of the Insider Letters described in Section 4.4 hereof and except as herein provided, the Initial Shareholders shall retain all of their rights as shareholders of the Company during the Escrow Period, including, without limitation, the right to vote such shares.
4.2 Dividends and Other Distributions in Respect of the Escrow Shares. During the Escrow Period, all dividends payable in cash with respect to the Escrow Shares shall be paid to the Initial Shareholders, but all dividends payable in stock or other non-cash property (“Non-Cash Dividends”) shall be delivered to the Escrow Agent to hold in accordance with the terms hereof. As used herein, the term “Escrow Shares” shall be deemed to include the Non-Cash Dividends distributed thereon, if any.
4.3 Restrictions on Transfer. During the Escrow Period, the only permitted transfers of the Escrow Shares will be (1) to the Company’s pre-IPO stockholders or their respective affiliates, or to the Company’s offices, directors, advisors and employees, (2) if the Initial Shareholder is an entity, as a distribution to its, partners, stockholders or members upon its liquidation, (3) by bona fide gift to a member of the Initial Shareholder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the Initial Shareholder or a member of the Initial Shareholder’s immediate family for estate planning purposes, (4) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death of the Initial Shareholder, (5) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (6) by certain pledges to secure obligations incurred in connection with purchases of the Company’s securities, (7) by private sales at prices no greater than the price at which the Insider Shares were originally purchased, (8) in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination by private sales at prices no greater than the price at which the Private Units were originally purchased, or 9) for the cancellation of up to 225,000 shares of Common Stock subject to forfeiture to the extent that the Underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part or in connection with the consummation of our initial Business Combination, in each case (except for clause 9 or with our prior consent) on the condition that such transfers may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and of the Insider Letter (as defined below) signed by the Initial Shareholder transferring the Escrow Shares.
4.4 Insider Letters. Each of the Initial Shareholders has executed a letter agreement with EF Hutton and the Company, dated as indicated on Exhibit B hereto, and the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (“Insider Letter”), respecting the rights and obligations of such Initial Shareholder in certain events, including but not limited to the liquidation of the Company.
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5. Concerning the Escrow Agent.
5.1 Good Faith Reliance. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in the exercise of its own best judgment, and may rely conclusively and shall be protected in acting upon any order, notice, demand, certificate, opinion or advice of counsel (including counsel chosen by the Escrow Agent), statement, instrument, report or other paper or document (not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth and acceptability of any information therein contained) which is believed by the Escrow Agent in good faith to be genuine and to be signed or presented by the proper person or persons. The Escrow Agent shall not be bound by any notice or demand, or any waiver, modification, termination or rescission of this Agreement unless evidenced by a writing delivered to the Escrow Agent signed by the proper party or parties and, if the duties or rights of the Escrow Agent are affected, unless it shall have given its prior written consent thereto.
5.2 Indemnification. The Escrow Agent shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from and against any expenses, including counsel fees and disbursements, or loss suffered by the Escrow Agent in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding involving any claim which in any way, directly or indirectly, arises out of or relates to this Agreement, the services of the Escrow Agent hereunder, or the Escrow Shares held by it hereunder, other than expenses or losses arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Escrow Agent. Promptly after the receipt by the Escrow Agent of notice of any demand or claim or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, the Escrow Agent shall notify the other parties hereto in writing. In the event of the receipt of such notice, the Escrow Agent, in its sole discretion, may commence an action in the nature of interpleader in an appropriate court to determine ownership or disposition of the Escrow Shares or it may deposit the Escrow Shares with the clerk of any appropriate court or it may retain the Escrow Shares pending receipt of a final, non-appealable order of a court having jurisdiction over all of the parties hereto directing to whom and under what circumstances the Escrow Shares are to be disbursed and delivered. The provisions of this Section 5.2 shall survive in the event the Escrow Agent resigns or is discharged pursuant to Sections 5.5 or 5.6 below.
5.3 Compensation. The Escrow Agent shall be entitled to reasonable compensation from the Company for all services rendered by it hereunder. The Escrow Agent shall also be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for all expenses paid or incurred by it in the administration of its duties hereunder including, but not limited to, all counsel, advisors’ and agents’ fees and disbursements and all taxes or other governmental charges.
5.4 Further Assurances. From time to time on and after the date hereof, the Company and the Initial Shareholders shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Escrow Agent such further documents and instruments and shall do or cause to be done such further acts as the Escrow Agent shall reasonably request to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement, to evidence compliance herewith or to assure itself that it is protected in acting hereunder.
5.5 Resignation. The Escrow Agent may resign at any time and be discharged from its duties as escrow agent hereunder by its giving the other parties hereto written notice and such resignation shall become effective as hereinafter provided. Such resignation shall become effective at such time that the Escrow Agent shall turn over, to a successor escrow agent appointed by the Company and approved by the Representative, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, the Escrow Shares held hereunder. If no new escrow agent is so appointed within the 60-day period following the giving of such notice of resignation, the Escrow Agent may deposit the Escrow Shares with any court it reasonably deems appropriate.
5.6 Discharge of Escrow Agent. The Escrow Agent shall resign and be discharged from its duties as escrow agent hereunder if so requested in writing at any time by the other parties hereto, jointly, provided, however, that such resignation shall become effective only upon acceptance of appointment by a successor escrow agent as provided in Section 5.5.
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5.7 Liability. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Escrow Agent shall not be relieved from liability hereunder for its own gross negligence or its own willful misconduct.
5.8 Waiver. The Escrow Agent hereby waives any right of set-off or any other right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in, or to any distribution of, the Trust Account (as defined in that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Escrow Agent as trustee thereunder) and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall for all purposes be deemed to be made under and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction.
6.2 Third Party Beneficiaries. Each of the Initial Shareholders hereby acknowledges that EF Hutton is a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement and this Agreement may not be modified or changed without the prior written consent of EF Hutton.
6.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as expressly provided herein, may not be changed or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the party to the change, EF Hutton and the Escrow Agent.
6.4 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation thereof.
6.5 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective parties hereto and their legal representatives, successors and assigns, including the holders who receive the Escrow Shares pursuant to Section 4.3, if any.
6.6 Notices. Any notice or other communication required or which may be given hereunder shall be in writing and either be delivered personally or be mailed, certified or registered mail, or by private national courier service, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or, if mailed, two days after the date of mailing, as follows:
| If to the Company, to: | Quetta Acquisition Corporation | ||
| 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301 | |||
| New York, NY 10036 | |||
| Attn: Hui Chen, Chief Executive Officer | |||
| If to a Shareholder, to his address set forth in Exhibit A. | |||
| and if to the Escrow Agent, to: | Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company | ||
| Attn: [●] | |||
| 1 State Street, 30th Floor | |||
| New York, NY 10004-1561 | |||
4
| A copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) sent hereunder shall be sent to: | |||
|
EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC 590 Madison Avenue 39th Floor New York, NY 10022 Attn: Ryan Zhang | |||
| and: |
Robinson & Cole LLP 666 Third Avenue, 20th floor New York, NY 10017 Attn: Arila Zhou, Esq. | ||
| and: | Loeb & Loeb LLP 345 Park Avenue New York, New York 10154 Attn: Giovanni Caruso, Esq. | ||
The parties may change the persons and addresses to which the notices or other communications are to be sent by giving written notice to any such change in the manner provided herein for giving notice.
6.7 Liquidation of the Company. The Company shall give the Escrow Agent written notification of the liquidation and dissolution of the Company in the event that the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within the time period specified in the Prospectus.
[Signature Page Follows]
5
WITNESS the execution of this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| COMPANY: | |||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Hui Chen | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
| INITIAL SHAREHOLDERS: | ||
| Yocto Investment LLC | ||
| Name: | Chen Chen | |
| Title: | Authorized Representative | |
| Robert Labbe | |
| Brandon Miller | |
| Michael Lazar | |
| Daniel McCabe |
| ESCROW AGENT: | |||
| Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | |||
| Title: | |||
Signature Page to Stock Escrow Agreement
6
EXHIBIT A
Initial Shareholders
| Name and Address of Initial1 Shareholder | Number of Shares |
Date of Insider Letter |
|||||
| Yocto Investments LLC | 1,717,000 | [*],2023 | |||||
| Robert Labbe | 2,000 | [*],2023 | |||||
| Brandon Miller | 2,000 | [*],2023 | |||||
| Michael Lazar | 2,000 | [*],2023 | |||||
| Daniel McCabe | 2,000 | [*],2023 | |||||
| 1 | The address of each of the individuals is c/o, Quetta Acquisition Corporation, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301, New York, NY 10036. |
A-1
EXHIBIT B
Insider Letter
B-1
Exhibit 10.4
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the [●] day of [●], 2023, by and among Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and the undersigned parties listed under Investors on the signature page hereto (each, an “Investor” and collectively, the “Investors”).
WHEREAS, the Investors and the Company desire to enter into this Agreement to provide the Investors with certain rights relating to the registration of the securities held by them as of the date hereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized terms used herein have the following meanings:
“Agreement” means this Agreement, as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Business Combination” means the acquisition of direct or indirect ownership through a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar type of transaction, of one or more businesses or entities.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other Federal agency then administering the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Company” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Demand Registration” is defined in Section 2.1.1.
“Demanding Holder” is defined in Section 2.1.1.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.
“Form S-3” is defined in Section 2.3.
“Indemnified Party” is defined in Section 4.3.
“Indemnifying Party” is defined in Section 4.3.
