S-1 1 forms-1.htm

 

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 21, 2021.

 

Registration No. 333-

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

GOAL ACQUISITIONS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   6770   85-3660880
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

Goal Acquisitions Corp.

13001 W. Hwy 71, Suite 201

Austin Texas 78738

(888) 717-7678

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Harvey Schiller

Chief Executive Officer

Goal Acquisitions Corp.

13001 W. Hwy 71, Suite 201

Austin Texas 78738

(888) 717-7678

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

 

Copies to:

 

Will Chuchawat, Esq.
Justin Anslow, Esq.
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

333 South Hope St., 43rd Floor

Los Angeles, California 90071

(213) 620-1780

 

 

David Alan Miller, Esq.

Jeffrey M. Gallant, Esq.

Graubard Miller

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10174

(212) 818-8800

 

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. [  ]

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [  ]

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [  ]

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   [  ]   Accelerated filer   [  ]
Non-accelerated filer   [X]   Smaller reporting company   [X]
    Emerging growth company   [X]

 

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. [  ]

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of each Class of Security being registered  Amount being Registered  Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Security(1)     Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)   Amount of Registration Fee 
Units, each consisting of one share of common stock, $.0001 par value, and one Warrant(2)  25,875,000 Units  $10.00   $258,750,000   $28,230 
Shares of common stock included as part of the Units(3)  25,875,000 Shares           (4)
Redeemable Warrants included as part of the Units(3)  25,875,000 Warrants           (4)
Shares underlying Redeemable Warrants included as part of the Units 

25,875,000 Shares

   $

11.50

    

297,562,500

    

32,464

 
Total          $

556,312,500

   $

60,694

 

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Includes 3,375,000 Units, consisting of 3,375,000 shares of common stock and 3,375,000 Redeemable Warrants underlying such Units, which may be issued on exercise of a 45-day option granted to the underwriter.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 416, there are also being registered an indeterminable number of additional securities as may be issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(4) No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g).

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 
 

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 21, 2021

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

$225,000,000

 

 

Goal Acquisitions Corp.

22,500,000 Units

 

 

 

Goal Acquisitions Corp. is a blank check company formed 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 businesses or entities, which we refer to as a “target business.” Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region although we intend to initially focus on target businesses in the sports industry. 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. If we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, we will redeem 100% of the public shares for a pro rata portion of the trust account, 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 tax obligations, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to applicable law and as further described herein.

 

This is an initial public offering of our securities. Each unit that we are offering has a price of $10.00 and consists of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Each warrant will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination and will expire on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. We have granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,375,000 units to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our “sponsor” has committed that it and/or its designees will purchase from us an aggregate of 600,000 units, or “private units,” at $10.00 per unit for a total purchase price of $6,000,000 in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Each private unit will consist of one share of common stock, or “private shares,” and one warrant, or “private warrants.” It has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it and/or its designees will purchase from us additional private units on a pro rata basis (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units at a price of $10.00 per private unit) in an amount that is necessary to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering, subject to certain limited exceptions as described in this prospectus.

 

There is presently no public market for our units, shares of common stock or warrants. We have applied to have our units listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “PUCKU” on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The common stock and warrants comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 90th day following the date of this prospectus unless EarlyBirdCapital informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC 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. We cannot guarantee that our securities will be approved for listing. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the common stock and warrants will be traded on Nasdaq under the symbols “PUCK” and “PUCKW,” respectively.

 

Certain investment funds and accounts advised by Atalaya Capital Management LP, an unaffiliated qualified institutional buyer (who are not affiliated with our sponsor or any member of our management team), which we refer to as the anchor investor, have expressed an interest to purchase units in this offering at a level of up to and in no event exceeding 9.9% of the units subject to this offering. Our sponsor has also entered into a letter agreement with the anchor investor pursuant to which the anchor investor will purchase membership interests in our sponsor. See “Summary — The Offering — Expressions of Interest.” If the anchor investor purchases the full 9.9% of the units it has expressed an interest in purchasing, the anchor investor would own approximately 7.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company following this offering (or approximately 6.7% of the outstanding shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and our sponsor, initial stockholders and anchor investor would own approximately 29.8% of the outstanding shares following this offering (or approximately 28.7% of the outstanding shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full).

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act and will therefore be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

   Per Unit   Total 
Public offering price  $10.00   $225,000,000 
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)  $0.20   $4,500,000 
Proceeds, before expenses, to us  $9.80   $220,500,000 

 

 

(1) The underwriters have received and will receive compensation in addition to the underwriting discount, including 150,000 shares of common stock, which we refer to herein as the “representative shares.” See “Underwriting” for further information relating to the underwriting compensation we will pay in this offering.

 

Upon consummation of the offering, an aggregate of $225,000,000 (or $258,750,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) or $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering will be deposited into a U.S.-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. Except as described in this prospectus, these funds will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our redemption of our public shares.

 

The underwriters are offering the units on a firm commitment basis. The underwriters expect to deliver the units to purchasers on or about [●], 2021.

 

Sole Book-Running Manager

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

[●], 2021

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

 

 
 

 

GOAL ACQUISITIONS CORP.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
Prospectus Summary   1
Summary Financial Data   21
Risk Factors   22
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements   41
Use of Proceeds   42
Dividend Policy   45
Dilution   46
Capitalization   47
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   48
Proposed Business   51
Management   70
Principal Stockholders   78
Certain Transactions   81
Description of Securities   84
Shares Eligible for Future Sale   89
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations   90
Underwriting   96
Legal Matters   105
Experts   105
Where You Can Find Additional Information   105
Index to Financial Statements   F-1

 

i

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

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 “Risk Factors” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before investing. References in this prospectus to “we,” “us” or “our company” refer to Goal Acquisitions Corp. References in this prospectus to our “public shares” are to shares of our common stock sold as part of the units in this offering (whether they are purchased in this offering or thereafter in the open market) and references to “public stockholders” refer to the holders of our public shares, including our sponsor (as defined below), officers and directors to the extent they purchase public shares, provided that their status as “public stockholders” shall only exist with respect to such public shares. References in this prospectus to our “management” or our “Team” refer to our officers, directors and advisors, references to our “initial stockholders” are to our stockholders prior to this offering (excluding EarlyBirdCapital) and references to our “sponsor” refer to Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC, a company affiliated with our officers, directors and advisors. The term “equity-linked securities” refers to any debt or equity securities issued in a transaction, including but not limited to a private placement of equity or debt, that are convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock. “Anchor investor” refers to certain funds advised by Atalaya Capital Management, an unaffiliated qualified institutional buyer. Unless we tell you otherwise, the information in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option.

 

General

 

We are a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. We have not selected any business combination target and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, initiated any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target.

 

While our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not necessarily be limited to a particular industry, sector or region, we intend to capitalize on the expertise of our management team, board and advisors (collectively, our “Team”) in the professional sports teams and media sectors, including, but not limited to, related areas such as sports technology, gaming and e-sports. We intend to target leading professional sports teams, media and brand-name companies and assets, with a particular focus on special situation assets which have significant potential for growth. Special situation assets and opportunities are those that have arisen due to recent factors such as COVID-19, mismanagement, media issues, overextension or arbitrage. We will have a global focus in our approach.

 

Our objective is to generate attractive returns and create value for our shareholders by applying our strategy of capitalizing on the experience of our Team. Our Team has spent their careers working in the global professional sports and media industries. Our Team has particular expertise in operations and turnaround. Our Team’s experience includes negotiating record setting naming rights, cable, TV, radio, licensed merchandise, sponsorship and food service deals with numerous franchises, as well as numerous facility leasing, financing and construction contracts. This experience includes managing the business operations of professional athletes (including Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing), sports franchises (the New York Yankees, San Francisco 49ers, Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats) and leagues (including the WNBA, the PGA Tour and the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference). We will look to acquire and manage a business that can benefit from our Team’s global experience with sports teams, leagues, media, brands, technology and investments.

 

Our Team

 

Harvey Schiller serves as our Chief Executive Officer. General Schiller is Chairman of Charlestowne Holdings, a financial advisory firm (2018-present). He is Vice Chairman of the digital, media and sports practice of the Diversified Search Group (2015-present). He previously served as Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (1986-1990) and America’s Cup (2015-2017), executive director of the United States Olympic Committee (1990-1995), president of Turner Sports (1995-2000), president of Atlanta Thrashers NHL hockey team (1997-1999), Chairman of the financial services firm Assante USA (2002-2004), Chairman of the security firm Global Options (2006-2013), and Chairman of YankeeNets, owners of the New York Yankees, New Jersey Devils, and New Jersey Nets (2000-2002) and developer of the YES network (2001-2002). He is also lead director of Mesa Air Group (2015-present), board member of Blinktbi (2018-present), and chair of Sportsgrid and the Collegiate Sports Management Group (2018-present). General Schiller served a distinguished career as an Air Force pilot (1962-1986) and was a Presidential appointed permanent professor (1980-1986) at the U.S. Air Force Academy and White House Commission on Presidential Scholars (2005-2009). Other appointments include NCAA executive committee (1982-1988), Olympic Games consultant (1984-2012), International Baseball President, board member of the Baseball Hall of Fame (present) and World Baseball Classic (present). General Schiller is a distinguished graduate of The Citadel and earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Michigan.

 

 1 
   

 

William T. Duffy serves as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Duffy serves as the Vice Chairman of The Aspire Sports Marketing Group, LLC (“Aspire”), a sports consulting firm which he co-founded in 2008. From 2016 to 2019, he was the CEO of Aspire and he previously held other positions at Aspire, including two years as COO, and has served on its board of managers since 2014. Mr. Duffy’s career has focused on turnarounds of underperforming franchises with a focus on maximizing employee performance and revenue generation and reducing operating costs, while creating cultures of accountability through hands on leadership and career development of employees. His international experience at Aspire includes consulting on projects with The R & A, Leicester City FC and Tijuana Xolos (Liga MX). From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Duffy briefly left Aspire and oversaw finance and arena operations in a variety of roles at Bobcats Sports and Entertainment, including roles as EVP, CFO and CAO. He served as liaison to the City of Charlotte for the expansion NBA Franchise Charlotte Bobcats and Time Warner Cable Arena. Prior to Aspire, Mr. Duffy held the positions of CFO of the San Francisco 49ers (1996-1999), CAO of the Buffalo Bills (1999-2000), CFO of the Florida Panthers (2001-2003) and EVP, CFO of Atlanta Spirit, LLC (2004-2008), a group that bought the operating rights of the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena in 2004 Mr. Duffy holds a Masters of Science in Accounting from New York University, and AB in Economics from Princeton University and has earned a CPA.

 

David B. Falk will serve as a member of our board of directors and as our Senior Advisor. Mr. Falk is the founder of Falk Associates Management Enterprises (FAME) which provides specialized and personal representation services to the company’s elite clientele of NBA superstars. Prior to founding FAME in 1992, Mr. Falk served as vice chairman of ProServ where he represented numerous professional athletes. Mr. Falk has successfully negotiated a number of large and notable NBA contracts, including Alonzo Mourning’s historical $100 million contract in 1995 and Michael Jordan’s 1996 one-year contract for $30 million. Mr. Falk was also influential in the creation of the “Air Jordan” brand and was an executive producer of the movie “Space Jam.” Mr. Falk is an investor in Consumable, a digital advertising company, Hyperwave, a cooking technology company, Ostendo, a quantum photonics technology company, Wheels Up, an aviation company, and Block Six Analytics. Mr. Falk first attended and is now a member of the Board of Trustees for Syracuse University. Mr Falk endowed and founded the David B. Falk College of Sports and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University, a leading sports program in the U.S.

 

Donna Orender serves as a member of our board of directors. Ms. Orender spent 17 years at the PGA TOUR where she served as one of three senior executives in the Office of the Commissioner. During her time there, she exponentially grew the TOUR’s television rights and led a major expansion of global production, programming distribution and digital business while also founding PGA TOUR Radio with partner Sirius XM. From 2005 to 2010, Ms. Orender served as the President of the WNBA. During her term business metrics that saw growth included sponsorship, television ratings, profitability and attendance growth (following an eight year decline). Ms. Orender began her current role as Chief Executive Officer of Orender Unlimited, a consulting and advisory firm, in 2011. Ms. Orender serves on the nominating and compensation committees for the V Foundation for Cancer Research board, the board of the World Surf League, and is the founder of Generation W, an organization that focuses on educating, inspiring and connecting women and girls in the service of building better communities. Ms. Orender received a B.A. from Queens College and is a multiple hall of fame athlete. 

 

Kenneth L. Shropshire will serve as a member of our board of directors. Mr. Shropshire has been a faculty member of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (“Wharton”) since 1986, where he is now an emeritus professor, with an expertise in sports business and law. During his tenure at Wharton, Mr. Shropshire founded the Wharton Sports Business Initiative in 2004, a sports business research center, and served as a director until 2017. One such example of the innovative programming Mr. Shropshire developed at Wharton includes the NFL/NFLPA Player Business Education Transition Program. Currently, in addition to being a professor emeritus at Wharton, Mr. Shropshire is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sport Institute, and serves as the Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University since joining in 2017. Mr. Shropshire has served as a director of Moelis & Company since 2014. In addition, Mr. Shropshire acts as an advisor to multiple organizations in the sports industry, including Altius Sports Partners, Arctos Sports Partners, Overtime Elite, and Pro Sports Assembly. Mr. Shropshire earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a law degree from Columbia University, and is a member of the California bar. He joined the law firm of Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg and Tunney in Los Angeles prior to working with the 1984 Olympic Games and beginning his lengthy career at Wharton. Mr. Shropshire was also the former President of the Sports Lawyers Association, the largest organization of sports lawyers in the world.

 

 2 
   

 

Past performance of our Team is not a guarantee either (i) that we will be able to identify 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 performance record of our Team as indicative of our future performance. Additionally, in the course of their respective careers, members of our Team have been involved in businesses and deals that were unsuccessful. Our officers and directors have no experience with special purpose acquisition companies. In addition, our officers and directors may have conflicts of interest with other entities to which they owe fiduciary or contractual obligations with respect to initial business combination opportunities. For a list of our officers and directors and entities for which a conflict of interest may or does exist between such persons and the company, as well as the priority and preference that such entity has with respect to performance of obligations and presentation of business opportunities to us, please refer to the table and subsequent explanatory paragraph under “Management — Conflicts of Interest”.

 

Advisors

 

Jon Miller will serve as Chairman of our advisory board as well as a board observer. Mr. Miller currently serves as a director of Akamai Technologies, Inc., AMC Networks Inc., Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and J2 Global, Inc. From 2013 until January 2018, Mr. Miller was a partner at Advancit Capital, where he continues to serve as an advisor and member of the Investment Committee. He previously has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Media Group at News Corp., and was its Chief Digital Officer from April 2009 to September 2012. Mr. Miller was a founding partner of Velocity Interactive Group, an investment firm focusing on internet and digital media, from its inception in 2007 to 2009. Prior to founding Velocity, Mr. Miller served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of America Online, Inc. (“AOL”) from 2002 to 2006. Prior to joining AOL, Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer and President of USA Information and Services. Mr. Miller previously served as a director of, among others, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., Ticketmaster, LiveNation Entertainment, Inc., RTL Group SA, Shutterstock, Inc. and TripAdvisor, Inc.. Mr. Miller is a trustee of the American Film Institute and The Paley Center for Media. Mr. Miller holds a B.A. from Harvard College.

 

Alex Greystoke will serve as a member of our advisory board and is one of our founders. Mr. Greystoke is a successful serial entrepreneur with a breadth of skills in a diverse range of industries. Mr. Greystoke is the founder of multiple AI technology companies including TripChamp, VacationChamp and TravelChamp. He is the inventor of three granted artificial intelligence patents, with eight pending patent applications. Mr. Greystoke is also an investor with investments in real estate, food and beverage, technology and other sectors. Mr. Greystoke founded HSC, a boutique corporate finance business raising money for and helping emerging companies commercialize in a range of sectors including technology, energy, healthcare and consumer products utilizing his wide network of partners throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. Mr. Greystoke has served as director to numerous companies in the education, technology, AI and renewable energy spaces, and has served as a Chairman to a U.K. listed Chinese manufacturing company.

 

Raghu Kilambi will serve as a member of our advisory board and is one of our founders. Mr. Kilambi has been CEO of PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp. since May 2020. Mr. Kilambi previously served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of ConversionPoint Technologies from December 2017 to January 2020. ConversionPoint was sold in two transactions to a private equity-backed group and a strategic buyer. Mr. Kilambi has also been the principal of Kirarv Capital, a technology investment firm, since June 2009. Mr. Kilambi has raised over $1 billion of equity and debt capital for growth private and public companies in his career and has also been a senior officer and director of companies that were awarded Barron’s ASAP Magazine Top Ramp Champ awards and Profit Magazine’s Top 3 Growth Company awards. Previously, from 1998 to 2001, Mr. Kilambi was the Co-Founder, CFO and Chief Strategy Officer of FutureLink Corp., a leading first-generation VC-backed cloud computing technology company that grew from startup to over $100 million in annualized revenues. Mr. Kilambi graduated with Great Distinction with a Bachelor of Commerce (University Scholar), received a Graduate Diploma in Public Accounting from McGill University (Top 10 List), and qualified as a Canadian Chartered Accountant in 1989 (inactive).

 

 3 
   

 

Amber Allen will serve as a member of our advisory board. Ms. Allen’s experience has been focused in the technology, entertainment and gaming industries, having spent her career at major companies including Reebok, Disney, Warner Bros., and Riot Games. Currently, Ms. Allen serves as the founder of Double A Labs, a leader in developing transformative technologies and experiences for brand engagement. Ms. Allen serves on the Advisory Board of University of Texas Game and Development Design, and is a member of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Ms. Allen also volunteers with Women Who Code, and is an advisor to both Dell Women’s Entrepreneurship Network and Dell Project Innovate.

 

Bart Oates will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Oates was a starting center for the USFL Philadelphia Stars, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, for a total 14 seasons of professional football. In the offseasons, Mr. Oates attended Seton Hall Law School where he graduated with honors and joined the law firm of Ribis, Graham & Curtin in Morristown N.J., where he focused on litigation and real estate tax appeal work. Currently, Mr. Oates serves as President of the NFL Alumni Association, a position that allows him to advocate on behalf of former players to establish benefits and opportunities.

 

Martin Gruschka will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Gruschka began his career in 1990 as a management consultant for a Deutsche Bank Group subsidiary, with a focus on East German Privatization projects. Thereafter, he led the European media practice of Arthur D. Little, a global management consulting group, from 1996 to 1999. Having spent time as an associate director at Deutsche Morgan Grenfell’s media investment banking division, he co-founded Springwater Capital LLC in 2002 where he currently acts as Managing Partner. Mr. Gruschka has served as Chairman, President, Board Member and CEO of more than forty companies throughout Europe and the U.S. in a diverse range of sectors, including media & communications, aerospace, engineering, logistics, recycling, technology, tourism and business process outsourcing.

 

Danielle Cantor Jeweler will serve as a member of our advisory board. Ms. Jeweler is the Executive Vice President and Partner at FAME, and is an NBPA Certified Agent, representing current and retired NBA talent. Together with partner David Falk, Danielle negotiates contracts for a number of NBA players. Ms. Jeweler has also negotiated a myriad of national and international endorsement deals for her basketball clients. In September 2017, Danielle was honored by the Sports Business Journal as a Gamechanger in the sports industry, as the only female registered agent with active NBA clients. In July 2019, she negotiated the largest guaranteed sports contract by a female agent (Malcolm Brogdon, with the Indiana Pacers, for 4 years and $85 million). Ms. Jeweler is a member of the Leadership Council for PeacePlayers, International, and she serves on the Board of Advisors for Most Valuable Kids, the Roy Hibbert Foundation, and Little Smiles. A native Washingtonian, Ms. Jeweler graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (“UPenn”) in the Annenberg School for Communications and from The Wharton School for Business. Ms. Jeweler is a competitive youth girls soccer coach and played Division 1 soccer at UPenn.

 

Marc Wade will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Wade is a financier, philanthropist and founder of Wade & Company, a family office. Mr. Wade has historically invested in a diversified portfolio of businesses with a primary focus on asset backed lending. His portfolio has included commercial real estate, banking, energy, sports and entertainment, technology and securities lending. Mr. Wade was a minority investor in the NHL franchise New Jersey Devils and Devils Entertainment. Mr. Wade is also Co-Founder of BTI, one of South America’s largest aggregators of cell phone towers.

 

Garret Klugh will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Klugh is the COO of Falk Ventures. He is an internationally recognized Olympian and frequent guest speaker, lecturer and panelist in the sports-tech industry. Mr. Klugh earned his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and his MBA from George Washington University. At SDSU, Mr. Klugh served as the President of the men’s rowing team. He went on to represent the U.S. on six National Teams and one Olympic Team (Athens 2004). Mr. Klugh won the World Rowing Championship in 1999 and was honored to be selected by his peers as the Athlete Representative on the Board of Directors for USRowing.

 

 4 
   

 

Doug Perlman will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Perlman is the founder and CEO of Sports Media Advisors (“SMA”), a boutique advisory firm which focuses on the intersection of sports, television and digital media. Mr. Perlman has worked on all of SMA’s client engagements including those with the NFL, NASCAR, USTA, UFC, Hockey Canada, Little League, NextVR and several leading private equity firms. Prior to SMA, he established himself throughout the sports industry in senior executive roles at the NHL and IMG. Among other accolades, Mr. Perlman has been named to the prestigious Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 three times, earning a spot in their “Hall of Fame.” Mr. Perlman has been recognized by multiple industry publications and organizations as a leader in the sports, media, and technology industries, including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports by the Sporting News while at the NHL. Mr. Perlman regularly appears on television and is often a featured speaker at industry and other events.

 

We currently expect our advisors to (i) assist us in sourcing, negotiating and consummating a potential business combination, (ii) provide their business insights when we assess potential business combination targets and (iii) upon our request, provide their business insights as we work to create additional value in the businesses that we acquire. However, they have no written advisory agreement with us. Additionally, these individuals have no other employment or compensation arrangements with us. They will not serve on the board or any committee thereof, nor will they have any voting or decision making capacity on our behalf. They will also not be required to devote any specific amount of time to our efforts or be subject to the fiduciary requirements to which our board members are subject. Accordingly, if any of them become aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for us, they are under no obligation to introduce it to us before any other prospective acquiror.

 

Business Strategy

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. and Global professional sports and entertainment industries has been profound. In-stadium revenue opportunities, such as ticket and premium seating sales, concessions, merchandise and parking have seemingly evaporated without the crowds of spectators traditionally featured in live sporting events. As a result, sports franchises and vendors are facing a huge strain on cash flow, leaving ownership groups without the appetite, nor liquidity to continue franchise funding for an undetermined period of time. Organizations with inefficient operating models are experiencing significantly more stress during these times, leading many groups to reevaluate their management relationships. COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on businesses associated with or dependent on sports, for example groups holding media rights, sports marketing groups and agencies and suppliers to the sports industry. We believe the totality of these circumstances presents a unique opportunity to acquire special situation sports and media assets that would not otherwise be for sale and/or to acquire these businesses at opportunistic prices.

 

As of the current date, none of the major U.S. sports leagues including the MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL and MLS have fully determined a timeline for the return of the full fan and in-game experience. The same can be said for international teams in the UK, Europe and elsewhere. Some jurisdictions are currently allowing limited public attendance while observing social distancing protocols. However, it is clear that the major U.S. sports leagues have a long way to go to get back to full stadiums. The economic impact has already been felt, with 1.3 million sports industry jobs at risk, according to a report from EconomicModeling.com.

 

With the resulting pressures of these limitations and uncertainties in general, the need for innovative and dynamic operating models is evident. We believe that with the current landscape, our Team will have the leverage to identify and acquire assets with great potential at opportunistic price points. As more sports franchises, and sports and media related businesses understand the necessity of building global brands in order to compete for revenue and brand recognition across fan bases, mature management teams, experiences and expertise will be required to enhance visibility and profitability.

 

We believe that our Team can provide all of these attributes to a potential target. Our Team has a demonstrated extensive track record of successful value creation and enhancement (including complex turnarounds) with sports-oriented and media assets and also has access to proprietary opportunities globally that can be leveraged to drive value. Our Team’s experience includes negotiating record setting naming rights, cable, TV, radio, licensed merchandise, sponsorship and food service deals with numerous franchises, as well as numerous facility leasing, financing and construction contracts. This experience includes managing the business operations of professional athletes (including Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing), sports franchises (the New York Yankees, Florida Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats) and leagues (including the WNBA, the PGA Tour and the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference).

 

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Our Team has also directly worked in the trenches to turnaround organizations, athletes and brands. In addition, we intend to utilize the established global relationships of our Team both for sourcing opportunities and to grow the opportunity which we pursue. Over the course of their careers, the members of our Team have developed a broad network of contacts and corporate relationships that we believe will serve as a useful source of acquisition opportunities.

 

Our Team has experience globally in:

 

  Managing brands, athletes and sports entities
     
  Significant experience in the media, sports gaming and new technologies sectors.
     
  Operating and turning around companies, implementing and executing growth strategies and cost saving initiatives;
     
  Developing and growing companies, both organically and through acquisitions and strategic transactions, and expanding the product range;
     
  Providing strategic guidance to develop revenue and commercial opportunities; and
     
  Identifying, mentoring and recruiting world-class talent.

 

Acquisition Criteria

 

Consistent with this strategy, we have identified the following general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses. We intend to use these criteria and guidelines in evaluating acquisition opportunities, but we may decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet any of these criteria and guidelines.

 

We intend to seek to acquire companies, brands, assets and/or teams that we believe meet certain of the following criteria:

 

  Minimum Enterprise values of between $600 million and $1 billion;
     
  Impacted by recent factors such as COVID-19, mismanagement, media issues, overextension or arbitrage (what we call special situation opportunities);
     
  Could benefit from the substantial expertise, experience and network of our Team;
     
  Have attractive growth prospects or have the potential for having attractive growth prospects;
     
  Have a competitive advantage or have the potential for having a competitive advantage;
     
  Exhibit industry leadership or have the potential for exhibiting industry leadership;
     
  Exhibit potential for global expansion in sports, sponsorship and brand recognition;

 

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  Would benefit from a public acquisition currency; or ownership would benefit from liquidity;
     
  Demonstrate attractive valuation;
     
  Demonstrate potential for free cash flow generation; and
     
  Have secondary potential revenue streams.

 

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines, as well as other considerations, factors and criteria deemed relevant by our management in effecting our initial business combination consistent with our business objectives. In the event that we decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet any of the above criteria and guidelines, we will disclose that the target business does not meet any of the above criteria in our shareholder communications related to our initial business combination.

