Filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
Registration No.: 333-227283
PROSPECTUS
$125,000,000
ARYA
Sciences Acquisition Corp.
12,500,000
Units
ARYA
Sciences Acquisition Corp. is a newly organized blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and formed
for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination
with one or more businesses or entities, which we refer to 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.
This
is an initial public offering of our securities. Each unit has an offering price of $10.00 and consists of one Class A ordinary
share and one-half of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary
share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, terms and limitations as described herein. The underwriters have
a 45-day option from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to 1,875,000 additional units to cover over-allotments, if any.
We
will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Class A ordinary shares upon the
completion of our initial business combination, subject to the limitations described herein. 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
cash, subject to applicable law and certain conditions as described herein.
Our
sponsor, ARYA Sciences Holdings, has agreed to purchase 5,437,500 warrants (or 5,953,125 warrants if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full), each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00
per warrant, in a private placement to occur concurrently with the closing of this offering. Our initial shareholders currently
own 3,593,750 Class B ordinary shares which will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial
business combination as described herein.
Our
sponsor has indicated an interest to purchase up to an aggregate of $25,000,000 of our ordinary shares in a private placement
that would occur concurrently with the consummation of our initial business combination. The capital from such private placement
would be used as part of the consideration to the sellers in our initial business combination, and any excess capital from such
private placement would be used for working capital in the post-transaction company. However, because indications of interest
are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, our sponsor may determine not to purchase any such shares, or to purchase
fewer shares than it has indicated an interest in purchasing. Furthermore, we are not under any obligation to sell any such shares.
Such investment would be made on terms and conditions determined at the time of the business combination.
Currently,
there is no public market for our securities. We have applied to have our units listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq,
under the symbol “ARYAU.” We expect the Class A ordinary shares and warrants comprising the units to begin separate
trading on Nasdaq under the symbols “ARYA” and “ARYAW,” respectively, on the 52
nd
day following the date of this prospectus unless the underwriters permit earlier separate
trading and we have satisfied certain conditions.
We
are an “emerging growth company” under applicable federal securities laws and will be subject to reduced public company
reporting requirements. Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on
page 27 for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities. Investors
will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
|
|
|
|
|
Public
offering price
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
$
|
125,000,000
|
Underwriting
discounts and commissions
(1)
|
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
$
|
7,500,000
|
Proceeds,
before expenses, to us
|
|
$
|
9.40
|
|
$
|
117,500,000
|
Of
the proceeds we receive from this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants described in this prospectus, $125.0
million, or $143.75 million if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full ($10.00 per unit in either case),
will be deposited into a trust account with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee.
The
underwriters are offering the units for sale on a firm commitment basis. The underwriters expect to deliver the units to the purchasers
on or about October 10, 2018.
_______________________
Sole
Book-Running Manager
Jefferies
Lead
Manager
Chardan
_______________________
October
4, 2018
We
are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different
information, and we take no responsibility for any other information others may give to you. We are not, and the underwriters
are not, making an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume
that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
i
SUMMARY
This
summary only highlights the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. 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.
Unless
otherwise stated in this prospectus or the context otherwise requires, references to:
¡
“we,” “us,” “company” or “our company” are to ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp.,
a Cayman Islands exempted company;
¡
“Perceptive Advisors” are to Perceptive Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of our sponsor;
¡
“Companies Law” are to the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands as the same may be amended from time
to time;
¡
“founders” are to Joseph Edelman, Adam Stone and Michael Altman, senior executives of Perceptive Advisors;
¡
“founder shares” are to our Class B ordinary shares initially issued to our sponsor in a private placement prior to
this offering and the Class A ordinary shares that will be issued upon the automatic conversion of the Class B ordinary shares
at the time of our initial business combination (for the avoidance of doubt, such Class A ordinary shares will not be “public
shares”);
¡
"initial shareholders" are to our sponsor and each other holder of founder shares upon the consummation of this offering;
¡
“management” or “our management team” are to our executive officers and directors;
¡
“ordinary shares” are to our Class A ordinary shares and our Class B ordinary shares;
¡
“private placement warrants” are to the warrants to be issued to our sponsor in a private placement simultaneously
with the closing of this offering and upon conversion of working capital loans, if any;
¡
“public shares” are to our Class A ordinary shares sold as part of the units in this offering (whether they are purchased
in this offering or thereafter in the open market);
¡
“public shareholders” are to the holders of our public shares, including our sponsor and management team to the extent
our sponsor and/or members of our management team purchase public shares, provided that our sponsor’s and each member of
our management team’s status as a “public shareholder” will only exist with respect to such public shares; and
¡
“sponsor” are to ARYA Sciences Holdings, a Cayman Islands exempted limited company.
Any
forfeiture or transfer of shares described in this prospectus will take effect as a surrender of shares for no consideration of
such shares as a matter of Cayman Islands law. Any conversion of the Class B ordinary shares described in this prospectus will
take effect as a compulsory redemption of Class B ordinary shares and an issuance of Class A ordinary shares as a matter of Cayman
Islands law.
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 incorporated in June 2018 as a Cayman Islands exempted company formed for the purpose
of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with
one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. To date, our efforts
have been limited to organizational activities as well as activities related to this offering. We have not selected any specific
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. We have generated no operating revenues to date and we do not expect that we
will generate operating revenues until we consummate our initial business combination.
While
we may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, we intend to focus on industries
that complement our management team’s background, and to capitalize on the ability of our management team to identify and
acquire a business, focusing on the healthcare or healthcare related industries. In particular, we will target North American
or European companies in the life sciences and medical technology
1
sectors
where our management has extensive investment experience. We may pursue a transaction
in which our shareholders immediately prior to our initial business combination would
collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company.
Our
Founders
Our
sponsor is an affiliate of Perceptive Advisors, a leading life sciences focused investment firm with over $5 billion of regulatory
assets under management as of July 2018. Since its launch in 1999, Perceptive Advisors has focused exclusively on the healthcare
industry. Our founders are the founder and management of Perceptive Advisors. Joseph Edelman, our Chairman, founded Perceptive
Advisors in 1999. Adam Stone, our Chief Executive Officer, is the Chief Investment Officer of Perceptive Advisors, and Michael
Altman, our Chief Financial Officer, is a senior analyst at Perceptive Advisors. Perceptive Advisors’ investment activity
is focused on identifying both private and public companies in the life sciences and medical technology sectors and currently
has investments in over 150 companies. The team at Perceptive Advisors consists of trained scientists, physicians and financial
analysts who are passionately committed to identifying innovation that can drive critical change to current treatment paradigms.
Perceptive Advisors invests across the capital structure and throughout a company’s growth cycle which provides access to
a broad universe of management teams and companies seeking flexible capital solutions. Perceptive Advisors is also an active investor
in pre-IPO financing rounds known as “crossovers.” Perceptive Advisors has invested in over 40 private companies since
2013 and in 2017 met with over 200 private companies in evaluation of private growth financing rounds, crossovers, and pre-IPO
analysis.
Our
Board of Directors and Management
Joseph
Edelman, our Chairman, has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare investing, and is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer
and Portfolio Manager of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to founding Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Edelman was a Senior Analyst at Aries
Fund, a Paramount Capital Asset Management biotechnology hedge fund, from 1994 through 1998. Prior to that position, Mr. Edelman
was a Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Prudential Securities from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Edelman started his career in the healthcare
sector of the securities industry as a Biotechnology Analyst at Labe, Simpson from 1987 to 1990. Mr. Edelman earned an MBA from
New York University and BA, magna cum laude, in psychology from the University of California San Diego.
Adam
Stone, our Chief Executive Officer, joined Perceptive Advisors in 2006 and has acted as Chief Investment Officer since 2012 and
is a member of the internal investment committees of Perceptive Advisors’ credit opportunities and venture funds. Mr. Stone
currently also serves on the boards of directors of Solid Biosciences (Nasdaq: SLDB), Renovia, and Xontogeny, which are portfolio
companies of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to joining Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Stone was a Senior Analyst at Ursus Capital from 2001
to 2006 where he focused on biotechnology and specialty pharmaceuticals. Mr. Stone graduated, with honors, from Princeton University
with a BA in molecular biology.
Michael
Altman, CFA, our Chief Financial Officer, joined Perceptive Advisors in 2007, is a Senior Analyst on the investment team and is
a member of the internal investment committee of Perceptive Advisors' credit opportunities fund. Mr. Altman’s focus is on
medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and specialty pharmaceuticals. Mr. Altman also serves on the boards of directors
of Vensun Pharmaceuticals, Vitruvius Therapeutics and Lyra Therapeutics, which are portfolio companies of Perceptive Advisors.
Prior to joining Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Altman was a trader and analyst at First New York Securities from 2005 to 2007. Mr.
Altman graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Business Administration.
Kevin
Conroy has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Mr. Conroy has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2009, and Chairman
since 2014 of Exact Sciences Corporation (Nasdaq: EXAS), which focuses on the early detection and prevention of cancer. Mr. Conroy
also currently serves on the board of directors of Epizyme, Inc. (Nasdaq: EPZM), a biopharmaceutical company, and of the Greater
Madison Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining Exact Sciences Corporation, Mr. Conroy served from 2005 as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Third Wave Technologies (formerly, Nasdaq: TWTI), a molecular diagnostics company, until its acquisition
by Hologic, Inc. in 2008. Mr. Conroy joined Third Wave in July 2004 and served as general counsel until December 2005. Prior to
joining Third Wave Technologies, Mr. Conroy was an intellectual property counsel at GE Healthcare. Before joining GE Healthcare,
Mr. Conroy was chief operating officer of two early-stage venture-backed companies. Prior to those positions, Mr. Conroy was an
intellectual property litigator at McDermott Will & Emery and
2
Pattishall,
McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard and Geraldson, where he was a partner. Mr. Conroy has also
served as the Chairman of United Way of Dane County and on the boards of directors of
Wisconsin Technology Council, BioForward Wisconsin, and Overture Center Foundation. Mr.
Conroy graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a JD and from Michigan
State University with a BA in electrical engineering.
Dr.
Todd Wider, MD, has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Wider is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, focusing on
cancer surgery, with a hospital appointment with Mt. Sinai Hospital/St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Dr.
Wider also currently serves on the board of directors of Abeona Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABEO). Dr. Wider previously consulted
with a number of entities in the biotechnology space. Dr. Wider is also a principal in Wider Film Projects, a documentary film
company focusing on producing films with sociopolitical resonance. Dr. Wider graduated from Columbia College of Physicians and
Surgeons with an MD and from Princeton University with a BA in history of art and architecture.
Dr.
David Hung, MD, has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Hung recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Axovant
Biosciences Inc. from April 2017 until his resignation in February 2018. Prior to that, Dr. Hung was a co-founder of Medivation,
Inc. (“Medivation”) and served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of its subsidiary, Medivation Neurology,
Inc., from its inception in September 2003 until its acquisition by Medivation in December 2004, at which time he became President,
Chief Executive Officer and director of Medivation. Dr. Hung served in those roles until Medivation was acquired by Pfizer, Inc.
in September 2016. From 1998 to 2001, Dr. Hung served as Chief Scientific Officer (1998–1999) and as President, Chief Executive
Officer and director (1999–2001) of Pro-Duct Health, Inc., a privately-held medical device company focused on breast cancer
cytological diagnostics and therapeutics. From 1996 to 1998, Dr. Hung served in various senior positions at Chiron Corporation,
including as Vice President of Lead Discovery and Development and Vice President of New Projects. Dr. Hung currently serves as
a director of Establishment Labs Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ESTA), NovoCure (NASDAQ: NVCR) and Auransa Inc., and as founder, President
and CEO and director of RePharmation Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company. He previously served as a director of Opexa Therapeutics,
Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, from May 2006 to October 2011. Dr. Hung received an MD from the University of California, San
Francisco, School of Medicine, and an AB in Biology from Harvard College.
We
believe our management team is well positioned to take advantage of the growing set of investment opportunities focused on the
healthcare industry and that our contacts and relationships will allow us to generate an attractive transaction for our shareholders.
The
past performance of the members of our management team, Perceptive Advisors or its affiliates is not a guarantee that we will
be able to identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination or of success with respect to any business combination
we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical record or the performance of our management, Perceptive Advisors or any
of its affiliates’ or managed fund’s performance as indicative of our future performance.
Industry
Opportunity
While
we may acquire a business in any industry, our focus will be on the healthcare industry in the United States and other developed
countries. We believe the healthcare industry, particularly the life sciences and medical technology sectors, represents an enormous
and growing target market with a large number of potential target acquisition opportunities. Overall, total U.S. national health
expenditures currently exceeds $3 trillion, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has estimated that total healthcare
spending will approach 20% of total U.S. Gross Domestic Product over the coming years. According to IBISWorld, in 2017, the global
biotechnology market represented approximately $328 billion in revenue and grew 5.3% per annum from 2012 to 2017.
The
Current Life Sciences IPO Market
We
believe that current dynamics in the life sciences and medical technology IPO market may enhance our ability to locate an attractive
target. Over 100 life sciences and medical technology companies have gone public since 2016 in the United States. Despite the
current level of IPO activity, according to IBISWorld, in 2017 there were estimated to be over 9,600 biotechnology companies globally,
only a fraction of which are publicly traded.