“Initial Shares” means all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock issued prior to the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering.
“Investor” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Investor Indemnified Party” is defined in Section 4.1.
“Maximum Number of Shares” is defined in Section 2.1.4.
“Notices” is defined in Section 6.3.
“Piggy-Back Registration” is defined in Section 2.2.1.
“Over-Allotment Units” means the additional number of Private Units the Investors will be required to purchase in the event that the underwriters in the Company’s initial public offering exercise their over-allotment option, as described in the prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering.
“Private Units” means up to 253,045 Units, 235,045 of which the Investors are privately purchasing simultaneously with the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering and up to 18,000 Private Units that the Investors have agreed to purchase if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option.
“Register,” “Registered” and “Registration” mean a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.
“Registrable Securities” means (i) the Initial Shares, (ii) the Private Units (and underlying shares of Common Stock), (iii) the Over-Allotment Units (and underlying shares of Common Stock), if any, and (iv) any securities issuable upon conversion of loans from Investors to the Company, if any (the “Loan Securities”). Registrable Securities include any share capital or other securities of the Company issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to or in exchange for or in replacement of such Initial Shares, Private Units (and underlying shares of Common Stock), Over-Allotment Units (and underlying shares of Common Stock) and Loan Securities. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (a) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; (b) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for them not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent public distribution of them shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (c) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding, or (d) the Registrable Securities are freely saleable under Rule 144 without volume limitations.
“Registration Statement” means a registration statement filed by the Company with the Commission in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder for a public offering and sale of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, equity securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-4 or Form S-8, or their successors, or any registration statement covering only securities proposed to be issued in exchange for securities or assets of another entity).
“Release Date” means the date on which the Initial Shares are disbursed from escrow pursuant to Section 3 of that certain Stock Escrow Agreement dated as of [●], 2023 by and among the Investors and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.
“Underwriter” means, solely for the purposes of this Agreement, a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an underwritten offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.
“Units” means the units of the Company, each comprised of one share of Common Stock, and one-tenth (1/10) of one right to acquire one share of Common Stock.
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2. REGISTRATION RIGHTS.
2.1 Demand Registration.
2.1.1 Request for Registration. At any time and from time to time on or after (i) the date that the Company consummates a Business Combination with respect to the Private Units (or underlying shares of Common Stock), Over-Allotment Units (or underlying shares of Common Stock) and Loan Securities or (ii) three months prior to the Release Date with respect to all other Registrable Securities, the holders of a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities, as the case may be, held by the Investors, officers or directors of the Company or their affiliates, or the transferees of the Investors, may make a written demand, on no more than two occasions, for registration under the Securities Act of all or part of their Registrable Securities, as the case may be (a “Demand Registration”). Any demand for a Demand Registration shall specify the number of shares of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold and the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. The Company will notify all holders of Registrable Securities of the demand, and each holder of Registrable Securities who wishes to include all or a portion of such holder’s Registrable Securities in the Demand Registration (each such holder including shares of Registrable Securities in such registration, a “Demanding Holder”) shall so notify the Company within fifteen (15) days after the receipt by the holder of the notice from the Company. Upon any such request, the Demanding Holders shall be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in the Demand Registration, subject to Section 2.1.4 and the provisos set forth in Section 3.1.1. The Company shall not be obligated to effect more than an aggregate of two (2) Demand Registration under this Section 2.1.1 in respect of all Registrable Securities.
2.1.2 Effective Registration. A registration will not count as a Demand Registration until the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Demand Registration has been declared effective and the Company has complied with all of its obligations under this Agreement with respect thereto; provided, however, that if, after such Registration Statement has been declared effective, the offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Registration is interfered with by any stop order or injunction of the Commission or any other governmental agency or court, the Registration Statement with respect to such Demand Registration will be deemed not to have been declared effective, unless and until, (i) such stop order or injunction is removed, rescinded or otherwise terminated, and (ii) a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders thereafter elect to continue the offering; provided, further, that the Company shall not be obligated to file a second Registration Statement until a Registration Statement that has been filed is counted as a Demand Registration or is terminated.
2.1.3 Underwritten Offering. If a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders so elect and such holders so advise the Company as part of their written demand for a Demand Registration, the offering of such Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of an underwritten offering. In such event, the right of any holder to include its Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. All Demanding Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through such underwriting shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter or Underwriters selected for such underwriting by a majority-in-interest of the holders initiating the Demand Registration.
2.1.4 Reduction of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters for a Demand Registration that is to be an underwritten offering advises the Company and the Demanding Holders in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Registrable Securities which the Demanding Holders desire to sell, taken together with all other shares of Common Stock or other securities which the Company desires to sell and the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by other stockholders of the Company who desire to sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of shares that can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of shares, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Shares”), then the Company shall include in such registration: (i) first, the Registrable Securities as to which Demand Registration has been requested by the Demanding Holders (pro rata in accordance with the number of shares that each such Person has requested be included in such registration, regardless of the number of shares held by each such Person (such proportion is referred to herein as “Pro Rata”)) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), the shares of Common Stock or other securities that the Company desires to sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; and (iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of other persons that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to written contractual arrangements with such persons and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares.
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2.1.5 Withdrawal. If a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders disapprove of the terms of any underwriting or are not entitled to include all of their Registrable Securities in any offering, such majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders may elect to withdraw from such offering by giving written notice to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters of their request to withdraw prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Demand Registration. If the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders withdraws from a proposed offering relating to a Demand Registration, then such registration shall not count as a Demand Registration provided for in Section 2.1.
2.2 Piggy-Back Registration.
2.2.1 Piggy-Back Rights. If at any time on or after the date the Company consummates a Business Combination the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, equity securities, by the Company for its own account or for stockholders of the Company for their account (or by the Company and by stockholders of the Company including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.1), other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing stockholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company or (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan, then the Company shall (x) give written notice of such proposed filing to the holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable but in no event less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date, which notice shall describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, of the offering, and (y) offer to the holders of Registrable Securities in such notice the opportunity to register the sale of such number of shares of Registrable Securities as such holders may request in writing within five (5) days following receipt of such notice (a “Piggy-Back Registration”). Subject to Section 2.2.2, the Company shall cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such registration and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested to be included in a Piggy-Back Registration on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. All holders of Registrable Securities proposing to distribute their securities through a Piggy-Back Registration that involves an Underwriter or Underwriters shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter or Underwriters selected for such Piggy-Back Registration. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in the immediately preceding sentences, the right to a Piggy-Back Registration set forth under this Section 2.2.1 with respect to the Registrable Securities shall terminate on the seventh anniversary of the Effective Date.
2.2.2 Reduction of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters for a Piggy-Back Registration that is to be an underwritten offering advises the Company and the holders of Registrable Securities in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Common Stock which the Company desires to sell, taken together with the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which registration has been demanded pursuant to written contractual arrangements with persons other than the holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested under this Section 2.2, and the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to the written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Shares, then the Company shall include in any such registration:
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a) If the registration is undertaken for the Company’s account: (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other securities that the Company desires to sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the shares of Common Stock or other securities, if any, comprised of Registrable Securities, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to the applicable written contractual piggy-back registration rights of such security holders, Pro Rata, that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; and (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of other persons that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights with such persons and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares;
b) If the registration is a “demand” registration undertaken at the demand of persons other than either the holders of Registrable Securities, (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of the demanding persons that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the shares of Common Stock or other securities that the Company desires to sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), collectively the shares of Common Stock or other securities comprised of Registrable Securities, Pro Rata, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to the terms hereof, that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of other persons that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to written contractual arrangements with such persons, that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares.
2.2.3 Withdrawal. Any holder of Registrable Securities may elect to withdraw such holder’s request for inclusion of Registrable Securities in any Piggy-Back Registration by giving written notice to the Company of such request to withdraw prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement. The Company (whether on its own determination or as the result of a withdrawal by persons making a demand pursuant to written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding any such withdrawal, the Company shall pay all expenses incurred by the holders of Registrable Securities in connection with such Piggy-Back Registration as provided in Section 3.3.
2.2.4 Registrations on Form S-3. The holders of Registrable Securities may at any time and from time to time, request in writing that the Company register the resale of any or all of such Registrable Securities on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration which may be available at such time (“Form S-3”); provided, however, that (i) the Company shall not be obligated to effect such request through an underwritten offering and (ii) the Company shall not be obligated to effect more than two such requests. Upon receipt of such written request, the Company will promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to all other holders of Registrable Securities, and, as soon as practicable thereafter, effect the registration of all or such portion of such holder’s or holders’ Registrable Securities as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities or other securities of the Company, if any, of any other holder or holders joining in such request as are specified in a written request given within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such written notice from the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such registration pursuant to this Section 2.2.4: (i) if Form S-3 is not available for such offering; or (ii) if the holders of the Registrable Securities, together with the holders of any other securities of the Company entitled to inclusion in such registration, propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other securities (if any) at any aggregate price to the public of less than $500,000. Registrations effected pursuant to this Section 2.2,4 shall not be counted as Demand Registrations effected pursuant to Section 2.1.
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3. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.