 

Special situation assets and opportunities are those that have arisen due to recent factors such as COVID-19, mismanagement, media issues, overextension or arbitrage. For example, according to the Associated Press, the NBA reportedly came in $1.5 billion under revenue projections in 2020. TicketiQ placed the value of lost ticket revenue in 2020 at $7 billion for the NFL. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced 898 MLB regular-season games to go on without fans this summer, MLB’s 30 teams combined for a total of $3 billion in operating losses, according to its Commissioner. Other special situations may arise due to mismanagement (exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis), media issues (as we have seen with sports franchise owners receiving negative publicity for a variety of reasons), overextension, and potential arbitrage opportunities as we search the globe for a target. As discussed above, assets dependent on or related to the sports and media sectors have also been hit hard, leading to the potential for special situations to exist in these spaces also.

 

Effecting a Business Combination

 

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 convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination or don’t vote at all, into 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. If we decide to allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of such business combination and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination. We have no specified maximum percentage threshold for conversions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and even those public stockholders who vote in favor of our initial business combination have the right to convert their public shares. As a result, this may make it easier for us to consummate our initial business combination.

 

We will have up to 24 months from the closing of this offering to consummate an initial business combination. If we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within such time period, we will redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, 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 tax obligations, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to applicable law and as further described herein, and then seek to dissolve and liquidate. We expect the pro rata redemption price to be approximately $10.00 per share of common stock (regardless of whether or not the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option), without taking into account any interest earned on such funds. However, we cannot assure you that we will in fact be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public stockholders.

 

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Nasdaq listing rules require that our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. The fair market value of the target or targets will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow and/or book value). Although our board of directors will rely on generally accepted standards, our board of directors will have discretion to select the standards employed. In addition, the application of the standards generally involves a substantial degree of judgment. Accordingly, investors will be relying on the business judgment of the board of directors in evaluating the fair market value of the target or targets. The proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents used by us in connection with any proposed transaction will provide public stockholders with our analysis of the fair market value of the target business, as well as the basis for our determinations. If our board is not able independently to determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, we will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we are not then listed on Nasdaq for whatever reason, we would no longer be required to meet the foregoing 80% fair market value test.

 

We currently anticipate structuring a business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination where we merge directly with the target business or a newly formed subsidiary or where we acquire less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our 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 could 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% fair market value test.

 

Potential Conflicts

 

Members of our Team will directly or indirectly own shares of our common stock, or other instruments, such as warrants, linked to our common stock, following this offering and, accordingly, may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination. Further, each of our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination.

 

Our officers and directors have agreed to present to us all target business opportunities that have a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account, subject to any fiduciary or contractual obligations. As more fully discussed in “Management — Conflicts of Interest,” if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of an initial business combination opportunity that might be attractive to any entity to which he has fiduciary or contractual obligations, he may be required to present such initial business combination opportunity to such entity prior to presenting such initial business combination opportunity to us. For more information on the relevant pre-existing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our management team, see the section titled “Management — Conflicts of Interest.”

 

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JOBS Act

 

We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (which we refer to herein as the JOBS Act) and will remain such for up to five years. However, if our annual gross revenue is $1.07 billion or more, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three year period exceeds $1 billion or the market value of our shares of common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. As an emerging growth company, we have elected, under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act, to take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

 

Private Placements

 

In November 2020, we issued an aggregate of 5,750,000 shares of our common stock, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as the “founders’ shares,” for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.004 per share, to our initial stockholders. On December 16, 2020, we effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result, our initial shareholders hold 6,468,750 founder shares as of the date of this prospectus. The founders’ shares held by our initial stockholders includes an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that our initial stockholders will continue to own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering (not including the private units and representative shares described below and assuming the initial stockholders do not purchase units in this offering).

 

In January 2021, we also issued to EarlyBirdCapital and its designees an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as the “representative shares,” at a price of $0.0001 per share. The representative shares are deemed to be underwriters’ compensation by FINRA pursuant to Rule 5110 of the FINRA Manual.

 

In addition, our sponsor and/or its designees will purchase from us an aggregate of 600,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $6.00 million in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of this offering. They have also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it and/or its designees will purchase from us an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units at $10.00 per private unit) in order to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The proceeds from the private placement of the private units will be added to the proceeds of this offering and placed in a U.S.-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee. If we do not complete an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, the proceeds from the sale of the private units will be included in the liquidating distribution to our public stockholders and the private units will be worthless.

 

Our executive offices are located at 13001 W. Hwy 71, Suite 201, Austin Texas 78738 and our telephone number is (888) 717-7678.

 

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The Offering

 

Securities offered  

22,500,000 units, at $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant, each warrant to purchase one share of common stock.

 

Listing of our securities and proposed symbols  

We anticipate that the units, and the shares of common stock and warrants once they begin separate trading, will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “PUCKU,” “PUCK” and “PUCKW,” respectively.

 

Trading commencement and separation of common stock and warrants  

The units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The common stock and warrants comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 90th day following the date of this prospectus unless EarlyBirdCapital 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 and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing when such separate trading will begin.

 

   

Once the shares of common stock and warrants commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component pieces. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent in order to separate the units into shares of common stock and warrants.

 

    In no event will the common stock and warrants be traded separately until we have filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC containing an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds at the closing of this offering. We will file the Current Report on Form 8-K promptly after the closing of this offering, which is anticipated to take place three business days from 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. We will also include the Form 8-K, or amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K, information indicating if EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. has allowed separate trading of the common stock and warrants prior to the 90th day after the date of this prospectus.
Units:    
     
Number outstanding before this offering   0 units

 

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Number to be sold in private placement   600,000 units
     

Number outstanding after this offering and private placement

 
23,100,000 units
     
Shares of common stock:    
     
Number outstanding before this offering   6,618,750 shares(1)
     
Number to be sold in private placement   600,000 shares
     
Number to be outstanding after this
offering and private placement
 
28,875,000 shares(2)
     
Warrants:    
     
Number outstanding before this offering   0 warrants
     
Number to be sold in private placement   600,000 warrants
     

Number to be outstanding after this

offering and private placement

 
23,100,000 warrants
     
Exercisability   Each warrant is exercisable for one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. The warrants will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination. The warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, or earlier upon redemption.
     
Exercise price   $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described herein. In addition, if (x) we issue additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of our initial business combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of common stock (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by our board of directors, and in the case of any such issuance to our sponsor, initial stockholders or their affiliates, without taking into account any founders’ shares held by them prior to such issuance), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of our initial business combination on the date of the consummation of our initial business combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of our common stock during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which we consummate our initial business combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the greater of (i) the Market Value or (ii) the price at which we issue the additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities.

 

 

(1) Represents 6,468,750 founders’ shares and 150,000 representative shares. The 6,468,750 founders’ shares includes an aggregate of up to 843,750 founders’ shares that are subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters in full.
(2) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 843,750 founders’ shares have been forfeited.

 

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    No warrants will be exercisable for cash unless we have an effective and current registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to such shares of common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of our initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis.
     
Redemption   We may redeem the outstanding warrants (excluding the private warrants and any warrants underlying additional units issued to our sponsor, officers or directors in payment of working capital loans made to us) in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per warrant at any time after the warrants become exercisable, upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, if, and only if, the last sales price of our shares of common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period commencing at any time after the warrants become exercisable and ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption; and if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of common stock underlying such warrants.
     
    If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption, each warrant holder can exercise his, her or its warrant prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price of the shares of common stock may fall below the $18.00 trigger price as well as the $11.50 warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.
     
    If we call the warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of common stock for the five trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants.

 

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Securities purchased, or being purchased, by insiders in connection with this offering

  Our initial stockholders have purchased an aggregate of 5,750,000 founders’ shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. On December 16, 2020, we effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result, our initial shareholders hold 6,468,750 founder shares as of the date of this prospectus. In December 2020, our sponsor transferred an aggregate of 2,354,000 founder shares to our officers, directors and advisors. The 6,468,750 founders’ shares held by our initial stockholders includes an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares of common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent that the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters in full or in part. Our initial stockholders will be required to forfeit only a number of shares of common stock necessary to continue to maintain the 20.0% ownership interest in our shares of common stock after giving effect to the offering and exercise, if any, of the underwriters’ over-allotment option (excluding the private shares, representative shares and any shares included in units purchased in this offering). The founders’ shares are identical to the shares of common stock included in the units being sold in this offering. However, our initial stockholders and officers and directors have agreed (A) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to convert any shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or sell any shares to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination and (C) that the founders’ shares will not participate in any liquidating distributions from our trust account upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.
     
    Simultaneously with the consummation of this offering, our sponsor has committed that it and/or it’s designees will purchase an aggregate of 600,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit for a total purchase price of $6,000,000 pursuant to subscription agreements with us. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, they will purchase from us, on a pro rata basis, an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units at a price of $10.00 per private unit) in an amount necessary to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The amounts to be paid upon consummation of the private placement will be placed in escrow with our counsel prior to the consummation of this offering. The private units (and underlying private shares and private warrants) are identical to the units (and underlying private shares and private warrants) sold in this offering except that the private warrants: (i) will not be redeemable by us and (ii) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, as described in this prospectus, in each case so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or any of their permitted transferees. If the private warrants are held by holders other than the initial purchasers or any of their permitted transferees, the private warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the warrants included in the units being sold in this offering. Furthermore, our initial stockholders have agreed (A) to vote the private shares in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to convert any private shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or sell any private shares to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination and (C) that the private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution from our trust account upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated.

 

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As a result, if we sought stockholder approval of a proposed transaction we could need as little as 8,062,501 of our public shares (or approximately 35.8% of our public shares) to be voted in favor of the transaction in order to have such transaction approved (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised, that the initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering or units or shares in the after-market and that the 150,000 representative shares are voted in favor of the transaction). If our anchor investor purchases the full amount of units it has expressed an interest in purchasing in this offering and votes the shares underlying such units in favor of our initial business combination, we would need only 5,835,001, or approximately 25.9%, of the remaining public shares sold in this offering to be voted in favor of such transaction (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised, that the initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering or units or shares in the after-market and that the 150,000 representative shares are voted in favor of the transaction). In the event of a liquidation prior to our initial business combination, the private units will likely be worthless. 

     

Restrictions on transfer of founders’ shares and private units

  On the date of this prospectus, the founders’ shares will be placed into an escrow account maintained in New York, New York by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as escrow agent. Subject to certain limited exceptions, these shares will not be transferred, assigned, sold or released from escrow (subject to certain limited exceptions set forth below) for a period ending on the six-month anniversary of the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, 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, advisors 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 the terms of the escrow agreement and to be bound by these transfer restrictions.
     
    The purchasers of the private units have also agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private units, including the underlying private shares and private warrants (except in connection with the same limited exceptions that the founders’ shares may be transferred as described above), until after the completion of our initial business combination.
     
Representative shares   In January 2021, we issued to EarlyBirdCapital and its designees the 150,000 representative shares. The holders of the representative shares have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any such shares without our prior consent until the completion of our initial business combination. In addition, the holders of the representative shares have agreed (i) to waive their conversion rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering.

 

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Indication of Interest  

Our anchor investor has expressed an interest to purchase units in this offering at a level of up to and in no event exceeding 9.9% of the units subject to this offering. In addition, our sponsor has entered into a letter agreement with the anchor investor pursuant to which the anchor investor will purchase membership interests in our sponsor, entitling such investor to an indirect ownership interest in an aggregate of 1,000,000 founder shares (or 1,911,250 founder shares and 67,500 private warrants held by our sponsor if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). The anchor investor founder shares and the anchor investor private warrants will be treated the same in all material respects as the founder shares held and the private warrants to be held by our sponsor as described in this prospectus. If the anchor investor purchases the full 9.9% of the units they have expressed an interest in purchasing, the anchor investor would own approximately 7.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company following this offering (or approximately 6.7% of the outstanding shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and our sponsor, initial stockholders and anchor investor would own approximately 29.8% of the outstanding shares following this offering (or approximately 28.7% of the outstanding shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). In addition, the anchor investor will be subject to any forfeiture of its founder shares and private warrants on the same terms as the founder shares and private warrants held by the sponsor, which forfeitures may be negotiated at the time of our initial business combination.

 

Pursuant to the letter agreement with our sponsor, the anchor investor has not been granted any material additional shareholder or other rights, and is only being issued membership interests in our sponsor with no right to control our sponsor or vote or dispose of the founder shares or private warrants, as applicable (which will continue to be held by our sponsor until following our initial business combination). Additionally with respect to the units it has expressed an interest in purchasing (or all of the units it purchases in this offering, if less), such anchor investor (1) will not transfer such units (or underlying shares of common stock) prior to the date we complete our initial business combination, and (2) will not exercise its redemption rights with respect to any shares of common stock included in such units in connection with the completion of our initial business combination. The purchases by the anchor investor of units in this offering or our securities in the open market (or both) could potentially allow such investor to assert influence over our company, including with respect to our initial business combination.

 

There can be no assurance that the anchor investor will acquire any units in this offering or what amount of equity our anchor investor will retain, if any, upon the consummation of our initial business combination. As a result of the founder shares and private placement warrants that the anchor investor may hold (directly or indirectly), they may have different interests with respect to a vote on an initial business combination than other public stockholders.

 

The anchor investor will have the same rights to the funds held in the trust account with respect to the common stock underlying the units they may purchase in this offering as the rights afforded to our public stockholders.

 

If our anchor investor purchases the full amount of units it has expressed an interest in purchasing in this offering and votes the shares underlying such units in favor of our initial business combination, we would need only 5,835,001, or approximately 25.9%, of the remaining public shares sold in this offering to be voted in favor of such transaction (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised, that the initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering or units or shares in the after-market and that the 150,000 representative shares are voted in favor of the transaction).

     
Offering proceeds to be held in trust   An aggregate of $10.00 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. 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, except as set forth below, 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.

 

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    Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be released to us from the trust account any interest earned on the funds in the trust account that we need to pay our income or other tax obligations. With this exception, expenses incurred by us may be paid prior to a business combination only from the net proceeds of this offering not held in the trust account (initially estimated to be $900,000). Additionally, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering if the funds available to us are insufficient, our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders 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 holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into units at a price of $10.00 per unit. These units would be identical to the private units. 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 no other proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.
     
    None of the warrants may be exercised until the completion of our initial business combination and, thus, after the proceeds of the trust account have been disbursed. Accordingly, the warrant exercise price will be paid directly to us and not placed in the trust account.
     
Limited payments to insiders   There will be no fees, reimbursements or other cash payments paid to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates for any services they render prior to, or in order to effectuate the consummation of, an initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is) other than the following payments, none of which will be made from the proceeds of this offering held in the trust account prior to the completion of our initial business combination:

 

 

repayment at the closing of this offering of an aggregate of $200,000 of non-interest-bearing loans made by our sponsor;

     
  payment of consulting, success or finder fees to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination; and
     
  reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible target businesses and business combinations.

 

    There is no limit on the amount of consulting, success or finder fees payable by us upon consummation of an initial business combination. Additionally, there is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or our or their respective affiliates, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval.

 

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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 convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination or don’t vote at all, into 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. 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 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. If we determine to allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of such business combination and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination. We have no specified maximum percentage threshold for conversions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and even those public stockholders who vote in favor of our initial business combination have the right to convert their public shares. As a result, this may make it easier for us to consummate our initial business combination.
     
    We chose our net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001 to ensure that we would avoid being subject to Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act. However, if we seek to consummate an initial business combination with a target business that imposes any type of working capital closing condition or requires us to have a minimum amount of funds available from the trust account upon consummation of such initial business combination, we may need to have more than $5,000,001 in net tangible assets immediately prior to or upon consummation and this may force us to seek third party financing which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. As a result, we may not be able to consummate such initial business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all.

 

 17 
   

 

    Our initial stockholders and officers and directors and their affiliates have agreed (i) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, (ii) not to convert any shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination and (iii) not to sell any shares to us in a tender offer in connection with any proposed business combination.
     
    None of our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or shares of common stock from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, 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 a proposed business combination, our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions in order to influence any vote held to approve a proposed initial business combination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers, directors, sponsor 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, which are rules designed to prevent potential manipulation of a company’s stock.
     
Conversion 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 is voting for or against such proposed business combination or does not vote at all, to demand that we convert his shares into a pro rata share of the trust account.
     
    We may require public stockholders, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either (i) physically tender their certificates to our transfer agent or (ii) deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, in each case prior to a date set forth in the tender offer documents or proxy materials sent in connection with the proposal to approve the business combination. There is a nominal cost associated with this tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC system. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker a nominal amount and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the converting holder.

 

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Liquidation if no business combination   If we are unable to complete an initial business combination by 24 months 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, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not previously released to us (net of taxes payable), 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 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) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. We cannot assure you that we will have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims. Although we are required to have all third parties (including any vendors or other entities we engage after this offering) and any prospective target businesses enter into agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements. There is also no guarantee that the third parties would not challenge the enforceability of these waivers and bring claims against the trust account for monies owed them. Our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per share by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us. The agreement entered into by our sponsor specifically provides for two exceptions to the indemnity it has given: it will have no liability (1) as to any claimed amounts owed to a target business or vendor or other entity who has executed an agreement 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, or (2) as to any claims for indemnification by the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Marcum LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, and the underwriters of the offering, will not execute agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account. 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 believe it is unlikely that our sponsor will be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations if it is required to do so.
     
    The holders of the founders’ shares, representative shares and private shares will not participate in any redemption distribution from our trust account with respect to such shares.
     
    If we are unable to consummate an initial business combination and we expend all of the net proceeds of this offering not deposited in the trust account, we expect that the initial per-share redemption price will be approximately $10.00 (which is equal to the anticipated aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account excluding interest earned on the funds held in the trust account). The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to claims of our creditors that are in preference to the claims of our stockholders. In addition, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case 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. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the actual per-share redemption price will not be less than approximately $10.00.

 

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    We will pay the costs of any subsequent liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, our sponsor has contractually agreed to advance us the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $15,000) and has contractually agreed not to seek repayment for such expenses.
     
    Our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers and directors have agreed that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to convert their shares of common stock upon the approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest not previously released to us but net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. This redemption right shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsor, initial stockholders, executive officers, directors or any other person.

 

Summary Risk Factors

 

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the section title “Risk Factors,” that represent challenges that we face in connection with the successful implementation of our strategy. 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 adversely affect our ability to effect a business combination, and may have an adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to:

 

newly formed company without an operating history;
delay in receiving distributions from the trust account;
lack of opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination;
lack of protections afforded to investors of blank check companies;
deviation from acquisition criteria;
issuance of equity and/or debt securities to complete a business combination;
lack of working capital;
third-party claims reducing the per-share redemption price;
negative interest rate for securities in which we invest the funds held in the trust account;
our stockholders being held liable for claims by third parties against us;
failure to enforce our sponsor’s indemnification obligations;
warrant holders limited to exercising warrants only on a “cashless basis;”
the ability of warrant holders to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with our company;
dependence on key personnel;
conflicts of interest of our sponsor, officers and directors;
the delisting of our securities by the Nasdaq;
dependence on a single target business with a limited number of products or services;
shares being redeemed and warrants becoming worthless;
our competitors with advantages over us in seeking business combinations;
ability to obtain additional financing;
our initial stockholders controlling a substantial interest in us;
warrants adverse effect on the market price of our common stock;
events which may result in the per-share amount held in our trust account dropping below $10.00 per
public share;
disadvantageous timing for redeeming warrants;
registration rights’ adverse effect on the market price of our common stock;
impact of COVID-19 and related risks;
business combination with a company located in a foreign jurisdiction;
changes in laws or regulations; tax consequences to business combinations;
exclusive forum provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation;
specific risks related to businesses in the sports and media sectors.

 

In making your decision on whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account the special risks we face as a blank check company, as well as the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act, and, therefore, you will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. For additional information concerning how Rule 419 blank check offerings differ from this offering, 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” beginning on page 22 of this prospectus.

 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table summarizes the relevant financial data for our business and should be read with our financial statements, which are included in this prospectus. We have not had any significant operations to date, and accordingly only balance sheet data is presented.

 

   November 24, 2020 
   Actual (Audited)   As Adjusted 
Balance Sheet Data:          
Working capital (deficiency)(1)  $(5,461)  $225,923,964 
Total assets(2)   54,410    225,923,964 
Total liabilities   30,461     
Value of subunits subject to possible conversion/tender(3)       220,923,960 
Stockholders’ equity(4)   23,949    5,000,004 

 

 

(1)The “as adjusted” calculation includes $225,900,000 net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units, plus $15 of proceeds from the issuance of 150,000 representative shares, plus $23,949 of actual stockholders’ equity at November 24, 2020.
  
(2)The “as adjusted” calculation includes $225,900,000 net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units, plus $15 of proceeds from the issuance of 150,000 representative shares, plus $23,949 of actual stockholders’ equity at November 24, 2020.
  
(3)The “as adjusted” calculation equals the “as adjusted” total assets, less the “as adjusted” total liabilities, less the “as adjusted” stockholders’ equity, which is set to approximate the minimum net tangible assets threshold of at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination.
  
(4)Excludes 22,092,396 shares of common stock included in the subunits which are subject to conversion 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 included in the subunits that may be converted in connection with our initial business combination ($10.00 per subunit).

 

We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of such business combination and, solely if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully 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. 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 may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our 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 may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination or don’t vote at all, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our public 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 elsewhere in this prospectus. Accordingly, it is possible that we will consummate our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our public shares do not approve of the business combination we consummate. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. For instance, 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 required us to issue more than 20% of our outstanding shares, we would seek stockholder approval of such business combination instead of conducting a tender offer.

 

If we are unable to consummate a business combination, our public stockholders may be forced to wait more than 24 months before receiving distributions from the trust account.

 

We have 24 months from the closing of this offering in which to complete a business combination. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to such date unless we consummate a business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors have sought to convert or sell their shares to us. Only after the expiration of this full time period will public security holders be entitled to distributions from the trust account if we are unable to complete a business combination. Accordingly, investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until after such date and to liquidate your investment, public security holders may be forced to sell their public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

 

If we determine to change our acquisition criteria or guidelines, many of the disclosures contained in this prospectus would not be applicable and you would be investing in our company without any basis on which to evaluate the potential target business we may acquire.

 

We could seek to deviate from the acquisition criteria or guidelines disclosed in this prospectus although we have no current intention to do so. Accordingly, investors may be making an investment in our company without any basis on which to evaluate the potential target business we may acquire. Regardless of whether or not we deviate from the acquisition criteria or guidelines in connection with any proposed business combination, investors will always be given the opportunity to convert their shares or sell them to us in a tender offer in connection with any proposed business combination as described in this prospectus.

 

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If the net proceeds of this offering not being held in trust are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 24 months, we may be unable to complete a business combination.

 

Of the net proceeds of this offering, only approximately $900,000 will be available to us initially outside the trust account to fund our working capital requirements. We believe that, upon closing of this offering, such funds will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 24 months; however, we cannot assure you that our estimate is accurate. Accordingly, if we use all of the funds held outside of the trust account and all interest available to us, we may not have sufficient funds available with which to structure, negotiate or close an initial business combination. In such event, we would need to borrow funds from our sponsor, officers or directors or their affiliates to operate or may be forced to liquidate. Our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors and their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount that they deem reasonable in their sole discretion for our working capital needs. 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 holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into units at a price of $10.00 per unit.

 

If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in trust could be reduced and the per-share redemption price received by stockholders may be less than $10.00.

 

Our placing of funds in trust may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we will seek to have all vendors and service providers we engage and prospective target businesses we negotiate with execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public stockholders, they may not execute such agreements. Furthermore, even if such entities execute such agreements with us, they may seek recourse against the trust account. A court may not uphold the validity of such agreements. Accordingly, the proceeds held in trust could be subject to claims which could take priority over those of our public stockholders. If we are unable to complete a business combination and distribute the proceeds held in trust to our public stockholders, our sponsor has agreed (subject to certain exceptions described elsewhere in this prospectus) that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per share by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us. 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 believe it is unlikely that our sponsor will be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations if it is required to do so. As a result, the per-share distribution from the trust account may be less than $10.00, plus interest, due to such claims.

 

Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, 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 may not be able to return to our public stockholders at least $10.00.

 

As the number of special purpose acquisition companies evaluating targets increases, attractive targets may become scarcer and there may be more competition for attractive targets. This could increase the cost of our initial business combination and could even result in our inability to find a target or to consummate an initial business combination.

In recent years, the number of special purpose acquisition companies that have been formed has increased substantially. Many potential targets for special purpose acquisition companies have already entered into an initial business combination, and there are still many special purpose acquisition companies seeking targets for their initial business combination, as well as many such companies currently in registration. As a result, at times, fewer attractive targets may be available, and it may require more time, more effort and more resources to identify a suitable target and to consummate an initial business combination.

 

In addition, because there are more special purpose acquisition companies seeking to enter into an initial business combination with available targets, the competition for available targets with attractive fundamentals or business models may increase, which could cause targets companies to demand improved financial terms. Attractive deals could also become scarcer for other reasons, such as economic or industry sector downturns, geopolitical tensions, or increases in the cost of additional capital needed to close business combinations or operate targets post-business combination. This could increase the cost of, delay or otherwise complicate or frustrate our ability to find and consummate an initial business combination, and may result in our inability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors altogether.

 

Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we will continue in existence only until 24 months from the closing of this offering. If we have not completed a business combination by such date, 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, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not previously released to us but net of taxes payable, 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 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) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. 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 well beyond the third anniversary of the date of distribution. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from our stockholders amounts owed to them by us.

 

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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, 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. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders promptly after expiration of the time we have to complete an initial business combination, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.

 

A provision of our warrant agreement may make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination.

 

If:

 

  we issue additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of our initial business combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of common stock,
     
  the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of our initial business combination on the date of the consummation of our initial business combination (net of redemptions), and
     
  the Market Value is below $9.20 per share,

 

then the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the price at which we issue the additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities. This may make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination with a target business.

 

Since we have not yet selected a target business with which to complete a business combination, we are unable to currently ascertain the merits or risks of the industry or business in which we may ultimately operate.

 

Although we intend to focus on an acquisition in the sports industry, we may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business industry or sector we choose. Accordingly, there is no current basis for you to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the particular industry in which we may ultimately operate or the target business which we may ultimately acquire. To the extent we complete a business combination with a financially unstable company or an entity in its development stage, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations of those entities. If we complete a business combination with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk, we may be affected by the currently unascertainable risks of that industry. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular industry or target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors in this offering than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in a target business.

 

Our ability to successfully effect a business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following a business combination. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct.

 

Our ability to successfully effect a business combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key personnel, at least until we have consummated our initial business combination. We cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain with us for the immediate or foreseeable future. In addition, none of our officers is required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly, our officers will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities, including identifying potential business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. We do not have employment agreements with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our officers. The unexpected loss of the services of our key personnel could have a detrimental effect on us.

 

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The role of our key personnel after a business combination, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel serve in senior management or advisory positions following a business combination, it is likely that most, if not all, of the management of the target business will remain in place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a public company which could cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues which may adversely affect our operations.