3
We
also believe that the process for life sciences and medical technology IPO demand generation
often produces offerings that are significantly oversubscribed but where a majority of
the offering is allocated to the top ten investors, some of whom may be existing investors
in these companies or are industry specialists. As a result, we believe that there may
be numerous investors who have not been able to receive meaningful, or any, allocations
in recent life sciences and medical technology IPOs who may be interested in a potential
target opportunity that we identify.
We
believe that life sciences and medical technology companies, at a certain stage in their development, will see material benefits
from being publicly-traded, including greater access to capital, more liquid securities and increased customer awareness. An acquisition
by a special purpose acquisition company with a management team that is well-known to, and respected by, life sciences founders,
their current third-party investors and their management teams, we believe, can provide a more transparent and efficient mechanism
to bring a private healthcare company to the public markets.
Acquisition
Strategy
We
believe our management team is well positioned to identify unique opportunities in our target sectors. Our selection process will
leverage our relationships with leading venture capitalists and growth equity funds, executives of private and public companies,
as well as leading investment banking firms, which we believe should provide us with a key competitive advantage in sourcing potential
business combination targets. Given our profile and dedicated industry approach, we anticipate that target business candidates
may be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, and in particular investors in other private and public companies
in our networks. We also believe that Perceptive Advisors’ reputation, experience and track record of making investments
in the healthcare space will make us a preferred partner for these potential targets.
Consistent
with our strategy, we have identified the following criteria to evaluate prospective target businesses. We may however, decide
to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria. We intend to seek to
acquire companies that we believe:
¡
have a scientific or other competitive advantage in the markets in which they operate and which can benefit from access to additional
capital as well as our industry relationships and expertise;
¡
are ready to be public, with strong management, corporate governance and reporting policies in place;
¡
will likely be well received by public investors and are expected to have good access to the public capital markets;
¡
have significant embedded and/or underexploited growth opportunities;
¡
exhibit unrecognized value or other characteristics that we believe have been misevaluated by the market based on our rigorous
analysis and scientific and business due diligence review; and
¡
will offer attractive risk-adjusted equity returns for our shareholders.
We
may use other criteria as well. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based
on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria that our management may deem relevant.
Initial
Business Combination
Our
initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of
at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in trust and
taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time of signing the agreement to enter into the initial business
combination. If our board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market value of the target business or
businesses or we are considering an initial business combination with an affiliated entity, we will obtain an opinion from an
independent investment banking firm that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, or an independent
valuation or accounting firm with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria.
We
anticipate structuring our initial business combination so that the post-transaction company in which our public shareholders
own shares will own or acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure
our initial business combination such that the post-transaction company owns or acquires less than 100% of such interests or assets
of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the prior owners of the target business, the target management team
or shareholders or for other reasons, but
4
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 shareholders prior to the business
combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company,
depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction.
For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of
new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this
case, we would acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result
of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our shareholders 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 net assets test. If the business combination
involves more than one target business, the 80% of net assets test will be based on the
aggregate value of all of the target businesses and we will treat the target businesses
together as the initial business combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking
shareholder approval, as applicable.
In
addition, our sponsor has indicated an interest to purchase up to an aggregate of $25,000,000 of our ordinary shares in a private
placement that would occur concurrently with the consummation of our initial business combination. However, because indications
of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, our sponsor may determine not to purchase any such shares,
or to purchase fewer shares than it has indicated an interest in purchasing. Furthermore, we are not under any obligation to sell
any such shares. If we sell shares to our sponsor (or any other investor) in connection with our initial business combination,
the equity interest of investors in this offering in the combined company may be diluted and the market prices for our securities
may be adversely affected. In addition, if the per share trading price of our ordinary shares is greater than the price per share
paid in the private placement, the private placement will result in value dilution to you, in addition to the immediate dilution
that you will experience in connection with the consummation of this offering. See "Dilution."
Other
Considerations
We
are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination or subsequent transaction with a company that is affiliated with
Perceptive Advisors or our sponsor, founders, officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination
with a company that is affiliated with Perceptive Advisors, our sponsor or any of our founders, officers or directors, we, or
a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of
FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm that such initial business combination or transaction is fair to our company
from a financial point of view.
Affiliates
of Perceptive Advisors and members of our board of directors will directly or indirectly own founder shares and private placement
warrants 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 or directors were to be included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our
initial business combination.
We
currently do not have any specific business combination under consideration. Our officers and directors have neither individually
selected nor considered a target business nor have they had any substantive discussions regarding possible target businesses among
themselves or with our underwriters or other advisors. Perceptive Advisors is continuously made aware of potential business opportunities,
one or more of which we may desire to pursue for a business combination, but we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf) contacted
any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to a business combination
transaction with our company. We have not (nor have any of our agents or affiliates) been approached by any candidates (or representative
of any candidates) with respect to a possible acquisition transaction with our company and we will not consider a business combination
with any company that has already been identified to Perceptive Advisors as a suitable acquisition candidate for it, unless Perceptive
Advisors, in its sole discretion, declines such potential business combination or makes available to our company a co-investment
opportunity in accordance with Perceptive Advisors’ applicable existing and future policies and procedures. Additionally,
we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, taken
5
any
substantive measure, directly or indirectly, to select or locate any suitable acquisition
candidate for us, nor have we engaged or retained any agent or other representative to
select or locate any such acquisition candidate.
Perceptive
Advisors may manage multiple investment vehicles and raise additional funds and/or successor funds in the future, which may be
during the period in which we are seeking our initial business combination. These Perceptive Advisors investment entities may
be seeking acquisition opportunities and related financing at any time. We may compete with any one or more of them on any given
acquisition opportunity.
In
addition, certain of our founders, officers and directors presently have, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary
and contractual duties to other entities, including without limitation, investment funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles and
other entities managed by affiliates of Perceptive Advisors and certain companies in which Perceptive Advisors or such entities
have invested. As a result, if any of our founders, officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity
which is suitable for an entity to which he, she or it has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations (including, without
limitation, any Perceptive Advisors funds or other investment vehicles), then, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman
Islands law, he or she will need to honor such fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business combination opportunity
to such entity, before we can pursue such opportunity. If these funds or investment entities decide to pursue any such opportunity,
we may be precluded from pursuing the same. In addition, investment ideas generated within or presented to Perceptive Advisors
or our founders may be suitable for both us and a current or future Perceptive Advisors fund, portfolio company or other investment
entity and, subject to applicable fiduciary duties, will first be directed to such fund, portfolio company or other entity before
being directed, if at all, to us. None of Perceptive Advisors, our founders or any members of our board of directors who are also
employed by Perceptive Advisors or its affiliates have any obligation to present us with any opportunity for a potential business
combination of which they become aware solely in their capacities as officers or executives of Perceptive Advisors.
However,
we do not expect these duties to materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination.
In
addition, our founders, officers and directors, are not required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly,
will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities, including identifying potential
business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. Moreover, our founders, officers and directors have, and will
have in the future, time and attention requirements for current and future investment funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles
and other entities managed by Perceptive Advisors. To the extent any conflict of interest arises between, on the one hand, us
and, on the other hand, investments funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles and other entities managed by Perceptive Advisors
(including, without limitation, arising as a result of certain of our founders, officers and directors being required to offer
acquisition opportunities to such investment funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles and other entities), Perceptive Advisors
and its affiliates will resolve such conflicts of interest in their sole discretion in accordance with their then existing fiduciary,
contractual and other duties and there can be no assurance that such conflict of interest will be resolved in our favor.
Corporate
Information
Our
executive offices are located at 51 Astor Place, 10
th
Floor, New York, NY 10003.
We
are a Cayman Islands exempted company. Exempted companies are Cayman Islands companies conducting business mainly outside the
Cayman Islands and, as such, are exempted from complying with certain provisions of the Companies Law. As an exempted company,
we have applied for and expect to receive, after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms
a part, a tax exemption undertaking from the Cayman Islands government that, in accordance with Section 6 of the Tax Concessions
Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, for a period of 30 years from the date of the undertaking, no law which is enacted
in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations will apply to us or our operations
and, in addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty
or inheritance tax will be payable (i) on or in respect of our shares, debentures or other obligations or (ii) by way of the withholding
in whole or in part of a payment of dividend or other distribution of income or capital by us to our shareholders or a payment
of principal or interest or other sums due under a debenture or other obligation of us.
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage
of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging
growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the
6
auditor
attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic
reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding
advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute
payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive
as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices
of our securities may be more volatile.
In
addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended
transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards
would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.
We
will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary
of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which
we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our Class A ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible
debt during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” will have the meaning associated
with it in the JOBS Act.
7
The
Offering
In
deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account not only the backgrounds of the members of our management
team, but also the special risks we face as a blank check company and the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance
with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act. You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in
Rule 419 blank check offerings. You should carefully consider these and the other risks set forth in the section below entitled
“Risk Factors” of this prospectus.
Securities
offered
|
|
12,500,000
units, at $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
one Class A ordinary share; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
one-half of one redeemable warrant.
|
|
|
|
Proposed
Nasdaq symbols
|
|
Units:
“ARYAU”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
A ordinary shares: “ARYA”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants:
“ARYAW”
|
|
|
|
Trading
commencement and separation of Class A ordinary shares and warrants
|
|
The units are expected to begin trading on or promptly
after the date of this prospectus. The Class A ordinary shares and warrants comprising
the units will begin separate trading on the 52
nd
day
following the date of this prospectus unless Jefferies LLC informs us of its decision
to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our having filed the Current Report on
Form 8-K described below and having issued a press release announcing when such separate
trading will begin. Once the Class A ordinary shares and warrants commence separate trading,
holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the
component securities. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent
in order to separate the units into Class A ordinary shares and warrants. No fractional
warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade.
Accordingly, unless you purchase at least two units, you will not be able to receive
or trade a whole warrant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additionally,
the units will automatically separate into their component parts and will not be traded
after completion of our initial business combination.
|
|
|
|
Separate
trading of the Class A ordinary shares and warrants is prohibited until we have filed
a Current Report on Form 8-K
|
|
In no event will the Class A ordinary shares 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
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.
|
8
Units:
|
|
|
Number
outstanding before this offering
|
|
0
|
Number
outstanding after this offering
|
|
12,500,000
(1)
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
shares:
|
|
|
Number
outstanding before this offering
|
|
3,593,750
(2)(3)
|
Number
outstanding after this offering
|
|
15,625,000
(1)(2)(4)
|
|
|
|
Warrants:
|
|
|
Number
of private placement warrants to be sold in a private placement simultaneously with this
offering
|
|
5,437,500
(1)
|
|
|
|
Number
of warrants to be outstanding after this offering and the sale of private placement warrants
|
|
11,687,500
(1)
|
|
|
|
Exercisability
|
|
Each
whole warrant sold in this offering is exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share.
Only whole warrants are exercisable. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation
of the units and only whole warrants will trade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We
structured each unit to contain one-half of one warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable
for one Class A ordinary share, as compared to units issued by some other similar blank
check companies which contain whole warrants exercisable for one whole share, in order
to reduce the dilutive effect of the warrants upon completion of a business combination
as compared to units that each contain a warrant to purchase one whole share, thus making
us, we believe, a more attractive business combination partner for target businesses.
|
|
|
|
Exercise
price
|
|
$11.50
per whole share, subject to adjustments as described herein.
|
|
|
|
Exercise
period
|
|
The
warrants will become exercisable on the later of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
30 days after the completion of our initial business combination; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
12 months from the closing of this offering;
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
provided
in each case that we have an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current
prospectus relating to them is available and such shares are registered, qualified or
exempt from registration under the securities, or blue sky, laws of the state of residence
of the holder (or we permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis under
the circumstances specified in the warrant agreement). 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We
are not registering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants
at this time. However, we have agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later
than 20 business days after the closing of our initial business combination, we will
use our commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC and have an effective registration
statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants
and to maintain a current prospectus relating to those Class A ordinary shares until
the warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement. If a registration
statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants
is not effective by the 60
th
day after
the closing of the initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time
as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we will have
failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless
basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, five years after the completion
of our initial business combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. On the
exercise of any warrant, the warrant exercise price will be paid directly to us and not
placed in the trust account.
|
|
|
|
Redemption
of warrants
|
|
Once
the warrants become exercisable, we may redeem the outstanding warrants (except as described
herein with respect to the private placement warrants):
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
in whole and not in part;
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, which we refer to
as the 30-day redemption period; and
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
¡
if, and only if, the closing price of our ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per
share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations
and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third
trading day prior to the date on which we send the notice of redemption to the warrant
holders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We
will not redeem the warrants unless an effective registration statement under the Securities
Act covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective
and a current prospectus relating to those Class A ordinary shares is available throughout
the 30-day redemption period, except if the warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis
and such cashless exercise is exempt from registration under the Securities Act.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 determining whether to require all holders to exercise their warrants
on a “cashless basis,” our management will consider, among other factors,
our cash position, the number of warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect
on our shareholders of issuing the maximum number of Class A ordinary shares issuable
upon the exercise of our warrants. In such event, each holder would pay the exercise
price by surrendering the warrants for that number of Class A ordinary shares equal to
the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of Class A ordinary shares
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” will mean the average reported closing price
of the Class A ordinary shares for the 10 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.