3.1 Filings; Information. Whenever the Company is required to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof as expeditiously as practicable, and in connection with any such request:
3.1.1 Filing Registration Statement. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to, as expeditiously as possible after receipt of a request for a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1, prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement on any form for which the Company then qualifies or which counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate and which form shall be available for the sale of all Registrable Securities to be registered thereunder in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and use its reasonable best efforts to keep it effective for the period required by Section 3.1.3; provided, however, that the Company shall have the right to defer any Demand Registration for up to thirty (30) days, and any Piggy-Back Registration for such period as may be applicable to deferment of any demand registration to which such Piggy-Back Registration relates, in each case if the Company shall furnish to the holders a certificate signed by Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Company stating that, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such Registration Statement to be effected at such time; provided further, however, that the Company shall not have the right to exercise the right set forth in this provision more than once in any 365-day period in respect of a Demand Registration hereunder.
3.1.2 Copies. The Company shall, prior to filing a Registration Statement or prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the holders of Registrable Securities included in such registration, and such holders’ legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary prospectus), and such other documents as the holders of Registrable Securities included in such registration or legal counsel for any such holders may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such holders.
3.1.3 Amendments and Supplements. The Company shall prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements to such Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until all Registrable Securities and other securities covered by such Registration Statement have been disposed of in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or such securities have been withdrawn.
3.1.4 Notification. After the filing of a Registration Statement, the Company shall promptly, and in no event more than two (2) business days after such filing, notify the holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement of such filing, and shall further notify such holders promptly and confirm such advice in writing in all events within two (2) business days of the occurrence of any of the following: (i) when such Registration Statement becomes effective; (ii) when any post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement becomes effective; (iii) the issuance or threatened issuance by the Commission of any stop order (and the Company shall take all actions required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered); and (iv) any request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or any prospectus relating thereto or for additional information or of the occurrence of an event requiring the preparation of a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the securities covered by such Registration Statement, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and promptly make available to the holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement any such supplement or amendment; except that before filing with the Commission a Registration Statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, including documents incorporated by reference, the Company shall furnish to the holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement and to the legal counsel for any such holders, copies of all such documents proposed to be filed sufficiently in advance of filing to provide such holders and legal counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review such documents and comment thereon, and the Company shall not file any Registration Statement or prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, including documents incorporated by reference, to which such holders or their legal counsel shall object.
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3.1.5 State Securities Laws Compliance. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph or subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction.
3.1.6 Agreements for Disposition. The Company shall enter into customary agreements (including, if applicable, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably required in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities. The representations, warranties and covenants of the Company in any underwriting agreement which are made to or for the benefit of any Underwriters, to the extent applicable, shall also be made to and for the benefit of the holders of Registrable Securities included in such registration statement. No holder of Registrable Securities included in such registration statement shall be required to make any representations or warranties in the underwriting agreement except, if applicable, with respect to such holder’s organization, good standing, authority, title to Registrable Securities, lack of conflict of such sale with such holder’s material agreements and organizational documents, and with respect to written information relating to such holder that such holder has furnished in writing expressly for inclusion in such Registration Statement.
3.1.7 Cooperation. The principal executive officer of the Company, the principal financial officer of the Company, the principal accounting officer of the Company and all other officers and members of the management of the Company shall cooperate in all reasonable respects in any offering of Registrable Securities hereunder, which cooperation shall include, without limitation, the preparation of the Registration Statement with respect to such offering and all other offering materials and related documents, and participation in meetings with Underwriters, attorneys, accountants and potential investors.
3.1.8 Records. The Company shall make available for inspection by the holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement and any attorney, accountant or other professional retained by any holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement or any Underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company, as shall be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information requested by any of them in connection with such Registration Statement.
3.1.9 Opinions and Comfort Letters. Upon request, the Company shall furnish to each holder of Registrable Securities included in any Registration Statement a signed counterpart, addressed to such holder, of (i) any opinion of counsel to the Company delivered to any Underwriter and (ii) any comfort letter from the Company’s independent public accountants delivered to any Underwriter. In the event no legal opinion is delivered to any Underwriter, the Company shall furnish to each holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, at any time that such holder elects to use a prospectus, an opinion of counsel to the Company to the effect that the Registration Statement containing such prospectus has been declared effective and that no stop order is in effect.
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3.1.10 Earnings Statement. The Company shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the Securities Act, and make available to its stockholders, as soon as practicable, an earnings statement covering a period of twelve (12) months, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder.
3.1.11 Listing. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities included in any registration to be listed on such exchanges or otherwise designated for trading in the same manner as similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or designated or, if no such similar securities are then listed or designated, in a manner satisfactory to the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such registration.
3.1.12 Road Show. If the registration involves the registration of Registrable Securities involving gross proceeds in excess of 5,000,000, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in any underwritten offering.
3.2 Obligation to Suspend Distribution. Upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3.1.4(iv), or, in the case of a resale registration on Form S-3 pursuant to Section 2.2.4 hereof, upon any suspension by the Company, pursuant to a written insider trading compliance program adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, of the ability of all “insiders” covered by such program to transact in the Company’s securities because of the existence of material non-public information, each holder of Registrable Securities included in any registration shall immediately discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until such holder receives the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3.1.4(iv) or the restriction on the ability of “insiders” to transact in the Company’s securities is removed, as applicable, and, if so directed by the Company, each such holder will deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such holder’s possession, of the most recent prospectus covering such Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of such notice.
3.3 Registration Expenses. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses incurred in connection with any Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1, any Piggy-Back Registration pursuant to Section 2.2, and any registration on Form S-3 effected pursuant to Section 2.2.4, and all expenses incurred in performing or complying with its other obligations under this Agreement, whether or not the Registration Statement becomes effective, including, without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees; (ii) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws (including fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities); (iii) printing expenses; (iv) the Company’s internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees); (v) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities as required by Section 3.1.11; (vi) Financial Industry Regulatory Authority fees; (vii) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and fees and expenses for independent certified public accountants retained by the Company (including the expenses or costs associated with the delivery of any opinions or comfort letters requested pursuant to Section 3.1.9); (viii) the reasonable fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration and (ix) the reasonable fees and expenses of one legal counsel selected by the holders of a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities included in such registration. The Company shall have no obligation to pay any underwriting discounts or selling commissions attributable to the Registrable Securities being sold by the holders thereof, which underwriting discounts or selling commissions shall be borne by such holders. Additionally, in an underwritten offering, all selling stockholders and the Company shall bear the expenses of the Underwriter pro rata in proportion to the respective amount of shares each is selling in such offering.
3.4 Information. The holders of Registrable Securities shall provide such information as may reasonably be requested by the Company, or the managing Underwriter, if any, in connection with the preparation of any Registration Statement, including amendments and supplements thereto, in order to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 2 and in connection with the Company’s obligation to comply with Federal and applicable state securities laws.
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4. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.
4.1 Indemnification by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Investor and each other holder of Registrable Securities, and each of their respective officers, employees, affiliates, directors, partners, members, attorneys and agents, and each person, if any, who controls an Investor and each other holder of Registrable Securities (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) (each, an “Investor Indemnified Party”), from and against any expenses, losses, judgments, claims, damages or liabilities, whether joint or several, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement (or allegedly untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which the sale of such Registrable Securities was registered under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement, or arising out of or based upon any omission (or alleged omission) to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of the Securities Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any such registration; and the Company shall promptly reimburse the Investor Indemnified Party for any legal and any other expenses reasonably incurred by such Investor Indemnified Party in connection with investigating and defending any such expense, loss, judgment, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such expense, loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or allegedly untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, or summary prospectus, or any such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company, in writing, by such selling holder expressly for use therein. The Company also shall indemnify any Underwriter of the Registrable Securities, their officers, affiliates, directors, partners, members and agents and each person who controls such Underwriter on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification provided above in this Section 4.1.
4.2 Indemnification by Holders of Registrable Securities. Each selling holder of Registrable Securities will, in the event that any registration is being effected under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement of any Registrable Securities held by such selling holder, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors and officers and each Underwriter (if any), and each other selling holder and each other person, if any, who controls another selling holder or such Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, judgments, damages or liabilities, whether joint or several, insofar as such losses, claims, judgments, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which the sale of such Registrable Securities was registered under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, or arise out of or are based upon any omission or the alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement therein not misleading, if the statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such selling holder expressly for use therein, and shall reimburse the Company, its directors and officers, and each other selling holder or controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigation or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. Each selling holder’s indemnification obligations hereunder shall be several and not joint and shall be limited to the amount of any net proceeds actually received by such selling holder.
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4.3 Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Promptly after receipt by any person of any notice of any loss, claim, damage or liability or any action in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2, such person (the “Indemnified Party”) shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any other person for indemnification hereunder, notify such other person (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing of the loss, claim, judgment, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the failure by the Indemnified Party to notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability which the Indemnifying Party may have to such Indemnified Party hereunder, except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure. If the Indemnified Party is seeking indemnification with respect to any claim or action brought against the Indemnified Party, then the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in such claim or action, and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with all other Indemnifying Parties, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. After notice from the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume control of the defense of such claim or action, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that in any action in which both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party are named as defendants, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel (but no more than one such separate counsel) to represent the Indemnified Party and its controlling persons who may be subject to liability arising out of any claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought by the Indemnified Party against the Indemnifying Party, with the fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by such Indemnifying Party if, based upon the written opinion of counsel of such Indemnified Party, representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, consent to entry of judgment or effect any settlement of any claim or pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which the Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such judgment or settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim or proceeding.
4.4 Contribution.
4.4.1 If the indemnification provided for in the foregoing Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 is unavailable to any Indemnified Party in respect of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to herein, then each such Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnified Parties and the Indemnifying Parties in connection with the actions or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of any Indemnified Party and any Indemnifying Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such Indemnified Party or such Indemnifying Party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
4.4.2 The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4.4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding Section 4.4.1.