 

Our officers and directors may not have significant experience or knowledge regarding the jurisdiction or industry of the target business we may seek to acquire.

 

We may consummate a business combination with a target business in any geographic location or industry we choose. We cannot assure you that our officers and directors will have enough experience or have sufficient knowledge relating to the jurisdiction of the target or its industry to make an informed decision regarding a business combination.

 

Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business combination. These agreements may provide for them to receive compensation following a business combination and as a result, may cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination is the most advantageous.

 

Our key personnel will be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements or other appropriate arrangements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business.

 

Our officers and directors 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 could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate a business combination.

 

Our officers and directors will not commit their full time to our affairs. We presently expect each of our officers and directors to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of our initial business combination. The foregoing could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate our initial business combination.

 

Our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a business combination.

 

Our sponsor has waived its right to convert its founders’ shares or any other shares purchased in this offering or thereafter, or to receive distributions from the trust account with respect to its founders’ shares upon our liquidation if we are unable to consummate a business combination. Accordingly, the shares acquired prior to this offering, as well as the private units and any warrants purchased by our officers or directors in the aftermarket, will be worthless if we do not consummate a 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 and in determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest.

 

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Our officers and directors or their affiliates have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations and may in the future become affiliated with other entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us. Accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

 

Our officers and directors or their affiliates have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations to other companies. 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. Additionally, our officers and directors may in the future become affiliated with entities that are engaged in a similar business, including another blank check company that may have acquisition objectives that are similar to ours. Accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor and a potential target business may be presented to other entities prior to its presentation to us, subject to our officers’ and directors’ fiduciary duties under Delaware law. For a more detailed description of our officers’ and directors’ business affiliations and the potential conflicts of interest that you should be aware of, see the sections titled “Management — Directors and Executive Officers” and “Management — Conflicts of Interest.”

 

EarlyBirdCapital may have a conflict of interest in rendering services to us in connection with our initial business combination.

 

We have engaged EarlyBirdCapital to assist us in connection with our initial business combination. We will pay EarlyBirdCapital a cash fee for such services in an aggregate amount equal to up to 3.5% of the total gross proceeds raised in the offering only if we consummate our initial business combination. The representative shares will also be worthless if we do not consummate an initial business combination. These financial interests may result in EarlyBirdCapital having a conflict of interest when providing the services to us in connection with an initial business combination.

 

We may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of this offering, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services.

 

It is likely we will consummate a business combination with a single target business, although we have the ability to simultaneously acquire several 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:

 

  solely dependent upon the performance of a single business, or
     
  dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.

 

This lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination.

 

Alternatively, if we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple business combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks, it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.

 

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The ability of our stockholders to exercise their conversion rights or sell their shares to us in a tender offer may not allow us to effectuate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.

 

If our business combination requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, because we will not know how many stockholders may exercise conversion rights or seek to sell their shares to us in a tender offer, we may either need to reserve part of the trust account for possible payment upon such conversion, or we may need to arrange third party financing to help fund our business combination. In the event that the acquisition involves the issuance of our stock as consideration, we may be required to issue a higher percentage of our stock to make up for a shortfall in funds. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate the most attractive business combination available to us.

 

In connection with any vote to approve a business combination, we will offer each public stockholder the option to vote in favor of a proposed business combination and still seek conversion of his, her or its shares.

 

In connection with any vote to approve a business combination, we will offer each public stockholder (but not our sponsor, officers or directors) the right to have his, her or its shares of common stock converted to cash (subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this prospectus) regardless of whether such stockholder votes for or against such proposed business combination or does not vote at all. The ability to seek conversion while voting in favor of our proposed business combination may make it more likely that we will consummate a business combination.

 

We do not have a specified maximum conversion threshold. The absence of such a conversion threshold may make it easier for us to consummate a business combination even where a substantial number of public stockholders seek to convert their shares to cash in connection with the vote on the business combination.

 

We have no specified percentage threshold for conversion in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. As a result, we may be able to consummate a business combination even though a substantial number of our public stockholders do not agree with the transaction and have converted their shares. However, in no event will we consummate an initial business combination unless we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination.

 

In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with a proposed business combination to comply with specific requirements for conversion 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 is voting for or against such proposed business combination or does not vote at all, to demand that we convert his shares into a pro rata share of the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination. We may require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with a proposed business combination to either (i) tender their certificates to our transfer agent or (ii) deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holders’ option, in each case prior to a date set forth in the tender offer documents or proxy materials sent in connection with the proposal to approve the business combination. In order to obtain a physical stock certificate, a stockholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC 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 DTC, it may take significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate. While we have been advised that it takes a short time to deliver shares through the DWAC System, we cannot assure you of this fact. Accordingly, if it takes longer than we anticipate for stockholders to deliver their shares, stockholders who wish to convert may be unable to meet the deadline for exercising their conversion rights and thus may be unable to convert their shares.

 

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If, in connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed business combination, we require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares to comply with specific requirements for conversion, such converting 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 convert their shares to comply with specific requirements for conversion and such proposed business combination is not consummated, we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public stockholders. Accordingly, investors who attempted to convert their shares in such a circumstance will be unable to sell their securities after the failed acquisition until we have returned their securities to them. The market price for our shares 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.

 

Because of our structure, other companies may have a competitive advantage and we may not be able to consummate an attractive business combination.

 

We expect to encounter intense competition from entities other than blank check companies having a business objective similar to ours, including venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds and operating businesses competing for acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources than we do and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe that there are numerous potential target businesses that we could acquire with the net proceeds of this offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Furthermore, seeking stockholder approval or engaging in a tender offer in connection with any proposed business combination may delay the consummation of such a transaction. Additionally, our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Any of the foregoing may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination.

 

We may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to complete a business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.

 

Although we believe that the net proceeds of this offering will be sufficient to allow us to consummate a 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 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 convert into cash a significant number of shares from dissenting stockholders, we will be required to seek additional financing. Such financing may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to consummate a particular business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we may require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our sponsor, officers, directors or stockholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after a business combination.

 

Our outstanding warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.

 

We will be issuing warrants to purchase 22,500,000 shares of common stock as part of the units offered by this prospectus and private warrants included within the private units to purchase 600,000 shares of common stock. We may also issue other units to our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us as described in this prospectus. To the extent we issue shares of common stock to effect a business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares upon exercise of these warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle in the eyes of a target business. Such securities, when exercised, will increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock and reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination. Accordingly, our warrants may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business. Additionally, the sale, or even the possibility of sale, of the shares underlying the warrants could have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain future financing. If and to the extent these warrants are exercised, you may experience dilution to your holdings.

 

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Our search for an initial business combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate an initial business combination, may be materially adversely affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other events, and the status of debt and equity markets.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and other events (such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or a significant outbreak of other infectious diseases) could adversely affect, the economies and financial markets worldwide, and the business of any potential target business with which we consummate an initial business combination could be materially and adversely affected. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and other events (such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or a significant outbreak of other infectious diseases) could adversely affect, the economies and financial markets worldwide, and the business of any potential target business with which we consummate an initial business combination could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, we may be unable to complete an initial business combination if concerns relating to COVID-19 continue to restrict travel, limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel, vendors and services providers are unavailable to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for an initial business combination will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. If the disruptions posed by COVID-19 or other events (such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or a significant outbreak of other infectious diseases) continue for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummate an initial business combination, or the operations of a target business with which we ultimately consummate an initial business combination, may be materially adversely affected.

 

In addition, our ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing which may be impacted by COVID-19 and other events (such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters or a significant outbreak of other infectious diseases), including as a result of increased market volatility, decreased market liquidity in third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to us or at all.

 

If we do not conduct an adequate due diligence investigation of a target business, we may be required to subsequently 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.

 

We must conduct a due diligence investigation of the target businesses we intend to acquire. Intensive due diligence is time consuming and expensive due to the operations, accounting, finance and legal professionals who must be involved in the due diligence process. Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business, this diligence may not reveal all material issues that may affect a particular target business, and factors outside the control of the target business and outside of our control may later arise. If our diligence fails to identify issues specific to a target business, industry or the environment in which the target business operates, 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 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 common stock. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining post-combination debt financing.

 

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The requirement that we complete an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination.

 

We have 24 months from the closing of this offering to complete an initial business combination. Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware of this requirement. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete a business combination with that particular target business, we may be unable to complete a business combination with any other target business. This risk will increase as we get closer to the time limit referenced above.

 

We may not obtain a fairness opinion with respect to the target business that we seek to acquire and therefore you may be relying solely on the judgment of our board of directors in approving a proposed business combination.

 

We will only be required to obtain a fairness opinion with respect to the target business that we seek to acquire if it is an entity that is affiliated with any of our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates. In all other instances, we will have no obligation to obtain an opinion. Accordingly, investors will be relying solely on the judgment of our board of directors in approving a proposed business combination.

 

Resources could be spent researching acquisitions that are not consummated, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business.

 

It is anticipated 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 a decision is made not to complete a specific business combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, even if an agreement is reached relating to a specific target business, we may fail to consummate the 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.

 

Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require substantial financial and management resources and may increase the time and costs of completing an acquisition.

 

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls and may require that we have such system of internal controls audited beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2022. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties and/or stockholder litigation. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports could harm our business. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act also requires that our independent registered public accounting firm report on management’s evaluation of our system of internal controls. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition. Furthermore, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation of adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock. 

 

If we effect a business combination with a company located in a foreign jurisdiction, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our operations.

 

If we consummate a business combination with a target business in a foreign country, 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 conversion or corporate withholding taxes on individuals;

 

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  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;
     
  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 cannot assure you that we would be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer.

 

If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such company will likely govern all of our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.

 

If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws of the country in which such company operates will govern almost all of the material agreements relating to its operations. We cannot assure you that the target business will be able to enforce any of its material agreements or that remedies will be available in this new jurisdiction. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital. Additionally, if we acquire a company located outside of the United States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets would be located outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our directors and officers under federal securities laws.

 

Because we must furnish our stockholders with target business financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards, we will not be able to complete a business combination with prospective target businesses unless their financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.

 

The federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on a business combination meeting certain financial significance tests include historical and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards, 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. We will include the same financial statement disclosure in connection with any tender offer documents we use, whether or not they are required under the tender offer rules. Additionally, to the extent we furnish our stockholders with financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, such financial statements will need to be audited in accordance with U.S. GAAP at the time of the consummation of the business combination. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire.

 

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There may be tax consequences to our business combinations that may adversely affect us.

 

While we expect to undertake any merger or acquisition so as to minimize taxes both to the acquired business and/or assets and us, such business combination might not meet the statutory requirements of a tax-deferred reorganization, or the parties might not obtain the intended tax-deferred treatment upon a transfer of shares or assets. A non-qualifying reorganization could result in the imposition of substantial taxes.

 

We may face risks related to businesses in the sports and media sectors.

 

Business combinations with companies in the sports and media sectors entail special considerations and risks, including potential limitations and restrictions on our ability to complete business combinations imposed by professional sports leagues that prospective target businesses may be associated with. If we are successful in completing a business combination with such a target business, we may be subject to, and possibly adversely affected by, the following risks:

 

  The popularity of any sports franchises that we control or have partnerships with, and, in varying degrees, the ability of those franchises achieving competitive success, depends on the viability and the popularity of the sports leagues and sports that such franchises are associated with, which can generate or impact supporter enthusiasm, resulting in increased or decreased revenues;
     
  An inability to build or maintain strong brand identity and reputation and improve customer and supporter satisfaction and loyalty,
     
  A dependence in part on relationships with third parties and an inability to attract or retain sponsorships, advertisers or partners;
     
  An inability to attract or retain key personnel, including players for any sports franchises we may control, and an inability of professional sports leagues to maintain labor relations or successfully negotiate new collective bargaining agreements with unionized players, referees or other employees on favorable terms;
     
  An inability to negotiate and control pricing of key media contracts for any sports franchises we may control;
     
  An inability of any sports franchises that we control or have partnerships with to qualify for playoffs or certain competitions;
     
  Changes in pricing, including changes in the demand for tickets, media rights or consumer products associated with our target business;
     
  An inability to sell, license, market, protect and enforce the intellectual property and other rights on which our target business may depend;
     
  Seasonality and weather conditions that may cause our operating results to vary from quarter to quarter;

 

  Potential liability for negligence, copyright, or trademark infringement or other claims based on the nature and content of materials that we may distribute;
     
  Special rules and regulations imposed by sports leagues on franchises, including rules and regulations regarding confidentiality, investments and sales of interests in sports franchises, financing transactions (including the ability to incur indebtedness, make distributions or engage in other liquidity transactions) and insolvency and bankruptcy;
     
  The ability of the member teams of sports leagues to take actions contrary to the interests of sports franchises, including asserting control over certain matters such as telecast rights, licensing rights, the length and format of the playing season, the operating territories of member teams, admission of new members, franchise relocations, labor relations with players associations, collective bargaining, free agency, and luxury taxes and revenue sharing, and the imposition of sanctions or suspension on sports franchises; and
     
  Business interruptions due to natural disasters, terrorist incidents, outbreak of disease (including the recent COVID-19 pandemic and related shelter-in-place orders, travel, social distancing and quarantine policies, boycotts, curtailment of trade and other business restrictions), and other events;

 

Any of the foregoing risks, and others, could have an adverse impact on our operations following a business combination. Our efforts in identifying prospective target businesses will not be limited to the sports and entertainment sectors. 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 businesses which we acquire, none of which can be presently ascertained.

 

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Risks Relating to Investing in our Securities

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going concern.”

 

As of November 24, 2020, we had $25,000 in cash and a working capital deficiency of $5,461. Further, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of our 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, raise 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 or our inability to continue as a going concern.

 

You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of blank check companies.

 

Since the net proceeds of this offering are intended to be used to complete a business combination with a target business that has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities laws. However, since we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful consummation of this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors of blank check companies such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules which would, for example, completely restrict the transferability of our securities, require us to complete a business combination within 24 months of the effective date of the initial registration statement and restrict the use of interest earned on the funds held in the trust account. Because we are not subject to Rule 419, our units will be immediately tradable, we will have a longer period of time to consummate an initial business combination and we will be entitled to withdraw amounts from the funds held in the trust account prior to the completion of a business combination.

 

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 public stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

 

The net proceeds of this offering and certain proceeds from the sale of the private placement warrants, in the amount of $225,000,000, will be held in an interest-bearing trust account. The proceeds held in the trust account may only be invested in direct U.S. government securities with a maturity of 185 days or less, or in certain money market funds which invest only in direct U.S. Treasury obligations. While short-term U.S. government 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 withdraw to pay income taxes) would be reduced. In the event that we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders are entitled to receive their share of the proceeds held in the trust account, plus any interest income. If the balance of the trust account is reduced below $225,000,000 as a result of negative interest rates, the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

 

We may issue shares of our capital stock or debt securities to complete a 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 will authorize the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.0001 per share. Immediately after this offering and the purchase of the private units (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), there will be 48,025,000 authorized but unissued shares of common stock available for issuance (after appropriate reservation for the issuance of the shares underlying the private units and public and private warrants). Although we have no commitment as of the date of this offering, 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 a business combination. The issuance of additional shares of common stock will not reduce the per-share conversion amount in the trust account. 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;

 

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  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.

 

Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:

 

  default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after a business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations; 
     
  acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
     
  our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; and
     
  our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding.

 

If we incur indebtedness, our lenders will not have a claim on the cash in the trust account and such indebtedness will not decrease the per-share conversion amount in the trust account.

 

If we do not file and maintain a current and effective prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, holders will only be able to exercise such warrants on a “cashless basis.”

 

If we do not file and maintain a current and effective prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants at the time that holders wish to exercise such warrants, they will only be able to exercise them on a “cashless basis” provided that an exemption from registration is available. As a result, the number of shares of common stock that holders will receive upon exercise of the warrants will be fewer than it would have been had such holder exercised his warrant for cash. Further, if an exemption from registration is not available, holders would not be able to exercise on a cashless basis and would only be able to exercise their warrants for cash if a current and effective prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is available. Under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts to meet these conditions and to file and maintain a current and effective prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. If we are unable to do so, the potential “upside” of the holder’s investment in our company may be reduced or the warrants may expire worthless.

 

An investor will only be able to exercise a warrant if the issuance of shares of common stock upon such exercise has been registered or qualified or is deemed exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants.

 

No warrants will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares of common stock unless the shares of common stock issuable upon such exercise has been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants. If the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not qualified or exempt from qualification in the jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants reside, the warrants may be deprived of any value, the market for the warrants may be limited and they may expire worthless if they cannot be sold.

 

The private warrants may be exercised at a time when the public warrants may not be exercised.

 

Once the private warrants become exercisable, such warrants may immediately be exercised on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. The public warrants, however, will only be exercisable on a cashless basis at the option of the holders if we fail to register the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act within 90 days following the closing of our initial business combination. Accordingly, it is possible that the holders of the private warrants could exercise such warrants at a time when the holders of public warrants could not.

 

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We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders with the approval by the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding public warrants.

 

Our warrants will be issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision. The warrant agreement requires the approval by the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding public warrants in order to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders.

 

Nasdaq may delist our securities from quotation on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

 

We anticipate that our securities will be listed on Nasdaq, a national securities exchange, upon consummation of this offering. Although, after giving effect to this offering, we expect to meet on a pro forma basis Nasdaq’s minimum initial listing standards, which generally only requires that we meet certain requirements relating to stockholders’ equity, market capitalization, aggregate market value of publicly held shares and distribution requirements, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future prior to an initial business combination. Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, it is likely that Nasdaq will require us to file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient continued listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time. Nasdaq will also have discretionary authority to not approve our listing if Nasdaq determines that the listing of the company to be acquired is against public policy at that time.

 

If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange, or we are not listed in connection with our initial business combination, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

 

  a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
     
  reduced liquidity with respect to our securities;
     
  a determination that our shares of common stock are “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our shares of common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our shares of common stock;
     
  a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and
     
  a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because we expect that our units and eventually our common stock and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq, our units, common stock and warrants will be covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While we are not aware of a state having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if we were no longer listed on Nasdaq, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

 

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Our initial stockholders will control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a stockholder vote.

 

Upon consummation of our offering, our initial stockholders will own approximately 21.6% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering). None of our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or shares of common stock from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates 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 or magnitude of the number of shareholders seeking to tender their shares to us. In connection with any vote for a proposed business combination, our initial stockholders, as well as all of our officers and directors, have agreed to vote the shares of common stock owned by them immediately before this offering as well as any shares of common stock acquired in this offering or in the aftermarket in favor of such proposed business combination. EarlyBirdCapital has also agreed to vote the representative shares in favor of such proposed business combination. As a result, we would need only 8,062,501 of the 22,500,000 public shares, or approximately 35.8%, sold in this public offering to be voted in favor of a business combination in order to have such business combination approved (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised and our initial stockholders, officers, directors and EarlyBirdCapital do not purchase shares in the offering or the aftermarket). If our anchor investor purchases the full amount of units it has expressed an interest in purchasing in this offering and votes the shares underlying such units in favor of our initial business combination, we would need only 5,835,001, or approximately 25.9%, of the remaining public shares sold in this offering to be voted in favor of such transaction (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised, that the initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering or units or shares in the after-market and that the 150,000 representative shares are voted in favor of the transaction).

 

Our board of directors is and will be divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. It is unlikely that there will be an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the consummation of a business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the consummation of the business combination. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your voting rights under corporate law for up to 24 months. If there is an annual meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will be considered for election and our sponsor, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, our initial stockholders will continue to exert control at least until the consummation of a business combination.

 

Our initial stockholders and the holders of the representative shares paid a nominal price for the founders’ shares and representative shares and, accordingly, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution from the purchase of our shares of common stock.

 

The difference between the public offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of common stock after this offering constitutes the dilution to the investors in this offering. Our initial stockholders and the holders of the representative shares acquired the founders’ shares and representative shares at a nominal price, significantly contributing to this dilution. Upon consummation of this offering, you and the other new investors will incur an immediate and substantial dilution of approximately 92.6% or $9.26 per share (the difference between the pro forma net tangible book value per share $0.74, and the initial offering price of $10.00 per unit). This is because investors in this offering will be contributing approximately 97.4% of the total amount paid to us for our outstanding securities after this offering but will only own approximately 77.9% of our outstanding securities and this becomes exacerbated to the extent that public stockholders seek to convert their shares into a pro rata share of the trust proceeds. Accordingly, the per-share purchase price you will be paying substantially exceeds our per share net tangible book value.

 

We may redeem your unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your warrants worthless.

 

We have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants (excluding the private warrants and any warrants underlying additional units issued to our sponsor, officers or directors in payment of working capital loans made to us) at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the last reported sales price of the common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period commencing at any time after the warrants become exercisable and ending on the third business day prior to proper notice of such redemption provided that on the date we give notice of redemption and during the entire period thereafter until the time we redeem the warrants, we have an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to them is available. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force you (i) to exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) to sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. None of the private warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees.

 

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Our management’s ability to require holders of our warrants to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis will cause holders to receive fewer shares of common stock upon their exercise of the warrants than they would have received had they been able to exercise their warrants for cash.

 

If we call our public warrants for redemption after the redemption criteria described elsewhere in this prospectus have been satisfied, our management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise his warrant (including any private warrants) to do so on a “cashless basis.” If our management chooses to require holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis, the number of shares of common stock received by a holder upon exercise will be fewer than it would have been had such holder exercised his warrant for cash. This will have the effect of reducing the potential “upside” of the holder’s investment in our company.

 

If our security holders 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 a business combination.

 

Our initial stockholders are entitled to make a demand that we register the resale of the founders’ shares at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which their shares may be released from escrow. Additionally, the holders of representative shares, the private units and any units and warrants our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors, or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us, are entitled to demand that we register the resale of the representative shares, private units and any other units and warrants we issue to them (and the underlying securities) commencing at any time after we consummate an initial business combination. The presence of these additional securities trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities. In addition, the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business, as the 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.

 

If we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.

 

A company that, among other things, is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, trading or holding certain types of securities would be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Since we will invest the proceeds held in the trust account, it is possible that we could be deemed an investment company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in trust may be invested by the trustee only in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, we intend to meet the requirements for the exemption provided in Rule 3a-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act.

 

If we are nevertheless deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be subject to certain restrictions that may make it more difficult for us to complete a business combination, including:

 

  restrictions on the nature of our investments; and
     
  restrictions on the issuance of securities.

 

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In addition, we may have imposed upon us certain burdensome requirements, including:

 

  registration as an investment company;
     
  adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and
     
  reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy, compliance policies and procedures and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.

 

Compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expense for which we have not allotted.

 

The determination for the offering price of our units is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry.

 

Prior to this offering there has been no public market for any of our securities. The public offering price of the units and the terms of the warrants were negotiated between us and EarlyBirdCapital. Factors considered in determining the prices and terms of the units, including the shares of common stock and warrants underlying the units, include:

 

  the history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies;
     
  prior offerings of those companies;
     
  our prospects for acquiring an operating business at attractive values;
     
  our capital structure;
     
  an assessment of our management and their experience in identifying operating companies; and
     
  general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering.

 

However, although these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry since we have no historical operations or financial results to compare them to.

 

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws 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 amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. As a result, at a given annual meeting only a minority of the board of directors may be considered for election. Since our “staggered board” may prevent our stockholders from replacing a majority of our board of directors at any given annual meeting, it may entrench management and discourage unsolicited stockholder proposals that may be in the best interests of stockholders. Moreover, our board of directors has the ability to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred stock.

 

We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these provisions may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

 

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There is currently no market for our securities and a market for our securities may not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.

 

There is currently no market for our securities. Stockholders therefore have no access to information about prior market history on which to base their investment decision. Following this offering, the price of our securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations and general market or economic conditions. Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.

 

Our amended and restated 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, except any action (A) as to which the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware 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), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act, as to which the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. 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 amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

 

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 or employees, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder and may therefore bring a claim in another appropriate forum. We cannot be certain that a court will decide that this provision is either applicable or enforceable, and if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the exclusive forum provision will be applicable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

 

Risks Relating to our Sponsor and Management Team

 

Our directors may decide not to enforce our sponsor’s indemnification obligations, 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 $10.00 per public share 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 such indemnification obligations. It is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance. Additionally, each of our independent directors is a member of our sponsor. As a result, they may have a conflict of interest in determining whether to enforce our sponsor’s indemnification obligations. 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 $10.00 per share.

 

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General Risk Factors

 

We are a newly formed company with no operating history and, accordingly, you will not have any basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

 

We are a newly formed company with no operating results to date. Therefore, our ability to commence operations is dependent upon obtaining financing through the public offering of our securities. Since we do not have an operating history, you will have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective, which is to acquire an operating business. We have not conducted any substantive discussions and we have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective acquisition candidates. We will not generate any revenues until, at the earliest, after the consummation of a business combination.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our shares of common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years. However, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three year period or revenues exceeds $1.07 billion, or the market value of our shares of common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. As an emerging growth company, we are not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and we are exempt from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Additionally, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares of common stock less attractive because we may rely on these provisions. If some investors find our shares of common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our shares and our share price may be more volatile.

 

Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.

 

We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we will be required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The statements contained in this prospectus that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about:

 

  our ability to complete our initial business combination;
     
  our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors following our initial business combination;
     
  our officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial business combination, as a result of which they would then receive expense reimbursements and other benefits;
     
  our potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete a business combination;
     
  our pool of prospective target businesses;
     
  the ability of our officers and directors to generate a number of potential investment opportunities;
     
  potential changes in control of us 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;
     
  our expectations regarding the time during which we will be an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act;
     
  our use of proceeds not held in the trust account; or
     
  our financial performance following this offering or following our initial business combination.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors.” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering, in addition to the funds we will receive from the sale of the private units (all of which will be deposited into the trust account), will be as set forth in the following table:

 

    Without
Over-Allotment Option
    Over-Allotment
Option
Exercised
 
Gross proceeds                
From offering   $ 225,000,000     $ 258,750,000  
From private placement     6,000,000       6,675,000  
Total gross proceeds     231,000,000       265,425,000  
Offering expenses(1)                
Underwriting discount (2.0% of gross proceeds from units offered to public)     4,500,000 (2)     5,175,000 (2)
Legal fees and expenses     300,000       300,000  
Nasdaq listing fees (including deferred amount)     75,000       75,000  
Printing and engraving expenses     15,000       15,000  
Accounting fees and expenses     40,000       40,000  
FINRA filing fee   $ 83,947       83,947  
SEC registration fee     60,694       60,694  
Miscellaneous expenses     25,359       25,359  
Total expenses     5,100,000       5,775,000  
Net proceeds                
Held in trust     225,000,000       258,750,000  
Not held in trust     900,000       900,000  
Total net proceeds   $ 225,900,000     $ 259,650,000  

 

   Amount   Percentage 
Use of net proceeds not held in trust(3)(4)          
Legal, accounting and other third-party expenses attendant to the search for target businesses and to the due diligence investigation, structuring and negotiation of a business combination  $250,000    27.8%
Due diligence of prospective target businesses by officers, directors
and sponsor
   80,000    8.9%
Legal and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting obligations   150,000    16.7%
Working capital to cover miscellaneous expenses, including D&O insurance   420,000    

46.6

%
Total  $900,000    100.0%

 

 

(1) A portion of the offering expenses, including the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee, the non-refundable portion of the Nasdaq listing fee and a portion of the legal and audit fees, have been paid from the loan we received from our sponsor described below. These funds will be repaid out of the proceeds of this offering available to us.
   