Please see “Description of Securities — Warrants — Public Shareholders’
Warrants” for additional information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
None
of the private placement warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by
our sponsor or its permitted transferees.
|
|
|
|
Founder
shares
|
|
On
July 5, 2018, we issued to our sponsor 3,593,750 founder shares in exchange for a capital
contribution of $25,000, or approximately $0.007 per share. In September 2018, our sponsor
transferred 30,000 founder shares to each of Messrs. Conroy, Wider and Hung. Such shares
will not be subject to forfeiture in the event the underwriters' over-allotment option
is not exercised.
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Prior
to the initial investment in the company of $25,000 by the sponsor, the company had no
assets, tangible or intangible. The per share price of the founder shares was determined
by dividing the amount contributed to the company by the number of founder shares issued.
If we increase or decrease the size of this offering, we will effect a share capitalization
or a share surrender or redemption or other appropriate mechanism, as applicable, with
respect to our Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of this
offering in such amount as to maintain the ownership of our initial shareholders (and
their permitted transferees), on an as-converted basis, at 20% of our issued and outstanding
Class A ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
founder shares are identical to the Class A ordinary shares included in the units being
sold in this offering, except that:
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
only holders of the founder shares have the right to vote on the election of directors
prior to our initial business combination and holders of a majority of our founder shares
may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason;
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
the founder shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more
detail below;
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
our sponsor and our directors and executive officers
have entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to (i) waive
their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and (ii) waive their rights
to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to their founder shares
if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing
of this offering (although they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the
trust account with respect to any public shares they hold if we fail to complete our
initial business combination within the prescribed time frame). If we submit our initial
business combination to our public shareholders for a vote, our sponsor and our directors
and executive officers have agreed to vote their founder shares and any public shares
purchased during or after this offering in favor of our initial business combination.
As a result, in addition to our initial shareholders' founder shares, we would need 4,687,501,
or 37.5%, of the 12,500,000 public shares sold in this offering to be voted in favor
of an initial business combination in order to have our initial business combination
approved (assuming all outstanding shares are voted and the over-allotment option is
not exercised). The other members of our management team have entered into agreements
similar to the one entered into by our sponsor with respect to any public shares acquired
by them in or after this offering; and
|
12
|
|
¡
the founder shares will be automatically convertible into our Class A ordinary shares
at the time of our initial business combination as described below adjacent to the caption
“Founder shares conversion and anti-dilution rights” and in our amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association.
|
|
|
|
Transfer
restrictions on founder shares
|
|
Except
as described herein, our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have agreed
not to transfer, assign or sell any of their founder shares until the earliest of (A)
one year after the completion of our initial business combination or (B) subsequent to
our initial business combination, (x) if the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares
equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations,
reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading
day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination, or (y)
the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or
other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having the right to
exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.
|
|
|
|
Founder
shares conversion and
anti-dilution rights
|
|
The founder shares are designated as Class B ordinary
shares and will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares on the first business
day following the consummation of our initial business combination at a ratio such that
the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all founder shares
will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of (i) the total
number of Class A ordinary shares issued and outstanding upon completion of this offering,
plus (ii) the sum of (a) the total number of Class A ordinary shares issued or deemed
issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities (as defined
herein) or rights issued or deemed issued, by the Company in connection with or in relation
to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any Class A ordinary
shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary
shares issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination and
any private placement warrants issued to our sponsor upon conversion of working capital
loans, minus (b) the number of public shares redeemed by public shareholders in connection
with our initial business combination. Any conversion of Class B ordinary shares described
herein will take effect as a compulsory redemption of Class B ordinary shares and an
issuance of Class A ordinary shares as a matter of Cayman Islands law.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
term “equity-linked securities” refers to any debt or equity securities that
are convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for our Class A ordinary shares issued in
a financing transaction in connection with our initial business combination, including,
but not limited to, a private placement of equity or debt.
|
|
|
|
13
Election
of directors; Voting rights
|
|
Prior
to our initial business combination, only holders of our founder shares will have the
right to vote on the election of directors. Holders of our public shares will not be
entitled to vote on the election of directors during such time. In addition, prior to
the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our founder
shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason. These provisions
of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be amended
by a resolution passed by a majority of our Class B ordinary shares. With respect to
any other matter submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including any vote in connection
with our initial business combination, except as required by law or the applicable rules
of Nasdaq then in effect, holders of our founder shares and holders of our public shares
will vote together as a single class, with each share entitling the holder to one vote.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that our board
of directors will be divided into three classes with only one class of directors being
elected in each year and each class (except for those directors appointed prior to our
first annual meeting of shareholders) serving a three-year term.
|
|
|
|
Private
placement warrants
|
|
Our
sponsor has committed, pursuant to a written agreement, to purchase 5,437,500 private
placement warrants (or 5,953,125 private placement warrants if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full), each exercisable to purchase one Class A
ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per warrant ($5,437,500 in the
aggregate or $5,953,125 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised
in full), in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of this
offering. If we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from
the closing of this offering, the private placement warrants will expire worthless. The
private placement warrants will be non-redeemable and exercisable on a cashless basis
so long as they are held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees (see “Description
of Securities — Warrants — Private Placement Warrants”). If the private
placement warrants are held by holders other than our sponsor or its permitted transferees,
the private placement 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.
|
|
|
|
Transfer
restrictions on private
placement warrants
|
|
The private placement warrants (including the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise
of the private placement warrants) will not be transferable, assignable or salable until
30 days after the completion of our initial business combination, except as described
herein under “Principal Shareholders — Transfers of Founder Shares and Private
Placement Warrants.”
|
|
|
|
14
Proceeds
to be held in trust account
|
|
The
Nasdaq rules provide that at least 90% of the gross proceeds from this offering and the
sale of the private placement warrants be deposited in a trust account. Of the proceeds
we will receive from this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants described
in this prospectus, $125.0 million, or $143.75 million if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full ($10.00 per unit in either case), will be deposited into
a segregated trust account located in the United States at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee and $2.0 million
will be used to pay expenses in connection with the closing of this offering and for
working capital following this offering. The proceeds to be placed in the trust account
include $4,062,500 (or $4,671,875 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full) in deferred underwriting commissions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Except
for the withdrawal of interest income (if any) to pay our income taxes, if any, our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association, as discussed below and subject to
the requirements of law and regulation, provides that none of the funds held in the trust
account will be released from the trust account until the earliest of (i) the completion
of our initial business combination, (ii) the redemption of our public shares if we are
unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing
of this offering, subject to applicable law, or (iii) the redemption of our public shares
properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to approve an amendment to our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance
or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we have not consummated
an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering. The
proceeds deposited in the trust account could become subject to the claims of our creditors,
if any, which could have priority over the claims of our public shareholders.
|
|
|
|
Anticipated
expenses and funding sources
|
|
Unless
and until we complete our initial business combination, no proceeds held in the trust
account will be available for our use, except the withdrawal of interest income (if any)
to pay our income taxes, if any. The proceeds held in the trust account will be invested
only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 180 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. Assuming an interest
rate of 1.5% per year, we estimate the interest earned on the trust account will be approximately
$1,875,000 per year; however, we can provide no assurances regarding this amount. Unless
and until we complete our initial business combination, we may pay our expenses only
from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
the net proceeds of this offering not held in the trust account, which will be approximately
$1,000,000 in working capital after the payment of approximately $1,000,000 in expenses
relating to this offering; and
|
15
|
|
¡
any loans or additional investments from our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or
certain of our officers and directors, although they are under no obligation to advance
funds or invest in us, and provided any such loans will not have any claim on the proceeds
held in the trust account unless such proceeds are released to us upon completion of
our initial business combination.
|
|
|
|
Conditions
to completing our initial business combination
|
|
Nasdaq rules require that our initial business combination must occur with one or more
target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of
our assets held in the trust account excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts
held in trust and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time
of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial business combination.
If our board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market value
of the target business or businesses, we will obtain an opinion from an independent investment
banking firm which is a member of FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm.
Our shareholders may not be provided with a copy of such opinion nor will they be able
to rely on such opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We
will complete our initial business combination only if the post-transaction company in
which our public shareholders own shares will own or acquire 50% or more of the outstanding
voting securities of the target or is otherwise not 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 shareholders prior to
our initial business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-business
combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business
combination transaction. 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 net assets test, provided that in the event that the business combination
involves more than one target business, the 80% of net assets test will be based on the
aggregate value of all of the target businesses and we will treat the target businesses
together as the initial business combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking
shareholder approval, as applicable.
|
|
|
|
16
Permitted
purchases of public shares and public warrants by our affiliates
|
|
If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct
redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender
offer rules, may purchase shares or public warrants in privately negotiated transactions
or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business
combination. However, our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates
have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have
not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds held
in the trust account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions.
If our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates engage in
such transactions, they will not make any such purchases when they are in possession
of any material nonpublic information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases
are prohibited by Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
or the Exchange Act. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would
constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or
a going-private transaction subject to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act;
however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases
are subject to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules. Any such purchases
will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent
such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. See “Proposed Business
— Permitted Purchases of Our Securities” for a description of how our sponsor,
directors, executive officers, advisors or any of their affiliates will select which
shareholders to purchase securities from in any private transaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
purpose of any such purchases of shares could be to vote such shares in favor of the
business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval
of the business combination or to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a
target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the
closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would
otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public warrants could be to
reduce the number of public warrants outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters
submitted to the warrantholders for approval in connection with our initial business
combination. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our
initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. In addition,
if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares
or warrants may be reduced and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may
be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing
or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.
|
|
|
|
17
Redemption
rights for public shareholders
upon completion of our initial business combination
|
|
We will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion
of their public shares upon the completion of our initial business combination at a per-share
price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account
calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination, including interest (net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then
outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein. The amount in
the trust account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per public share. The per share
amount we will distribute to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced
by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the underwriters. The redemption
rights will include the requirement that a beneficial holder must identify itself in
order to validly redeem its shares. There will be no redemption rights upon the completion
of our initial business combination with respect to our warrants. Our sponsor and our
directors and executive officers have entered into agreements with us, pursuant to which
they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares
and any public shares they may acquire during or after this offering in connection with
the completion of our initial business combination.
|
|
|
|
Limitations
on redemptions
|
|
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that in no event
will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets
to be less than $5,000,001 (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny
stock” rules). However, a greater net tangible asset or cash requirement may be
contained in the agreement relating to our initial business combination. For example,
the proposed business combination may require: (i) cash consideration to be paid to the
target or its owners, (ii) cash to be transferred to the target for working capital or
other general corporate purposes or (iii) the retention of cash to satisfy other conditions
in accordance with the terms of the proposed business combination. Furthermore, although
we will not redeem shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to fall
below $5,000,001, we do not have a maximum redemption threshold based on the percentage
of shares sold in this offering, as many blank check companies do. In the event the aggregate
cash consideration we would be required to pay for all Class A ordinary shares that are
validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions
pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed the aggregate amount
of cash available to us, we will not complete the business combination or redeem any
shares, and all Class A ordinary shares submitted for redemption will be returned to
the holders thereof.
|
18
Manner
of conducting redemptions
|
|
We
will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion
of their public shares upon the completion of our initial business combination either
(i) in connection with a shareholder meeting called to approve the business combination
or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether we will seek shareholder
approval of a proposed business combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by
us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing
of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would require us to seek
shareholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing requirement. Asset
acquisitions and share purchases would not typically require shareholder approval, while
direct mergers with our company where we do not survive and any transactions where we
issue more than 20% of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares or seek to amend our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association would require shareholder approval.
We currently intend to conduct redemptions in connection with a shareholder vote unless
shareholder approval is not required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirement
and we choose to conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC for
business or other legal reasons.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If
we hold a shareholder vote to approve our initial business combination, we will:
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
conduct the redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation
14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies, and not pursuant
to the tender offer rules; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
file proxy materials with the SEC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If
we seek shareholder approval, we will complete our initial business combination only
if a majority of the ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination.