4.4.3 The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.4, no holder of Registrable Securities shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the dollar amount of the net proceeds (after payment of any underwriting fees, discounts, commissions or taxes) actually received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities which gave rise to such contribution obligation. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
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5. RULE 144.
5.1 Rule 144. The Company covenants that it shall file any reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and shall take such further action as the holders of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such holders to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
6. MISCELLANEOUS.
6.1 Other Registration Rights. The Company represents and warrants that, except as disclosed in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-[*]), no person, other than the holders of the Registrable Securities, has any right to require the Company to register any of the Company’s share capital for sale or to include the Company’s share capital in any registration filed by the Company for the sale of share capital for its own account or for the account of any other person.
6.2 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the holders of Registrable Securities hereunder may be freely assigned or delegated by such holder of Registrable Securities in conjunction with and to the extent of any transfer of Registrable Securities by any such holder. This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties, to the permitted assigns of the Investors or holder of Registrable Securities or of any assignee of the Investors or holder of Registrable Securities. This Agreement is not intended to confer any rights or benefits on any persons that are not party hereto other than as expressly set forth in Article 4 and this Section 6.2.
6.3 Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals or other communications (collectively, “Notices”) required or permitted to be given hereunder or which are given with respect to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally served, delivered by reputable air courier service with charges prepaid, or transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, telex or facsimile, addressed as set forth below, or to such other address as such party shall have specified most recently by written notice. Notice shall be deemed given on the date of service or transmission if personally served or transmitted by telegram, telex or facsimile; provided, that if such service or transmission is not on a business day or is after normal business hours, then such notice shall be deemed given on the next business day. Notice otherwise sent as provided herein shall be deemed given on the next business day following timely delivery of such notice to a reputable air courier service with an order for next-day delivery.
To the Company:
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Hui Chen, Chief Executive Officer
with a copy to:
Loeb & Loeb LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attn: Giovanni Caruso, Esq.
To an Investor, to the address set forth below such Investor’s name on Exhibit A hereto.
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6.4 Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible that is valid and enforceable.
6.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all agreements entered into pursuant hereto and all certificates and instruments delivered pursuant hereto and thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, understandings, negotiations and discussions between the parties, whether oral or written.
6.7 Modifications and Amendments. No amendment, modification or termination of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Company unless executed in writing by the Company. No amendment, modification or termination of this Agreement shall be binding upon the holders of the Registrable Securities unless executed in writing by the holders of the majority Registrable Securities.
6.8 Titles and Headings. Titles and headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of any provision of this Agreement.
6.9 Waivers and Extensions. Any party to this Agreement may waive any right, breach or default which such party has the right to waive, provided that such waiver will not be effective against the waiving party unless it is in writing, is signed by such party, and specifically refers to this Agreement. Waivers may be made in advance or after the right waived has arisen or the breach or default waived has occurred. Any waiver may be conditional. No waiver of any breach of any agreement or provision herein contained shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach thereof nor of any other agreement or provision herein contained. No waiver or extension of time for performance of any obligations or acts shall be deemed a waiver or extension of the time for performance of any other obligations or acts.
6.10 Remedies Cumulative. In the event that the Company fails to observe or perform any covenant or agreement to be observed or performed under this Agreement, the Investor or any other holder of Registrable Securities may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity or action at law, whether for specific performance of any term contained in this Agreement or for an injunction against the breach of any such term or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Agreement or to enforce any other legal or equitable right, or to take any one or more of such actions, without being required to post a bond. None of the rights, powers or remedies conferred under this Agreement shall be mutually exclusive, and each such right, power or remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any other right, power or remedy, whether conferred by this Agreement or now or hereafter available at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
6.11 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, interpreted under, and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed within the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice-of-law provisions thereof that would compel the application of the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.
6.12 Waiver of Trial by Jury. Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial by jury in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, or the actions of the Investor in the negotiation, administration, performance or enforcement hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY: | ||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Hui Chen | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| INVESTORS: | ||
| Yocto Investments LLC | ||
| Name: | Chen Chen | |
| Title: | Authorized Representative | |
| Robert Labbe |
| Brandon Miller |
| Michael Lazar |
| Daniel McCabe |
Signature Page to Quetta Acquisition Corporation Registration Rights Agreement
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EXHIBIT A
Name and Address of Investors
To all Investors:
c/o Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
A-1
Exhibit 10.5
FORM OF INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of __________, 2023, by and between Quetta Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ____________ (“Indemnitee”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of such corporations.
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) and the Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). The Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement and reimbursement rights.
WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons.
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future.
WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so protected against liabilities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter and Bylaws of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
WHEREAS, Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he or she be so indemnified.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. SERVICES TO THE COMPANY. Indemnitee will serve or continue to serve as an officer, director, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as applicable, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected, appointed or retained or until Indemnitee tenders his or her resignation, or is removed or dies. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as an officer, director, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as provided in Section 17. This Agreement, however, shall not impose any obligation on Indemnitee or the Company to continue Indemnitee’s service to the Company beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties, if any
2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement:
(a) References to “agent” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.
(b) The terms “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below) as in effect on the date hereof.
(c) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:
(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Other than Yocto Investments LLC (the “Sponsor”) or an affiliate thereof, any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in advance by the Continuing Directors (as defined below) and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under part (iii) of this definition;
(ii) Change in Board of Directors. Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election for nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the “Continuing Directors”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;
(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization or other similar business combination involving the Company and one or more businesses or entities (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (2) other than the Sponsor or an affiliate thereof, no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;
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(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than factoring the Company’s current receivables or escrows due (or, if such approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or
(v) Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.
(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise (as defined below) which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.
(e) “Delaware Court” shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.
(f) “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.
(g) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned Subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent.
(h) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(i) “Expenses” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of private investigators and professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (as defined below), including reasonable compensation for time spent by the Indemnitee for which he or she is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding (as defined below), including without limitation the principal, premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.
(j) References to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.
(k) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm with significant experience in matters of corporate law and that neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding (as defined below) giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.
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(l) The term “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, that “Person” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiaries (as defined below) of the Company; (iii) any employment benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company; and (iv) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
(m) The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative or related nature, in which Indemnitee was, is, will or might be involved as a party or a participant (as a witness or otherwise), by reason of his or her Corporate Status or by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by him or of any action (or failure to act) on his part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.
(n) The term “Subsidiary,” with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.
3. INDEMNITY IN THIRD-PARTY PROCEEDINGS. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement except for Section 27, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
4. INDEMNITY IN PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement except for Section 27, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, to be held harmless or to exoneration.
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5. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A PARTY WHO IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY SUCCESSFUL. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement except for Section 27, to the extent that Indemnitee was or is a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If the Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue, or matter on which the Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.
6. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement except for Section 27, to the extent that Indemnitee is a participant (as a witness or otherwise) in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he or she shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith.
7. ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND EXONERATION RIGHTS. Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, 5 or 27, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights shall be available under this Section 7 on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, including an act or omission of Indemnitee not in good faith, or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law.
8. CONTRIBUTION IN THE EVENT OF JOINT LIABILITY.
(a) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification, hold harmless and/or exoneration rights provided for in this Agreement are unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying, holding harmless or exonerating Indemnitee, shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have at any time against Indemnitee.
(b) The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.
(c) The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.
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9. EXCLUSIONS. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement except for Section 27, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:
(a) for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity provision or otherwise;
(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or
(c) except as otherwise provided in Sections 14(e)-(f) hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.
10. ADVANCES OF EXPENSES; DEFENSE OF CLAIM.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary except for Section 27, and to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Company shall pay the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, prior to the final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. To the fullest extent required by applicable law, such payments of Expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon the Company’s receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of the Indemnitee, to repay the advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws of the Company, applicable law or otherwise. This Section 10(a) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which an indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment is excluded pursuant to Section 9.
(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.
(c) The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation that is not entitled to be indemnified under this Agreement on the Indemnitee without the Indemnitee’s prior written consent.
11. PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Indemnitee agrees to promptly notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights, or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.
(b) Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his or her sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.
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12. PROCEDURE UPON APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods, which shall be at the election of Indemnitee: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, or (iii) by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. The Company will promptly advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.
(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. If the Independent Counsel is selected by the Board, the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(b) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).
(c) The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify and hold harmless such Independent Counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.
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13. PRESUMPTIONS AND EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS.
(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(b) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
(b) If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination that any or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith require(s) such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.
(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself, favor or undermine the determination of, the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did or did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers or managers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member, or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member, by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have or have not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.
(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.
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14. REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE.
(a) In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within the timeline set forth in this Agreement, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6, 7 or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within the timeline set forth in this Agreement, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within the timeline set forth in this Agreement, or (vii) payment to Indemnitee pursuant to any hold harmless or exoneration rights under this Agreement or otherwise is not made within the timeline set forth in this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or advancement rights. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his or her option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.
(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated to receive advances of Expenses under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated and to receive advances of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 10 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).
(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.
(d) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) pay to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee (i) to enforce his or her rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of the outcome and whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration right, advancement, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be (unless such judicial proceeding or arbitration was not brought by Indemnitee in good faith).