(2) No discounts or commissions will be paid with respect to the purchase of the private units.
   
(3) The amount of proceeds not held in trust will remain constant at approximately $900,000 even if the over-allotment is exercised. The amount in the table above does not include interest available to us from the trust account. The proceeds held in the trust account may be invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. We estimate the after-tax interest earned on the trust account will be approximately $337,500 per year, assuming an interest rate of 0.15% per year; however, we can provide no assurances regarding this amount.
   
(4) These 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 our intended use of proceeds, other than fluctuations among the current categories of allocated expenses, which fluctuations, to the extent they exceed current estimates for any specific category of expenses, would be deducted from our excess working capital.

 

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Our sponsor has committed that it or its designees will purchase the private units (for an aggregate purchase price of $6,000,000) from us on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, they will purchase from us an additional number of private warrants and private units (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units at a price of $10.00 per private unit) necessary to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering subject to certain limited exceptions as described elsewhere in this prospectus. All of the proceeds we receive from these purchases will be placed in the trust account described below.

 

$225,000,000, or $258,750,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, of net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units, will be placed in a U.S.-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York, as trustee. The funds held in trust will be held as cash items or invested only in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less, or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, so that we are not deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Except with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the trust account that may be released to us to pay our income or other tax obligations as described in this prospectus, the proceeds will not be released from the trust account until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period. The proceeds held in the trust account may be used as consideration to pay the sellers of a target business with which we complete a business combination. Any amounts not paid as consideration to the sellers of the target business may be used to finance operations of the target business.

 

Other than the payment of consulting, success or finder fees to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination and the repayment of the $200,000 loan from our sponsor (none of which payments will be made from the proceeds of this offering held in the trust account prior to the completion of our initial business combination), no compensation of any kind will be paid to our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or any of 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 of transaction that it is). However, such entity and individuals will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their respective affiliates, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval. There is no limit on the amount of consulting, success or finder fees payable by us upon consummation of an initial business combination. Additionally, there is no limit on the amount of such expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. Since the role of present management after a business combination is uncertain, we have no ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to those persons after a business combination.

 

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Regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the net proceeds from this offering available to us out of trust for our working capital requirements in searching for a business combination will be approximately $900,000. We intend to use the proceeds for miscellaneous expenses such as paying for director and officer liability insurance premiums, for due diligence, legal, accounting and other expenses of structuring and negotiating business combinations, as well as for reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by our sponsor, officers and directors in connection with activities on our behalf as described above. 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.

 

We may use substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the trust account, to acquire a target business and to pay our expenses relating thereto, including a fee payable to EarlyBirdCapital upon consummation of our initial business combination for assisting us in connection with our initial business combination, as described under the section titled “Underwriting — Business Combination Marketing Agreement.” To the extent that our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a business combination, the proceeds held in the trust account which are not used to consummate a business combination will be disbursed to the combined company and will, along with any other net proceeds not expended, be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways including continuing or expanding the target business’ operations, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research and development of existing or new products.

 

To the extent we are unable to consummate a business combination, we will pay the costs of liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, our sponsor has agreed to advance us the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than $15,000) and has agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses.

 

As of November 24, 2020, our sponsor had loaned us an aggregate of $6,051 under the $200,000 promissory note. As of January 18, 2021, we have borrowed $102,993 under this promissory note. Amounts loaned to us under the promissory note will be used to pay a portion of the expenses of this offering referenced in the line items above for SEC registration fee, FINRA filing fee, the non-refundable portion of the Nasdaq listing fee and a portion of the legal and audit fees. The loan is due on the earlier of April 30, 2021, the consummation of this offering or the abandonment of this offering. The loan will be payable without interest. The loan will be repaid out of the proceeds of this offering available to us for payment of offering expenses.

 

We believe that, upon consummation of this offering, the approximate $900,000 of net proceeds not held in the trust account will be sufficient to allow us to operate for the next 24 months, assuming that a business combination is not consummated during that time. However, if necessary, in order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors and 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 holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the private units. 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 no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

 

A public stockholder will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account (including interest earned on his, her or its portion of the trust account to the extent not previously released to us) only in the event of (i) our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period, (ii) if that public stockholder converts such shares, or sells such shares to us in a tender offer, in connection with a business combination which we consummate or (iii) we seek to amend any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering. This redemption right shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, whether proposed by our sponsor, initial stockholders, executive officers, directors or any other person. 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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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of an initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of a business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to a 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. Further, if we incur any indebtedness, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith. 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 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 the ownership of our sponsor at 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares of our common stock upon the consummation of this offering (not including the private units and underlying securities and the representative shares and assuming the initial stockholders do not purchase units in this offering).

 

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DILUTION

 

The difference between the public offering price per share, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants included in the units we are offering by this prospectus and the private warrants, and the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering constitutes the dilution to investors in this offering. Such calculation does not reflect any dilution associated with the sale and exercise of warrants, including the private warrants. 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 or sold in a tender offer), by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.

 

At November 24, 2020, our net tangible book deficit was $5,461, or approximately $(0.00) per share of common stock. After giving effect to the sale of 22,500,000 shares of common stock included in the units we are offering by this prospectus, the sale of the private units and the deduction of underwriting commissions and estimated expenses of this offering, our pro forma net tangible book value at November 24, 2020 would have been $5,000,004 or $0.74 per share, representing an immediate increase in net tangible book value (as decreased by the value of the approximately 22,092,396 shares of common stock that may be converted to cash and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) of $0.74 per share to our sponsor and an immediate dilution of $9.26 per share or 92.6% to our public stockholders not exercising their conversion rights. The decrease attributable to public shares subject to conversion is included in the calculation below at $10.00 per share, as all public stockholders have the right to convert. The dilution to new investors if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full would be an immediate dilution of $9.35 per share or 93.5%.

 

The following table illustrates the dilution to the new investors on a per-share basis, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants included in the units and the private warrants:

 

Public offering price       $10.00 
Net tangible book value before this offering(1)  $     
Increase attributable to public stockholders and private sales   0.74      
Pro forma net tangible book value after this offering       0.74 
Dilution to public stockholders      $9.26 
Percentage of dilution to public stockholders       92.60%

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to our existing stockholders and the public stockholders:

 

   Shares   Total Consideration   Average Price per 
Number  Purchased   Percentage   Amount   Percentage   Share 
Initial stockholders   5,625,000(1)   19.48%  $25,000    0.01%  $0.00 
Representative shares   150,000    0.52%  15    0.00%  0.00 
Private units   600,000    2.08%  6,000,000    2.60%  10.00 
Public stockholders   22,500,000    77.92%  225,000,000    97.39%  $10.00 
Total   28,875,000    100.00%  $231,025,015    100.00%     

 

 

(1) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 843,750 founders’ shares have been forfeited as a result thereof.

 

The pro forma net tangible book value after the offering is calculated as follows:

 

Numerator:    
Net tangible book value before the offering  $(5,461)
Net proceeds from this offering and private placement   225,900,000 
Proceeds from representative shares   15 
Plus: Offering costs accrued for and paid in advance, excluded from tangible book value before this offering   29,410 
Less: Proceeds held in trust subject to conversion/tender   (220,923,960)
   $5,000,004 
      
Denominator:     
Shares of common stock outstanding prior to this offering, including representative shares   5,775,000 
Shares of common stock included in the units offered   22,500,000 
Private Shares   600,000 
Less: Shares subject to conversion/tender   (22,092,396)
    6,782,604 

 

 

(1) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 843,750 founders’ shares have been forfeited as a result thereof.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization at November 24, 2020 and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of our units and the private units and the application of the estimated net proceeds derived from the sale of such securities:

 

   November 24, 2020 
   Actual   As Adjusted(1) 
Note payable to related party(2)  $6,051   $ 
Common stock, $.0001 par value, –0– and 22,092,396 shares which are subject to possible conversion/tender(3)       220,923,960 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding        
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 6,468,750 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 6,782,604 shares(4) issued and outstanding (excluding 22,092,396 shares subject to possible conversion/tender), as adjusted   647    678 
Additional paid-in capital   24,353    5,000,376 
Accumulated deficit   (1,051)   (1,051)
Total stockholders’ equity:   23,949    5,000,004 
Total capitalization  $30,000   $225,923,964 

 

 

(1) Includes the $6.00 million we will receive from the sale of the private units.
(2)

Represents amount outstanding under the $200,000 promissory note issued to our sponsor. The note is non-interest bearing and is payable on the earlier to occur of April 30, 2021, the consummation of this offering, or the abandonment of this offering.

(3) Upon the consummation of our initial business combination, we will provide our stockholders (but not our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers or directors) with the opportunity to convert or sell their public shares for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination, including interest not previously released to us (less taxes payable), subject to the limitations described herein whereby our net tangible assets will be maintained at a minimum of $5,000,001. The actual number of shares that may be converted/sold may exceed this amount provided that we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of the business combination.
(4) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 843,750 founders’ shares have been forfeited as a result thereof.

 

 47 
   

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

We were formed on October 26, 2020 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 we currently intend to focus on target businesses in the sports industry. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this offering, our securities, debt or a combination of cash, securities and debt, in effecting a business combination. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or preferred stock:

 

  may significantly reduce the equity interest of our stockholders;
     
  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 on our assets if our operating revenues after a business combination 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 required 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; and
     
  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.

 

We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our entire activity since inception has been to prepare for our proposed fundraising through an offering of our equity securities.

 

We are an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we have elected to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As indicated in the accompanying financial statements, at November 24, 2020, we had $25,000 in cash and a working capital deficiency of $5,461. 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. 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 the payment of certain of our deferred offering costs with the $25,000 purchase price of the founders’ shares and loans from our sponsor in an aggregate amount of $6,051 as of November 24, 2020 that are more fully described below. We estimate that the net proceeds from (i) the sale of the units in this offering, after deducting offering expenses of approximately $600,000 and underwriting discounts and commissions of $4,500,000 (or $5,175,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and (ii) the sale of the private units for a purchase price of $6,000,000 (or $6,675,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be $225,900,000 (or $259,650,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). Of this amount, $225,000,000 (or $258,750,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be held in the trust account. The remaining $900,000 will not be held in trust.

 

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We may use substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the trust account, to acquire a target business and to pay our expenses relating thereto, including a fee payable to EarlyBirdCapital, upon consummation of our initial business combination for assisting us in connection with our initial business combination, as described under the section titled “Underwriting — Business Combination Marketing Agreement.” To the extent that our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a 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 continuing or expanding the target business’ operations, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research and development of existing or new products. Such funds could also be used to repay any operating expenses or finders’ fees which we had incurred prior to the completion of our business combination if the funds available to us outside of the trust account were insufficient to cover such expenses.

 

We believe that, upon consummation of this offering, the approximate $900,000 of net proceeds not held in the trust account will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 24 months, assuming that a business combination is not consummated during that time. Over this time period, we will be using these funds for identifying and evaluating prospective acquisition candidates, performing business due diligence on 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, selecting the target business to acquire and structuring, negotiating and consummating the business combination. We anticipate that we will incur approximately:

 

  $250,000 of expenses for the search for target businesses and for the legal, accounting and other third-party expenses attendant to the due diligence investigations, structuring and negotiating of a business combination;
     
  $80,000 of expenses for the due diligence and investigation of a target business by our officers, directors and sponsor;
     
  $150,000 of expenses in legal and accounting fees relating to our SEC reporting obligations;
     
  $420,000 for general working capital that will be used for miscellaneous expenses, including D&O insurance.

 

If our estimates of the above costs are less than the actual costs, 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. We do not have a maximum debt leverage ratio or a policy with respect to how much debt we may incur. The amount of debt we will be willing to incur will depend on the facts and circumstances of the proposed business combination and market conditions at the time of the potential business combination. At this time, we are not party to any arrangement or understanding with any third party with respect to raising additional funds through the sale of our securities or the incurrence of debt. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would only consummate such financing simultaneously with the consummation of our initial business combination. In the current economic environment, it has become especially difficult to obtain acquisition financing. Additionally, following our initial business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet our obligations.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Our sponsor purchased an aggregate of 5,750,000 founders’ shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. On December 16, 2020, we effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result, our initial shareholders hold 6,468,750 founder shares as of the date of this prospectus. In December 2020, our sponsor transferred an aggregate of 2,354,000 founder shares to our officers, directors and advisors.

 

Our sponsor has agreed to loan us up to $200,000 to cover offering expenses we may incur in connection with this offering. As of November 24, 2020, $6,051 had been loaned to us pursuant to such agreement. As of January 18, 2021, we have borrowed $102,993 under this promissory note. The loans advanced to us will be evidenced by a promissory note, which will be payable without interest on the earlier to occur of April 30, 2021, the consummation of this offering, or the abandonment of this offering. If the offering is consummated, the loan will be repaid out of the proceeds of this offering not being placed in trust.

 

 49 
   

 

Our sponsor has committed that it or its designees will purchase an aggregate of 600,000 private units at $10.00 per private unit (for a total purchase price of $6,000,000) from us. This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. They have also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, they and/or their designees will purchase from us an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units at a price of $10.00 per private unit) necessary to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option.

 

We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds following this offering in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we consummate an initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts; provided that up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into units of the post business combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender. The units would be identical to the private units. 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 no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

We are not currently required to maintain an effective system of internal controls as defined by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not completed an assessment, nor have our auditors tested our systems, of internal controls. We expect to assess the internal controls of our target business or businesses prior to the completion of our initial business combination and, if necessary, to implement and test additional controls as we may determine are necessary in order to state that we maintain an effective system of internal controls. A target business may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of internal controls. Target businesses we may consider for a 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.

 

Once our management’s report on internal controls is complete, we will retain our independent auditors to audit and render an opinion on such report when required by Section 404. The independent auditors may identify additional issues concerning a target business’s internal controls while performing their audit of internal control over financial reporting.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

The net proceeds of this offering, including amounts in the trust account, will be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less, or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. 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 the date of this prospectus, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K and did not have any commitments or contractual obligations. No unaudited quarterly operating data is included in this prospectus as we have conducted no operations to date.

 

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PROPOSED BUSINESS

 

We are a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. We have not selected any business combination target and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, initiated any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target.

 

While our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not necessarily be limited to a particular industry, sector or region, we intend to capitalize on the expertise of our management team, board and advisors (collectively, our “Team”) in the professional sports teams and media sectors, including, but not limited to, related areas such as sports technology, gaming and e-sports. We intend to target leading professional sports teams, media and brand-name companies and assets, with a particular focus on special situation assets which have significant potential for growth. Special situation assets and opportunities are those that have arisen due to recent factors such as COVID-19, mismanagement, media issues, overextension or arbitrage. We will have a global focus in our approach.

 

Our objective is to generate attractive returns and create value for our shareholders by applying our strategy of capitalizing on the experience of our Team. Our Team has spent their careers working in the global professional sports and media industries. Our Team has particular expertise in operations and turnaround. Our Team’s experience includes negotiating record setting naming rights, cable, TV, radio, licensed merchandise, sponsorship and food service deals with numerous franchises, as well as numerous facility leasing, financing and construction contracts. This experience includes managing the business operations of professional athletes (including Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing), sports franchises (the New York Yankees, San Francisco 49ers, Florida Panther, Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats) and leagues (including the WNBA, the PGA Tour and the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference). We will look to acquire and manage a business that can benefit from our Team’s global experience with sports teams, leagues, media, brands, technology and investments.

 

Our Team

 

Harvey Schiller serves as our Chief Executive Officer. General Schiller is Chairman of Charlestowne Holdings, a financial advisory firm (2018-present). He is Vice Chairman of the digital, media and sports practice of the Diversified Search Group (2015-present). He previously served as Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (1986-1990) and America’s Cup (2015-2017), executive director of the United States Olympic Committee (1990-1995), president of Turner Sports (1995-2000), president of Atlanta Thrashers NHL hockey team (1997-1999), Chairman of the financial services firm Assante USA (2002-2004), Chairman of the security firm Global Options (2006-2013), and Chairman of YankeeNets, owners of the New York Yankees, New Jersey Devils, and New Jersey Nets (2000-2002) and developer of the YES network (2001-2002). He is also lead director of Mesa Air Group (2015-present), board member of Blinktbi (2018-present) and chair of Sportsgrid and the Collegiate Sports Management Group (2018-present). General Schiller served a distinguished career as an Air Force pilot (1962-1986) and was a Presidential appointed permanent professor (1980-1986) at the U.S. Air Force Academy and White House Commission on Presidential Scholars (2005-2009). Other appointments include NCAA executive committee (1982-1988), Olympic Games consultant (1984-2012), International Baseball President, board member of the Baseball Hall of Fame (present) and World Baseball Classic (present). General Schiller is a distinguished graduate of The Citadel and earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Michigan.

 

William T. Duffy serves as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Duffy serves as the Vice Chairman of The Aspire Sports Marketing Group, LLC (“Aspire”), a sports consulting firm which he co-founded in 2008. From 2016 to 2019, he was the CEO of Aspire and he previously held other positions at Aspire, including two years as COO, and has served on its board of managers since 2014. Mr. Duffy’s career has focused on turnarounds of underperforming franchises with a focus on maximizing employee performance and revenue generation and reducing operating costs, while creating cultures of accountability through hands on leadership and career development of employees. His international experience at Aspire includes consulting on projects with The R & A, Leicester City FC and Tijuana Xolos (Liga MX). From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Duffy briefly left Aspire and oversaw finance and arena operations in a variety of roles at Bobcats Sports and Entertainment, including roles as EVP, CFO and CAO. He served as liaison to the City of Charlotte for the expansion NBA Franchise Charlotte Bobcats and Time Warner Cable Arena. Prior to Aspire, Mr. Duffy held the positions of CFO of the San Francisco 49ers (1996-1999), CAO of the Buffalo Bills (1999-2000), CFO of the Florida Panthers (2001-2003) and EVP, CFO of Atlanta Spirit, LLC (2004-2008), a group that bought the operating rights of the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena in 2004 Mr. Duffy holds a Masters of Science in Accounting from New York University, and AB in Economics from Princeton University and has earned a CPA.

 

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David B. Falk will serve as a member of our board of directors and as our Senior Advisor. Mr. Falk is the founder of Falk Associates Management Enterprises (FAME) which provides specialized and personal representation services to the company’s elite clientele of NBA superstars. Prior to founding FAME in 1992, Mr. Falk served as vice chairman of ProServ where he represented numerous professional athletes. Mr. Falk has successfully negotiated a number of large and notable NBA contracts, including Alonzo Mourning’s historical $100 million contract in 1995 and Michael Jordan’s 1996 one-year contract for $30 million. Mr. Falk was also influential in the creation of the “Air Jordan” brand and was an executive producer of the movie “Space Jam.” Mr. Falk is an investor in Consumable, a digital advertising company, Hyperwave, a cooking technology company, Ostendo, a quantum photonics technology company, Wheels Up, an aviation company, and Block Six Analytics. Mr. Falk first attended and is now a member of the Board of Trustees for Syracuse University. Mr Falk endowed and founded the David B. Falk College of Sports and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University, a leading sports program in the U.S.

 

Donna Orender serves as a member of our board of directors. Ms. Orender spent 17 years at the PGA TOUR where she served as one of three senior executives in the Office of the Commissioner. During her time there, she exponentially grew the TOUR’s television rights and led a major expansion of global production, programming distribution and digital business while also founding PGA TOUR Radio with partner Sirius XM. From 2005 to 2010, Ms. Orender served as the President of the WNBA. During her term business metrics that saw growth included sponsorship, television ratings, profitability and attendance growth (following an eight year decline). Ms. Orender began her current role as Chief Executive Officer of Orender Unlimited, a consulting and advisory firm, in 2011. Ms. Orender serves on the nominating and compensation committees for the V Foundation for Cancer Research board, the board of the World Surf League, and is the founder of Generation W, an organization that focuses on educating, inspiring and connecting women and girls in the service of building better communities. Ms. Orender received a B.A. from Queens College and is a multiple hall of fame athlete. 

 

Kenneth L. Shropshire will serve as a member of our board of directors. Mr. Shropshire has been a faculty member of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (“Wharton”) since 1986, where he is now an emeritus professor, with an expertise in sports business and law. During his tenure at Wharton, Mr. Shropshire founded the Wharton Sports Business Initiative in 2004, a sports business research center and served as a director until 2017. One such example of the innovative programming Mr. Shropshire developed at Wharton includes the NFL/NFLPA Player Business Education Transition Program. Currently, in addition to being a professor emeritus at Wharton, Mr. Shropshire is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sport Institute, and serves as the Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University since joining in 2017. Mr. Shropshire has served as a director of Moelis & Company since 2014. In addition, Mr. Shropshire acts as an advisor to multiple organizations in the sports industry, including Altius Sports Partners, Arctos Sports Partners, Overtime Elite, and Pro Sports Assembly. Mr. Shropshire earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a law degree from Columbia University, and is a member of the California bar. He joined the law firm of Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg and Tunney in Los Angeles prior to working with the 1984 Olympic Games and beginning his lengthy career at Wharton. Mr. Shropshire was also the former President of the Sports Lawyers Association, the largest organization of sports lawyers in the world.

 

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Past performance of our Team is not a guarantee either (i) that we will be able to identify 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 performance record of our Team as indicative of our future performance. Additionally, in the course of their respective careers, members of our Team have been involved in businesses and deals that were unsuccessful. Our officers and directors have no experience with special purpose acquisition companies. In addition, our officers and directors may have conflicts of interest with other entities to which they owe fiduciary or contractual obligations with respect to initial business combination opportunities. For a list of our officers and directors and entities for which a conflict of interest may or does exist between such persons and the company, as well as the priority and preference that such entity has with respect to performance of obligations and presentation of business opportunities to us, please refer to the table and subsequent explanatory paragraph under “Management — Conflicts of Interest”.

 

Advisors

 

Jon Miller will serve as Chairman of our advisory board as well as a board observer. Mr. Miller currently serves as a director of Akamai Technologies, Inc., AMC Networks Inc., Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and J2 Global, Inc. From 2013 until January 2018, Mr. Miller was a partner at Advancit Capital, where he continues to serve as an advisor and member of the Investment Committee. He previously has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Media Group at News Corp., and was its Chief Digital Officer from April 2009 to September 2012. Mr. Miller was a founding partner of Velocity Interactive Group, an investment firm focusing on internet and digital media, from its inception in 2007 to 2009. Prior to founding Velocity, Mr. Miller served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of America Online, Inc. (“AOL”) from 2002 to 2006. Prior to joining AOL, Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer and President of USA Information and Services. Mr. Miller previously served as a director of, among others, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., Ticketmaster, LiveNation Entertainment, Inc., RTL Group SA, Shutterstock, Inc. and TripAdvisor, Inc.. Mr. Miller is a trustee of the American Film Institute and The Paley Center for Media. Mr. Miller holds a B.A. from Harvard College.

 

Alex Greystoke will serve as a member of our advisory board and is one of our founders. Mr. Greystoke is a successful serial entrepreneur with a breadth of skills in a diverse range of industries. Mr. Greystoke is the founder of multiple AI technology companies including TripChamp, VacationChamp and TravelChamp. He is the inventor of three granted artificial intelligence patents, with eight pending patent applications. Mr. Greystoke is also an investor with investments in real estate, food and beverage, technology and other sectors. Mr. Greystoke founded HSC, a boutique corporate finance business raising money for and helping emerging companies commercialize in a range of sectors including technology, energy, healthcare and consumer products utilizing his wide network of partners throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. Mr. Greystoke has served as director to numerous companies in the education, technology, AI and renewable energy spaces, and has served as a Chairman to a U.K. listed Chinese manufacturing company.

 

Raghu Kilambi will serve as a member of our advisory board and is one of our founders. Mr. Kilambi has been CEO of PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp. since May 2020. Mr. Kilambi previously served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of ConversionPoint Technologies from December 2017 to January 2020. ConversionPoint was sold in two transactions to a private equity-backed group and a strategic buyer. Mr. Kilambi has also been the principal of Kirarv Capital, a technology investment firm, since June 2009. Mr. Kilambi has raised over $1 billion of equity and debt capital for growth private and public companies in his career and has also been a senior officer and director of companies that were awarded Barron’s ASAP Magazine Top Ramp Champ awards and Profit Magazine’s Top 3 Growth Company awards. Previously, from 1998 to 2001, Mr. Kilambi was the Co-Founder, CFO and Chief Strategy Officer of FutureLink Corp., a leading first-generation VC-backed cloud computing technology company that grew from startup to over $100 million in annualized revenues. Mr. Kilambi graduated with Great Distinction with a Bachelor of Commerce (University Scholar), received a Graduate Diploma in Public Accounting from McGill University (Top 10 List), and qualified as a Canadian Chartered Accountant in 1989 (inactive).

 

Amber Allen will serve as a member of our advisory board. Ms. Allen’s experience has been focused in the technology, entertainment and gaming industries, having spent her career at major companies including Reebok, Disney, Warner Bros., and Riot Games. Currently, Ms. Allen serves as the founder of Double A Labs, a leader in developing transformative technologies and experiences for brand engagement. Ms. Allen serves on the Advisory Board of University of Texas Game and Development Design and is a member of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Ms. Allen also volunteers with Women Who Code and is an advisor to both Dell Women’s Entrepreneurship Network and Dell Project Innovate.

 

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Bart Oates will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Oates was a starting center for the USFL Philadelphia Stars, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, for a total 14 seasons of professional football. In the offseasons, Mr. Oates attended Seton Hall Law School where he graduated with honors and joined the law firm of Ribis, Graham & Curtin in Morristown N.J., where he focused on litigation and real estate tax appeal work. Currently, Mr. Oates serves as President of the NFL Alumni Association, a position that allows him to advocate on behalf of former players to establish benefits and opportunities.

 

Martin Gruschka will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Gruschka began his career in 1990 as a management consultant for a Deutsche Bank Group subsidiary, with a focus on East German Privatization projects. Thereafter, he led the European media practice of Arthur D. Little, a global management consulting group, from 1996 to 1999. Having spent time as an associate director at Deutsche Morgan Grenfell’s media investment banking division, he co-founded Springwater Capital LLC in 2002 where he currently acts as Managing Partner. Mr. Gruschka has served as Chairman, President, Board Member and CEO of more than forty companies throughout Europe and the U.S. in a diverse range of sectors, including media & communications, aerospace, engineering, logistics, recycling, technology, tourism and business process outsourcing.