In such case, our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have agreed to vote
their founder shares and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in
favor of our initial business combination. As a result, in addition to our initial shareholders'
founder shares, we would need 4,687,501, or 37.5%, of the 12,500,000 public shares sold
in this offering to be voted in favor of an initial business combination in order to
have our
|
19
|
|
initial
business combination approved (assuming all outstanding shares are voted and the over-allotment
option is not exercised). The other members of our management team have entered into
agreements similar to the one entered into by our sponsor with respect to any public
shares acquired by them in or after this offering. Each public shareholder may elect
to redeem their public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed
transaction or vote at all. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
will require that at least five days’ notice will be given of any such shareholder
meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If
we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC, we will, pursuant
to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association:
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act,
which regulate issuer tender offers; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination
which contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial
business combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of
the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upon
the public announcement of our initial business combination, if we elect to conduct redemptions
pursuant to the tender offer rules, we or our sponsor will terminate any plan established
in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 to purchase our Class A ordinary shares in the open market,
in order to comply with Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act. In the event we conduct redemptions
pursuant to the tender offer rules, our offer to redeem will remain open for at least
20 business days, in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange Act, and we will
not be permitted to complete our initial business combination until the expiration of
the tender offer period. In addition, the tender offer will be conditioned on public
shareholders not tendering more than the number of public shares we are permitted to
redeem. If public shareholders tender more shares than we have offered to purchase, we
will withdraw the tender offer and not complete such initial business combination.
|
|
|
|
20
Limitation
on redemption rights of shareholders holding 15% or more of the shares sold in this offering
if we hold a shareholder vote
|
|
Notwithstanding the foregoing redemption rights, if we seek shareholder approval of our
initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our
initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association will provide that a public shareholder, together
with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder
is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the
Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than
an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in this offering, without our prior consent.
We
believe the restriction described above will discourage shareholders from accumulating
large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability
to redeem their shares as a means to force us or our management to purchase their shares
at a significant premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms.
Absent this provision, a public shareholder holding more than an aggregate of 15% of
the shares sold in this offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights against
a business combination if such holder’s shares are not purchased by us, our sponsor
or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable
terms. By limiting our shareholders’ ability to redeem to no more than 15% of the
shares sold in this offering, we believe we will limit the ability of a small group of
shareholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability to complete our initial business
combination, particularly in connection with a business combination with a target that
requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount
of cash. However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote
all of their shares (including all shares held by those shareholders that hold more than
15% of the shares sold in this offering) for or against our initial business combination.
|
|
|
|
21
Release
of funds in trust account on closing of our initial business combination
|
|
On the completion of our initial business combination, the funds held in the trust account
will be disbursed directly by the trustee to pay amounts due to any public shareholders
who exercise their redemption rights as described above adjacent to the caption “Redemption
rights for public shareholders upon completion of our initial business combination,”
to pay the underwriters their deferred underwriting commissions, to pay all or a portion
of the consideration payable to the target or owners of the target of our initial business
combination and to pay other expenses associated with our initial business combination.
If our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt securities or not
all of the funds released from the trust account are used for payment of the consideration
in connection with our initial business combination, we may apply the balance of the
cash released to us from the trust account for general corporate purposes, including
for maintenance or expansion of operations of post-transaction businesses, the payment
of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business
combination, to fund the purchase of other companies or for working capital.
|
|
|
|
Redemption
of public shares and distribution and liquidation if no initial business combination
|
|
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that we
will have only 24 months from the closing of this offering to consummate our initial
business combination. If we are unable to consummate an 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 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 (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution
expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption
will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including
the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly
as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining
shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case
of clauses (ii) and (iii), to our obligations under Cayman Islands 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 our warrants, which will expire worthless
if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing
of this offering.
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
Our
sponsor has entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which it has waived its rights
to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to its founder shares
if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing
of this offering. However, if our sponsor or members of our management team acquire public
shares in or after this offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions
from the trust account with respect to such public shares if we fail to consummate an
initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to their deferred underwriting commission
held in the trust account in the event we do not consummate an initial business combination
within 24 months from the closing of this offering and, in such event, such amounts will
be included with the funds held in the trust account that will be available to fund the
redemption of our public shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our
sponsor, executive officers, directors and director nominees have agreed, pursuant to
a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or
timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate
an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, unless
we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary
shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal
to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest (net
of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to
the limitations described above adjacent to the caption “Limitations on redemptions.”
For example, our board of directors may propose such an amendment if it determines that
additional time is necessary to complete our initial business combination. In such event,
we will conduct a proxy solicitation and distribute proxy materials pursuant to Regulation
14A of the Exchange Act seeking shareholder approval of such proposal and, in connection
therewith, provide our public shareholders with the redemption rights described above
upon shareholder approval of such amendment. This redemption right shall apply in the
event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsors, any executive
officer, director or director nominee, or any other person.
|
|
|
|
23
Limited
payments to insiders
|
|
There
will be no finder’s fees, reimbursements or cash payments made by the company to
our sponsor, officers or directors, or our or their affiliates, for services rendered
to us prior to or in connection with the completion of our initial business combination,
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 of up to an aggregate of $300,000 in loans made to us by our sponsor to cover
offering-related and organizational expenses;
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
reimbursement for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to us
by an affiliate of our sponsor, in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per month;
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses related to identifying, investigating, negotiating
and completing an initial business combination; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
¡
repayment of loans which may be made by our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or
certain of our officers and directors to finance transaction costs in connection with
an intended initial business combination. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible
into warrants of the post business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant
at the option of the lender. The warrants would be identical to the private placement
warrants. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such loans, if any, have not been determined
and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Any
such payments will be made either (i) prior to our initial business combination using
proceeds of this offering held outside the trust account or from loans made to us by
our sponsor or (ii) in connection with or after the consummation of our initial business
combination.
|
|
|
|
Audit
committee
|
|
We
will establish and maintain an audit committee, which will be composed entirely of independent
directors. Among its responsibilities, the audit committee will review on a quarterly
basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, officers or directors, or our or their
affiliates and monitor compliance with the other terms relating to this offering. If
any noncompliance is identified, then the audit committee will be charged with the responsibility
to promptly take all action necessary to rectify such noncompliance or otherwise to cause
compliance with the terms of this offering. For more information, see the section entitled
“Management — Committees of the Board of Directors — Audit Committee.”
|
24
Risks
We
are a newly formed company that has conducted no operations and has generated no revenues. Until we complete our initial business
combination, we will have no operations and will generate no operating revenues. In making your decision whether to invest in
our securities, you should take into account not only the background of our management team, but also the special risks we face
as a blank check company. This offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act.
Accordingly, you will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. For additional
information concerning how Rule 419 blank check offerings differ from this offering, please see “Proposed Business —
Comparison of This Offering to Those 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” of this prospectus.
25
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, so only balance sheet data is presented.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
Working
capital (deficiency)
|
|
$
|
(38,781
|
)
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
61,429
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
$
|
38,781
|
|
Shareholder’s
equity
|
|
$
|
22,648
|
|
If
we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, the proceeds then on
deposit in the trust account, including interest (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes
payable), will be used to fund the redemption of our public shares. Our sponsor has entered into an agreement with us pursuant
to which it has agreed to waive its rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to its founder shares
if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering.
26
RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together
with the other information contained in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our units. If any of the following
events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the
trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
We
are a recently incorporated company with no operating history and no revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our
ability to achieve our business objective.
We
are a recently incorporated company established under the laws of the Cayman Islands with no operating results, and we will not
commence operations until obtaining funding through this offering. Because we lack an operating history, you have no basis upon
which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective of completing our initial business combination with one or more
target businesses. We have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective target business concerning a business
combination and may be unable to complete our initial business combination. If we fail to complete our initial business combination,
we will never generate any operating revenues.
Past
performance by Perceptive Advisors, including our management team, may not be indicative of future performance of an investment
in us.
Information
regarding performance by, or businesses associated with, Perceptive Advisors is presented for informational purposes only. Any
past experience and performance of Perceptive Advisors or our management team is not a guarantee either: (1) that we will be able
to successfully identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination; or (2) of any results with respect to any
initial business combination we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical record of Perceptive Advisors or our management
team’s performance as indicative of the future performance of an investment in us or the returns we will, or are likely
to, generate going forward. An investment in us is not an investment in Perceptive Advisors. None of our sponsor, officers, directors
or Perceptive Advisors has had experience with a blank check company or special purpose acquisition company in the past.
Our
shareholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed initial business combination, which means we may complete
our initial business combination even though a majority of our shareholders do not support such a combination.
We
may not hold a shareholder vote to approve our initial business combination unless the business combination would require shareholder
approval under applicable Cayman Islands law or stock exchange listing requirements or if we decide to hold a shareholder vote
for business or other legal reasons. For instance, the Nasdaq rules currently allow us to engage in a tender offer in lieu of
a shareholder meeting but would still require us to obtain shareholder 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 shareholder approval of such business
combination. However, except as required by law or stock exchange listing requirements, the decision as to whether we will seek
shareholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow shareholders 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 shareholder approval. Accordingly, we may consummate
our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of the outstanding ordinary shares do not approve of the business
combination we consummate. Please see the section entitled “Proposed Business — Shareholders May Not Have the Ability
to Approve Our Initial Business Combination” for additional information.
27
Your
only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to the exercise of
your right to redeem your shares from us for cash.
At
the time of your investment in us, you will not be provided with an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of one
or more target businesses. Since our board of directors may complete a business combination without seeking shareholder approval,
public shareholders may not have the right or opportunity to vote on the business combination, unless we seek such shareholder
vote. Accordingly, your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited
to exercising your redemption rights within the period of time (which will be at least 20 business days) set forth in our tender
offer documents mailed to our public shareholders in which we describe our initial business combination.
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, our sponsor and members of our management team have agreed to
vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our public shareholders vote.
Our
sponsor will own, on an as-converted basis, 20% of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares immediately following the completion
of this offering. Our sponsor and members of our management team also may from time to time purchase Class A ordinary shares prior
to our initial business combination. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that, if we
seek shareholder approval of an initial business combination, such initial business combination will be approved if we receive
the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares voted at such meeting, including the founder shares. As a result, in addition
to our initial shareholders' founder shares, we would need 4,687,501, or 37.5%, of the 12,500,000 public shares sold in this offering
to be voted in favor of an initial business combination in order to have our initial business combination approved (assuming all
outstanding shares are voted and the over-allotment option is not exercised). Accordingly, if we seek shareholder approval of
our initial business combination, the agreement by our sponsor and our directors and executive officers to vote in favor of our
initial business combination will increase the likelihood that we will receive the requisite shareholder approval for such initial
business combination.
The
ability of our public shareholders to redeem their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential
business combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter into a business combination with a target.
We
may seek to enter into a business combination transaction agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition
that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. If too many public shareholders exercise their redemption rights,
we would not be able to meet such closing condition and, as a result, would not be able to proceed with the business combination.
Furthermore, in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than
$5,000,001 (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules). Consequently, if accepting all properly
submitted redemption requests would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 or such greater amount necessary
to satisfy a closing condition as described above, we would not proceed with such redemption and the related business combination
and may instead search for an alternate business combination. Prospective targets will be aware of these risks and, thus, may
be reluctant to enter into a business combination transaction with us.
The
ability of our public shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares may not allow us
to complete the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.
At
the time we enter into an agreement for our initial business combination, we will not know how many shareholders may exercise
their redemption rights, and therefore will need to structure the transaction based on our expectations as to the number of shares
that will be submitted for redemption. If a large number of shares are submitted for redemption, we may need to restructure the
transaction to reserve a greater portion of the cash in the trust account or arrange for additional third party financing. Raising
additional third party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable
levels. The above considerations may limit our ability to complete the most desirable business combination available to us or
optimize our capital structure. The amount of the deferred underwriting commissions payable to the underwriters will not be adjusted
for any shares that are redeemed in connection with an initial business combination. The per-share amount we will distribute to
shareholders who properly exercise their redemption rights will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commission and after
such redemptions, the amount held in trust will continue to reflect our obligation to pay the entire deferred underwriting commissions.
28
The
ability of our public shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares could increase the
probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful and that you would have to wait for liquidation in order
to redeem your shares.
If
our initial business combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price,
or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful
is increased. If our initial business combination is unsuccessful, you would not receive your pro rata portion of the trust account
until we liquidate the trust account. If you are in need of immediate liquidity, you could attempt to sell your shares in the
open market; however, at such time our shares may trade at a discount to the pro rata amount per share in the trust account. In
either situation, you may suffer a material loss on your investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with our
redemption until we liquidate or you are able to sell your shares in the open market.
The
requirement that we consummate an initial business combination within 24 months after the closing of this offering may give potential
target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination and may limit the time we have in which to conduct due
diligence on potential business combination targets as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability
to complete our initial business combination on terms that would produce value for our shareholders.
Any
potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware that we must consummate
an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering. Consequently, such target business may obtain
leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete our initial business combination with
that particular target business, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination with any target business. This
risk will increase as we get closer to the timeframe described above. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligence
and may enter into our initial business combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.
We
may not be able to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months after the closing of this offering, in which case
we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate.
We
may not be able to find a suitable target business and consummate an initial business combination within 24 months after the closing
of this offering. Our ability to complete our initial business combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions,
volatility in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein. If we have not consummated an initial business
combination within such applicable time period, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as
promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, 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 (less up to $100,000 of
interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further
liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval
of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii),
to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors and their
affiliates may elect to purchase shares or public warrants from public shareholders, which may influence a vote on a proposed
business combination and reduce the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares.
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial
business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates
may purchase shares or public warrants in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following
the completion of our initial business combination, although they are
29
under
no obligation to do so. However, other than as expressly stated herein, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions
to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in
the trust account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions.