(f) Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies, holds harmless or exonerates, contributes, reimburses, advances, or is obliged to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate, contribute, reimburse or advance for the period commencing with the date on which the Indemnitee requests such indemnification, to be held harmless, exonerated, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.
15. SECURITY. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent requested by the Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to the Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to the Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee.
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16. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS; INSURANCE; SUBROGATION; PRIORITY OF OBLIGATIONS.
(a) The rights of Indemnitee as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any Proceeding (regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) or claim, issue or matter therein arising out of, or related to, any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Bylaws or this Agreement, then this Agreement (without any further action by the parties hereto) shall automatically be deemed to be amended to require that the Company indemnifies the Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
(b) The DGCL and the Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond (“Indemnification Arrangements”) on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against him or her or incurred by or on behalf of him or her or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of the Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.
(c) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managers, managing members, fiduciaries, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.
(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights. No such payment by the Company shall be deemed to relieve any insurer of its obligations.
(e) The Company’s obligation to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary except for Section 27, (i) the Indemnitee shall have no obligation to reduce, offset, allocate, pursue or apportion any indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement, contribution or insurance coverage among multiple parties possessing such duties to Indemnitee prior to the Company’s satisfaction and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) the Company shall perform fully its obligations under this Agreement without regard to whether Indemnitee holds, may pursue or has pursued any indemnification, advancement, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or insurance coverage rights against any person or entity other than the Company.
(f) Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Company is the primary indemnitor, and any indemnification or advancement obligation of the Sponsor, its affiliates or any other Person is secondary.
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17. DURATION OF AGREEMENT. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement) by reason of his Corporate Status, whether or not he is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.
18. SEVERABILITY. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.
19. ENFORCEMENT AND BINDING EFFECT.
(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or key employee of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or key employee of the Company.
(b) Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or Bylaws as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(c) The indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise at the Company’s request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.
(d) The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
(e) The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking, among other things, injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he or she may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertakings in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the Delaware Court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking.
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20. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
21. NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:
(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.
(b) If to the Company, to:
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Hui Chen, Chief Executive Officer
or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.
22. APPLICABLE LAW AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (c) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and (d) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial.
23. IDENTICAL COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.
24. MISCELLANEOUS. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.
25. PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS. No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.
26. ADDITIONAL ACTS. If, for the validation of any of the provisions in this Agreement any act, resolution, approval or other procedure is required, the Company undertakes to cause such act, resolution, approval or other procedure to be affected or adopted in a manner that will enable the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.
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27. WAIVER OF CLAIMS TO TRUST ACCOUNT. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Indemnitee hereby agrees that he or she does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (each, a “Claim”) in or to any monies in the trust account established in connection with the Company’s initial public offering for the benefit of the Company and holders of shares issued in such offering, and hereby waives any Claim he or she may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any services provided to the Company and will not seek recourse against such trust account for any reason whatsoever. For purposes of clarity, Indemnitee acknowledges and agrees that no monies held in the Trust Account may be used to indemnify Indemnitee for any purpose whatsoever.
28. MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain in effect during the entire period for which the Company is obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement, one or more policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies to provide the officers/directors of the Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure the Company’s performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. The Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director or officer under such policy or policies. In all such insurance policies, the Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide the Indemnitee with the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors and officers.
(Signatures follow)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indemnity Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Hui Chen | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
| INDEMNITEE | |||
| [Name] | |||
Signature page to Indemnity Agreement
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Exhibit 10.6
[●], 2023
Quetta Acquisition Corporation
1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10036
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”), a blank check company formed for the purpose of acquiring one or more businesses or entities (a “Business Combination”), intends to register its securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), in connection with its initial public offering (“IPO”), pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (“Registration Statement”).
The undersigned hereby commits that it will purchase 235,045 units of the Company (“Placement Units”), each Placement Unit consisting of one share of common stock of the Company, $0.0001 par value (the “Common Stock”), and one-tenth (1/10) of a right, with each right entitles the holder thereof to automatically receive one share of a common stock upon consummation of our initial business combination for a purchase price of $2,350,450 (the “Placement Unit Purchase Price”).
The undersigned hereby agrees that it will purchase an additional amount of units of the Company (“Over-Allotment Units”), up to a maximum of 18,000 Over-Allotment Units, or a maximum purchase price of $180,000 (“Over-Allotment Unit Purchase Price”, together with the Placement Unit Purchase Price, the “Purchase Price”), in the event that EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (the “Underwriter”) exercises its over-allotment option, such that the amount held in the trust account (as described in the Registration Statement, the “Trust Account”) does not fall below $10.00 per share for each share of Common Stock sold in the IPO.
At least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the pricing of the IPO, the undersigned will cause the Purchase Price to be delivered to an escrow account with Loeb & Loeb LLP (“Loeb”).
The consummation of the purchase and issuance of the Placement Units shall occur simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO and the consummation of the purchase and issuance of the Over-Allotment Units shall occur simultaneously with the closing of any exercise of the over-allotment option related to the IPO. Simultaneously with or prior to the consummation of the IPO, Loeb shall deposit the Private Unit Purchase Price, without interest or deduction, into the Trust Account.
Each of the Company, and the undersigned acknowledges and agrees that Loeb is serving hereunder solely as a convenience to the parties to facilitate the purchase of the Placement Units and Loeb’s sole obligation under this letter agreement is to act with respect to holding and disbursing the Purchase Price for the Placement Units as described above. Loeb shall not be liable to the Company, the Underwriter or the undersigned or any other person or entity in respect of any act or failure to act hereunder or otherwise in connection with performing its services hereunder unless Loeb has acted in a manner constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Company and the undersigned shall indemnify Loeb against any claim made against it (including reasonable attorney’s fees) by reason of it acting or failing to act in connection with this letter agreement except as a result of its gross negligence or willful misconduct. Loeb may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any written notice, instruction or request furnished to it hereunder and believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
The Units and Over-Allotment Units will be identical to the units to be sold by the Company in the IPO. Additionally, the undersigned agrees:
| ● | to vote the shares of Common Stock included in the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units in favor of any proposed Business Combination; |
| ● | not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) that would affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Company’s shares of Common Stock sold in the IPO if the Company does not complete an initial Business Combination within 12 months from the closing of the IPO (or up to 18 months, as applicable), unless the Company provides the holders of shares of Common Stock underlying the units sold in the IPO with the opportunity to redeem their shares of Common Stock upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount of the Trust Account, including interest earned on Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay the Company’s franchise and income taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding shares of Common Stock underlying the units sold in the IPO; |
| ● | not to convert any shares of Common Stock included in the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units into the right to receive cash from the Trust Account in connection with a shareholder vote to approve either a Business Combination or an amendment to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, and not to tender any shares of Common Stock included in the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units in connection with a tender offer conducted prior to the closing of a Business Combination; |
| ● | that the undersigned will not participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units or any underlying securities (but will participate in liquidation distributions with respect to any units or shares of Common Stock purchased by the undersigned in the IPO or in the open market) if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination; |
| ● | that the Placement Units, Over-Allotment Units and underlying securities will not be transferable until after the consummation of a Business Combination except (i) to the Company’s pre-IPO shareholders, or to the Company’s officers, directors, advisors and employees, (ii) transfers to the undersigned’s affiliates or its members upon its liquidation, (iii) to relatives and trusts for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) by private sales made in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination at prices no greater than the price at which the Placement Units were originally purchased or (vii) to the Company for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination, in each case (except for clause vii) where the transferee agrees to the terms of the transfer restrictions; and |
| ● | the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units will include any additional terms or restrictions as is customary in other similarly structured blank check company offerings or as may be reasonably required by the underwriters in the IPO in order to consummate the IPO, each of which will be set forth in the Registration Statement. |
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the purchaser of the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units will execute agreements in form and substance typical for transactions of this nature necessary to effectuate the foregoing agreements and obligations prior to the consummation of the IPO as are reasonably acceptable to the undersigned, including but not limited to an insider letter.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that:
| (a) | it has been advised that the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units have not been registered under the Securities Act; |
| (b) | it will be acquiring the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units for its account for investment purposes only; |
| (c) | it has no present intention of selling or otherwise disposing of the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units in violation of the securities laws of the United States; |
| (d) | it is an “accredited investor” as defined by Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act; |
| (e) | it has had both the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the officers and directors of the Company and all persons acting on its behalf concerning the terms and conditions of the offer made hereunder; |
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| (f) | it is familiar with the proposed business, management, financial condition and affairs of the Company; |
| (g) | it has full power, authority and legal capacity to execute and deliver this letter and any documents contemplated herein or needed to consummate the transactions contemplated in this letter; and |
| (h) | this letter constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, and is enforceable against it. |
[Signature Page Follows]
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This letter agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the undersigned and the Company with respect to the purchase of the Placement Units and Over-Allotment Units, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to the same.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| YOCTO INVESTMENTS LLC | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Chen Chen | |
| Title: | Member | |
| Accepted and Agreed: | |||
| QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Hui Chen | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Signature Page to Private Placement Units Subscription Agreement
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Exhibit 10.7
Administrative Services Agreement
This Administrative Service Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated this the day of , 2023 is between Yocto Investments LLC, herein referred to as “Service Provider” and Quetta Acquisition Corporation, herein referred to as “Customer”.
Service Provider has agreed to provide services to the Customer on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, while Customer is of the opinion that Service Provider has the proper and necessary qualifications, experience and abilities to provide services to Customer.