 

Danielle Cantor Jeweler will serve as a member of our advisory board. Ms. Jeweler is the Executive Vice President and Partner at FAME, and is an NBPA Certified Agent, representing current and retired NBA talent. Together with partner David Falk, Danielle negotiates contracts for a number of NBA players. Ms. Jeweler has also negotiated a myriad of national and international endorsement deals for her basketball clients. In September 2017, Danielle was honored by the Sports Business Journal as a Gamechanger in the sports industry, as the only female registered agent with active NBA clients. In July 2019, she negotiated the largest guaranteed sports contract by a female agent (Malcolm Brogdon, with the Indiana Pacers, for 4 years and $85 million). Ms. Jeweler is a member of the Leadership Council for PeacePlayers, International, and she serves on the Board of Advisors for Most Valuable Kids, the Roy Hibbert Foundation, and Little Smiles. A native Washingtonian, Ms. Jeweler graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (“UPenn”) in the Annenberg School for Communications and from The Wharton School for Business. Ms. Jeweler is a competitive youth girls soccer coach and played Division 1 soccer at UPenn.

 

Marc Wade will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Wade is a financier, philanthropist and founder of Wade & Company, a family office. Mr. Wade has historically invested in a diversified portfolio of businesses with a primary focus on asset backed lending. His portfolio has included commercial real estate, banking, energy, sports and entertainment, technology and securities lending. Mr. Wade was a minority investor in the NHL franchise New Jersey Devils and Devils Entertainment. Mr. Wade is also Co-Founder of BTI, one of South America’s largest aggregators of cell phone towers.

 

Garret Klugh will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Klugh is the COO of Falk Ventures. He is an internationally recognized Olympian and frequent guest speaker, lecturer and panelist in the sports-tech industry. Mr. Klugh earned his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and his MBA from George Washington University. At SDSU, Mr. Klugh served as the President of the men’s rowing team. He went on to represent the U.S. on six National Teams and one Olympic Team (Athens 2004). Mr. Klugh won the World Rowing Championship in 1999 and was honored to be selected by his peers as the Athlete Representative on the Board of Directors for USRowing.

 

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Doug Perlman will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Perlman is the founder and CEO of Sports Media Advisors (“SMA”), a boutique advisory firm which focuses on the intersection of sports, television and digital media. Mr. Perlman has worked on all of SMA’s client engagements including those with the NFL, NASCAR, USTA, UFC, Hockey Canada, Little League, NextVR and several leading private equity firms. Prior to SMA, he established himself throughout the sports industry in senior executive roles at the NHL and IMG. Among other accolades, Mr. Perlman has been named to the prestigious Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 three times, earning a spot in their “Hall of Fame.” Mr. Perlman has been recognized by multiple industry publications and organizations as a leader in the sports, media, and technology industries, including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports by the Sporting News while at the NHL. Mr. Perlman regularly appears on television and is often a featured speaker at industry and other events.

 

We currently expect our advisors to (i) assist us in sourcing, negotiating and consummating a potential business combination, (ii) provide their business insights when we assess potential business combination targets and (iii) upon our request, provide their business insights as we work to create additional value in the businesses that we acquire. However, they have no written advisory agreement with us. Additionally, these individuals have no other employment or compensation arrangements with us. They will not serve on the board or any committee thereof, nor will they have any voting or decision making capacity on our behalf. They will also not be required to devote any specific amount of time to our efforts or be subject to the fiduciary requirements to which our board members are subject. Accordingly, if any of them become aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for us, they are under no obligation to introduce it to us before any other prospective acquiror.

 

Business Strategy

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. and Global professional sports and entertainment industries has been profound. In-stadium revenue opportunities, such as ticket and premium seating sales, concessions, merchandise and parking have seemingly evaporated without the crowds of spectators traditionally featured in live sporting events. As a result, sports franchises and vendors are facing a huge strain on cash flow, leaving ownership groups without the appetite, nor liquidity to continue franchise funding for an undetermined period of time. Organizations with inefficient operating models are experiencing significantly more stress during these times, leading many groups to reevaluate their management relationships. COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on businesses associated with or dependent on sports, for example groups holding media rights, sports marketing groups and agencies and suppliers to the sports industry. We believe the totality of these circumstances presents a unique opportunity to acquire special situation sports and media assets that would not otherwise be for sale and/or to acquire these businesses at opportunistic prices.

 

As of the current date, none of the major U.S. sports leagues including the MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL and MLS have fully determined a timeline for the return of the full fan and in-game experience. The same can be said for international teams in the UK, Europe and elsewhere. Some jurisdictions are currently allowing limited public attendance while observing social distancing protocols. However, it is clear that the major U.S. sports leagues have a long way to go to get back to full stadiums. The economic impact has already been felt, with 1.3 million sports industry jobs at risk, according to a report from EconomicModeling.com.

 

With the resulting pressures of these limitations and uncertainties in general, the need for innovative and dynamic operating models is evident. We believe that with the current landscape, our Team will have the leverage to identify and acquire assets with great potential at opportunistic price points. As more sports franchises, and sports and media related businesses understand the necessity of building global brands in order to compete for revenue and brand recognition across fan bases, mature management teams, experiences and expertise will be required to enhance visibility and profitability.

 

We believe that our Team can provide all of these attributes to a potential target. Our Team has a demonstrated extensive track record of successful value creation and enhancement (including complex turnarounds) with sports-oriented and media assets and also has access to proprietary opportunities globally that can be leveraged to drive value. Our Team’s experience includes negotiating record setting naming rights, cable, TV, radio, licensed merchandise, sponsorship and food service deals with numerous franchises, as well as numerous facility leasing, financing and construction contracts. This experience includes managing the business operations of professional athletes (including Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing), sports franchises (the New York Yankees, Florida Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats) and leagues (including the WNBA, the PGA Tour and the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference).

 

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Our Team has also directly worked in the trenches to turnaround organizations, athletes and brands. In addition, we intend to utilize the established global relationships of our Team both for sourcing opportunities and to grow the opportunity which we pursue. Over the course of their careers, the members of our Team have developed a broad network of contacts and corporate relationships that we believe will serve as a useful source of acquisition opportunities.

 

Our Team has experience globally in:

 

  Managing brands, athletes and sports entities;
     
  Significant experience in the media, sports gaming and new technologies sectors.
     
  Operating and turning around companies, implementing and executing growth strategies and cost saving initiatives;
     
  Developing and growing companies, both organically and through acquisitions and strategic transactions, and expanding the product range;
     
  Providing strategic guidance to develop revenue and commercial opportunities; and
     
  Identifying, mentoring and recruiting world-class talent.

 

Acquisition Criteria

 

Consistent with this strategy, we have identified the following general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses. We intend to use these criteria and guidelines in evaluating acquisition opportunities, but we may decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet any of these criteria and guidelines.

 

We intend to seek to acquire companies, brands, assets and/or teams that we believe meet certain of the following criteria:

 

  Minimum Enterprise values of between $600 million and $1 billion;
     
  Impacted by recent factors such as COVID-19, mismanagement, media issues, overextension or arbitrage (what we call special situation opportunities);
     
  Could benefit from the substantial expertise, experience and network of our Team;
     
  Have attractive growth prospects or have the potential for having attractive growth prospects;
     
  Have a competitive advantage or have the potential for having a competitive advantage;
     
  Exhibit industry leadership or have the potential for exhibiting industry leadership;
     
  Exhibit potential for global expansion in sports, sponsorship and brand recognition;

 

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  Would benefit from a public acquisition currency; or ownership would benefit from liquidity;
     
  Demonstrate attractive valuation;
     
  Demonstrate potential for free cash flow generation; and
     
  Have secondary potential revenue streams.

 

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines, as well as other considerations, factors and criteria deemed relevant by our management in effecting our initial business combination consistent with our business objectives. In the event that we decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet any of the above criteria and guidelines, we will disclose that the target business does not meet any of the above criteria in our shareholder communications related to our initial business combination.

 

Special situation assets and opportunities are those that have arisen due to recent factors such as COVID-19, mismanagement, media issues, overextension or arbitrage. For example, according to the Associated Press, the NBA reportedly came in $1.5 billion under revenue projections in 2020. TicketiQ placed the value of lost ticket revenue in 2020 at $7 billion for the NFL. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced 898 MLB regular-season games to go on without fans this summer, MLB’s 30 teams combined for a total of $3 billion in operating losses, according to its Commissioner. Other special situations may arise due to mismanagement (exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis), media issues (as we have seen with sports franchise owners receiving negative publicity for a variety of reasons), overextension, and potential arbitrage opportunities as we search the globe for a target. As discussed above, assets dependent on or related to the sports and media sectors have also been hit hard, leading to the potential for special situations to exist in these spaces also.

 

Effecting a Business Combination

 

General

 

We are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any substantive commercial business for an indefinite period of time following this offering. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this offering and the private placement of private units, our capital stock, debt or a combination of these in effecting a business combination which has not yet been identified. 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 federal and state securities laws. In the alternative, we may seek to consummate a business combination with a company that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth. While we may seek to effect simultaneous business combinations with more than one target business, we will probably have the ability, as a result of our limited resources, to effect only a single business combination.

 

We Have Not Identified a Target Business

 

To date, we have not selected any target business on which to concentrate our search for a business combination. None of our sponsor, officers, directors, promoters and other affiliates has engaged in any substantive discussions on our behalf with representatives of other companies regarding the possibility of a potential merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with us. Additionally, we have not engaged or retained any agent or other representative to identify or locate such companies. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to locate a target business or that we will be able to engage in a business combination with a target business on favorable terms or at all.

 

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Subject to our Team’s pre-existing fiduciary obligations and the fair market value requirement described below, we will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate. We have not established any specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses other than as described above. 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. 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

 

While we have not yet selected a target business with which to consummate our initial business combination, we believe based on our management’s business knowledge and past experience that there are numerous potential candidates. We expect that our principal means of identifying potential target businesses will be through the extensive contacts and relationships of our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers and directors. While our officers and directors are not required to commit any specific amount of time in identifying or performing due diligence on potential target businesses, our officers and directors believe that the relationships they have developed over their careers and their access to our sponsor’s contacts and resources will generate a number of potential business combination opportunities that will warrant further investigation. We also 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. 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 must present to us all target business opportunities that have a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations. While we do not presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions on any formal basis (other than EarlyBirdCapital as described elsewhere in this prospectus), 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 our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their respective affiliates be paid any compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of an initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is) other than the payment of consulting, success or finder fees in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, the repayment of the $200,000 loan and reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses. Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their respective affiliates, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval.

 

We have no present intention to enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with any of our officers, directors or sponsor. However, we are not restricted from entering into any such transactions and may do so if (i) such transaction is approved by a majority of our disinterested independent directors and (ii) we obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions, that the business combination is fair to our unaffiliated stockholders from a financial point of view.

 

Selection of a Target Business and Structuring of a Business Combination

 

Subject to our Team’s pre-existing fiduciary obligations and the limitations that a target business have a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the trust account at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, as described below in more detail, and that we must acquire a controlling interest in the target business, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective target business. We have not established any specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses. In evaluating a prospective target business, our management may consider a variety of factors, including one or more of the following:

 

  financial condition and results of operation;
     
  growth potential;
     
  brand recognition and potential;

 

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  experience and skill of management and availability of additional personnel;
     
  capital requirements;
     
  competitive position;
     
  barriers to entry;
     
  stage of development of the products, processes or services;
     
  existing distribution and potential for expansion;
     
  degree of current or potential market acceptance of the products, processes or services;
     
  proprietary aspects of products and the extent of intellectual property or other protection for products or formulas;
     
  impact of regulation on the business;
     
  regulatory environment of the industry;
     
  costs associated with effecting the business combination;
     
  industry leadership, sustainability of market share and attractiveness of market industries in which a target business participates; and
     
  macro competitive dynamics in the industry within which the company competes.

 

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular business combination will be based, to the extent relevant, on the above factors as well as other considerations deemed relevant by our management in effecting a business combination consistent with our business objective. In evaluating a prospective target business, we will conduct an extensive due diligence review which will encompass, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and inspection of facilities, as well as review of financial and other information which is made available to us. This due diligence review will be conducted either by our management or by unaffiliated third parties we may engage, although we have no current intention to engage any such third parties.

 

The time and costs required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete the business combination cannot presently be ascertained with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business with which a business combination is not ultimately completed will result in a loss to us and reduce the amount of capital available to otherwise complete a business combination.

 

Fair Market Value of Target Business

 

Nasdaq listing rules require that the target business or businesses that we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the trust account at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we are not then listed on Nasdaq for whatever reason, we would no longer be required to meet the foregoing 80% fair market value test.

 

We currently anticipate structuring a business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination where we merge directly with the target business or a newly formed subsidiary or where we acquire less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our 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 could 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% of trust account balance test.

 

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The fair market value of the target will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow and/or book value). The proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents used by us in connection with any proposed transaction will provide public stockholders with our analysis of the fair market value of the target business, as well as the basis for our determinations. If our board is not able to independently determine that the target business has a sufficient fair market value, we will obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. We will not be required to obtain an opinion from an investment banking firm as to the fair market value if our board of directors independently determines that the target business complies with the 80% threshold.

 

Lack of Business Diversification

 

We may seek to effect a business combination with more than one target business, although we expect to complete our business combination with just one business. Therefore, at least initially, the prospects for our success may be entirely dependent upon the future performance of a single business operation. Unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations of entities operating in multiple industries or multiple areas of a single industry, it is probable that we will not have the resources to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:

 

  subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination, and
     
  result in our dependency upon the performance of a single operating business or the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.

 

If we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other acquisitions, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple acquisitions, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business.

 

Limited Ability to Evaluate the Target Business’ Management

 

Although we intend to scrutinize the management of a prospective target business when evaluating the desirability of effecting a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of the target business’ management will prove to be correct. In addition, we cannot assure you that the future management will have the necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company. Furthermore, the future role of our officers and directors, if any, in the target business following a business combination cannot presently be stated with any certainty. While it is possible that some of our key personnel will remain associated in senior management or advisory positions with us following a business combination, it is unlikely that they will devote their full-time efforts to our affairs subsequent to a business combination. Moreover, they would only be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for them to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination. While the personal and financial interests of our key personnel may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business, their ability to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will proceed with any potential business combination. Additionally, we cannot assure you that our officers and directors will have significant experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.

 

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Following a business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the incumbent management of the target business. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to recruit additional managers, or that any such additional managers we do recruit will have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.

 

Stockholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve an Initial 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 stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination or don’t vote at all, into 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 a proposed business combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. 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. In that case, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. Whether we seek stockholder approval or engage in a tender offer, we will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of such business combination and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination. We have no specified maximum percentage threshold for conversions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and even those public stockholders who vote in favor of our initial business combination have the right to convert their public shares. As a result, this may make it easier for us to consummate our initial business combination.

 

We chose our net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001 to ensure that we would avoid being subject to Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. However, if we seek to consummate an initial business combination with a target business that imposes any type of working capital closing condition or requires us to have a minimum amount of funds available from the trust account upon consummation of such initial business combination, we may need to have more than $5,000,001 in net tangible assets immediately prior to or upon consummation and this may force us to seek third party financing which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. As a result, we may not be able to consummate such initial business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. Public stockholders may therefore have to wait 24 months from the closing of this offering in order to be able to receive a pro rata share of the trust account.

 

Our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers and directors have agreed (1) to vote any shares of common stock owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, (2) not to convert any shares of common stock in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination and (3) not sell any shares of common stock in any tender in connection with a proposed initial business combination.

 

None of our officers, directors, sponsor, advisors, initial stockholders (other than the anchor investor) or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units or shares of common stock in this offering or from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, 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 or that they wish to convert their shares, our officers, directors, sponsor, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions in order to influence the vote and reduce the number of conversions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers, directors, sponsor, initial stockholders 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, which are rules designed to stop potential manipulation of a company’s stock.

 

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Conversion Rights

 

At any meeting called to approve an initial business combination, public stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination or do not vote at all, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination, less any taxes then due but not yet paid. 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, less any taxes then due but not yet paid.

 

Our sponsor, initial stockholders and our officers and directors will not have conversion rights 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. Additionally, the holders of the representative shares will not have conversion rights with respect to the representative shares.

 

We may require public stockholders, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either (i) tender their certificates to our transfer agent or (ii) deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, in each case prior to a date set forth in the proxy materials sent in connection with the proposal to approve the business combination.

 

There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced delivery process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker a nominal amount and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the holder. However, this fee would be incurred regardless of whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise conversion rights. The need to deliver shares is a requirement of exercising conversion rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated. However, in the event we require stockholders seeking to exercise conversion rights prior to the consummation of the proposed business combination and the proposed business combination is not consummated this may result in an increased cost to stockholders.

 

Any proxy solicitation materials we furnish to stockholders in connection with a vote for any proposed business combination will indicate whether we are requiring stockholders to satisfy such certification and delivery requirements. Accordingly, a stockholder would have from the time the stockholder received our proxy statement up until the vote on the proposal to approve the business combination to deliver his shares if he wishes to seek to exercise his conversion rights. This time period varies depending on the specific facts of each transaction. However, as the delivery process can be accomplished by the stockholder, whether or not he is a record holder or his shares are held in “street name,” in a matter of hours by simply contacting the transfer agent or his broker and requesting delivery of his shares through the DWAC System, we believe this time period is sufficient for an average investor. However, we cannot assure you of this fact. Please see the risk factor titled “In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with a proposed business combination to comply with specific requirements for conversion that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their conversion rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights” for further information on the risks of failing to comply with these requirements.

 

Any request to convert such shares once made, may be withdrawn at any time up to the vote on the proposed business combination or the expiration of the tender offer. Furthermore, if a holder of public shares delivered his certificate in connection with an election of their conversion and subsequently decides prior to the applicable date not to elect to exercise such rights, he may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or electronically).

 

If the initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then our public stockholders who elected to exercise their conversion rights would not be entitled to convert their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the trust account. In such case, we will promptly return any shares delivered by public holders.

 

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Liquidation if No Business Combination

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we will have only 24 months from the closing of this offering to complete an initial business combination. If we have not completed an initial business combination by such date, 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, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not previously released to us but net of taxes payable, 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 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) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

 

Our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers and directors have agreed that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to convert 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 not previously released to us but net of franchise and income taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. This redemption right shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsor, initial stockholders, executive officers, directors or any other person.

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, 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 Delaware General Corporation Law intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. It is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following our 24th month, and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with those procedures. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such date.

 

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 we do not complete 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 Delaware General Corporation Law, 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 liquidation distribution.

 

Because we will not be complying with Section 280 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, 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 ten years. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target businesses.

 

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We are required to seek to have all third parties (including any vendors or other entities we engage after this offering) and any prospective target businesses enter into 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. As a result, the claims that could be made against us will be limited, thereby lessening 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, Marcum LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, and the underwriters of the offering, will not execute agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that other vendors, service providers and prospective target businesses will execute such agreements. Nor is there any guarantee that, even if they execute such agreements with us, they will not seek recourse against the trust account. Our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per share by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us, but we cannot assure you that it will be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations if it is required to do so. 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 believe it is unlikely that our sponsor will be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations if it is required to do so. Additionally, the agreement our sponsor entered into specifically provides for two exceptions to the indemnity it has given: it will have no liability (1) as to any claimed amounts owed to a target business or vendor or other entity who has executed an agreement 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, or (2) as to any claims for indemnification by the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. As a result, if we liquidate, the per-share distribution from the trust account could be less than $10.00 due to claims or potential claims of creditors.

 

We anticipate notifying the trustee of the trust account to begin liquidating such assets promptly after our 24th month and anticipate it will take no more than 10 business days to effectuate such distribution. The holders of the founders’ shares and private shares have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution from the trust account with respect to such shares. There will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless. We will pay the costs of any subsequent liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, our sponsor has contractually agreed to advance us the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $15,000) and has contractually agreed not to seek repayment for such expenses.

 

If we are unable to complete an initial business combination and expend all of the net proceeds of this offering, other than the proceeds deposited in the trust account, and without taking into account interest, if any, earned on the trust account, the initial per-share redemption price would be $10.00. As discussed above, the proceeds deposited in the trust account could 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 a business combination within the required time period, if the stockholders seek to have us convert or purchase their respective shares upon a business combination which is actually completed by us or upon certain amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation prior to consummating an initial business combination. In no other circumstances shall a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.

 

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, we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public stockholders at least $10.00 per share.

 

If we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which 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. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders promptly after 24 months from the closing of this offering, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.

 

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Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains certain requirements and restrictions relating to this offering that will apply to us until the consummation of our initial business combination. These provisions cannot be amended without the approval of a majority of our stockholders. If we seek to amend any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, we will provide dissenting public stockholders with the opportunity to convert their public shares in connection with any such vote. This conversion right shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsor, any executive officer, director or director nominee, or any other person. Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to waive any conversion rights with respect to any founders’ shares, private shares and any public shares they may hold in connection with any vote to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Specifically, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides, among other things, that:

 

  we shall either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination or don’t vote at all, into 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;
     
  we will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of such business combination and, if we seek stockholder approval, 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 24 months from the closing of this offering, then we will redeem all of the outstanding public shares and thereafter liquidate and dissolve our company;
     
  upon the consummation of this offering, $225.0 million, or approximately $258.75 million if the 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 stock that participates in any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or that votes as a class with the common stock sold in this offering on an initial business combination.

 

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 when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe there may be numerous potential target businesses that we could acquire with the net proceeds of this offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable target businesses 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 a business combination or engage in a tender offer may delay the completion of a transaction;
     
  our obligation to convert or repurchase shares of common stock held by our public stockholders may reduce the resources available to us for a business combination; and
     
  our outstanding warrants, and the potential future dilution they represent.

 

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Any of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a 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 acquiring a target business with significant growth potential on favorable terms.

 

If we succeed in effecting a business combination, there will be, in all likelihood, intense competition from competitors of the target business. We cannot assure you that, subsequent to a business combination, we will have the resources or ability to compete effectively.

 

Facilities

 

We currently maintain our principal executive offices at 13001 W. Hwy 71, Suite 201, Austin Texas 78738. An affiliate of our sponsor provides this office space to us at no cost. We consider our current office space, combined with the other office space otherwise available to our executive officers, 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 to acquire has been located, management may 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 such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of a business combination.

 

Periodic Reporting and Audited Financial Statements

 

We have registered our units, common stock and warrants under the Exchange Act and have reporting obligations, including the requirement that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, our annual report will contain financial statements audited and reported on by our independent registered public accountants.

 

We will provide stockholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of 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 generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards as promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board. We cannot assure you that any particular target business identified by us as a potential acquisition candidate will have the necessary financial statements. To the extent that this requirement cannot be met, we may not be able to acquire the proposed target business.

 

We may be required to have our internal control procedures audited for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

There is no material litigation, arbitration or governmental proceeding currently pending 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 12 months preceding the date of this prospectus.

 

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Comparison to Offerings of Blank Check Companies Subject to Rule 419

 

The following table compares and contrasts the terms of our offering and the terms of an offering of blank check companies under Rule 419 promulgated by the SEC assuming that the gross proceeds, underwriting discounts and underwriting expenses for the Rule 419 offering are the same as this offering and that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option. None of the terms of a Rule 419 offering will apply to this offering because we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful consummation of this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact.

 

    Terms of the Offering   Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering
Escrow of offering proceeds   $225,000,000 of the proceeds from this offering and the sale of the private units will be deposited into a U.S.-based trust account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee   $191,362,500 of the offering proceeds would be required to be deposited into either an escrow account with an insured depositary institution or in a separate bank account established by a broker-dealer in which the broker-dealer acts as trustee for persons having the beneficial interests in the account.
         
Investment of net proceeds   The $225,000,000 of the proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private units held in trust will only be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations.   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 a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we are not then listed on Nasdaq for whatever reason, we would no longer be required to meet the foregoing 80% fair market value test.   We would be restricted from acquiring a target business unless the fair value of such business or net assets to be acquired represent at least 80% of the maximum offering proceeds.

 

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    Terms of the Offering   Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering
Trading of securities issued   The units may commence trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The shares of common stock and warrants comprising the units will begin to trade separately on the 90th day after the date of this prospectus unless EarlyBirdCapital informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, 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, including any proceeds we receive from the exercise of the over-allotment option, if such option is exercised prior to the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K. If the over-allotment option is exercised after the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K, we will file an amendment to the Form 8-K to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise and consummation of the over-allotment option. We will also include in this Form 8-K, an amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K, information indicating if EarlyBirdCapital has allowed separate trading of the shares of common stock and warrants prior to the 90th day after the date of this prospectus.   No trading of the units or the underlying shares of common stock and warrants would be permitted until the completion of a business combination. During this period, the securities would be held in the escrow or trust account.
         
Exercise of the warrants   The warrants cannot be exercised until the completion of our initial business combination and, accordingly, will be exercised only after the trust account has been terminated and distributed   The warrants could be exercised prior to the completion of a business combination, but securities received and cash paid in connection with the exercise would be deposited in the escrow or trust account.
         
Election to remain an investor   We will either (1) give our stockholders the opportunity to vote on the business combination or (2) provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares of our common stock to us in a tender offer for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, less taxes. 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.   A prospectus containing information required by the SEC would be sent to each investor. Each investor would be given the opportunity to notify the company, in writing, within a period of no less than 20 business days and no more than 45 business days from the effective date of the post-effective amendment, to decide whether he or she elects to remain a stockholder of the company or require the return of his or her investment. If the company has not received the notification by the end of the 45th business day, funds and interest or dividends, if any, held in the trust or escrow account would automatically be returned to the stockholder. Unless a sufficient number of investors elect to remain investors, all of the deposited funds in the escrow account must be returned to all investors and none of the securities will be issued.

 

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    Terms of the Offering   Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering
         
Business combination deadline   Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within 24 months 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, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not released to us but net of franchise and income taxes payable, 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 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) 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 consummated within 24 months after the effective date of the initial registration statement, funds held in the trust or escrow account would be returned to investors.
         
Interest earned on the funds in the trust account   There can be released to us, from time to time, any interest earned on the funds in the trust account that we may need to pay our tax obligations. The remaining interest earned on the funds in the trust account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.   All interest earned on the funds in the trust account will be held in trust for the benefit of public stockholders until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.
         