In
the event that our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated
transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders
would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The purpose of any such purchases of shares could be
to vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval
of the business combination or to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum
net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement
would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public warrants could be to reduce the number of public warrants
outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters submitted to the warrantholders for approval in connection with our initial
business combination. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that
may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange
Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. See “Proposed Business — Permitted Purchases
of Our Securities” for a description of how our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or any of their affiliates
will select which shareholders to purchase securities from in any private transaction.
In
addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares or public warrants and the
number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation,
listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.
If
a shareholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem our public shares in connection with our initial business combination,
or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.
We
will comply with the proxy rules or tender offer rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial
business combination. Despite our compliance with these rules, if a shareholder fails to receive our proxy solicitation or tender
offer materials, as applicable, such shareholder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, the
proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, that we will furnish to holders of our public shares in connection
with our initial business combination will describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly redeem
or tender public shares. In the event that a shareholder fails to comply with these procedures, its shares may not be redeemed.
See “Proposed Business — Effecting Our Initial Business Combination — Tendering Share Certificates in Connection
with a Tender Offer or Redemption Rights.”
You
will not have any rights or interests in funds from the trust account, except under certain limited circumstances. Therefore,
to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.
Our
public shareholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earlier to occur of: (i) our completion
of an initial business combination, and then only in connection with those Class A ordinary shares that such shareholder properly
elected to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in
connection with a shareholder vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance
or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate an initial business combination within
24 months from the closing of this offering and (iii) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to consummate an initial
business within 24 months from the closing of this offering, subject to applicable law and as further described herein. In no
other circumstances will a public shareholder have any right or interest of any kind in the trust account. Holders of warrants
will not have any right to the proceeds held in the trust account with respect to the warrants. Accordingly, to liquidate your
investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.
30
Nasdaq
may delist our securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our
securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
We
have applied to have our units listed on Nasdaq on the date of this prospectus and our Class A ordinary shares and warrants on
or promptly after their date of separation. Although after giving effect to this offering we expect to meet, on a pro forma basis,
the minimum initial listing standards set forth in Nasdaq’s listing standards, our securities may not be, or may not continue
to be, listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to our initial business combination. In order to continue listing our securities
on Nasdaq prior to our initial business combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and share price levels.
Generally, we must maintain a minimum amount in shareholders’ equity (generally $2,500,000) and a minimum number of holders
of our securities (generally 300 round-lot holders). Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, we will
be required to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than Nasdaq’s
continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of our securities on Nasdaq. For instance, our share
price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share and our shareholders’ equity would generally be required
to be at least $5,000,000. We may not be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.
If
Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities
exchange, we expect our securities could be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face significant
material adverse consequences, including:
¡
a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
¡
reduced liquidity for our securities;
¡
a determination that our Class A ordinary shares are a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our Class
A ordinary shares to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary
trading market for our securities;
¡
a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and
¡
a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
The
National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating
the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because we expect that our units and
eventually our Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq, our units, Class A ordinary shares and warrants
will qualify as covered securities under the statute. 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,
other than the State of Idaho, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these
powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if
we were no longer listed on Nasdaq, our securities would not qualify as covered securities under the statute and we would be subject
to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.
You
will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of many other blank check companies.
Since
the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants are intended to be used to complete an initial
business combination with a target business that has not been selected, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company
under the United States securities laws. However, because we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the completion
of this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants 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 in blank check companies,
such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among other things,
this means our units will be immediately tradable and we will have a longer period of time to complete our initial business combination
than do companies subject to Rule 419. Moreover, if this offering were subject to Rule 419, that rule would prohibit the release
of any interest earned on funds held in the trust account to us unless and until the funds in the trust account were released
to us in connection with our completion of an initial business combination. For a more detailed comparison of our offering to
offerings that comply with Rule 419, please see “Proposed Business — Comparison of This Offering to Those of Blank
Check Companies Subject to Rule 419.”
31
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer
rules, and if you or a “group” of shareholders are deemed to hold in excess of 15% of our Class A ordinary shares,
you will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of our Class A ordinary shares.
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial
business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will
provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder
is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking
redemption rights with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in this offering without our prior consent,
which we refer to as the “Excess Shares.” However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to
vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial business combination. Your inability to redeem the
Excess Shares will reduce your influence over our ability to complete our initial business combination and you could suffer a
material loss on your investment in us if you sell Excess Shares in open market transactions. Additionally, you will not receive
redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we complete our initial business combination. And as a result, you
will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell your
shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.
Because
of our limited resources and the significant competition for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for
us to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders
may receive only their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders,
and our warrants will expire worthless.
We
expect to encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including private investors
(which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other blank check companies and other entities, domestic and international,
competing for the types of businesses we intend to acquire. Many of these individuals and entities are well-established and have
extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing
services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources or more local industry
knowledge than we do and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors.
While we believe there are numerous target businesses we could potentially acquire with the net proceeds of this offering and
the sale of the private placement warrants, our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses
that are sizable will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage
in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Furthermore, we are obligated to offer holders of our public shares
the right to redeem their shares for cash at the time of our initial business combination in conjunction with a shareholder vote
or via a tender offer. Target companies will be aware that this may reduce the resources available to us for our initial business
combination. Any of these obligations may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination.
If we are unable to complete our initial business combination our public shareholders may receive only their pro rata portion
of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.
If
the net proceeds of this offering not being held in the trust account are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the
next 24 months, it could limit the amount available to fund our search for a target business or businesses and complete our initial
business combination, and we will depend on loans from our sponsor or management team to fund our search and to complete our initial
business combination.
Of
the net proceeds of this offering, only $1,000,000 will be available to us initially outside the trust account to fund our working
capital requirements. We believe that, upon closing of this offering, the funds available to us outside of the trust account,
together with funds available from loans from our sponsor, 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. Of the funds available to us, we expect to use a portion
of the funds available to us to pay fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business. We could also use
a portion of the funds as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision in letters of intent designed
to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies or investors on terms more
favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business combination, although we do not have any current
intention to do so. If we entered into a letter
32
of
intent where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business and were subsequently required to forfeit such
funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise), we might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct
due diligence with respect to, a target business.
In
the event that our offering expenses exceed our estimate of $1,000,000, we may fund such excess with funds not to be held in the
trust account. In such case, unless funded by the proceeds of loans available from our sponsor, the amount of funds we intend
to be held outside the trust account would decrease by a corresponding amount. Conversely, in the event that the offering expenses
are less than our estimate of $1,000,000, the amount of funds we intend to be held outside the trust account would increase by
a corresponding amount. The amount held in the trust account will not be impacted as a result of such increase or decrease. If
we are required to seek additional capital, we would need to borrow funds from our sponsor, management team or other third parties
to operate or may be forced to liquidate. Neither our sponsor, members of our management team nor any of their affiliates is under
any obligation to advance funds to us in such circumstances. Any such advances would be repaid only from funds held outside the
trust account or from funds released to us upon completion of our initial business combination. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans
may be convertible into warrants of the post-business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the
lender. The warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants. Prior to the completion of our initial business combination,
we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor as we do not believe third parties
will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our trust account.
If we are unable to complete our initial business combination because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will
be forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account. Consequently, our public shareholders may only receive an estimated
$10.00 per share, or possibly less, on our redemption of our public shares, and our warrants will expire worthless.
Subsequent
to our completion of our initial business combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and
impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and
our share price, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.
Even
if we conduct due diligence on a target business with which we combine, we cannot assure you that this diligence will surface
all material issues with a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary
amount of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a
result of these factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment
or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected
risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even
though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges
of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature
may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held
by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining post-combination debt financing. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to
remain shareholders following the business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such shareholders
are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due
to the breach by our officers or directors of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully
bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to
the business combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.
If
third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount
received by shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share.
Our
placing of funds in the trust account may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we will seek to
have all third parties, including, but not limited to, all vendors, service providers (excluding our independent registered public
accounting firm), prospective target businesses and other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving
any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public shareholders,
such parties may not execute such agreements, or even if they execute such agreements, they may not be prevented from bringing
claims against the trust account, including, but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or
other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the
33
waiver,
in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a claim against our assets, including the funds held in the trust account.
If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account, our management
will perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has
not executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to
us than any alternative.
Examples
of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party
consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants
that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver.
In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of,
or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not seek recourse against the trust account for
any reason. Upon redemption of our public shares, if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months
from the closing of this offering, or upon the exercise of a redemption right in connection with our initial business combination,
we will be required to provide for payment of claims of creditors that were not waived that may be brought against us within the
10 years following redemption. Accordingly, the per-share redemption amount received by public shareholders could be less than
the $10.00 per public share initially held in the trust account, due to claims of such creditors. Pursuant to the letter agreement
the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our sponsor has
agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party (excluding our independent registered public
accounting firm) for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we have discussed entering
into a transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the trust account to below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per public share and (ii)
the actual amount per share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account if less than $10.00
per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case less taxes payable, provided that such liability will
not apply to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account nor will
it apply to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party,
our sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. 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 we believe that our sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company.
Therefore, we cannot assure you that our sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. None of our officers or directors
will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.
Our
directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of our sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of
funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public shareholders.
In
the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per share and (ii) the actual amount
per share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account if less than $10.00 per share due to
reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case less taxes payable, and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy
its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine
whether to take legal action against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While we currently expect that our
independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations to
us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment and subject to their fiduciary duties
may choose not to do so in any particular instance. If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations,
the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public shareholders may be reduced below $10.00 per
share.
We
may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of our directors and executive officers.
We
have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, our officers and directors
have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account and to not seek
recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided will be able to be satisfied
by us only if (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the trust
34
account
or (ii) we consummate an initial business combination. Our obligation to indemnify our officers and directors may discourage shareholders
from bringing a lawsuit against our officers or directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the
effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our officers and directors, even though such an action, if
successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. Furthermore, a shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected
to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against our officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification
provisions.
If,
after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary
bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and the members
of our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors, thereby exposing the members
of our board of directors and us to claims of punitive damages.
If,
after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary
bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under
applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.”
As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover some or all amounts received by our shareholders. In addition, our board
of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing
itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims
of creditors.
If,
before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary
bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over
the claims of our shareholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our shareholders in connection with
our liquidation may be reduced.
If,
before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary
bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable
bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the
claims of our shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, the per-share amount that would otherwise
be received by our shareholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.
If
we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance
requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination.
If
we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, our activities may be restricted, including:
¡
restrictions on the nature of our investments; and
¡
restrictions on the issuance of securities,
each
of which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination. In addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome
requirements, including:
¡
registration as an investment company;
¡
adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and
¡
reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.
In
order not to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we
must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading of securities and that our
activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting
more than 40% of our assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Our business
will be to identify and complete a business combination and thereafter to operate the post-transaction business or assets for
the long term. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We do not plan to
buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor.
35
We
do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds
held in the trust account may only be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section
2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions
under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations.
Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee is not permitted to invest in other securities or assets. By restricting the investment
of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring and growing businesses for the long
term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund), we intend to avoid
being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. This offering is not intended
for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government securities or investment securities. The trust account is intended
as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of either: (i) the completion of our initial business combination;
(ii) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in connection with a shareholder vote to amend our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares
if we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering; or (iii) absent our
completing an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, our return of the funds held in
the trust account to our public shareholders as part of our redemption of the public shares. If we do not invest the proceeds
as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the Investment
Company Act, compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expenses for which we have not allotted
funds and may hinder our ability to complete a business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination,
our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution
to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.
Changes
in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, including our
ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination, 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, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination, and results of operations.
If
we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, our public shareholders
may be forced to wait beyond such 24 months before redemption from our trust account.
If
we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, the proceeds then
on deposit in the trust account, including interest (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes
payable), will be used to fund the redemption of our public shares, as further described herein. Any redemption of public shareholders
from the trust account will be effected automatically by function of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
prior to any voluntary winding up. If we are required to wind-up, liquidate the trust account and distribute such amount therein,
pro rata, to our public shareholders, as part of any liquidation process, such winding up, liquidation and distribution must comply
with the applicable provisions of the Companies Law. In that case, investors may be forced to wait beyond 24 months from the closing
of this offering before the redemption proceeds of our trust account become available to them, and they receive the return of
their pro rata portion of the proceeds from our trust account. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to the
date of our redemption or liquidation unless we consummate our initial business combination prior thereto and only then in cases
where investors have sought to redeem their Class A ordinary shares. Only upon our redemption or any liquidation will public shareholders
be entitled to distributions if we are unable to complete our initial business combination.
36
Our
shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption
of their shares.
If
we are forced to enter into an insolvent liquidation, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed as an unlawful
payment if it was proved that immediately following the date on which the distribution was made, we were unable to pay our debts
as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover some or all amounts received
by our shareholders. Furthermore, our directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to us or our creditors
and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and our company to claims, by paying public shareholders 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. We and our directors and officers who knowingly and willfully authorized or permitted any distribution to be
paid out of our share premium account while we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business
would be guilty of an offence and may be liable to a fine of $18,292.68 and to imprisonment for five years in the Cayman Islands.