Therefore in consideration of the matters described above, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Customer and the Service Provider agree as follows:
| 1. | Scope of Work |
The Service Provider is to provide the Customer with the following services (the “Services”): general and administrative services, including office space, administrative and support services, as may be reasonably required by the Company.
The services will include any other tasks which the Customer and the Service Provider may agree on.
| 2. | Term of Agreement |
This Agreement will begin on [_______], 2023 and will remain in full force and effect until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of an initial business combination or the Company’s liquidation (in each case as described in the Registration Statement for the Company’s initial public offering) unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms hereof. This Agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement of the parties.
| 3. | Trust Waiver |
Yocto Investments LLC hereby agrees that it does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies that may be set aside in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) that may be established upon the consummation of the IPO and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever.
| 4. | Termination |
If either party seeks termination of this Agreement, the terminating party must provide a 30 days written notice to the other party.
| 5. | Compensation |
The Customer will provide compensation to the Service Provider of $10,000 per month for the services rendered by the Service Provider as required by this Agreement. Compensation is payable at the completion of services.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have duly affixed their signatures under hand on this [_______] day of [_______], 2023.
| Yocto Investments LLC | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Chen Chen | |
| Title: | Member | |
| Quetta Acquisition Corporation | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Hui Chen | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
Signature Page to Administrative Services Agreement
Exhibit 14
CODE OF ETHICS
OF
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
Adopted: [●], 2023
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) has adopted this Code of Ethics (this “Code”) to provide value for our shareholders; and
| ● | To encourage honest and ethical conduct, including fair dealing and the ethical handling of conflicts of interest; |
| ● | To prompt full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure; |
| ● | To comply with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; |
| ● | To prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code; |
| ● | To protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including corporate opportunities, assets and confidential information; and |
| ● | To deter wrongdoing. |
All directors, officers, employees and independent contractors of the Company are expected to be familiar with this Code and to adhere to the principles and procedures set forth in this Code. For purposes of this Code, all directors, officers, employees and independent contractors are referred to collectively as “employees” or “you” throughout this Code.
I. Honest and Ethical Conduct
All directors, officers, employees and independent contractors owe duties to the Company to act with integrity. Integrity requires, among other things, being honest and ethical. This includes the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships. Deceit and subordination of principle are inconsistent with integrity.
All directors, officers, employees and independent contractors have the following duties:
| ● | To conduct business with professional courtesy and integrity, and act honestly and fairly without prejudice in all commercial dealings; |
| ● | To work in a safe, healthy and efficient manner, using skills, time and experience to the maximum of abilities; |
| ● | To comply with applicable Company policies and job requirements, and adhere to a high standard of business ethics; |
| ● | To observe both the form and spirit of laws, governmental rules, regulations and accounting standards; |
| ● | Not to knowingly make any misleading statements to any person or to be a party to any improper practice in relation to dealings with or by the Company; |
| ● | To ensure that Company resources and properties are used properly; |
| ● | To maintain the confidentiality of information where required or consistent with Company policies; and |
| ● | Not to disclose information or documents relating to the Company or its business, other than as required by law, not to make any unauthorized public comment on Company affairs and not to misuse any information about the Company or its associates, and not to accept improper or undisclosed material personal benefits from third parties as a result of any transaction or transactions of the Company. |
II. Conflicts of Interest
A “conflict of interest” arises when an individual’s personal interest interferes or appears to interfere with the interests of the Company. A conflict of interest can arise when a director, officer or employee takes actions or has personal interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her Company work objectively and effectively.
There are a variety of situations in which a conflict of interest may arise. While it would be impractical to attempt to list all possible situations, some common types of conflicts may be:
| ● | To serve as a director, employee or contractor for a company that has a business relationship with, or is a competitor of the Company; |
| ● | To have a financial interest in a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company; |
| ● | To receive improper personal benefits from a competitor, supplier or customer, as a result of any transaction or transactions of the Company; |
| ● | To accept financial interest beyond entertainment or nominal gifts in the ordinary course of business, such as a meal or a coffee mug; |
| ● | To present at a conference where the conference sponsor has a real or potential business relationship with the Company (e.g. vendor, customer, or investor), and, the conference sponsor offers travel or accommodation arrangements or other benefits materially in excess of the Company’s standard; or |
| ● | To use for personal gain, rather than for the benefit of the Company, an opportunity that is offered to you solely in your capacity as an employee, officer or director of the Company and that is one that the Company is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and that is otherwise reasonable for the Company to pursue. |
Fidelity or service to the Company should never be subordinated to or dependent on personal gain or advantage. Conflicts of interest should be avoided.
In most cases, anything that would constitute a conflict for a director, officer or employee also would present a conflict if it is related to a member of his or her family.
Interests in other companies, including potential competitors and suppliers, that are purely for management of the other entity, or where an otherwise questionable relationship is disclosed to the Board and any necessary action is taken to ensure there will be no effect on the Company, are not considered conflicts unless otherwise determined by the Board.
Evaluating whether a conflict of interest exists can be difficult and may involve a number of considerations. Please refer to other policies, such as the employee handbook, for further information. We also encourage you to seek guidance from the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, when you have any questions or doubts.
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III. Related-Party Transactions
The Company shall avoid, wherever possible, all Related-Party Transactions (as defined below) that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, except if in accordance with the approval process and guidelines included below.
“Related-Party Transactions” are defined as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5% beneficial owner of the Company’s common stock, or (c) immediate family member of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b) (each, a “Related Party”), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity).
Approval Process and Guidelines.
| ● | Each director and executive officer shall identify any Related-Party Transaction involving a Related Party and inform the Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”) before the Company may engage in the transaction with a Related Party. Each of the Company’s directors and officers shall complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about Related-Party Transactions. |
| ● | In the event that the Company proposes to enter into, or materially amend, a Related-Party Transaction, the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer shall present such Related-Party Transaction to the Audit Committee for review and consideration. The presentation to the Audit Committee shall include, to the extent reasonably available, a description of (a) all of the parties thereto, (b) the interests, direct or indirect, of any Related Party in the transaction in sufficient detail so as to enable the Audit Committee to fully assess such interests, (c) a description of the purpose of the transaction, (d) all of the material facts of the proposed Related-Party Transaction, including the proposed aggregate value of such transaction, or, in the case of indebtedness, the amount of principal that would be involved, (e) the benefits to the Company of the proposed Related-Party Transaction, (f) if applicable, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services, (g) an assessment of whether the proposed Related-Party Transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties and (h) the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer with respect to the proposed Related-Party Transaction. |
A Related-Party Transaction shall require, by the Audit Committee and a majority of the Company’s disinterested and independent directors, or the members of the Board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access at the Company’s expense to the Company’s attorneys or independent legal counsel, prior approval and a determination that the terms of such Related-Party Transaction are no less favorable to the Company than those that would be available to the Company with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.
| ● | Any Related-Party Transaction, if not a Related-Party Transaction when originally consummated, or if not initially identified as a Related-Party Transaction prior to consummation, shall be submitted to the Audit Committee and a majority of the Company’s disinterested and independent directors for review and, if applicable, approved in accordance with the review and oversight policies set forth above as soon as reasonably practicable. |
| ● | Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not consummate its initial business combination (a “Business Combination”) with an entity that is affiliated with any of the Company’s sponsor, officers or directors, unless the Company, or a committee of independent directors, has obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that the Business Combination is fair to the Company from a financial point of view. |
| ● | In no event will the Company’s sponsor, officers or directors or any affiliate of the sponsor, officers or directors be paid any finder’s fees, reimbursements, consulting fee, monies in respect of any payment of a loan or other compensation prior to, for services rendered to the Company prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). |
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IV. Disclosure
Each director, officer or employee, to the extent involved in the Company’s disclosure process, including the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents (the “Senior Financial Officers”), is required to be familiar with the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures applicable to him or her so that the Company’s public reports and documents comply in all material respects with the applicable securities laws and rules. In addition, each such person having direct or supervisory authority regarding these securities filings or the Company’s other public communications concerning its general business, results, financial condition and prospects should, to the extent appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other Company officers and employees and take other appropriate steps regarding these disclosures with the goal of making full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.
Each director, officer or employee, to the extent involved in the Company’s disclosure process, including the Senior Financial Officers, must:
| ● | Familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company as well as the business and financial operations of the Company. |
| ● | Not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company’s independent auditors, governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations. |
V. Compliance
It is the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. It is the personal responsibility of each employee, officer and director to adhere to the standards and restrictions imposed by those laws, rules and regulations in the performance of their duties for the Company, including those relating to accounting and auditing matters and insider trading.
The Board endeavors to ensure that the directors, officers and employees of the Company act with integrity and observe the highest standards of behavior and business ethics in relation to their corporate activities.
Specifically, directors, officers and employees must:
| ● | Comply with the law; |
| ● | Act in the best interests of the Company; |
| ● | Be responsible and accountable for their actions; and |
| ● | Observe the ethical principles of fairness, honesty and truthfulness, including disclosure of potential conflicts. |
Generally, it is against Company policies for any individual to profit from undisclosed information relating to the Company or any other company in violation of insider trading or other laws. Anyone who is aware of material nonpublic information relating to the Company, our customers, or other companies may not use the information to purchase or sell securities in violation of securities laws.
If you are uncertain about the legal rules involving your purchase or sale of any Company securities or any securities in companies that you are familiar with by virtue of your work for the Company, you should consult with the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, before making any such purchase or sale. Other policies issued by the Company also provide guidance as to certain of the laws, rules and regulations that apply to the Company’s activities.