Release of funds   Except for any interest earned on the funds in the trust account released to us for our tax obligations as described above, the proceeds held in the trust account will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.   The proceeds held in the escrow account would not be released to the company until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or the failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

Our current directors and executive officers are as follows:

 

Name   Age   Title
Harvey Schiller   81   Chief Executive Officer
William T. Duffy   64   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
David Falk   70   Director, Senior Advisor
Donna Orender   63   Director
Kenneth L. Shropshire   65   Director

 

Harvey Schiller has served as our Chief Executive Officer since November 2020. General Schiller is Chairman of Charlestowne Holdings, a financial advisory firm (2018-present). He is Vice Chairman of the digital, media and sports practice of the Diversified Search Group (2015-present). He previously served as Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (1986-1990) and America’s Cup (2015-2017), executive director of the United States Olympic Committee (1990-1995), president of Turner Sports (1995-2000), president of Atlanta Thrashers NHL hockey team (1997-1999), Chairman of the financial services firm Assante USA (2002-2004), Chairman of the security firm Global Options (2006-2013), and Chairman of YankeeNets, owners of the New York Yankees, New Jersey Devils, and New Jersey Nets (2000-2002) and developer of the YES network (2001-2002). He is lead director of Mesa Air Group (2015-present), and board member of Blinktbi (2018-present) and chair of Sportsgrid and the Collegiate Sports Management Group (2018-present). General Schiller served a distinguished career as an Air Force pilot (1962-1986) and was a Presidential appointed permanent professor (1980-1986) at the U.S. Air Force Academy and White House Commission on Presidential Scholars (2005-2009). Other appointments include NCAA executive committee (1982-1988), Olympic Games consultant (1984-2012), International Baseball President, board member of the Baseball Hall of Fame (present) and World Baseball Classic (present). General Schiller is a distinguished graduate of The Citadel and earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Michigan.

 

William T. Duffy has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer since November 2020. Mr. Duffy serves as the Vice Chairman of The Aspire Sports Marketing Group, LLC (“Aspire”), a sports consulting firm which he co-founded in 2008. From 2016 to 2019, he was the CEO of Aspire and he previously held other positions at Aspire, including two years as COO, and has served on its board of managers since 2014. Mr. Duffy’s career has focused on turnarounds of underperforming franchises with a focus on maximizing employee performance and revenue generation and reducing operating costs, while creating cultures of accountability through hands on leadership and career development of employees. His international experience at Aspire includes consulting on projects with The R & A, Leicester City FC and Tijuana Xolos (Liga MX). From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Duffy briefly left Aspire and oversaw finance and arena operations in a variety of roles at Bobcats Sports and Entertainment, including roles as EVP, CFO and CAO. He served as liaison to the City of Charlotte for the expansion NBA Franchise Charlotte Bobcats and Time Warner Cable Arena. Prior to Aspire, Mr. Duffy held the positions of CFO of the San Francisco 49ers (1996-1999), CAO of the Buffalo Bills (1999-2000), CFO of the Florida Panthers (2001-2003) and EVP, CFO of Atlanta Spirit, LLC (2004-2008), a group that bought the operating rights of the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena in 2004 Mr. Duffy holds a Masters of Science in Accounting from New York University, and AB in Economics from Princeton University and has earned a CPA.

 

David B. Falk will serve as a member of our board of directors and as our Senior Advisor. Mr. Falk is the founder of Falk Associates Management Enterprises (FAME) which provides specialized and personal representation services to the company’s elite clientele of NBA superstars. Prior to founding FAME in 1992, Mr. Falk served as vice chairman of ProServ where he represented numerous professional athletes. Mr. Falk has successfully negotiated a number of large and notable NBA contracts, including Alonzo Mourning’s historical $100 million contract in 1995 and Michael Jordan’s 1996 one-year contract for $30 million. Mr. Falk was also influential in the creation of the “Air Jordan” brand and was an executive producer of the movie “Space Jam.” Mr. Falk is an investor in Consumable, a digital advertising company, Hyperwave, a cooking technology company, Ostendo, a quantum photonics technology company, Wheels Up, an aviation company, and Block Six Analytics. Mr. Falk first attended and is now a member of the Board of Trustees for Syracuse University. Mr Falk endowed and founded the David B. Falk College of Sports and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University, a leading sports program in the U.S. Mr. Falk was selected to serve on the board of directors due to his significant and world-renowned experience in the sports industry.

 

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Donna Orender serves as a member of our board of directors. Ms. Orender spent 17 years at the PGA TOUR where she served as one of three senior executives in the Office of the Commissioner. During her time there, she exponentially grew the TOUR’s television rights and led a major expansion of global production, programming distribution and digital business while also founding PGA TOUR Radio with partner Sirius XM. From 2005 to 2010, Ms. Orender served as the President of the WNBA. During her term business metrics that saw growth included sponsorship, television ratings, profitability and attendance growth (following an eight year decline). Ms. Orender began her current role as Chief Executive Officer of Orender Unlimited, a consulting and advisory firm, in 2011. Ms. Orender serves on the nominating and compensation committees for the V Foundation for Cancer Research board, the board of the World Surf League, and is the founder of Generation W, an organization that focuses on educating, inspiring and connecting women and girls in the service of building better communities. Ms. Orender received a B.A. from Queens College and is a multiple hall of fame athlete. Ms. Orender received a B.A. from Queens College. Ms. Orender was selected to serve on the board of directors due to her significant and trailblazing experience in the sports industry.

 

Kenneth L. Shropshire will serve as a member of our board of directors. Mr. Shropshire has been a faculty member of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (“Wharton”) since 1986, where he is now an emeritus professor, with an expertise in sports business and law. During his tenure at Wharton, Mr. Shropshire founded the Wharton Sports Business Initiative in 2004, a sports business research center and served as a director until 2017. One such example of the innovative programming Mr. Shropshire developed at Wharton includes the NFL/NFLPA Player Business Education Transition Program. Currently, in addition to being a professor emeritus at Wharton, Mr. Shropshire is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sport Institute, and serves as the Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University since joining in 2017. Mr. Shropshire has served as a director of Moelis & Company since 2014. In addition, Mr. Shropshire acts as an advisor to multiple organizations in the sports industry, including Altius Sports Partners, Arctos Sports Partners, Overtime Elite, and Pro Sports Assembly. Mr. Shropshire earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a law degree from Columbia University, and is a member of the California bar. He joined the law firm of Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg and Tunney in Los Angeles prior to working with the 1984 Olympic Games and beginning his lengthy career at Wharton. Mr. Shropshire was also the former President of the Sports Lawyers Association, the largest organization of sports lawyers in the world. Mr. Shropshire was selected to serve on the board of directors due to his significant and world-renowned experience in the sports industry as well as his experience serving on boards of directors.

 

Past performance of our Team is not a guarantee either (i) that we will be able to identify 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 performance record of our Team as indicative of our future performance. Additionally, in the course of their respective careers, members of our Team have been involved in businesses and deals that were unsuccessful. Our officers and directors have no experience with special purpose acquisition companies. In addition, our officers and directors may have conflicts of interest with other entities to which they owe fiduciary or contractual obligations with respect to initial business combination opportunities. For a list of our officers and directors and entities for which a conflict of interest may or does exist between such persons and the company, as well as the priority and preference that such entity has with respect to performance of obligations and presentation of business opportunities to us, please refer to the table and subsequent explanatory paragraph under “Management — Conflicts of Interest”.

 

Advisors

 

Jon Miller will serve as Chairman of our advisory board as well as a board observer. Mr. Miller currently serves as a director of Akamai Technologies, Inc., AMC Networks Inc., Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and J2 Global, Inc. From 2013 until January 2018, Mr. Miller was a partner at Advancit Capital, where he continues to serve as an advisor and member of the Investment Committee. He previously has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Media Group at News Corp., and was its Chief Digital Officer from April 2009 to September 2012. Mr. Miller was a founding partner of Velocity Interactive Group, an investment firm focusing on internet and digital media, from its inception in 2007 to 2009. Prior to founding Velocity, Mr. Miller served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of America Online, Inc. (“AOL”) from 2002 to 2006. Prior to joining AOL, Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer and President of USA Information and Services. Mr. Miller previously served as a director of, among others, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., Ticketmaster, LiveNation Entertainment, Inc., RTL Group SA, Shutterstock, Inc. and TripAdvisor, Inc.. Mr. Miller is a trustee of the American Film Institute and The Paley Center for Media. Mr. Miller holds a B.A. from Harvard College.

 

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Alex Greystoke will serve as a member of our advisory board and is one of our founders. Mr. Greystoke is a successful serial entrepreneur with a breadth of skills in a diverse range of industries. Mr. Greystoke is the founder of multiple AI technology companies including TripChamp, VacationChamp and TravelChamp. He is the inventor of three granted artificial intelligence patents, with eight pending patent applications. Mr. Greystoke is also an investor with investments in real estate, food and beverage, technology and other sectors. Mr. Greystoke founded HSC, a boutique corporate finance business raising money for and helping emerging companies commercialize in a range of sectors including technology, energy, healthcare and consumer products utilizing his wide network of partners throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. Mr. Greystoke has served as director to numerous companies in the education, technology, AI and renewable energy spaces, and has served as a Chairman to a U.K. listed Chinese manufacturing company.

 

Raghu Kilambi will serve as a member of our advisory board and is one of our founders. Mr. Kilambi has been CEO of PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp. since May 2020. Mr. Kilambi previously served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of ConversionPoint Technologies from December 2017 to January 2020. ConversionPoint was sold in two transactions to a private equity-backed group and a strategic buyer. Mr. Kilambi has also been the principal of Kirarv Capital, a technology investment firm, since June 2009. Mr. Kilambi has raised over $1 billion of equity and debt capital for growth private and public companies in his career and has also been a senior officer and director of companies that were awarded Barron’s ASAP Magazine Top Ramp Champ awards and Profit Magazine’s Top 3 Growth Company awards. Previously, from 1998 to 2001, Mr. Kilambi was the Co-Founder, CFO and Chief Strategy Officer of FutureLink Corp., a leading first-generation VC-backed cloud computing technology company that grew from startup to over $100 million in annualized revenues. Mr. Kilambi graduated with Great Distinction with a Bachelor of Commerce (University Scholar), received a Graduate Diploma in Public Accounting from McGill University (Top 10 List), and qualified as a Canadian Chartered Accountant in 1989 (inactive).

 

Amber Allen will serve as a member of our advisory board. Ms. Allen’s experience has been focused in the technology, entertainment and gaming industries, having spent her career at major companies including Reebok, Disney, Warner Bros., and Riot Games. Currently, Ms. Allen serves as the founder of Double A Labs, a leader in developing transformative technologies and experiences for brand engagement. Ms. Allen serves on the Advisory Board of University of Texas Game and Development Design and is a member of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Ms. Allen also volunteers with Women Who Code and is an advisor to both Dell Women’s Entrepreneurship Network and Dell Project Innovate.

 

Bart Oates will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Oates was a starting center for the USFL Philadelphia Stars, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, for a total 14 seasons of professional football. In the offseasons, Mr. Oates attended Seton Hall Law School where he graduated with honors and joined the law firm of Ribis, Graham & Curtin in Morristown N.J., where he focused on litigation and real estate tax appeal work. Currently, Mr. Oates serves as President of the NFL Alumni Association, a position that allows him to advocate on behalf of former players to establish benefits and opportunities.

 

Martin Gruschka will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Gruschka began his career in 1990 as a management consultant for a Deutsche Bank Group subsidiary, with a focus on East German Privatization projects. Thereafter, he led the European media practice of Arthur D. Little, a global management consulting group, from 1996 to 1999. Having spent time as an associate director at Deutsche Morgan Grenfell’s media investment banking division, he co-founded Springwater Capital LLC in 2002 where he currently acts as Managing Partner. Mr. Gruschka has served as Chairman, President, Board Member and CEO of more than forty companies throughout Europe and the U.S. in a diverse range of sectors, including media & communications, aerospace, engineering, logistics, recycling, technology, tourism and business process outsourcing.

 

Danielle Cantor Jeweler will serve as a member of our advisory board. Ms. Jeweler is the Executive Vice President and Partner at FAME, and is an NBPA Certified Agent, representing current and retired NBA talent. Together with partner David Falk, Danielle negotiates contracts for a number of NBA players. Ms. Jeweler has also negotiated a myriad of national and international endorsement deals for her basketball clients. In September 2017, Danielle was honored by the Sports Business Journal as a Gamechanger in the sports industry, as the only female registered agent with active NBA clients. In July 2019, she negotiated the largest guaranteed sports contract by a female agent (Malcolm Brogdon, with the Indiana Pacers, for 4 years and $85 million). Ms. Jeweler is a member of the Leadership Council for PeacePlayers, International, and she serves on the Board of Advisors for Most Valuable Kids, the Roy Hibbert Foundation, and Little Smiles. A native Washingtonian, Ms. Jeweler graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (“UPenn”) in the Annenberg School for Communications and from The Wharton School for Business. Ms. Jeweler is a competitive youth girls soccer coach and played Division 1 soccer at UPenn.

 

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Marc Wade will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Wade is a financier, philanthropist and founder of Wade & Company, a family office. Mr. Wade has historically invested in a diversified portfolio of businesses with a primary focus on asset backed lending. His portfolio has included commercial real estate, banking, energy, sports and entertainment, technology and securities lending. Mr. Wade was a minority investor in the NHL franchise New Jersey Devils and Devils Entertainment. Mr. Wade is also Co-Founder of BTI, one of South America’s largest aggregators of cell phone towers.

 

Garret Klugh will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Klugh is the COO of Falk Ventures. He is an internationally recognized Olympian and frequent guest speaker, lecturer and panelist in the sports-tech industry. Mr. Klugh earned his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and his MBA from George Washington University. At SDSU, Mr. Klugh served as the President of the men’s rowing team. He went on to represent the U.S. on six National Teams and one Olympic Team (Athens 2004). Mr. Klugh won the World Rowing Championship in 1999 and was honored to be selected by his peers as the Athlete Representative on the Board of Directors for USRowing.

 

Doug Perlman will serve as a member of our advisory board. Mr. Perlman is the founder and CEO of Sports Media Advisors (“SMA”), a boutique advisory firm which focuses on the intersection of sports, television and digital media. Mr. Perlman has worked on all of SMA’s client engagements including those with the NFL, NASCAR, USTA, UFC, Hockey Canada, Little League, NextVR and several leading private equity firms. Prior to SMA, he established himself throughout the sports industry in senior executive roles at the NHL and IMG. Among other accolades, Mr. Perlman has been named to the prestigious Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 three times, earning a spot in their “Hall of Fame.” Mr. Perlman has been recognized by multiple industry publications and organizations as a leader in the sports, media, and technology industries, including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports by the Sporting News while at the NHL. Mr. Perlman regularly appears on television and is often a featured speaker at industry and other events.

 

We currently expect our advisors to (i) assist us in sourcing, negotiating and consummating a potential business combination, (ii) provide their business insights when we assess potential business combination targets and (iii) upon our request, provide their business insights as we work to create additional value in the businesses that we acquire. However, they have no written advisory agreement with us. Additionally, these individuals have no other employment or compensation arrangements with us. They will not serve on the board or any committee thereof, nor will they have any voting or decision making capacity on our behalf. They will also not be required to devote any specific amount of time to our efforts or be subject to the fiduciary requirements to which our board members are subject. Accordingly, if any of them become aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for us, they are under no obligation to introduce it to us before any other prospective acquiror.

 

Executive Compensation

 

No executive officer has received any cash compensation for services rendered to us.

 

Other than the payment of consulting, success or finder fees to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination and the repayment of the $200,000 loan made by our sponsor to us, no compensation or fees of any kind will be paid to our sponsor, initial stockholders, members of our Team or their respective affiliates, 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, they will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. There is no limit on the amount of consulting, success or finder fees payable by us upon consummation of an initial business combination. Additionally, there is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination.

 

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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. However, the amount of such compensation may not be known at the time of the stockholder meeting held to consider an 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 or a periodic report, as required by the SEC.

 

Director Independence

 

Currently David Falk, Donna Orender and Kenneth L. Shropshire would each be considered an “independent director” under the Nasdaq listing rules, which is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship, which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

 

Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

 

Any affiliated transactions will be on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from independent parties. Our board of directors will review and approve all affiliated transactions with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval.

 

Audit Committee

 

Effective upon the date of this prospectus, we will establish an audit committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Ms. Orender, Messrs. Falk and Shropshire, each of whom is an independent director under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

  reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, and recommending to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K;
     
  discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;
     
  discussing with management major risk assessment and risk management policies;
     
  monitoring the independence of the independent auditor;
     
  verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law;
     
  reviewing and approving all related-party transactions;
     
  inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
     
  pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed;
     
  appointing or replacing the independent auditor;
     
  determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work;
     
  establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies; and
     
  approving reimbursement of expenses incurred by our management team in identifying potential target businesses.

 

Financial Experts on Audit Committee

 

The audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively of “independent directors” who are “financially literate” as defined under Nasdaq’s listing standards. Nasdaq’s 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.

 

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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 Ms. Orender qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Nominating Committee

 

Effective upon the date of this prospectus, we will establish a nominating committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Ms. Orender, Messrs. Falk and Shropshire, each of whom is an independent director under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The nominating committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on our board of directors. The nominating committee considers persons identified by its members, management, stockholders, investment bankers and others.

 

Guidelines for Selecting Director Nominees

 

The guidelines for selecting nominees, which are specified in the Nominating Committee Charter, generally provide that persons to be nominated:

 

  should have demonstrated notable or significant achievements in business, education or public service;
     
  should possess the requisite intelligence, education and experience to make a significant contribution to the board of directors and bring a range of skills, diverse perspectives and backgrounds to its deliberations; and
     
  should have the highest ethical standards, a strong sense of professionalism and intense dedication to serving the interests of the stockholders.

 

The Nominating Committee will consider a number of qualifications relating to management and leadership experience, background and integrity and professionalism in evaluating a person’s candidacy for membership on the board of directors. The nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time and will also consider the overall experience and makeup of its members to obtain a broad and diverse mix of board members. The nominating committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by stockholders and other persons.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Effective upon the date of this prospectus, we will establish a compensation committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Ms. Orender, Messrs. Falk and Shropshire, each of whom is an independent director under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The compensation committee’s duties, which are specified in our Compensation Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

  reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;
     
  reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our other executive officers;
     
  reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;
     
  implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;
     
  assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;
     
  approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our executive officers and employees;

 

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  if required, producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and
     
  reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

 

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

 

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.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that:

 

  except as may be prescribed by any written agreement with us, 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
     
  our officers and directors will not be liable to our company or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of any of our activities or any of our sponsor or its affiliates to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

 

Our officers and directors are, and may in the future become, affiliated with other companies. In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise from such other corporate affiliations, each of our officers and directors has contractually agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, until the earliest of our execution of a definitive agreement for a business combination, our liquidation or such time as he ceases to be an officer or director, to present to our company for our consideration, prior to presentation to any other entity, any suitable business opportunity which may reasonably be required to be presented to us, subject to any fiduciary or contractual obligations he might have. The foregoing agreement does not restrict our officers and directors from becoming affiliated with other companies in the future which could take priority over our company. However, we believe that such agreement still benefits us because our officers and directors are obligated to present suitable business opportunities to us to the extent that none of their other fiduciary or contractual obligations require them to present it to another entity.

 

The following table summarizes the pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations of our officers and directors besides our sponsor:

 

Name of Individual   Name of Affiliated Entity
Harvey Schiller   Diversified Search, Sportsgrid, Charlestowne Holdings, Schiller Management Group, Mesa Airlines, Blinktbi
William T. Duffy   The Aspire Sports Marketing Group, LLC
David Falk   Falk Associates Management Enterprises
Donna Orender   Orender Unlimited
Kenneth L. Shropshire  

Moelis & Company, Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

 

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While the foregoing may limit the pool of potential business combination candidates, we do not believe that this limitation will be material.

 

Investors should also be aware of the following additional 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.
     
  Unless we consummate our initial business combination, our officers, directors and sponsor will not receive reimbursement or repayment for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them, or loans made to us, to the extent that such expenses exceed the amount of available proceeds not deposited in the trust account.
     
  The founders’ shares beneficially owned by our initial stockholders and the private units purchased by our sponsor, and any warrants which our officers or directors may purchase in the aftermarket will expire worthless if a business combination is not consummated. Additionally, our officers and directors and affiliates will not receive liquidation distributions from the trust account with respect to any of the founders’ shares or private shares.

 

For the foregoing reasons, our board may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate to effect a business combination with.

 

To further minimize conflicts of interest, we have agreed not to consummate an initial business combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of our officers, directors, sponsor or initial stockholders unless we have 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 our unaffiliated stockholders from a financial point of view. We will also need to obtain the approval of a majority of our disinterested independent directors. Furthermore, in no event will any of our sponsor, members of our management team or their respective affiliates be paid any compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of an initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is) other than the payment of consulting, success or finder fees to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, repayment of the $200,000 loan and reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares of common stock as of the date of this prospectus and as adjusted to reflect the sale of our shares of common stock included in the units offered by this prospectus and included in the private units (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.

 

Our sponsor purchased an aggregate of 5,750,000 founders’ shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. On December 16, 2020, we effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result, our initial shareholders hold 6,468,750 founder shares as of the date of this prospectus. In December 2020, our sponsor transferred an aggregate of 2,354,000 founder shares to our officers, directors and advisors. In January 2021, we issued to EarlyBirdCapital and its designees the 150,000 representative shares. 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. The following table does not reflect record of beneficial ownership of the warrants included in the units offered by this prospectus or the private warrants as these warrants are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.

 

    Prior to Offering     After Offering(2)  
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)  

Amount and

Nature of

Beneficial

Ownership

   

Approximate

Percentage of

Outstanding

Shares of

Common Stock

   

Amount and

Nature of

Beneficial

Ownership

   

Approximate

Percentage of

Outstanding

Shares of

Common Stock

 
Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC     4,114,750 (3)     62.2 %     3,871,000 (3)     13.4 %
Harvey Schiller (Chief Executive Officer)     560,000 (4)     8.5 %     560,000 (4)     1.9 %
William T. Duffy (Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer)     250,000 (4)     3.8       250,000 (4)     *  
David Falk (Director, Senior Advisor)     150,000 (4)     2.3       150,000 (4)      *  
Donna Orender (Director)     50,000 (4)      *       50,000 (4)      *  
Kenneth L. Shropshire (Director)     75,000 (4)     1.1       75,000 (4)     * %
Alex Greystoke (Founder and Advisor)    

600,000

(4)    

8.7

%    

600,000

(4)    

2.1

%

All directors and executive officers as a group (5 individuals)     1,085,000       16.4 %     1,085,000       3.8 %

 

 

* Less than 1%.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is c/o Goal Acquisitions Corp., 13001 W. Hwy 71, Suite 201, Austin Texas 78738
(2) Assumes no exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, the forfeiture of an aggregate of 843,750 shares of common stock.
(3)

Represents securities held by Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC, our sponsor. Alex Greystoke, Raghu Kilambi and William T. Duffy comprise the Board of Managers of our sponsor. Any action by our sponsor with respect to our company or the founder shares, including voting and dispositive decisions, requires a majority vote of the managers of the board of managers. Under the so-called “rule of three,” because voting and dispositive decisions are made by a majority of our sponsor’s managers, none of the managers of our sponsor is deemed to be a beneficial owner of our sponsor’s securities, even those in which such manager holds a pecuniary interest. Accordingly, none of our directors or officers is deemed to have or share beneficial ownership of the founder shares held by our sponsor.

(4) Does not include any securities held by Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC, of which each person is a member. Each such person disclaims beneficial ownership of the reported shares other than to the extent of his ultimate pecuniary interest therein.

 

Immediately after this offering, our initial stockholders will beneficially own approximately 21.6% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock (assuming they do not purchase any units offered by this prospectus). None of our sponsor, officers, directors and initial stockholders has indicated to us that it or they intend to purchase our securities in the offering. Because of the ownership block held by our sponsor, officers, directors and initial stockholders, 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.

 

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Our anchor investor has expressed an interest to purchase units in this offering at a level of up to and in no event exceeding 9.9% of the units subject to this offering. In addition, our sponsor has entered into a letter agreement with the anchor investor pursuant to which the anchor investor will purchase membership interests in our sponsor. See “Summary — The Offering — Expressions of Interest. The anchor founder shares and the anchor private warrants will be treated the same in all material respects as the founder shares held and the private warrants to be held by our sponsor as described in this prospectus. 

 

Pursuant to the letter agreement with our sponsor, the anchor investor has not been granted any material additional shareholder or other rights, and is only being issued membership interests in our sponsor with no right to control our sponsor or vote or dispose of the founder shares or private warrants, as applicable (which will continue to be held by our sponsor until following our initial business combination). Additionally with respect to the units it has expressed an interest in purchasing (or all of the units it purchases in this offering, if less), such anchor investor (1) will not transfer such units (or underlying shares of common stock) prior to the date we complete our initial business combination, and (2) will not exercise its redemption rights with respect to any shares of common stock included in such units in connection with the completion of our initial business combination. The purchases by the anchor investor of units in this offering or our securities in the open market (or both) could potentially allow such investor to assert influence over our company, including with respect to our initial business combination. The anchor investor will have the same rights to the funds held in the trust account with respect to the common stock underlying the units they may purchase in this offering as the rights afforded to our public stockholders.

 

There can be no assurance that the anchor investor will acquire any units in this offering or what amount of equity our anchor investor will retain, if any, upon the consummation of our initial business combination. As a result of the founder shares and private placement warrants that the anchor investor may hold (directly or indirectly), they may have different interests with respect to a vote on an initial business combination than other public stockholders.

 

If the underwriters do not exercise all or a portion of the over-allotment option, an aggregate of 843,750 founders’ shares will be forfeited. Only a number of shares necessary to maintain the 20% ownership interest in our shares of common stock after giving effect to the offering and the exercise, if any, of the underwriters’ over-allotment option (not including the private units and representative shares and assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering) will be necessary.

 

All of the founders’ shares outstanding prior to the date of this prospectus will be placed in escrow with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as escrow agent, 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 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. Up to 843,750 of the founders’ shares may also be released from escrow earlier than this date for cancellation if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full as described above.

 

During the escrow period, the holders of these shares will not be able to sell or transfer their securities except for transfers, assignments or sales (i) among our initial stockholders or to our initial stockholders’ members, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates, (ii) to a holder’s stockholders or members upon its liquidation, (iii) by bona fide gift to a member of the holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the holder or a member of the holder’s immediate family, 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 the terms of the escrow agreement and to be bound by these transfer restrictions, but will retain all other rights as our stockholders, including, without limitation, the right to vote their shares of common stock and the right to receive cash dividends, if declared. If dividends are declared and payable in shares of common stock, such dividends will also be placed in escrow. If we are unable to effect a business combination and liquidate, there will be no liquidation distribution with respect to the founders’ shares.

 

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Our sponsor has committed that they it or its designees will purchase the 600,000 private units (for a total purchase price of $6,000,000) from us. This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, they and/or their designees will purchase from us an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units) necessary to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering except that the private warrants: (i) will not be redeemable by us and (ii) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, as described in this prospectus, so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or any of their permitted transferees. If the private warrants are held by holders other than the initial purchasers or any of their permitted transferees, the private warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the warrants included in the units being sold in this offering. The initial purchasers have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private units and underlying securities (except in connection with the same limited exceptions that the founders’ shares may be transferred as described above) until after the completion of our initial business combination. Furthermore, they have agreed (A) to vote the private shares in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to convert any private shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or sell any private shares to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination and (C) that the private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution from our trust account upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated. In the event of a liquidation prior to our initial business combination, the private units will likely be worthless.