We
may not hold an annual meeting of shareholders until after the consummation of our initial business combination.
In
accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until no later than one
year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on Nasdaq. As an exempted company, there is no requirement under the
Companies Law for us to hold annual or general meetings to elect directors. Until we hold an annual meeting of shareholders, public
shareholders may not be afforded the opportunity to elect directors and to discuss company affairs with management. Our board
of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class (except
for those directors appointed prior to our first annual meeting of shareholders) serving a three-year term.
Holders
of Class A ordinary shares will not be entitled to vote on any election of directors we hold prior to our initial business combination.
Prior
to our initial business combination, only holders of our founder shares will have the right to vote on the election of directors.
Holders of our public shares will not be entitled to vote on the election of directors during such time. In addition, prior to
the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our founder shares may remove a member of the board
of directors for any reason. Accordingly, you may not have any say in the management of our company prior to the consummation
of an initial business combination.
We
are not registering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities
laws at this time, and such registration may not be in place when an investor desires to exercise warrants, thus precluding such
investor from being able to exercise its warrants and causing such warrants to expire worthless.
We
are not registering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities
laws at this time. However, under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts
to file a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such shares and maintain a current prospectus relating to the
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants in accordance with the provisions
of the warrant agreement. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so if, for example, any facts or events arise which
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement or prospectus, the financial statements
contained or incorporated by reference therein are not current or correct or the SEC issues a stop order. If the shares issuable
upon exercise of the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act, we will be required to permit holders to exercise their
warrants on a cashless basis. However, no warrant will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, and we will not be obligated
to issue any shares to holders seeking to exercise their warrants, unless the issuance of the shares upon such exercise is registered
or qualified under the securities laws of the state of the exercising holder, unless an exemption is available. In no event will
we be required to net cash settle any warrant, or issue securities or other compensation in exchange for the warrants in the event
that we are unable to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants under the Securities Act or applicable state securities
laws. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants is not so registered or qualified or exempt from registration
or qualification, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value
and expire worthless. In such event, holders who acquired their warrants as part of a purchase of units will have paid the full
37
unit
purchase price solely for the Class A ordinary shares included in the units. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us,
we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all
applicable state securities laws.
Our
ability to require holders of our warrants to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis after we call the warrants for redemption
or if there is no effective registration statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of these warrants
will cause holders to receive fewer Class A ordinary shares upon their exercise of the warrants than they would have received
had they been able to pay the exercise price of their warrants in cash.
If
we call the warrants for redemption, we will have the option, in our sole discretion, to require all holders that wish to exercise
warrants to do so on a cashless basis. If we choose to require holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis or if holders
elect to do so when there is no effective registration statement, the number of Class A ordinary shares received by a holder upon
exercise will be fewer than it would have been had such holder exercised his or her warrant for cash. For example, if the holder
is exercising 875 public warrants at $11.50 per share through a cashless exercise when the Class A ordinary shares have a fair
market value of $17.50 per share, then upon the cashless exercise, the holder will receive 300 Class A ordinary shares. The holder
would have received 875 Class A ordinary shares if the exercise price was paid in cash. This will have the effect of reducing
the potential “upside” of the holder’s investment in our company because the warrantholder will hold a smaller
number of Class A ordinary shares upon a cashless exercise of the warrants they hold.
The
grant of registration rights to our initial shareholders may make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination,
and the future exercise of such rights may adversely affect the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.
Pursuant
to an agreement to be entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in this offering, our initial shareholders,
and their permitted transferees can demand that we register the Class A ordinary shares into which founder shares are convertible,
the private placement warrants and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants, and warrants
that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of such warrants.
The registration rights will be exercisable with respect to the founder shares and the private placement warrants and the Class
A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of such private placement warrants. The registration and availability of such a significant
number of securities for trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.
In addition, the existence of the registration rights may make our initial business combination more costly or difficult to conclude.
This is because the shareholders of the target business may increase the equity stake they seek in the combined entity or ask
for more cash consideration to offset the negative impact on the market price of our Class A ordinary shares that is expected
when the securities owned by our initial shareholders or their permitted transferees are registered.
Because
we are neither limited to evaluating a target business in a particular industry sector nor have we selected any specific target
businesses with which to pursue our initial business combination, you will be unable to ascertain the merits or risks of any particular
target business’s operations.
We
may pursue business combination opportunities in any sector, except that we will not, under our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association, be permitted to effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or similar
company with nominal operations. Because we have not yet selected or approached any specific target business with respect to a
business combination, there is no basis to evaluate the possible merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations,
results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition or prospects. To the extent we complete our initial business
combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations with which we combine. For example, if we
combine with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of sales or earnings, we may be affected
by the risks inherent in the business and operations of a financially unstable or a development stage entity. Although our officers
and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will
properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors or that we will have adequate time to complete due diligence.
Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that
those risks will adversely impact a target business. We also cannot
38
assure
you that an investment in our units will ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such
opportunity were available, in a business combination target. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders
following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such shareholders are unlikely
to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach
by our officers or directors of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring
a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to the business
combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.
Because
we intend to seek a business combination with a target business in the healthcare industry, we expect our future operations to
be subject to risks associated with this industry.
Because
we intend to seek a business combination with a target business in the healthcare industry, we expect our future operations to
be subject to risks associated with this industry.
Healthcare
related companies are generally subject to greater governmental regulation than most other industries at the U.S. state and federal
levels, and internationally. In recent years, both local and national governmental budgets have come under pressure to reduce
spending and control healthcare costs, which could both adversely affect regulatory processes and public funding available for
healthcare products, services and facilities. In March 2010, comprehensive healthcare reform legislation was enacted in the United
States. These laws are intended to increase health insurance coverage through individual and employer mandates, subsidies offered
to lower income individuals, tax credits available to smaller employers and broadening of Medicaid eligibility.
While
one intent of healthcare reform is to expand health insurance coverage to more individuals, it may also involve additional regulatory
mandates and other measures designed to constrain medical costs, including coverage and reimbursement for healthcare services.
Healthcare reform has had a significant impact on the healthcare sector in the United States and consequently has the ability
to affect companies within the healthcare industry. The ultimate effects of federal healthcare reform or any future legislation
or regulation, or healthcare initiatives, if any, on the healthcare sector, whether implemented at the federal or state level
or internationally, cannot be predicted with certainty and such reform, legislation, regulation or initiatives may adversely affect
the performance of a potential business combination.
Changes
in governmental policies may have a material effect on the demand for or costs of certain products and services. A healthcare
related company must receive government approval before introducing new drugs and medical devices or procedures. This process
may delay the introduction of these products and services to the marketplace, resulting in increased development costs, delayed
cost recovery and loss of competitive advantage to the extent that rival companies have developed competing products or procedures,
adversely affecting the company’s revenues and profitability. Failure to obtain governmental approval of a key drug or device
or other regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on the business of a target company. Additionally, expansion of
facilities by healthcare related providers is subject to “determinations of need” by the appropriate government authorities.
This process not only increases the time and cost involved in these expansions, but also makes expansion plans uncertain, limiting
the revenue and profitability growth potential of healthcare related facilities operators.
Certain
healthcare related companies depend on the exclusive rights or patents for the products they develop and distribute. Patents have
a limited duration and, upon expiration, other companies may market substantially similar “generic” products that
are typically sold at a lower price than the patented product, causing the original developer of the product to lose market share
and/or reduce the price charged for the product, resulting in lower profits for the original developer. As a result, the expiration
of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. The profitability of healthcare related companies may also
be affected, among other factors, by restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising or falling costs of
medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, a limited product offering, industry
innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Finally, because the products and services of healthcare related
companies affect the health and well-being of many individuals, these companies are especially susceptible to product liability
lawsuits.
39
The
healthcare industry spends heavily on research and development. Research findings (e.g., regarding side effects or comparative
benefits of one or more particular treatments, services or products) and technological innovation (together with patent expirations)
may make any particular treatment, service or product less attractive if previously unknown or underappreciated risks are revealed,
or if a more effective, less costly or less risky solution is or becomes available. Any such development could have a material
adverse effect on the companies that are target businesses for investment.
We
may seek acquisition opportunities in industries or sectors which may or may not be outside of our management’s area of
expertise.
We
will consider a business combination outside of our management’s area of expertise if a business combination candidate is
presented to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive acquisition opportunity for our company. Although our
management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular business combination candidate, we cannot assure you
that we will adequately 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 business combination candidate. In the event we elect to pursue an acquisition outside of the areas of our
management’s expertise, our management’s expertise may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or operation,
and the information contained in this prospectus regarding the areas of our management’s expertise would not be relevant
to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire. As a result, our management may not be able to adequately ascertain
or assess all of the significant risk factors. Accordingly, any shareholder who choose to remain shareholders following our business
combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction
in value.
Although
we have identified general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses,
we may enter into our initial business combination with a target that does not meet such criteria and guidelines, and as a result,
the target business with which we enter into our initial business combination may not have attributes entirely consistent with
our general criteria and guidelines.
Although
we have identified general criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target
business with which we enter into our initial business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we complete
our initial business combination with a target that does not meet some or all of these guidelines, such combination may not be
as successful as a combination with a business that does meet all of our general criteria and guidelines. In addition, if we announce
a prospective business combination with a target that does not meet our general criteria and guidelines, a greater number of shareholders
may exercise their redemption rights, which may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition with a target business
that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. In addition, if shareholder approval of the transaction
is required by law, or we decide to obtain shareholder approval for business or other legal reasons, it may be more difficult
for us to attain shareholder approval of our initial business combination if the target business does not meet our general criteria
and guidelines. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their
pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants
will expire worthless.
We
are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent accounting or investment banking firm, and consequently, you may have
no assurance from an independent source that the price we are paying for the business is fair to our shareholders from a financial
point of view.
Unless
we complete our initial business combination with an affiliated entity, we are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent
accounting firm or independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA that the price we are paying is fair to our
shareholders from a financial point of view. If no opinion is obtained, our shareholders will be relying on the judgment of our
board of directors, who will determine fair market value based on standards generally accepted by the financial community. Such
standards used will be disclosed in our proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, related to our initial business
combination.
40
We
may issue additional Class A ordinary shares or preferred shares to complete our initial business combination or under an employee
incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may also issue Class A ordinary shares upon the conversion
of the founder shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial business combination as a result of the anti-dilution
provisions contained therein. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will authorize the issuance of up to 479,000,000 Class A ordinary
shares, par value $0.0001 per share, 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 preference
shares, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately after this offering, there will be 466,500,000 and 16,875,000 (assuming in each
case that the underwriters have not exercised their over-allotment option) authorized but unissued Class A ordinary shares and
Class B ordinary shares, respectively, available for issuance which amount does not take into account shares reserved for issuance
upon exercise of outstanding warrants or shares issuable upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares, if any. The Class B ordinary
shares are automatically convertible into Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination as described
herein and in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Immediately after this offering, there will be
no preference shares issued and outstanding.
We
may issue a substantial number of additional Class A ordinary shares or preference shares to complete our initial business combination
or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may also issue Class A ordinary shares
upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial business combination
as a result of the anti-dilution provisions as set forth herein. However, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association will provide, among other things, that prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional shares
that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote on any initial business combination.
These provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, like all provisions of our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association, may be amended with a shareholder vote. The issuance of additional ordinary or preference
shares:
¡
may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in this offering;
¡
may subordinate the rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares if preference shares are issued with rights senior to those afforded
our Class A ordinary shares;
¡
could cause a change in control if a substantial number of Class A ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other things,
our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present
officers and directors;
¡
may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our units, Class A ordinary shares and/or warrants; and
¡
will not result in adjustment to the exercise price of our warrants.
Unlike
most other similarly structured blank check companies, our initial shareholders will receive additional Class A ordinary shares
if we issue shares to consummate an initial business combination.
The
founder shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares on the first business day following the consummation of
our initial business combination at a ratio such that the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all founder
shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of (i) the total number of Class A ordinary shares
issued and outstanding upon completion of this offering, plus (ii) the sum of (a) the total number of Class A ordinary shares
issued or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued,
by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any Class
A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued, or to be issued,
to any seller in the initial business combination and any private placement warrants issued to our sponsor upon conversion of
working capital loans, minus (b) the number of public shares redeemed by public shareholders in connection with our initial business
combination. This is different than most other similarly structured blank check companies in which the initial shareholders will
only be issued an aggregate of 20% of the total number of shares to be outstanding prior to the initial business combination.
41
Resources
could be wasted in researching acquisitions that are not completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts
to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public
shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to
public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.
We
anticipate that the investigation of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements,
disclosure documents and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants,
attorneys and others. If we decide not to complete a specific initial business combination, the costs incurred up to that point
for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target
business, we may fail to complete our initial business combination for any number of reasons including those beyond our control.
Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts
to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public
shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to
public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.
We
may be a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences
to U.S. investors.