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VI. Reporting and Accountability
The Board has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. Any director, officer or employee who becomes aware of any violation of this Code is required to notify the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, promptly.
Any questions relating to how these policies should be interpreted or applied should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents. Any material transaction or relationship that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest, as discussed in Section II of this Code, should be discussed with the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents. A director, officer or employee who is unsure of whether a situation violates this Code should discuss the situation with the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, to prevent possible misunderstandings and embarrassment at a later date.
Each director, officer or employee must:
| ● | Notify the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, promptly of any existing or potential violation of this Code. |
| ● | Not retaliate against any other director, officer or employee for reports of potential violations. |
The Company will follow the following procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code and in reporting on the Code:
| ● | The Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, as the case may be, will take all appropriate action to investigate any violations reported. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, as appropriate, shall report each violation and alleged violation involving a director or an executive officer to the Chairman of the Board. To the extent he or she deems appropriate, the Chairman of the Board shall participate in any investigation of a director or executive officer. After the conclusion of an investigation of a director or executive officer, the conclusions shall be reported to the Board. |
| ● | The Board will conduct such additional investigation as it deems necessary. The Board will determine whether a director or executive officer has violated this Code. Upon being notified that a violation has occurred, the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents, as the case may be, will take such disciplinary or preventive action as deemed appropriate, up to and including dismissal or, in the event of criminal or other serious violations of law, notification of appropriate law enforcement authorities. |
VII. Corporate Opportunities
Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from taking (or directing to a third party) a business opportunity that is offered to them solely in their capacity as an employee, officer or director of the Company and that is one that the Company is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and that is otherwise reasonable for the Company to pursue, unless the Company has already been offered the opportunity and turned it down. More generally, employees, officers and directors are prohibited from using corporate property, information or position for personal gain and from competing with the Company.
Sometimes, the line between personal and Company benefits is difficult to draw, and sometimes there are both personal and Company benefits in certain activities. Employees, officers and directors who intend to make use of Company property or services in a manner not solely for the benefit of the Company should consult beforehand with the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents.
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VIII. Confidentiality
In carrying out the Company’s business, employees, officers and directors often learn confidential or proprietary information about the Company, its customers, suppliers, or joint venture parties. Employees, officers and directors must maintain the confidentiality of all information so entrusted to them, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential or proprietary information of our Company, and of other companies, includes any non-public information that would be harmful to the relevant company or useful or helpful to competitors if disclosed.
IX. Fair Dealing
Our core value of operating is based on responsiveness, openness, honesty and trust with our members, business partners, employees and shareholders. We do not seek competitive advantages through illegal or unethical business practices. Each employee, officer and director should endeavor to deal fairly with the Company’s customers, service providers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No employee, officer or director should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any unfair dealing practice.
X. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
All employees, officers and directors should protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. All Company assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on our profit.
XI. Waivers and Amendments
From time to time, the Company may waive provisions of this Code. Any employee or director who believes that a waiver may be called for should discuss the matter with the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, or their equivalents.
Any waiver of the Code for executive officers (including Senior Financial Officers) or directors of the Company may be made only by the Board and must be promptly disclosed to shareholders along with the reasons for such waiver in a manner as required by applicable law or the rules of the applicable stock exchange. Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Code must be approved in writing by the Board or, if appropriate, its delegate(s) and promptly disclosed pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
Any waiver or modification of the Code for a Senior Financial Officer will be promptly disclosed to shareholders if and as required by applicable law or the rules of the applicable stock exchange.
The Company is committed to continuously reviewing and updating its policies, and therefore reserves the right to amend this Code at any time, for any reason, subject to applicable law.
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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated June 13, 2023, except for notes 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8, which are dated August 18, 2023 with respect to the audited financial statements of Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) as of May 31, 2023 and for the period from May 1, 2023 (inception) through May 31, 2023. Our report contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
We also consent to the references to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
August 18, 2023
Exhibit 99.1
AUDIT
COMMITTEE CHARTER
OF
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
Adopted: [●], 2023
The responsibilities and powers of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”), as delegated by the Board, are set forth in this charter (this “Charter”). Whenever the Audit Committee takes an action, it shall exercise its independent judgment on an informed basis that the action is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
| I. | PURPOSE |
The purpose of the Audit Committee shall be to represent and assist the Board in the oversight and monitoring of:
| ● | The Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the Company’s financial statements; |
| ● | The integrity of the Company’s financial statements; |
| ● | The Company’s internal accounting and financial controls; and |
| ● | The Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s registered public accounting firm (the “independent auditors”). |
| II. | COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP |
The Audit Committee will initially consist of three members of the Board. The members of the Audit Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Board. Members of the Audit Committee must meet the following criteria:
| ● | Each member must meet the independence and experience requirements and standards established from time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and any securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed or quoted for trading, in each case as amended from time to time. |
| ● | Each member must be financially literate and able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Company’s balance sheet, statement of operations and statement of cash flows, as determined by the Board. |
| ● | At least one member must have accounting or related financial management expertise, as the Board interprets such qualification in its business judgment, by virtue of such member’s current or past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in finance or accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in such individual’s financial sophistication. |
| ● | Each member shall also meet any other requirements and standards established from time to time by the SEC and any securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed or quoted for trading, in each case as amended from time to time, for audit committee members. |
The Board shall designate one member of the Audit Committee as its chairperson.
An Audit Committee member may resign by delivering his or her written resignation to the chairperson of the Board, or may be removed by majority vote of the Board by delivery to such member of written notice of removal, to take effect at a date specified therein, or upon delivery of such written notice to such member if no date is specified. The Board shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in the Audit Committee, subject to such new member(s) satisfying the above requirements.
| III. | MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES |
The Audit Committee will set its own schedule of meetings and will meet at least quarterly, with the option of holding additional meetings at such times as it deems necessary or appropriate. Meetings of the Audit Committee shall be called by a majority of the members of the Audit Committee upon such notice as is provided for in the Company’s charter documents with respect to meetings of the Board. A majority of the Audit Committee members shall constitute a quorum. Actions of the Audit Committee may be taken in person at a meeting or in writing without a meeting. Actions taken at a meeting, to be valid, shall require the approval of a majority of the members of the Audit Committee present and voting. Actions taken in writing, to be valid, shall be signed by all members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will maintain written minutes of its meetings, which minutes will be filed with the minutes of the meetings of the Board. Periodically, the Audit Committee shall meet separately with the Company’s management, with the internal auditors and/or internal control director, and with the independent auditors.
The Audit Committee may form subcommittees for any purpose that the Audit Committee deems appropriate and may delegate to such subcommittees such power and authority as the Audit Committee deems appropriate. The Audit Committee shall not delegate to a subcommittee any power or authority required by law, regulation or listing standard to be exercised by the Audit Committee as a whole.
The Audit Committee shall make regular reports to the Board, which reports shall include to the extent that the Audit Committee deems appropriate, any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and independence of the Company’s independent auditors or the performance of the internal audit function.
| IV. | COMMITTEE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES |
The Audit Committee shall appoint and oversee the work of the independent auditors, approve the compensation of the independent auditors and review and, if appropriate, discharge the independent auditors. In this regard, the independent auditors shall report directly to the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee shall have the sole authority to approve the hiring and discharging of the independent auditors, all audit engagement fees and terms and all permissible non-audit engagements with the independent auditors.
The Audit Committee shall pre-approve (or, where permitted under the rules of the SEC, subsequently approve) engagements of the independent auditors to render audit services and/or establish pre-approval policies and procedures for such engagements, provided that (i) such policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular services rendered, (ii) the Audit Committee is informed of each such service and (iii) such policies and procedures do not include delegation to management of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or SEC rules and regulations thereunder. The Audit Committee shall also pre-approve any non-audit services proposed to be provided to the Company by the independent auditors.
The Audit Committee shall review and reassess the adequacy and scope of this Charter annually and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
The Audit Committee shall evaluate its performance annually.