 

In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our sponsor, officers, directors and 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 holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the private units. 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 no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

 

Our executive officers, directors, advisors and our sponsor are our “promoters,” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws.

 

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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

 

In November 2020, we issued 5,750,000 shares of common stock to our initial stockholders for $25,000 in cash, at a purchase price of approximately $0.004 per share, in connection with our organization. On December 16, 2020, we effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, resulting in our initial stockholders holding an aggregate of 6,468,750 founder shares as of the date of this prospectus. In December 2020, our sponsor transferred an aggregate of 2,354,000 founder shares to our officers, directors and advisors. If the underwriters do not exercise all or a portion of their over-allotment option, our initial stockholders will forfeit up to an aggregate of 843,750 shares of common stock in proportion to the portion of the over-allotment option that was not exercised.

 

If the underwriters determine the size of the offering should be increased (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) or decreased, a share dividend or a contribution back to capital, as applicable, would be effectuated in order to maintain our initial stockholders’ ownership at a percentage of the number of shares to be sold in this offering.

 

Our sponsor has committed that it or its designees will purchase, pursuant to written subscription agreements with us, the 600,000 private units (for a total purchase price of $6,000,000) from us. This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Our sponsor also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, they and/or their designees will purchase from us an additional number of private units (up to a maximum of 67,500 private units) necessary to maintain in the trust account $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering. These additional private units will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The purchase price for the private units will be delivered to an escrow account at least 24 hours prior to the closing of this offering and will be deposited into the trust account simultaneously with the consummation of the offering. The private units are identical to the units sold in this offering except that the private warrants: (i) will not be redeemable by us and (ii) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, as described in this prospectus, so long as they are held by the initial purchaser or any of their permitted transferees. Once the private warrants are transferred to anyone other than a permitted transferee, the private warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the warrants included in the units being sold in this offering. Our purchasers have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private units and underlying securities (except to certain permitted transferees) until after the completion of our initial business combination. Furthermore, they have agreed (A) to vote the private shares in favor of any proposed business combination, (B) not to convert any private shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or sell any private shares to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination and (C) that the private shares shall not participate in any liquidating distribution from our trust account upon winding up if a business combination is not consummated. In the event of a liquidation prior to our initial business combination, the private units will likely be worthless.

 

Our anchor investor has expressed an interest to purchase units in this offering at a level of up to and in no event exceeding 9.9% of the units subject to this offering. In addition, our sponsor has entered into a letter agreement with the anchor investor pursuant to which the anchor investor will purchase membership interests in our sponsor. See “Summary — The Offering — Expressions of Interest. The anchor founder shares and the anchor private warrants will be treated the same in all material respects as the founder shares held and the private warrants to be held by our sponsor as described in this prospectus. If the anchor investor purchases the full 9.9% of the units it has expressed an interest in purchasing, the anchor investor would own approximately 7.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company following this offering (or approximately 6.7% of the outstanding shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and our sponsor, initial stockholders and anchor investor would own approximately 29.8% of the outstanding shares following this offering (or approximately 28.7% of the outstanding shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full).

 

Pursuant to the letter agreement with our sponsor, the anchor investor has not been granted any material additional shareholder or other rights, and is only being issued membership interests in our sponsor with no right to control our sponsor or vote or dispose of the founder shares or private warrants, as applicable (which will continue to be held by our sponsor until following our initial business combination). Additionally with respect to the units it has expressed an interest in purchasing (or all of the units it purchases in this offering, if less), such anchor investor (1) will not transfer such units (or underlying shares of common stock) prior to the date we complete our initial business combination, and (2) will not exercise its redemption rights with respect to any shares of common stock included in such units in connection with the completion of our initial business combination. The purchases by the anchor investor of units in this offering or our securities in the open market (or both) could potentially allow such investor to assert influence over our company, including with respect to our initial business combination. The anchor investor will have the same rights to the funds held in the trust account with respect to the common stock underlying the units they may purchase in this offering as the rights afforded to our public stockholders.

 

There can be no assurance that the anchor investor will acquire any units in this offering or what amount of equity our anchor investor will retain, if any, upon the consummation of our initial business combination. As a result of the founder shares and private placement warrants that the anchor investor may hold (directly or indirectly), they may have different interests with respect to a vote on an initial business combination than other public stockholders.

 

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In order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our sponsor, 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 holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the private units. 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 no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

 

The holders of our founders’ shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the representative shares, private units and any units our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us (and all underlying securities), 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 founders’ 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 (or underlying securities) can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after we consummate a business combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a business combination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, EarlyBirdCapital and the other holders of the representative shares may only make a demand on one occasion and only during the five-year period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In addition, EarlyBirdCapital and the other holders of the representative shares may participate in a “piggy-back” registration only during the seven-year period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

As of November 24, 2020, our sponsor had loaned us an aggregate of $6,051 under the $200,000 promissory note to cover expenses related to this offering. As of January 18, 2021, we have borrowed $102,993 under this promissory note. We intend to repay the loan from the proceeds of this offering not being placed in trust upon consummation of this offering.

 

We will enter into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

 

Other than the payment of consulting, success or finder fees to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination and repayment of the $200,000 loan, no compensation or fees of any kind will be paid to our sponsor, initial stockholders, members of our Team or their respective affiliates, 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 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. There is no limit on the amount of consulting, success or finder fees payable by us upon consummation of an initial business combination. Additionally, there is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, that to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination.

 

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. However, the amount of such compensation may not be known at the time of the stockholder meeting held to consider an 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 or a periodic report, as required by the SEC.

 

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All ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will require prior approval by a majority of our uninterested “independent” directors or the members of our board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at our expense, to our attorneys or independent legal counsel. We will not enter into any such transaction unless our disinterested “independent” directors determine that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to us than those that would be available to us with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.

 

Related Party Policy

 

Our Code of Ethics requires us to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, 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.

 

Our audit committee, pursuant to its written charter, will be responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions to the extent we enter into such transactions. The audit committee will consider all relevant factors when determining whether to approve a related party transaction, including whether the related party transaction is on terms no less favorable to us than terms generally available from an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No director may participate in the approval of any transaction in which he is a related party, but that director is required to provide the audit committee with all material information concerning the transaction. We also require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.

 

These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.

 

To further minimize conflicts of interest, we have agreed not to consummate an initial business combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of our sponsor, officers or directors unless we have 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 our unaffiliated stockholders from a financial point of view. We will also need to obtain approval of a majority of our disinterested independent directors.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

General

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001. As of the date of this prospectus, 6,468,750 shares of common stock are outstanding. No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding. The following description summarizes the material terms of our securities. Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a complete description you should refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, bylaws and the form of warrant agreement, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to the applicable provisions of Delaware law.

 

Units

 

Each unit consists of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock. The shares of common stock and warrants will begin to trade separately on the 90th day after the date of this prospectus unless EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, provided that in no event may the shares of common stock and warrants be traded separately until we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds of this offering. Once the shares of common stock and warrants commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component pieces.

 

We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet promptly upon the consummation of this offering. The audited balance sheet will reflect proceeds we receive from the exercise of the over-allotment option, if the over-allotment option is exercised on the date of this prospectus. If the over-allotment option is exercised after the date of this prospectus, we will file an amendment to the Form 8-K to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the over-allotment option. We will also include in this Form 8-K, an amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K information indicating if EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. has allowed separate trading of the shares of common stock and warrants prior to the 90th day after the date of this prospectus.

 

Common Stock

 

Our stockholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. 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 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.

 

We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of such business combination and, solely 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.

 

Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares eligible to vote for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.

 

Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, if we do not consummate an initial business combination by 24 months from the closing of this offering, our corporate existence will cease except for the purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating. If we are forced to liquidate prior to an initial business combination, our public stockholders are entitled to share ratably in the trust account, based on the amount then held in the trust account.

 

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’s common stock and private 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.

 

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Our stockholders have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the shares of common stock, except that public stockholders have the right to sell their shares to us in a tender offer or have their shares of common stock converted to cash equal to their pro rata share of the trust account in connection with the consummation of our business combination. Public stockholders who sell or convert their stock into their share of the trust account still have the right to exercise the warrants that they received as part of the units.

 

Preferred Stock

 

There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors. No shares of preferred stock are being issued or registered in this offering. Accordingly, our board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of common stock. However, the underwriting agreement prohibits us, prior to a business combination, from issuing preferred stock which participates in any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or which votes as a class with the common stock on a business combination. We may issue some or all of the preferred stock to effect a business combination. In addition, the preferred stock could be utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of us. Although we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future.

 

Warrants

 

No warrants are currently outstanding. Each warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing upon the completion of our initial business combination. However, no warrants will be exercisable for cash unless we have an effective and current registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to such shares of common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the public warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of our initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. In the event of such cashless exercise, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” for this purpose will mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of common stock for the 5 trading days ending on the trading day prior to the date of exercise. The warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

The private warrants, as well as any warrants underlying additional units we issue to our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us, will be identical to the warrants underlying the units being offered by this prospectus except that such warrants will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and will not be redeemable by us, in each case so long as they are still held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees.

 

We may call the warrants for redemption (excluding the private warrants and any warrants underlying additional units issued to our sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us), in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per warrant,

 

  at any time after the warrants become exercisable,
     
  upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder,

 

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  if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the shares of common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations), for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period commencing at any time after the warrants become exercisable and ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders; and
     
  if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of common stock underlying such warrants.

 

The right to exercise will be forfeited unless the warrants are exercised prior to the date specified in the notice of redemption. On and after the redemption date, a record holder of a warrant will have no further rights except to receive the redemption price for such holder’s warrant upon surrender of such warrant.

 

The redemption criteria for our warrants have been established at a price which is intended to provide warrant holders a reasonable premium to the initial exercise price and provide a sufficient differential between the then-prevailing share price and the warrant exercise price so that if the share price declines as a result of our redemption call, the redemption will not cause the share price to drop below the exercise price of the warrants.

 

If we call the warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” for this purpose shall mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of common stock for the 5 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants.

 

The warrants will be issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval, by written consent or vote, of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding public warrants in order to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders.

 

The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, except as described below, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of common stock at a price below their respective exercise prices.

 

In addition, if (x) we issue additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of our initial business combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of common stock (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by our board of directors, and in the case of any such issuance to our sponsor, initial stockholders or their affiliates, without taking into account any founders’ shares held by them prior to such issuance), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of our initial business combination on the date of the consummation of our initial business combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the Market Value is below $9.20 per share, the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the greater of (i) the Market Value or (ii) the price at which we issue the additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities.

 

The warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified or official bank check payable to us, for the number of warrants being exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of common stock. After the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.

 

Warrant holders may elect to be subject to a restriction on the exercise of their warrants such that an electing warrant holder would not be able to exercise their warrants to the extent that, after giving effect to such exercise, such holder would beneficially own in excess of 9.8% of the shares of common stock outstanding.

 

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No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. If, upon exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round up to the nearest whole number the number of shares of common stock to be issued to the warrant holder.

 

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.

 

Our Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent

 

The transfer agent for our securities and warrant agent for our warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, New York, New York 10004.

 

Listing of our Securities

 

We have applied to have our units, common stock and warrants listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “PUCKU,” “PUCK,” and “PUCKW,” respectively. If approved for listing, we anticipate that our units will be listed on Nasdaq on or promptly after the effective date of the registration statement. Following the date the common stock and warrants are eligible to trade separately, we anticipate that the common stock and warrants will be listed separately and as a unit on Nasdaq.

 

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws

 

Staggered board of directors

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors of approximately equal size. 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.

 

Special meeting of stockholders

 

Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by a majority vote of our board of directors, by our president or by our chairman or by our secretary at the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority of our issued and outstanding capital stock entitled to vote.

 

Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations

 

Our bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice will need to be delivered to our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the scheduled date of the annual meeting of stockholders. In the event that less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting of stockholders is given, a stockholder’s notice shall be timely if delivered to our principal executive offices not later than the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of our annual meeting of stockholders is first made or sent by us. Our bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

 

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Authorized but unissued shares

 

Our authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock are 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 and 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.

 

Exclusive Forum Selection

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will require, 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, except any action (A) as to which the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware 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), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act, as to which the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. If an action is brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe this 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 and therefore bring a claim in another appropriate forum. Additionally, we cannot be certain that a court will decide that this provision is either applicable or enforceable, and if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the exclusive forum provision will be applicable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

 

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Our amended and restated 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 amended and restated 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 violated their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, acted 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 amended and restated 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.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Immediately after this offering, we will have 28,875,000 shares of common stock outstanding, or 33,161,250 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full. Of these shares, the 22,500,000 shares sold in this offering, or 25,875,000 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by one of our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of the remaining shares are restricted securities under Rule 144, in that they were issued in private transactions not involving a public offering. All of those shares have been placed in escrow and will not be transferable until they are released except in limited circumstances described elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Rule 144

 

A person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of common stock or warrants for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a sale and (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least three months before the sale. 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 of common stock then outstanding, which will equal 288,750 shares immediately after this offering (or 331,613 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full); 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 and to the availability of current public information about us.

 

Restrictions on the Use of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or Former Shell Companies

 

Historically, the SEC staff had taken the position that Rule 144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by companies that are, or previously were, blank check companies, like us. The SEC has codified and expanded this position in the amendments discussed above by prohibiting the use of Rule 144 for resale of securities issued by any shell companies (other than business combination related shell companies) or any issuer that has been at any time previously a shell company. The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, 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 sponsor will be able to sell its founders’ shares freely without registration one year after we have completed our initial business combination assuming it is not an affiliate of ours at that time.

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the founders’ shares and representative shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the private units and any units our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans made to us (and all underlying securities), 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 founders’ 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 representative shares, private units and units issued to our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us (or underlying securities) can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after we consummate a business combination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, EarlyBirdCapital may only make a demand on one occasion and only during the five-year period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a business combination; provided, however, that EarlyBirdCapital may participate in a “piggy-back” registration only during the seven-year period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following are the material U.S. federal income tax considerations with respect to your ownership and disposition of our units, shares of common stock, and warrants, which we refer to collectively as our securities, assuming you purchase the securities in this offering and will hold them as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, and it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to persons subject to special rules, such as:

 

  certain banks or financial institutions;
     
  insurance companies;
     
  brokers, dealers and traders in securities or foreign currencies;
     
  persons holding our securities as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction;
     
  former citizens or residents of the United States;
     
  U.S. holders (as described below) whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;
     
  partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including S corporations) and any beneficial owners of such entities;
     
  regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts;
     
  persons liable for the alternative minimum tax; and
     
  tax-exempt organizations.

 

The following does not discuss any aspect of state, local, estate or non-U.S. taxation. This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations, judicial opinions, published positions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and all other applicable authorities, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

If an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our securities, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the entity. If you are a partner in such an entity, you should consult your tax advisor.

 

WE URGE PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. INCOME, ESTATE AND OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS WITH RESPECT TO ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF OUR SECURITIES.

 

Each unit will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as an investment unit consisting of one share of our common stock and one warrant, each warrant to acquire one share of our common stock, subject to adjustment. In determining your basis for the common stock and warrant composing a unit, you should allocate your purchase price for the unit between the components on the basis of their relative fair market values at the time of issuance. The price allocated to each share of common stock and the one warrant should be the stockholder’s tax basis in such share or one warrant, as the case may be. Any disposition of a unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a disposition of the share of common stock and one warrant comprising the unit, and the amount realized on the disposition should be allocated between the Class A common stock and the one warrant based on their relative fair market values at the time of disposition. While not free from doubt due to the lack of applicable statutory, administrative, or judicial guidance, the separation of shares of common stock and warrants comprising units should not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the separation of the share of common stock and warrant comprising a unit were considered to be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is possible that you could recognize gain or loss on such separation in a taxable exchange. In this case, your holding period in the common stock and the warrant comprising the unit would likely commence the day following such taxable event. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you if the separation of a unit is considered a taxable event.

 

The foregoing description of the tax treatment of units is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, 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 own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of an investment in a unit (including alternative characterizations of a unit). Unless otherwise stated, the remainder of this discussion assumes that the characterization of the units described above is respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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, or PHC, for United States federal income tax purposes. A U.S. corporation will generally be classified as a PHC for United States 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 United States 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).

 

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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 will be owned or deemed owned (pursuant to the constructive ownership rules) by such persons during the last half of a taxable year. Thus, no assurance can be given that we will not become a PHC 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 taxable income, subject to certain adjustments.

 

U.S. Holders

 

This section is addressed to U.S. holders of our securities. For purposes of this discussion, you are a “U.S. holder” if you are a beneficial owner of a security that is:

 

  an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
     
  a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in, or under the laws of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
     
  an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
     
  a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a court in the United States and for which one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions or (ii) that has an election in effect under applicable income tax regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

As discussed under “Dividend Policy” above, we do not anticipate that any dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. If we do make distributions on our common stock, such distributions generally will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will first reduce your basis in the common stock (but not below zero) and then any remaining excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the common stock (as described in the first paragraph under “— Sale or Other Disposition or Conversion of Common Stock” below).

 

Dividends we pay to a U.S. holder that is a corporation generally will qualify for the dividends received deduction if the requisite holding period is satisfied. 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 may constitute “qualified dividends” that will be subject to tax at the maximum tax rate accorded to long-term capital gains. If the holding period requirements are not satisfied, 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.

 

The conversion feature of the common stock described under “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights” may be viewed as a position with respect to substantially similar or related property which diminishes your risk of loss and thereby affects your ability to satisfy the holding period requirements for the dividends received deduction or the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income with respect to the time period prior to the approval of an initial business combination.

 

Sale or Other Disposition or Conversion of Common Stock

 

Gain or loss you realize on the sale or other disposition of our common stock (other than conversion into cash but including a liquidation in the event we do not consummate a business combination within the required time) will be capital gain or loss. The amount of your gain or loss will be equal to the difference between your tax basis in the common stock disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any capital gain or loss you realize on a sale or other disposition of our common stock will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if your holding period for the common stock is more than one year. However, the conversion feature of the common stock described under “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights” could affect your ability to satisfy the holding period requirements for the long-term capital gain tax rate with respect to the time period prior to the approval of an initial business combination.

 

If you convert your common stock into a right to receive cash as described in “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights,” the conversion generally will be treated as a sale of common stock described in the preceding paragraph (rather than as a dividend or distribution). The conversion will, however, be treated as a dividend or distribution and taxed as described in “— Dividends and Distributions” above if your percentage ownership in us (including shares that you are deemed to own under certain attribution rules, such as the shares into which the warrants are exercisable) after the conversion is not meaningfully reduced from what your percentage ownership was prior to the conversion. If you have a relatively minimal stock interest and, taking into account the effect of conversion by other stockholders, your percentage ownership in us is reduced as a result of the conversion, you may be regarded as having suffered a meaningful reduction in interest. For example, the IRS has ruled that any reduction in the stockholder’s proportionate interest will constitute a “meaningful reduction” in a transaction in which a holder held less than 1% of the shares of a corporation and did not have management control over the corporation. You should consult your own tax advisor as to whether conversion of your common stock will be treated as a sale or as a dividend under the Code and, if you actually or constructively own 5% (or, if our stock is not then publicly traded, 1%) or more of our common stock before conversion, whether you are subject to special reporting requirements with respect to such conversion.

 

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Sale or Other Disposition, Exercise or Expiration of Warrants

 

Upon the sale or other disposition of a warrant (other than by exercise), you will generally recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and your tax basis in the warrant. This capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the warrant has been held by you for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

In general, you will not be required to recognize income, gain or loss upon exercise of a warrant for its exercise price. Your basis in a share of common stock received upon exercise will be equal to the sum of (1) your basis in the warrant and (2) the exercise price of the warrant. Your holding period in the shares received upon exercise will commence on the day after you exercise the warrants. Although there is no direct legal authority as to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an exercise of a warrant on a cashless basis, we intend to take the position that such exercise will not be taxable, either because the exercise is not a gain realization event or because it qualifies as a tax-deferred recapitalization. In the former case, the holding period of the common stock should commence on the day after the warrant is exercised. In the latter case, the holding period of the common stock would include the holding period of the exercised warrants. However, our position is not binding on the IRS and the IRS may treat a cashless exercise of a warrant as a taxable exchange. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor as to the consequences of an exercise of a warrant on a cashless basis.

 

If a warrant expires without being exercised, you will recognize a capital loss in an amount equal to your basis in the warrant. Such loss will be long-term capital loss if, at the time of the expiration, the warrant has been held by you for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Constructive Dividends on Warrants

 

As discussed under “Dividend Policy” above, we do not anticipate that any dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. If at any time during the period you hold warrants, however, we were to pay a taxable dividend to our stockholders and, in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, the conversion rate of the warrants were increased, that increase would be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to you to the extent of our earnings and profits, notwithstanding the fact that you will not receive a cash payment. If the conversion rate is adjusted in certain other circumstances (or in certain circumstances, there is a failure to make adjustments), such adjustments may also result in the deemed payment of a taxable dividend to you. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the proper treatment of any adjustments to the warrants.

 

Unearned Income Medicare Tax

 

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will generally apply to all or some portion of the net investment income of a U.S. holder that is an individual with adjusted gross income that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax will also apply to all or some portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain U.S. holders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, dividends and gains from the taxable dispositions of the common stock and warrants will generally be taken into account in computing such a U.S. holder’s net investment income.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Information returns may be filed with the IRS with respect to dividends or other distributions we may pay to you and proceeds from the sale of your shares of common stock or warrants. You will be subject to backup withholding on these payments if you fail to provide your taxpayer identification number to the paying agent and comply with certain certification procedures or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld with respect to your shares of common stock or warrants under the backup withholding rules will be refunded to you or credited against your United States federal income tax liability, if any, by the IRS provided that certain required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

 

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Non-U.S. Holders

 

This section is addressed to non-U.S. holders of the securities. For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a security (other than an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

As discussed under “Dividend Policy” above, we do not anticipate that any dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. If, however, we were to pay taxable dividends to you with respect to your shares of common stock (including any deemed distributions treated as a dividend on the warrants, as described in “— Constructive Dividends on Warrants” below), those dividends would generally be subject to United States withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount, unless you are eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty and you provide proper certification of your eligibility for such reduced rate (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E). A distribution generally will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under the Code. Any distribution not constituting a dividend generally will be treated first as reducing your basis in your shares of common stock and, to the extent it exceeds your basis, as gain from the disposition of your shares of common stock treated as described under “Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock or Warrants” below. The full amount of any distributions to you may, however, be subject to United States withholding tax unless the applicable withholding agent elects to withhold a lesser amount based on a reasonable estimate of the amount of the distribution that would be treated as a dividend. In addition, if we determine that we are likely to be classified as a “United States real property holding corporation”(see “Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock or Warrants” below), we will withhold at least 15% of any distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits as provided by the Code.

 

Dividends we pay to you that are effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if certain income tax treaties apply, are attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by you) generally will not be subject to United States withholding tax if you comply with applicable certification and disclosure requirements (usually by providing an IRS Form W-8ECI). Instead, such dividends generally will be subject to United States federal income tax, net of certain deductions, at the same graduated individual or corporate rates applicable to United States persons. If you are a corporation, effectively connected income may also be subject to a “branch profits tax” at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty).

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

You generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the exercise of the warrants into shares of common stock. However, if a cashless exercise of warrants results in a taxable exchange, as described in “— U.S. Holders — Sale or Other Disposition, Exercise or Expiration of Warrants,” the rules described below under “Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock or Warrants” would apply.

 

Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock or Warrants

 

You generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock (which would include a dissolution and liquidation in the event we do not consummate an initial business combination within the required timeframe) or warrants (including an expiration or redemption of our warrants), unless:

 

  the gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, under certain income tax treaties, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment you maintain);
     
  you are an individual, you hold your shares of common stock or warrants as capital assets, you are present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and you meet other conditions, and you are not eligible for relief under an applicable income tax treaty; or

 

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  we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” for United States federal income tax purposes and, in the case where the shares of our common stock are regularly traded on an established securities market, you hold or have held, directly or indirectly, at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding disposition or your holding period for your shares of common stock or warrants, more than 5% of our common stock. Special rules may apply to the determination of the 5% threshold in the case of a holder of a warrant. You are urged to consult your own tax advisors regarding the effect of holding the warrants on the calculation of such 5% threshold. We will 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 (1) the fair market value of our United States real property interests, (2) the fair market value of our non-United States real property interests and (3) the fair market value of any other of our assets which are used or held for use in our trade or business. Although we currently are not a United States real property holding corporation, we cannot determine whether we will be a United States real property holding corporation in the future until we consummate an initial business combination.

 

Gain that is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States generally will be subject to United States federal income tax, net of certain deductions, at the same rates applicable to United States persons. If you are a corporation, the branch profits tax also may apply to such effectively connected gain. If the gain from the sale or disposition of your shares of common stock or warrants is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States but under an applicable income tax treaty is not attributable to a permanent establishment you maintain in the United States, your gain may be exempt from United States federal income tax under the treaty. If you are described in the second bullet point above, you generally will be subject to United States federal income tax at a rate of 30% on the gain realized, although the gain may be offset by some United States source capital losses realized during the same taxable year. If you are described in the third bullet point above, gain recognized by you on the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of common stock or warrants will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at normal graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. In addition, a buyer of your shares of common stock or warrants may be required to withhold United States income tax at a rate of 15% of the amount realized upon such disposition.

 

If you convert your common stock into a right to receive cash as described in “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights,” the conversion generally will be treated as a sale of common stock rather than as a dividend or distribution. The conversion will, however, be treated as a dividend or distribution and taxed as described in “Dividends and Distributions” if your percentage ownership in us (including shares that you are deemed to own under certain attribution rules, such as the shares into which the warrants are exercisable) after the conversion is not meaningfully reduced from what your percentage ownership was prior to the conversion. See the discussion in “— U.S. Holders — Sale or Other Disposition or Conversion of Common Stock.” You should consult your own tax advisor as to whether conversion of your common stock will be treated as a sale or as a dividend under the Code.

 

Constructive Dividends on Warrants

 

As discussed under “Dividend Policy” above, we do not anticipate that any dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. If at any time during the period you hold warrants, however, we were to pay a taxable dividend to our stockholders and, in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, the conversion rate of the warrants were increased, that increase would be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to you to the extent of our earnings and profits, notwithstanding the fact that you will not receive a cash payment. If the conversion rate is adjusted in certain other circumstances (or in certain circumstances, there is a failure to make adjustments), such adjustments may also result in the deemed payment of a taxable dividend to you. Any resulting withholding tax attributable to deemed dividends would be collected from other amounts payable or distributable to you. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the proper treatment of any adjustments to the warrants.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

We must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends or other distributions we may pay to you on your shares of common stock and the amount of tax we withhold on any such distributions regardless of whether withholding is required. The IRS may make copies of the information returns reporting those dividends and amounts withheld available to the tax authorities in the country in which you reside pursuant to the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or exchange of information treaty.