If
we are a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined in
the section of this prospectus captioned “Taxation — United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — General”)
of our Class A ordinary shares or warrants, the U.S. Holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and
may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Our PFIC status for our current and subsequent taxable years may depend on
whether we qualify for the PFIC start-up exception (see the section of this prospectus captioned “Taxation — United
States Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Holders — Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules”). Depending
on the particular circumstances the application of the start-up exception may be subject to uncertainty, and there cannot be any
assurance that we will qualify for the start-up exception. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to our status
as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will
not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Moreover, if we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we
will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may require, including
a PFIC annual information statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund”
election, but there can be no assurance that we will timely provide such required information, and such election would be unavailable
with respect to our warrants in all cases. We urge U.S. investors to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application
of the PFIC rules. For a more detailed discussion of the tax consequences of PFIC classification to U.S. Holders, see the section
of this prospectus captioned “Taxation — United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Holders —
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
We
may reincorporate in another jurisdiction in connection with our initial business combination and such reincorporation may result
in taxes imposed on shareholders.
We
may, in connection with our initial business combination and subject to requisite shareholder approval under the Companies Law,
reincorporate in the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located or in another jurisdiction. The transaction
may require a shareholder or warrantholder to recognize taxable income in the jurisdiction in which the shareholder or warrantholder
is a tax resident or in which its members are resident if it is a tax transparent entity. We do not intend to make any cash distributions
to shareholders or warrantholders to pay such taxes. Shareholders or warrantholders may be subject to withholding taxes or other
taxes with respect to their ownership of us after the reincorporation.
After
our initial business combination, it is possible that a majority of our directors and officers will live outside the United States
and all of our assets will be located outside the United States; therefore investors may not be able to enforce federal securities
laws or their other legal rights.
It
is possible that after our initial business combination, a majority of our directors and officers will reside outside of the United
States and all of our assets will be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult, or
42
in
some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon all
of our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties
on our directors and officers under United States laws.
In
particular, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or any other applicable jurisdictions would recognize
and enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions
of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States or entertain original actions brought in the Cayman
Islands or any other applicable jurisdiction’s courts against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities
laws of the United States or any state in the United States. For a more detailed discussion, see the section of this prospectus
captioned “Description of Securities — Certain Differences in Corporate Law.”
We
are dependent upon our executive officers and directors and their loss could adversely affect our ability to operate.
Our
operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, our executive officers and directors.
We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our officers and directors, at least until we have completed our
initial business combination. In addition, our executive officers and directors are not required to commit any specified amount
of time to our affairs and, accordingly, will have conflicts of interest in allocating their time among various business activities,
including identifying potential business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. We do not have an employment agreement
with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our directors or executive officers. The unexpected loss of the services of
one or more of our directors or executive officers could have a detrimental effect on us.
Our
ability to successfully effect our initial 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 our initial business combination. The loss of key personnel
could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.
Our
ability to successfully effect our initial business combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. The role of
our key personnel in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may remain
with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following our initial business combination, it is likely that
some or all of the management of the target business will remain in place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals
we engage after our initial business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to
be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a company regulated by the SEC, which could
cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements.
Our
key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business
combination, and a particular business combination may be conditioned on the retention or resignation of such key personnel. These
agreements may provide for them to receive compensation following our initial business combination and as a result, may cause
them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination is the most advantageous.
Our
key personnel may be able to remain with our company after the completion of our initial business combination only if they are
able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take
place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation
in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to us after the completion of the business combination.
Such negotiations also could make such key personnel’s retention or resignation a condition to any such agreement. The personal
and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business. In
addition, pursuant to an agreement to be entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in this offering,
our sponsor, upon consummation of an initial business combination and for so long as our sponsor and its permitted transferees
collectively hold at least 50% of the number of ordinary shares held by the sponsor upon consummation of this offering (after
giving appropriate effect to any share splits, reverse share splits or other similar corporate transactions, or any adjustment
to the conversion rate of the founder shares in connection with an initial business combination), will be entitled to nominate
one person for election to our board of directors.
43
We
may have a limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may affect our initial
business combination with a target business whose management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a
public company.
When
evaluating the desirability of effecting our initial business combination with a prospective target business, our ability to assess
the target business’s management may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. Our assessment of the capabilities
of the target business’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications
or abilities we suspected. Should the target business’s management not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary
to manage a public company, the operations and profitability of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted. Accordingly,
any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of
their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully
claim that the reduction was due to the breach by our officers or directors of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to
them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer
materials, as applicable, relating to the business combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.
The
officers and directors of an acquisition candidate may resign upon completion of our initial business combination. The loss of
a business combination target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination
business.
The
role of an acquisition candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of our initial business combination cannot be ascertained
at this time. Although we contemplate that certain members of an acquisition candidate’s management team will remain associated
with the acquisition candidate following our initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an
acquisition candidate will not wish to remain in place.
Our
executive 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 conflict of interest could have a negative impact on our ability to complete
our initial business combination.
Our
executive officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result in
a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search for a business combination and their other
businesses. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination. Each
of our executive officers is engaged in several other business endeavors for which he may be entitled to substantial compensation,
and our executive officers are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs. Our independent
directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities. If our executive officers’ and directors’ other
business affairs require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs in excess of their current commitment levels,
it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial
business combination. For a complete discussion of our executive officers’ and directors’ other business affairs,
please see “Management — Officers, Directors and Director Nominees.”
Our
officers and directors presently have, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations
to other entities, including another blank check company, and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining to which
entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Following
the completion of this offering and until we consummate our initial business combination, we intend to engage in the business
of identifying and combining with one or more businesses. Each of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in
the future may have, additional fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director
is or will be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entity, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under
Cayman Islands law. 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 another
entity prior to its presentation to us, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law.
44
In
addition, our founders and our directors and officers, Perceptive Advisors, or its affiliates may in the future become affiliated
with other blank check companies 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 such other blank check companies prior to its presentation to
us, subject to our officers’ and directors’ fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. Our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association will provide that we renounce our interest in any business combination opportunity offered to any
director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or
officer of the company and it is an opportunity that we are able to complete on a reasonable basis.
For
a complete discussion of our executive officers’ and directors’ business affiliations and the potential conflicts
of interest that you should be aware of, please see “Management — Officers, Directors and Director Nominees,”
“Management — Conflicts of Interest” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
Our
executive officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that
conflict with our interests.
We
have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, executive officers, security holders or affiliates from having
a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction
to which we are a party or have an interest. In fact, we may enter into a business combination with a target business that is
affiliated with our sponsor, our directors or executive officers, although we do not intend to do so. Nor do we have a policy
that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by
us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.
The
personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting
a target business and completing a business combination. Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in
identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms,
conditions and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate and in our shareholders’ best interest. If this
were the case, it would be a breach of their fiduciary duties to us as a matter of Cayman Islands law and we or our shareholders
might have a claim against such individuals for infringing on our shareholders’ rights. See the section titled “Description
of Securities — Certain Differences in Corporate Law — Shareholders’ Suits” for further information on
the ability to bring such claims. However, we might not ultimately be successful in any claim we may make against them for such
reason.
We
may engage in a business combination with one or more target businesses that have relationships with entities that may be affiliated
with our sponsor, executive officers, directors or existing holders which may raise potential conflicts of interest.
In
light of the involvement of our sponsor, executive officers and directors with other entities, we may decide to acquire one or
more businesses affiliated with our sponsor, executive officers, directors or existing holders. Our directors also serve as officers
and board members for other entities, including, without limitation, those described under “Management — Conflicts
of Interest.” Such entities may compete with us for business combination opportunities. Our sponsor, officers and directors
are not currently aware of any specific opportunities for us to complete our initial business combination with any entities with
which they are affiliated, and there have been no substantive discussions concerning a business combination with any such entity
or entities. Although we will not be specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any affiliated entities, we
would pursue such a transaction if we determined that such affiliated entity met our criteria for a business combination as set
forth in “Proposed Business — Effecting Our Initial Business Combination — Evaluation of a Target Business and
Structuring of Our Initial Business Combination” and such transaction was approved by a majority of our independent and
disinterested directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member
of FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm regarding the fairness to our company from a financial point of view of
a business combination with one or more domestic or international businesses affiliated
45
with
our sponsor, executive officers, directors or existing holders, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result,
the terms of the business combination may not be as advantageous to our public shareholders as they would be absent any conflicts
of interest.
Since
our sponsor, executive officers and directors will lose their entire investment in us if our initial business combination is not
completed (other than with respect to public shares they may acquire during or after this offering), a conflict of interest may
arise in determining whether a particular business combination target is appropriate for our initial business combination.
On
July 5, 2018 we issued to our sponsor 3,593,750 founder shares in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000, or approximately
$0.007 per share. In September 2018, our sponsor transferred 30,000 founder shares to each of Messrs. Conroy, Wider and Hung.
Such shares will not be subject to forfeiture in the event the underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised. Prior to
the initial investment in the company of $25,000 by the sponsor, the company had no assets, tangible or intangible. The per share
price of the founder shares was determined by dividing the amount contributed to the company by the number of founder shares issued.
The founder shares will be worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination. In addition, our sponsor has committed,
pursuant to a written agreement, to purchase 5,437,500 private placement warrants (or 5,953,125 private placement warrants if
the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at
$11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per warrant ($5,437,500 in the aggregate or $5,953,125 if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full), in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of this offering. If we do
not consummate an initial business within 24 months from the closing of this offering, the private placement warrants will expire
worthless. The personal and financial interests of our executive officers and directors may influence their motivation in identifying
and selecting a target business combination, completing an initial business combination and influencing the operation of the business
following the initial business combination. This risk may become more acute as the 24-month anniversary of the closing of this
offering nears, which is the deadline for our consummation of an initial business combination.
We
may issue notes or other debt securities, or otherwise incur substantial debt, to complete a business combination, which may adversely
affect our leverage and financial condition and thus negatively impact the value of our shareholders’ investment in us.
Although
we have no commitments as of the date of this prospectus to issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding
debt following this offering, we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our initial business combination. We and our
officers have agreed that we will not incur any indebtedness unless we have obtained from the lender a waiver of any right, title,
interest or claim of any kind in or to the monies held in the trust account. As such, no issuance of debt will affect the per
share amount available for redemption from the trust account. Nevertheless, the incurrence of debt could have a variety of negative
effects, including:
¡
default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial business combination are insufficient to repay
our debt obligations;
¡
acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach
certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that
covenant;
¡
our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand;
¡
our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain
such financing while the debt security is outstanding;
¡
our inability to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares;
¡
using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available
for dividends on our Class A ordinary shares if declared, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate
purposes;
¡
limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
46
¡
increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government
regulation; and
¡
limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements,
execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.
We
may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement
warrants, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services.
This lack of diversification may negatively impact our operations and profitability.
The
net proceeds from this offering and the private placement of warrants may provide us with up to $121,937,500 (or $140,078,125
if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) that we may use to complete our initial business combination
(after taking into account the $4,062,500, or $4,671,875 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, of deferred underwriting
commissions being held in the trust account and the estimated expenses of this offering).
We
may effectuate our initial business combination with a single target business or multiple target businesses simultaneously or
within a short period of time. However, we may not be able to effectuate our initial business combination with more than one target
business because of various factors, including the existence of complex accounting issues and the requirement that we prepare
and file pro forma financial statements with the SEC that present operating results and the financial condition of several target
businesses as if they had been operated on a combined basis. By completing our initial business combination with only a single
entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory 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, property or asset; or
¡
dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.
This
lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory risks, any or all of which may have a
substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to our initial business combination.
We
may attempt to simultaneously complete business combinations with multiple prospective targets, which may hinder our ability to
complete our initial business combination and give rise to increased costs and risks that could negatively impact our operations
and profitability.
If
we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses that are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers
to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which
may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete our initial business combination. With multiple business
combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations
and due diligence (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the
operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address
these risks, it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.
We
may attempt to complete our initial business combination with a private company about which little information is available, which
may result in a business combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.
In
pursuing our acquisition strategy, we may seek to effectuate our initial business combination with a privately held company. By
definition, very little public information generally exists about private companies, and we could be required to make our decision
on whether to pursue a potential initial business combination on the basis of limited information, which may result in a business
combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.
47
Our
management may not be able to maintain control of a target business after our initial business combination. Upon the loss of control
of a target business, new management may not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to profitably operate such
business.
We
may structure our initial business combination so that the post-transaction company in which our public shareholders own shares
will own less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business, but we will only complete such business combination
if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires
a controlling interest in the target sufficient for us not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act. We will not consider any transaction that does not meet such criteria. Even if the post-transaction company owns
50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our shareholders prior to our initial business combination may collectively
own a minority interest in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the
business combination. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new Class A ordinary
shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% interest in the
target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new Class A ordinary shares, our shareholders immediately
prior to such transaction could own less than a majority of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares subsequent to such transaction.
In addition, other minority shareholders may subsequently combine their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining
a larger share of the company’s shares than we initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that our management
will not be able to maintain control of the target business.