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To the extent deemed necessary or appropriate, the Audit Committee shall be responsible for:
Oversight of the Company’s Relationship with the Independent Auditors
| ○ | Review the independence of the independent auditors, including (i) obtaining on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors delineating all relationships between the independent auditors and the Company, (ii) maintaining an active dialogue with the independent auditors, covering any disclosed relationship or services that may impair their objectivity and independence, (iii) presenting this statement to the Board and (iv) to the extent there are any such relationships, monitoring and investigating them and, if necessary, taking, or recommending to the Board that the Board take, appropriate action to maintain the independence of the independent auditors. |
| ○ | Evaluate, at least annually, the independent auditors’ qualifications, performance and independence, which evaluation shall include a review and evaluation of the audit partner of the independent auditors, set clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and take appropriate action to oversee the independence of the independent auditors. |
| ○ | Review, in consultation with the independent auditors, the annual audit plan and scope of audit activities and monitor such plan’s progress. |
| ○ | Establish policies regarding the hiring of employees or former employees of the independent auditors. |
Financial Statements and Disclosure Matters
| ○ | Discuss and, as appropriate, review with management and the independent auditors the Company’s financial statements and annual and quarterly reports, including the Company’s disclosures under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, discuss with the independent auditors any other matters required to be discussed by accounting and auditing standards, and recommend to the Board whether the audited financial statements should be included in the Company’s annual report. |
| ○ | Discuss with management, the internal auditor and the independent auditors significant financial reporting issues raised and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, including the review of (i) major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentation, including any significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles; (ii) analyses prepared by management and/or the independent auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues raised and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative accounting policies available under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or international financial reporting standards (IFRS) on the financial statements; (iii) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet arrangements, on the Company’s financial statements; and (iv) the type and presentation of information be included in earnings press releases, as well as any financial information and earnings guidance to be provided to analysts and rating agencies. |
| ○ | At least annually, obtain and review a report by the independent auditors describing: (i) the audit firm’s internal quality-control procedures; (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the audit firm, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues described in the report and (iii) all relationships between the independent auditors and the Company to assess the independent auditors’ independence. |
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| ○ | Receive, review and discuss quarterly reports from the independent auditors on (i) the Company’s major critical accounting policies and practices; (ii) significant alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP or IFRS that have been discussed with management; (iii) ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments; (iv) any treatments preferred by the independent auditors; and (v) other material written communications between the independent auditors and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences. |
| ○ | Review on a regular basis with the Company’s independent auditors any problems or difficulties encountered by the independent auditors in the course of any audit work, including management’s response with respect thereto, any restrictions on the scope of the independent auditors’ activities or on access to requested information, and any significant disagreements with management; and ensure the resolution of any disagreements between management and the independent auditors regarding financial reporting. |
| ○ | Review disclosures regarding the Company’s internal controls that are required to be included in SEC reports. |
| ○ | Discuss with management and the independent auditors any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding the Company’s financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. |
| ○ | Discuss with management earnings press releases and financial information and earnings guidance to be provided to analysts and rating agencies, including any proposed use of “pro forma” or “adjusted” non-GAAP and non-IFRS information. |
Oversight of the Company’s Internal Control Function
| ○ | Review the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal control policies and procedures on a regular basis, including the responsibilities, budget and staffing of the Company’s internal audit and control function, as well as the need for any special audit procedures in response to material control deficiencies, through inquiry and discussions with the Company’s independent auditors and management. |
| ○ | Review the reports prepared by management, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls and procedures, prior to the inclusion of such reports in the Company’s periodic filings as required under SEC rules. |
Compliance Oversight Responsibilities
| ○ | Discuss and review guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the Company’s insurance coverage from time to time. |
| ○ | Discuss with the Company’s chief legal officer legal matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements or the Company’s compliance procedures. |
| ○ | Establish procedures for receiving, retaining and treating complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
| ○ | Review, approve and monitor the Company’s code of ethics applicable to its senior executive officers. |
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| ○ | Review any conflicts of interest and related-party transactions prior to the Company entering into such transactions to assess an impact on the Company’s internal controls or financial reporting and disclosure. |
Related-Party Transactions
| ○ | Review and approve related-party transactions to the extent that the Company enters into such transactions. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Audit Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be required in order to approve a related-party transaction. A majority of the members of the entire Audit Committee will constitute a quorum. Without a meeting, the unanimous written consent of all of the members of the Audit Committee will be required to approve a related-party transaction. |
| ○ | Review on a quarterly basis all payments that have been made to the Company’s affiliates, the Company’s sponsor, officers or directors or any of their affiliates, including out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on the Company’s behalf, such as identifying and consummating an initial business combination, and will determine which expenses and the amount of expenses that will be reimbursed. |
The Audit Committee shall have the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisers, as it determines necessary, to carry out its duties. The Company shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, for payment of (i) compensation to the independent auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit review or attest services for the Company, (ii) compensation to any advisers employed by the Audit Committee and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee that are necessary or appropriate for carrying out its duties.
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Exhibit 99.2
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE CHARTER
OF
QUETTA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
Adopted: [●], 2023
The responsibilities and powers of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Quetta Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”), as delegated by the Board, are set forth in this charter (this “Charter”). Whenever the Compensation Committee takes an action, it shall exercise its independent judgment on an informed basis that the action is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
| I. | PURPOSE |
The purpose of the Compensation Committee shall be to assist the Board in determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, the chairman of the Board, the Chief Financial Officer and other executive officers of the Company (collectively, the “Executives”) and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of the non-Executive officers of the Company and the independent directors.
| II. | COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP |
The Compensation Committee shall consist of at least three members of the Board. Each member shall meet the independence and experience requirements and standards established from time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and any securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed or quoted for trading, in each case as amended from time to time. In addition, each member must qualify as a “Non-Employee Director” under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code for “outside directors,” and any other regulatory requirements.
The Board shall elect the members of the Compensation Committee at the first Board meeting practicable and may make changes from time to time pursuant to the provisions below. The members of the Compensation Committee shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualify. Unless a chairperson of the Compensation Committee is elected by the Board or by a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee, no chairperson of the Compensation Committee shall be designated. If appointed by the Board or the members of the Compensation Committee, the chairperson shall be a member of the Compensation Committee and, if present, shall preside at each meeting of the Compensation Committee. The chairperson shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to the chairperson by the Compensation Committee or the Board.
A Compensation Committee member may resign by delivering his or her written resignation to the chairperson of the Board, or may be removed by majority vote of the Board by delivery to such member of written notice of removal, to take effect at a date specified therein, or upon delivery of such written notice to such member if no date is specified. The Board shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in the Compensation Committee, subject to such new member(s) satisfying the above requirements.
| III. | MEETINGS AND COMMITTEE ACTION |
The Compensation Committee shall meet at such times as it deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities, but not less frequently than annually. Meetings of the Compensation Committee shall be called by a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee upon such notice as is provided for in the Company’s charter documents with respect to meetings of the Board. A majority of the Compensation Committee members shall constitute a quorum. Actions of the Compensation Committee may be taken in person at a meeting or in writing without a meeting. Actions taken at a meeting, to be valid, shall require the approval of a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee present and voting. Actions taken in writing, to be valid, shall be signed by all members of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall report its minutes from each meeting to the Board.
A majority of the members of the Compensation Committee may establish, consistent with the requirements of this Charter, such rules as may from time to time be necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the business of the Compensation Committee. At each meeting, a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee shall appoint as secretary a person who may, but need not, be a member of the Compensation Committee. A certificate of the secretary of the Compensation Committee or minutes of a meeting of the Compensation Committee executed by the secretary setting forth the names of the members of the Compensation Committee present at the meeting or actions taken by the Compensation Committee at the meeting shall be sufficient evidence at all times as to the members of the Compensation Committee who were present, or such actions taken.
The Compensation Committee shall have the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities to subcommittees as it may deem appropriate in its sole discretion. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company may not be present during voting or deliberations of the Compensation Committee with respect to his or her compensation.
| IV. | COMMITTEE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES |
The Compensation Committee shall have the following authority and responsibilities:
| ● | At least annually review and approve the Company’s corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Executives’ compensation; evaluate the Executives’ performance in light of such goals and objectives; and, either as a Compensation Committee or, together with the other independent directors (as directed by the Board), determine and approve the Executives’ compensation level based on this evaluation (and the Chief Executive Officer may not be present during voting or deliberations on his or her compensation). In determining the long-term incentive component of the Executives’ compensation, the Compensation Committee will consider the Company’s performance, the value of similar incentive awards to the Executives at comparable companies, the awards given to the Executives in past years and any relevant legal requirements and associated guidance of the applicable law. |
| ● | At least annually review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to director compensation to assist the Board in making the final determination as to director compensation. |
| ● | Review and approve the compensation of all of the Company’s other executive officers; |
| ● | Attempt to ensure that the Company’s compensation program is effective in attracting and retaining key employees, reinforce business strategies and objectives for enhanced shareholder value, and administer the compensation program in a fair and equitable manner consistent with established policies and guidelines. |
| ● | Administer the Company’s incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, insofar as provided therein. |
| ● | Make recommendations to the Board regarding approval, disapproval, modification, or termination of existing or proposed employee benefit plans. |
| ● | Approve any share option award or any other type of award as may be required for complying with any tax, securities, or other regulatory requirement, or otherwise determined to be appropriate or desirable by the Compensation Committee or Board. |
| ● | Approve the policy for authorizing claims for expenses from the Executives. |
| ● | Approve any special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for the Executives and the Company’s employees. |
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| ● | Retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser, in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel and other adviser retained by the Compensation Committee. The Company shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the compensation committee, for payment of reasonable compensation to a compensation consultant, legal counsel or any other adviser retained by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall have sole authority to approve related fees and retention terms. |
| ● | Review and approve the compensation disclosure and analysis prepared by the Company’s management, as required to be included in the Company’s proxy statement or annual report, or equivalent, filed with the SEC. |
| ● | If required, produce a report on executive compensation to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement. |
| ● | Review and assess the adequacy of this charter annually. |
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Exhibit 99.3
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Quetta Acquisition Corporation of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Quetta Acquisition Corporation in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
| Dated: August 18, 2023 | /s/ Robert L. Labbe |
| Robert L. Labbe |
Exhibit 99.4
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Quetta Acquisition Corporation of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Quetta Acquisition Corporation in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
| Dated: August 18, 2023 | /s/ Brandon Miller |
| Brandon Miller |
Exhibit 99.5
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Quetta Acquisition Corporation of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Quetta Acquisition Corporation in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
| Dated: August 18, 2023 | /s/ Daniel McCabe |
| Daniel McCabe |
Exhibit 99.6
Consent to be Named as a Director Nominee
In connection with the filing by Quetta Acquisition Corporation of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Quetta Acquisition Corporation in the Registration Statement and any and all amendments and supplements thereto. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
| Dated: August 18, 2023 | /s/ Michael Lazar |
| Michael Lazar |