 

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The United States imposes backup withholding on dividends and certain other types of payments to United States persons. You will not be subject to backup withholding on dividends you receive on your shares of common stock if you provide proper certification (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E) of your status as a non-United States person or you are a corporation or one of several types of entities and organizations that qualify for exemption (an “exempt recipient”).

 

Information reporting and backup withholding generally are not required with respect to the amount of any proceeds from the sale of your shares of common stock or warrants outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker that does not have certain specified connections to the United States. However, if you sell your shares of common stock or warrants through a United States broker or the United States office of a foreign broker, the broker will be required to report to the IRS the amount of proceeds paid to you unless you provide appropriate certification (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E) to the broker of your status as a non-United States person or you are an exempt recipient. Information reporting also would apply if you sell your shares of common stock or warrants through a foreign broker deriving more than a specified percentage of its income from United States sources or having certain other connections to the United States.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld with respect to your shares of common stock or warrants under the backup withholding rules will be refunded to you or credited against your United States federal income tax liability, if any, by the IRS provided that certain required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner

 

FATCA

 

A 30% withholding tax will be imposed on payments to certain foreign entities of U.S.-source dividends and the gross proceeds of dispositions of stock (including our securities) that can produce U.S.-source dividends, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements (generally relating to ownership by U.S. persons of interests in or accounts with those entities) have been satisfied or an exemption has otherwise been established. Potential investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this withholding tax on their investment in the units.

 

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UNDERWRITING

  

We are offering the units described in this prospectus through the underwriters named below. EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. is acting as representative of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the representative. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, the number of units listed next to each of its name in the following table:

 

Underwriter  Number of
Units
 
EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.   [●] 
[●]   [●] 
Total   22,500,000 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters must buy all of the units if they buy any of them. However, the underwriters are not required to purchase the units covered by the option to purchase additional units as described below.

 

Our units are offered subject to a number of conditions, including:

 

  receipt and acceptance of our units by the underwriters; and
     
  the underwriters’ right to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses electronically.

 

Option To Purchase Additional Units

 

We have granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to buy up to an aggregate of 3,375,000 additional units. The underwriters have 45 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option. If the underwriters exercise this option, they will purchase additional units approximately in proportion to the amounts specified in the table above.

 

Underwriting Discount

 

Units sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any units sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $[•] per unit from the initial public offering price and the dealers may reallow a concession not in excess of $[•] per unit to other dealers. Sales of units made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters. After completion of this offering, if the underwriters still hold any units sold by us to them in this offering, the representative may change the offering price and the other selling terms. Upon execution of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase the units at the prices and upon the terms stated therein.

 

The following table shows the per unit and total underwriting discount we will pay to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase up to 3,375,000 additional units.

 

   No Exercise   Full Exercise 
Per Unit  $0.20   $0.20 
Total  $4,500,000   $5,175,000 

 

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, not including the underwriting discount, will be approximately $600,000. We have agreed to pay for the FINRA-related fees and expenses of the underwriters’ legal counsel, not to exceed $15,000, the expenses of transaction “bibles” and lucite cube “mementos,” not to exceed $3,000, and the expenses of investigations and background checks, not to exceed $3,500 per individual, or an aggregate payment of $_______, all of which are included in the total estimated expenses of $600,000.

 

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Business Combination Marketing Agreement

 

We have engaged EarlyBirdCapital as an advisor in connection with our business combination to assist us in holding meetings with our shareholders to discuss the potential business combination and the target business’ attributes, introduce us to potential investors that are interested in purchasing our securities in connection with our initial business combination, assist us in obtaining shareholder approval for the business combination and assist us with our press releases and public filings in connection with the business combination. We will pay EarlyBirdCapital a cash fee for such services upon the consummation of our initial business combination in an amount equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might become payable).

 

Representative Shares

 

In January 2021, we issued to EarlyBirdCapital and its designees the 150,000 representative shares for nominal consideration. The holders of the representative shares have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any such shares without our prior consent until the completion of our initial business combination. In addition, the holders of the representative shares have agreed (i) to waive their conversion rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering.

 

The representative shares have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a lock-up for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part pursuant to Rule 5110(e)(1) of the FINRA Manual. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), these securities will not be sold during the offering, or sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or commencement of sales of the public offering, except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the offering and their bona fide officers or partners, provided that all securities so transferred remain subject to the lockup restriction above for the remainder of the time period.

 

We have granted the holders of these shares the registration rights as described under the section “Shares Eligible for Future Sale — Registration Rights.” The demand and piggyback registration rights being granted to the EarlyBirdCapital and related persons are subject to FINRA Rule 5110(g).

 

Right of First Refusal

 

If, from the date of this offering until the consummation of an initial business combination (or the liquidation of the trust account if we fail to consummate a business combination during the required time period), we determine to pursue any equity, equity-linked, debt or mezzanine financing relating to or in connection with a business combination, then EarlyBirdCapital shall have the right, but not the obligation, to act as book running manager, placement agent and/or arranger, as the case may be, in any and all such financing or financings.

 

Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act. If we are unable to provide this indemnification, we have agreed to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

Nasdaq Listing

 

We have applied to have our units listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “PUCKU” and, once the common stock and warrants begin separate trading, under the symbols “PUCK” and “PUCKW,” respectively.

 

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Price Stabilization, Short Positions

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of units during and after this offering, including:

 

  stabilizing transactions;
     
  short sales;
     
  purchases to cover positions created by short sales;
     
  imposition of penalty bids; and
     
  syndicate covering transactions.

 

Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our units while this offering is in progress. Stabilization transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. These transactions may also include making short sales of our units, which involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of units than they are required to purchase in this offering and purchasing units on the open market to cover short positions created by short sales. Short sales may be “covered short sales,” which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units referred to above, or may be “naked short sales,” which are short positions in excess of that amount.

 

The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option, in whole or in part, or by purchasing units in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of units available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase units through the over-allotment option.

 

Naked short sales are short sales made in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing units in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the units in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchased in this offering.

 

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the representative of the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representative has repurchased units sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

These stabilizing transactions, short sales, purchases to cover positions created by short sales, the imposition of penalty bids and syndicate covering transactions may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our units or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our units. As a result of these activities, the price of our units may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. 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 the units. Neither we, nor the underwriters, make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these stabilization transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

Determination of Offering Price

 

Prior to this offering, there was no public market for our units. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiation between us and the representative of the underwriters. The principal factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price include:

 

  the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representative;
     
  our history and prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;
     
  our past and present financial performance;
     
  our prospects for future earnings and the present state of our development;
     
  the general condition of the securities market at the time of this offering;
     
  the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded units of generally comparable companies; and
     
  other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us.

 

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Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our units, warrants or common stock or that the units will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

 

Affiliations

 

EarlyBirdCapital and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. EarlyBirdCapital and its affiliates may from time to time in the future engage with us and perform services for us or in the ordinary course of their business for which they will receive customary fees and expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of us. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of these securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in these securities and instruments.

 

Additional Future Arrangements

 

Other than as described 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, the underwriters may introduce us to potential target businesses or assist us in raising additional capital in the future. If any of the underwriters provide services to us after this offering, we may pay such underwriter fair and reasonable fees that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation; provided that no agreement will be entered into with any underwriter and no fees for such services will be paid to any underwriter prior to the date that is 90 days from the date of this prospectus, unless FINRA determines that such payment would not be deemed underwriter’s compensation in connection with this offering.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by the underwriters participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of units for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

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.

 

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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.

 

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.

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

 

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”) and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

 

Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

 

The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

 

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

 

This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

 

In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “relevant member state”), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that relevant member state (the “relevant implementation date”), an offer of units described in this prospectus may not be made to the public in that relevant member state prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the units that has been approved by the competent authority in that relevant member state or, where appropriate, approved in another relevant member state and notified to the competent authority in that relevant member state, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that, with effect from and including the relevant implementation date, an offer of our units may be made to the public in that relevant member state at any time:

 

  to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
     
  to fewer than 100, or, if the relevant member state has implemented the relevant provisions of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by the issuer for any such offer; or natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined below) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriter for any such offer; or

 

 101 
   

 

  in any other circumstances that do not require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

Each purchaser of units described in this prospectus located within a relevant member state will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive.

 

For the purpose of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the units to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the units, as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that member state, and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the PD 2010 Amending Directive to the extent implemented by the relevant member state) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state, and the expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.

 

We have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters with a view to the final placement of the units as contemplated in this prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the units, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the units on behalf of us or the underwriters.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

 

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company or the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

 

This prospectus is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive that are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as a “relevant person”). The units are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to purchase or otherwise acquire such units will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

 

 102 
   

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in France

 

Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the units described in this prospectus has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers or by the competent authority of another member state of the European Economic Area and notified to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The units have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the units has been or will be:

 

  released, issued, distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed to the public in France; or
     
  used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the units to the public in France.
     
Such offers, sales and distributions will be made in France only:
     
  to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) and/or to a restricted circle of investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs), in each case investing for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Article L.411-2, D.411-1, D.411-2, D.734-1, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code monétaire et financier;
     
  to investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management on behalf of third parties; or
     
  in a transaction that, in accordance with article L.411-2-II-1°-or-2°-or 3° of the French Code monétaire et financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulations (Règlement Général) of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, does not constitute a public offer (appel public à l’épargne).

 

The units may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 through L.621-8-3 of the French Code monétaire et financier.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in 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), (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.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

 

The units have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, “Japanese Person” shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

 

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the units may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the units be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA, in each case subject to compliance with conditions set forth in the SFA.

 

 103 
   

 

Where the units are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person that is:

 

  a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 14A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor, or
     
  a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
     
  to an institutional investor (for corporations, under Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer that is made on terms that such shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA;
     
  where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or
     
  where the transfer is by operation of law.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP, Los Angeles, California, is acting as our counsel in connection with the registration of our securities under the Securities Act, and as such, will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this offering. Graubard Miller, New York, New York is acting as counsel to the underwriters.

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements of Goal Acquisitions Corp. at November 24, 2020 and for the period from October 26, 2020 (inception) through November 24, 2020 included in this prospectus have been audited by Marcum 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 Goal Acquisitions Corp. to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements), appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and are included in reliance on such report given upon such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities 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 securities, 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 SEC. You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facility at 100 F Street, N.E., 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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GOAL ACQUISITIONS CORP.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

    PAGE
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-2
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

Goal Acquisitions Corp.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Goal Acquisitions Corp. (the “Company”) as of November 24, 2020, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from October 26, 2020 (inception) through November 24, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 24, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from October 26, 2020 (inception) through November 24, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company’s ability to execute its business plan is dependent upon its completion of the proposed initial public offering described in Note 3 to the financial statements. The Company had a working capital deficiency as of November 24, 2020 and lacks the financial resources it needs to sustain operations for a reasonable period of time, which is considered to be one year from the issuance date of the financial statements. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans with regard to these matters are also described in Notes 1 and 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might become necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

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/ Marcum llp

Marcum llp

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

 

Melville, NY

December 21, 2020

 

F-2

 

 

GOAL ACQUISTIONS CORP.
BALANCE SHEET
NOVEMBER 24, 2020

 

ASSETS     
Current assets     
Cash  $25,000 
Total Current Assets   25,000 
      
Deferred offering costs   29,410 
TOTAL ASSETS  $54,410 
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
Current liabilities     
Accrued offering costs  $24,410 
Promissory note – related party   6,051 
Total Current Liabilities   30,461 
      
Commitments     
      
Stockholders’ Equity     
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; zero issued and outstanding   - 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 6,468,750 shares issued and outstanding(1)   647 
Additional paid-in capital   24,353 
Accumulated deficit   (1,051)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   23,949 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $54,410 

 

(1) Includes up to 843,750 shares 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

 

 

GOAL ACQUISTIONS CORP.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 26, 2020 (INCEPTION) TO NOVEMBER 24, 2020

 

Formation and operating costs  $1,051 
Net Loss  $(1,051)
      
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted(1)   5,625,000 
      
Basic and diluted net loss per common share  $(0.00)

 

(1) Excludes an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares 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

 

 

GOAL ACQUISTIONS CORP.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 26, 2020 (INCEPTION) TO NOVEMBER 24, 2020

 

   Common Stock   Additional
Paid in
   Accumulated   Total Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity 
Balance – October 26, 2020 (inception)      $   $   $   $ 
                          
Issuance of common stock to Sponsor(1)   5,750,000    575    24,425        25,000 
                          

Stock Split effected in the form of a stock dividend (2)

   718,750    72    (72)        
                          
Net loss               (1,051)   (1,051)
                          
Balance – November 24, 2020   6,468,750   $647   $24,353   $(1,051)  $23,949 

 

(1) Includes 575,000 shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part by the underwriters (see Note 5).
   
(2)

On December 16, 2020, effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result our Sponsor holds 6,468,750 founder shares of which an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares are subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part. The Company considered the above stock dividend to be in substance a stock split due to the dividend being part of the Company’s initial capitalization. The dividend was therefore valued at par and offset to additional paid-in capital. The effect was reflected retroactively to the earliest period presented in the accompanying financial statements. (See Note 5).

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

GOAL ACQUISTIONS CORP.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 26, 2020 (INCEPTION) TO NOVEMBER 24, 2020

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:     
Net loss  $(1,051)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:     
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
Accrued expenses   1,051 
Net cash used in operating activities    
      
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:     
Proceeds from promissory note – related party    
Proceeds from initial shareholder   25,000 
Net cash provided by financing activities   25,000 
      
Net Change in Cash   25,000 
Cash – Beginning    
Cash – Ending  $25,000 
      
Supplemental non-cash disclosure:     
Deferred offering cost included in accrued expenses  $24,410 

Deferred offering cost paid by Sponsor

  $5,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-6

 

 

GOAL ACQUISTIONS CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN

 

Goal Acquisitions Corp. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on October 26, 2020. The Company is a blank check company formed 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 businesses or entities (the “Business Combination”).

 

Although the Company is not limited to a particular industry or geographic region for purposes of consummating a Business Combination, the Company intends to focus on businesses that service the sports industry. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.

 

As of November 24, 2020, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from October 26, 2020 (inception) through November 24, 2020 relates to the Company’s formation and the proposed initial public offering (“Proposed Public Offering”), which is 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 ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate financial resources through a Proposed Public Offering of 22,500,000 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 25,875,000 units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), which is discussed in Note 3, and the sale of 600,000 units (or 667,500 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 Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC (the “Sponsor”), that will close simultaneously with the Proposed Public Offering.

 

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 taxes payable on income 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 of 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, will be held in a trust account (“Trust Account”), located in the United States and invested only in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the completion of a Business Combination and (ii) the distribution of the funds in the Trust Account, as described below.

 

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 tax obligations). There will be no redemption rights upon the completion of a Business Combination with respect to the Company’s warrants. The Public Shares subject to redemption will be recorded at 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

 

 

The Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 immediately prior to or 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 containing substantially the same information as would be included in a proxy statement 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. If the Company seeks stockholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor and EarlyBirdCapital have agreed to vote their Founder Shares (as defined in Note 5), Representative Shares (as defined in Note 7), Private Shares (as defined in Note 4) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Proposed Public Offering (a) in favor of approving a Business Combination and (b) not to convert any shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a Business Combination or sell any shares to the Company in a tender offer in connection with a Business Combination. Additionally, each public stockholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction or don’t vote at all.

 

The Sponsor and EarlyBirdCapital have agreed (a) to waive their redemption rights with respect to their Founder Shares, Private Shares and Public Shares held by them in connection with the completion of a Business Combination, (b) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to the Founder Shares, Representative Shares and Private Shares if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination, and (b) not to propose an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that would affect a public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to the Company in connection with a Business Combination or affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of 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 24 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering to complete a Business Combination (the “Combination Period”). 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 earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, 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. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Company’s warrants, which will expire worthless if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period.

 

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 $10.00 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. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that Sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which the Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account.

 

F-8

 

 

Going Concern Consideration

 

At November 24, 2020, the Company had cash of $25,000 and working capital deficit of $5,461. 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. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

COVID-19 Impact

 

Management is currently evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results of its operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

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 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.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 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.

 

F-9

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents as of November 24, 2020.

 

Deferred Offering Costs

 

Deferred offering costs consist of legal, accounting 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 November 24, 2020. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

 

The provision for income taxes was deemed to be de minimis for the period from October 26, 2020 (inception) to November 24, 2020.

 

Net Loss Per Common 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 Sponsor. Weighted average shares were reduced for the effect of an aggregate of 843,750 shares of common stock that are subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters (see Note 7). At November 24, 2020, 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 Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet, primarily due to their short-term nature.

 

F-10

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 — PUBLIC OFFERING

 

Pursuant to the Proposed Public Offering, the Company intends to offer for sale 22,500,000 Units (or 25,875,000 Units if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one share of common stock, and one warrant (“Public Warrant”). Each Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 7).

 

NOTE 4 — PRIVATE PLACEMENT

 

The Sponsor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 600,000 Private Units (or 667,500 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 $6,000,000, or $6,675,000 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 warrant (“Private Warrant”). Each Private Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per full share, subject to adjustment (see Note 7). 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).

 

NOTE 5 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Founder Shares

 

On November 24, 2020, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 5,750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate price of $25,000 (the “Founder Shares”). The Founder Shares include an aggregate of up to 750,000 shares subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsor will collectively own 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Proposed Public Offering (assuming the Sponsor does not purchase any Public Shares in the Proposed Public Offering and excluding the Private Shares). On December 16, 2020, the Company effected a effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result our Sponsor holds 6,468,750 founder shares of which an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares are subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part. The Company considered the above stock dividend to be in substance a stock split due to the dividend being part of the Company’s initial capitalization. The dividend was therefore valued at par and offset to additional paid-in capital. The effect was reflected retroactively to the earliest period presented in the accompanying financial statements.

 

The Sponsor has agreed, subject to certain limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of the Founder Shares until after the completion of a Business Combination.

 

Promissory Note — Related Party

 

On November 24, 2020, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor (the “Promissory Note”), pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $150,000, of which $6,051 was outstanding under the Promissory Note as of November 24, 2020. The Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) April 30, 2021, (ii) the consummation of the Proposed Public Offering or (ii) the date on which the Company determines not to proceed with the Proposed Public Offering.

 

Related Party Loans

 

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Initial Stockholders, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into units of the post Business Combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the Private Units. To date, the Company had no borrowings under the Working Capital Loans.

 

F-11

 

 

NOTE 6 — COMMITMENTS

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the Founder Shares and Representative Shares, as well as the holders of the Private Units and any units that may be issued in payment of Working Capital Loans made to Company, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of the Proposed Public Offering. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make up to two demands that the Company 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 Representative Shares, Private Units and units issued in payment of Working Capital Loans (or underlying securities) can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after the Company consummates a business combination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, EarlyBirdCapital may only make a demand on one occasion and only during the five-year period beginning on the effective date of the Proposed Public Offering. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the consummation of a Business Combination; provided, however, that EarlyBirdCapital may participate in a “piggy-back” registration only during the seven-year period beginning on the effective date of the Proposed Public Offering. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

The Company will grant the underwriters a 45-day option from the date of Proposed Public Offering to purchase up to 3,375,000 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 2.00% of the gross proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering, or $4,500,000 (or up to $5,175,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full), payable upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering.

 

Business Combination Marketing Agreement

 

The Company has engaged EarlyBirdCapital as an advisor in connection with a Business Combination to assist the Company in holding meetings with its shareholders to discuss the potential Business Combination and the target business’ attributes, introduce the Company to potential investors that are interested in purchasing the Company’s securities in connection with a Business Combination, assist the Company in obtaining shareholder approval for the Business Combination and assist the Company with its press releases and public filings in connection with the Business Combination. The Company will pay EarlyBirdCapital a cash fee for such services upon the consummation of a Business Combination in an amount equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds of Proposed Public Offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might become payable).

 

NOTE 7 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Preferred Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. At November 24, 2020, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

 

F-12

 

 

Common Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At November 24, 2020, there were 5,750,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, of which an aggregate of up to 750,000 shares are subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsor will collectively own 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock after the Proposed Public Offering (assuming the Sponsor does not purchase any Public Shares in the Proposed Public Offering and excluding the Private Shares). On December 16, 2020, the Company effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result our Sponsor holds 6,468,750 founder shares of which an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares are subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part. The Company considered the above stock dividend to be in substance a stock split due to the dividend being part of the Company’s initial capitalization. The dividend was therefore valued at par and offset to additional paid-in capital. The effect was reflected retroactively to the earliest period presented in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Warrants — The Public Warrants will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination. No warrants will be exercisable for cash unless the Company has an effective and current registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to such shares of common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of a Business Combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. The Public Warrants will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

Once the warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

  in whole and not in part;
     
  at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
     
  upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder;
     
  if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the shares of common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations), for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period commencing at any time after the warrants become exercisable and ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders; and
     
  if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of common stock underlying such warrants.

 

If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement.

 

In addition, if (x) the Company issues additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of a Business Combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of common stock (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors, and in the case of any such issuance to the Sponsor or their affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by them prior to such issuance), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of a Business Combination on the date of the consummation of a Business Combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s common stock during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates Business Combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the greater of (i) the Market Value or (ii) the price at which we issue the additional shares of common stock or equity-linked securities.

 

The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of common stock at a price below their respective exercise prices. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the warrants. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants will not receive any of such funds with respect to their warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with the respect to such warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.

 

F-13

 

 

The Private Warrants will be identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units being sold in the Proposed Public Offering, except that the Private Warrants and the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private Warrants will not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Private Warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis and be non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. If the Private Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Private Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

 

The holders of the Representative Shares have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any such shares until the completion of a Business Combination. In addition, the holders have agreed (i) to waive their conversion rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of a Business Combination and (ii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to such shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period.

 

The Representative Shares have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a lock-up for a period of 180 days immediately following the effective date of the registration statement related to the Proposed Public Offering pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA’s NASD Conduct Rules. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1), these securities will not be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the effective date of the registration statements related to the Proposed Public Offering, nor may they be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated for a period of 180 days immediately following the effective date of the registration statements related to the Proposed Public Offering except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the Proposed Public Offering and their bona fide officers or partners.

 

NOTE 8 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On December 16, 2020, the Company effected a stock dividend of .125 of a share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock, and as a result our Sponsor holds 6,468,750 founder shares of which an aggregate of up to 843,750 shares are subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part. The Company considered the above stock dividend to be in substance a stock split due to the dividend being part of the Company’s initial capitalization. The dividend was therefore valued at par and offset to additional paid-in capital. The effect was reflected retroactively to the earliest period presented in the accompanying financial statements.

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the financial statements were available to be issued. Based upon this review, other than as described above, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

F-14

 

 

 

 

22,500,000 Units

 

Goal Acquisitions Corp.

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

[●], 2021

 

 

 

 

 

Sole Book-Running Manager

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

 

Until [●], 2021 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our 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.

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

 

The estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the offering described in this registration statement (other than the underwriting discount and commissions) will be as follows:

 

SEC expenses   $

60,694

 
FINRA expenses     83,947  
Accounting fees and expenses     40,000  
Printing and engraving expenses     15,000  
Legal fees and expenses     300,000  
Stock exchange listing and filing fees     75,000  
Miscellaneous     25,359  
Total   $ 600,000  

 

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.

 

“Section 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.

 

II-1
 

 

  (c) 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.
     
  (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 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 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 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.
     
  (g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was 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.
     
  (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.

 

II-2
 

 

  (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.

 

Paragraph B of Article Eighth of our certificate of incorporation provides:

 

“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.”

 

Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement, we have agreed to indemnify the Underwriter and the Underwriter has agreed to indemnify us against certain civil liabilities that may be incurred in connection with this offering, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

We will enter into indemnification agreements with each of our officers and directors a form of which is to be filed as an exhibit to this Registration Statement. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.

 

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

 

  (a) During the past three years, we sold the following shares of common stock without registration under the Securities Act:

 

Shareholders  Number of Shares 
Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC   6,468,750 

 

Such shares were issued in November 2020 in connection with our organization pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as the shares were sold to an accredited investor. The shares issued were sold for an aggregate offering price of $25,000 at an average purchase price of approximately $0.004 per share. In December 2020, our sponsor transferred an aggregate of 2,354,000 founder shares to our officers, directors and advisors.

 

We also issued 150,000 shares to EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and its designees in January 2021 pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as the shares were issued to accredited investors. The shares issued were issued with a value of $0.0001 per share.

 

The Company’s sponsor has also committed that it or its designees will purchase 600,000 units at $10.00 per unit (for an aggregate of $6,000,000), or 610,000 units at $10.00 per unit (for an aggregate of $6,100,000) if the underwriter’s option to purchase additional units is exercised in full. This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of the initial public offering. These issuances will be made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such sales.

 

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ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

  (a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
1.2   Form of Business Combination Marketing Agreement.*
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation.*
3.2   Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.*
3.3   Bylaws.*
4.1   Specimen Unit Certificate.*
4.2   Specimen Common Stock Certificate.*
4.3   Specimen Warrant Certificate.*
4.4   Form of Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant.*
5.1   Opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.*
10.1   Form of Letter Agreement from each of the Registrant’s officers, directors, advisors and sponsor.*
10.2   Form of Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant.*
10.3   Promissory Note.*
10.4   Form of Registration Rights Agreement.*
10.5   Form of Subscription agreement for private units and private warrants by Goal Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC.*
10.7   Form of Stock Escrow Agreement.*
10.8   Form of Indemnification Agreement.*
14   Code of Ethics.*
23.1   Consent of Marcum LLP.*
23.2   Consent of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).*
24   Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this Registration Statement).*
99.1   Audit committee charter.*
99.2   Compensation committee charter.*
99.3   Nominating committee charter.*
99.4   Consent of David Falk*
99.5   Consent of Kenneth L. Shropshire*

 

 

* Filed herewith.

 

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

 

  (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
         
    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
         
      i. To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

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      ii. To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
         
      iii. To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
         
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
         
    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
         
    (4) That for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933 in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
         
      (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
         
      (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
         
      (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
         
      (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
         
  (b) The undersigned hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
         
  (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
         
    In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
         
  (d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
         
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
         
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Austin, Texas, on the 21st day of January, 2021.

 

    GOAL ACQUISITIONS CORP.
     
    By: /s/ Harvey Schiller 
    Name: Harvey Schiller
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William T. Duffy his true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments including pre- and post-effective amendments to this registration statement, any subsequent registration statement for the same offering which may be filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and pre- or post-effective amendments thereto, 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 by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name   Position   Date
         
/s/ Harvey Schiller   Chief Executive Officer   January 21, 2021
Harvey Schiller   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ William T. Duffy   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer   January 21, 2021
William T. Duffy   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Donna Orender   Director   January 21, 2021
Donna Orender        

 

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