We
may seek business combination opportunities with a high degree of complexity that require significant operational improvements,
which could delay or prevent us from achieving our desired results.
We
may seek business combination opportunities with large, highly complex companies that we believe would benefit from operational
improvements. While we intend to implement such improvements, to the extent that our efforts are delayed or we are unable to achieve
the desired improvements, the business combination may not be as successful as we anticipate.
To
the extent we complete our initial business combination with a large complex business or entity with a complex operating structure,
we may also be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which we combine, which could delay
or prevent us from implementing our strategy. Although our management team will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular
target business and its operations, we may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors until
we complete our business combination. If we are not able to achieve our desired operational improvements, or the improvements
take longer to implement than anticipated, we may not achieve the gains that we anticipate. Furthermore, some of these risks and
complexities may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks and
complexities will adversely impact a target business. Such combination may not be as successful as a combination with a smaller,
less complex organization.
We
do not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us to
complete our initial business combination with which a substantial majority of our shareholders do not agree.
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold, except
that in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001
(such that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules). As a result, we may be able to complete our
initial business combination even though a substantial majority of our public shareholders do not agree with the transaction and
have redeemed their shares or, if we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and do not conduct redemptions
in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, have entered into privately negotiated
agreements to sell their shares to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or any of their affiliates. In the event the aggregate
cash consideration we would be required to pay for all Class A ordinary shares that are validly submitted for redemption plus
any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed the aggregate
amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the business combination or redeem any shares, all Class A ordinary shares
submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate business combination.
48
In
order to effectuate an initial business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions
of their charters and other governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. We cannot assure you that we will not seek
to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or governing instruments in a manner that will make it
easier for us to complete our initial business combination that our shareholders may not support.
In
order to effectuate a business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their
charters and governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. For example, blank check companies have amended the definition
of business combination, increased redemption thresholds, changed industry focus and, with respect to their warrants, amended
their warrant agreements to require the warrants to be exchanged for cash and/or other securities. Amending our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association will require at least a special resolution of our shareholders as a matter of Cayman Islands
law, meaning the approval of holders of at least two-thirds of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of
the company, and amending our warrant agreement will require a vote of holders of at least 50% of the public warrants. In addition,
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will require us to provide our public shareholders with the opportunity
to redeem their public shares for cash if we propose an amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
that would affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate an initial
business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering. To the extent any of such amendments would be deemed
to fundamentally change the nature of any of the securities offered through this registration statement, we would register, or
seek an exemption from registration for, the affected securities.
The
provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that relate to our pre-business combination activity
(and corresponding provisions of the agreement governing the release of funds from our trust account) may be amended with the
approval of holders of not less than two-thirds of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company,
which is a lower amendment threshold than that of some other blank check companies. It may be easier for us, therefore, to amend
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to facilitate the completion of an initial business combination
that some of our shareholders may not support.
Some
other blank check companies have a provision in their charter which prohibits the amendment of certain of its provisions, including
those which relate to a company’s pre-business combination activity, without approval by a certain percentage of the company’s
shareholders. In those companies, amendment of these provisions typically requires approval by between 90% and 100% of the company’s
public shareholders. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that any of its provisions related
to pre-business combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of this offering and the private placement
of warrants into the trust account and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights
to public shareholders as described herein) may be amended if approved by special resolution, meaning holders of at least two-thirds
of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, and corresponding provisions of the trust agreement
governing the release of funds from our trust account may be amended if approved by holders of at least 65% of our ordinary shares.
Our initial shareholders, and their permitted transferees, if any, who will collectively beneficially own, on an as-converted
basis, 20% of our Class A ordinary shares upon the closing of this offering (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering),
will participate in any vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and/or trust agreement and
will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. As a result, we may be able to amend the provisions of our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association which govern our pre-business combination behavior more easily than some other
blank check companies, and this may increase our ability to complete a business combination with which you do not agree. Our shareholders
may pursue remedies against us for any breach of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
Our
sponsor, executive officers, directors and director nominees have agreed, pursuant to agreements with us, that they will not propose
any amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or timing of
our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from
the closing of this offering, unless we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary
shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the trust
49
account,
including interest (net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. Our shareholders are not parties
to, or third-party beneficiaries of, these agreements and, as a result, will not have the ability to pursue remedies against our
sponsor, executive officers, directors or director nominees for any breach of these agreements. As a result, in the event of a
breach, our shareholders would need to pursue a shareholder derivative action, subject to applicable law.
We
may be unable to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth
of a target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination. If we are unable to complete
our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account
that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.
Although
we believe that the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants will be sufficient to allow us
to complete our initial business combination, because we have not yet selected any prospective target business we cannot ascertain
the capital requirements for any particular transaction. If the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement
warrants prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of our initial business combination, the depletion of the available
net proceeds in search of a target business, the obligation to redeem for cash a significant number of shares from shareholders
who elect redemption in connection with our initial business combination or the terms of negotiated transactions to purchase shares
in connection with our initial business combination, we may be required to seek additional financing or to abandon the proposed
business combination. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. The current economic
environment has made it especially difficult for companies to obtain acquisition financing. To the extent that additional financing
proves to be unavailable when needed to complete our initial business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure
the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. If we are unable
to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in
the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless. In addition,
even if we do not need additional financing to complete our initial business combination, we may require such financing to fund
the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect
on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our officers, directors or shareholders is required to
provide any financing to us in connection with or after our initial business combination.
Our
initial shareholders control a substantial interest in us and thus may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a shareholder
vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.
Upon
closing of this offering, our initial shareholders will own, on an as-converted basis, 20% of our issued and outstanding Class
A ordinary shares (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering). Accordingly, they may exert a substantial influence
on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association. If our initial shareholders purchases any units in this offering or if our
initial shareholders purchases any additional Class A ordinary shares in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated transactions,
this would increase their control. Neither our sponsor nor, to our knowledge, any of our officers or directors, have any current
intention to purchase additional securities, other than as disclosed in this prospectus. Factors that would be considered in making
such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our Class A ordinary shares. In addition,
our board of directors, whose members were elected by our sponsor, is and will be divided into three classes, each of which will
generally serve for a terms for three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. We may not hold an annual
meeting of shareholders to elect new directors prior to the completion of our initial business combination, in which case all
of the current directors will continue in office until at least the completion of the business combination. 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 its ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome.
In addition, prior to the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our founder shares may remove
a member of the board of directors for any reason. Accordingly, our initial shareholders will continue to exert control at least
until the completion of our initial business combination.
50
Our
sponsor contributed $25,000, or approximately $0.007 per founder share, and, accordingly, you will experience immediate and substantial
dilution from the purchase of our Class A ordinary shares.
The
difference between the public offering price per share (allocating all of the unit purchase price to the Class A ordinary share
and none to the warrant included in the unit) and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Class A ordinary shares
after this offering constitutes the dilution to you and the other investors in this offering. Our sponsor acquired the founder
shares at a nominal price, significantly contributing to this dilution. Upon closing of this offering, and assuming no value is
ascribed to the warrants included in the units, you and the other public shareholders will incur an immediate and substantial
dilution of approximately 87.3% (or $8.73 per share, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), the
difference between the pro forma net tangible book value per share of $1.27 and the initial offering price of $10.00 per unit.
This dilution would increase to the extent that the anti-dilution provisions of the founder shares result in the issuance of Class
A ordinary shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the founder shares at the time of our initial business
combination and would become exacerbated to the extent that public shareholders seek redemptions from the trust for their public
shares. In addition, because of the anti-dilution protection in the founder shares, any equity or equity-linked securities issued
in connection with our initial business combination would be disproportionately dilutive to our Class A ordinary shares.
We
may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders of public warrants with the approval by the holders
of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants. As a result, the exercise price of your warrants could be increased,
the exercise period could be shortened and the number of shares of our Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon exercise of a
warrant could be decreased, all without your approval.
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, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the
then outstanding public warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of public warrants.
Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the public warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then
outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the public warrants with the
consent of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments
to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, convert the warrants into cash, shorten the exercise period
or decrease the number of Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.
We
may redeem your unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your warrants
worthless.
We
have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a
price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share
(as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days
within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to proper notice of such redemption provided that on the
date we give notice of redemption. 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 to (i) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it
may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish
to hold your warrants or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for
redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. None of the private placement warrants
will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees.
51
Our
warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A ordinary shares and make it more difficult to effectuate
our initial business combination.
We
will be issuing warrants to purchase 6,250,000 of our Class A ordinary shares (or up to 7,187,500 Class A ordinary shares if the
underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) as part of the units offered by this prospectus and, simultaneously
with the closing of this offering, we will be issuing in a private placement 5,437,500 private placement warrants (or 5,953,125
private placement warrants if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), each exercisable to purchase
one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share. In addition, if the sponsor makes any working capital loans, it may convert up
to $1,500,000 of such loans into up to an additional 1,500,000 private placement warrants, at the price of $1.00 per warrant.
To the extent we issue ordinary shares to effectuate a business transaction, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number
of additional Class A ordinary shares upon exercise of these warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle to a
target business. Such warrants, when exercised, will increase the number of issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and
reduce the value of the Class A ordinary shares issued to complete the business transaction. Therefore, our warrants may make
it more difficult to effectuate a business transaction or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.
Because
each unit contains one-half of one warrant and only a whole warrant may be exercised, the units may be worth less than units of
other blank check companies.
Each
unit contains one-half of one warrant. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, no fractional warrants will be issued upon separation
of the units, and only whole units will trade. If, upon exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional
interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of Class A ordinary shares to be
issued to the warrant holder. This is different from other offerings similar to ours whose units include one ordinary share and
one warrant to purchase one whole share. We have established the components of the units in this way in order to reduce the dilutive
effect of the warrants upon completion of a business combination since the warrants will be exercisable in the aggregate for half
of the number of shares compared to units that each contain a whole warrant to purchase one share, thus making us, we believe,
a more attractive merger partner for target businesses. Nevertheless, this unit structure may cause our units to be worth less
than if it included a warrant to purchase one whole share.
The
determination of the offering price of our units and the size of this offering is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities
and size of an offering of an operating company in a particular industry. You may have less assurance, therefore, that the offering
price of our units properly reflects the value of such units than you would have in a typical offering of an operating company.
Prior
to this offering there has been no public market for any of our securities. The public offering price of the units and the terms
of the warrants were negotiated between us and the underwriters. In determining the size of this offering, management held customary
organizational meetings with the underwriters, both prior to our inception and thereafter, with respect to the state of capital
markets, generally, and the amount the underwriters believed they reasonably could raise on our behalf. Factors considered in
determining the size of this offering, prices and terms of the units, including the Class A ordinary shares 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;
¡
a review of debt to equity ratios in leveraged transactions;
¡
our capital structure;
¡
an assessment of our management and their experience in identifying operating companies;
¡
general conditions of the securities markets at the time of this offering; and
¡
other factors as were deemed relevant.
Although
these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities of an
operating company in a particular industry since we have no historical operations or financial results.
52
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. Shareholders 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.
Because
we must furnish our shareholders with target business financial statements, we may lose the ability to complete an otherwise advantageous
initial business combination with some prospective target businesses.
The
federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on a business combination meeting certain financial
significance tests include historical and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. We will include the
same financial statement disclosure in connection with our tender offer documents, whether or not they are required under the
tender offer rules. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IFRS, depending on the circumstances and the historical financial statements
may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
or PCAOB. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire because some
targets may be unable to provide such statements in time for us to disclose such statements in accordance with federal proxy rules
and complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame.
We
are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure
requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make
it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
We
are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may
take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are
not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements
of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports
and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and
shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our shareholders may not have access
to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances
could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of
the following December 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on
these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading
prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities
and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Further,
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial
accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared
effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised
financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and
comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We
have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has
different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard
at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our
53
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 accountant standards
used.
Compliance
obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may make it more difficult for us to effectuate a business combination, require substantial
financial and management resources, and increase the time and costs of completing an acquisition.
Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls beginning with our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2019. Only in the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or
an accelerated filer will we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement
on our internal control over financial reporting. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be
required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over
financial reporting. The fact that we are a blank check company makes compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
particularly burdensome on us as compared to other public companies because a target business with which we seek to complete our
initial business combination may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of its
internal controls. The development of the internal control of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.
Because
we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability
to protect your rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited.
We
are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect
service of process within the United States upon our directors or executive officers, or enforce judgments obtained in the United
States courts against our directors or officers.
Our
corporate affairs and the rights of shareholders will be governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association,
the Companies Law (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. We
will also be subject to the federal securities laws of the United States. The rights of shareholders to take action against the
directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law
are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part
from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose
courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the
fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial
precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws
as compared to the United States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted
bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative action
in a Federal court of the United States. For a more detailed discussion of the principal differences between the provisions of
the Companies Law applicable to us and, for example, the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their
shareholders, see the section of this prospectus captioned “Description of Securities — Certain Differences in Corporate
Law.”
We
have been advised by our Cayman Islands legal counsel that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce
against us judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws
of the United States or any state; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against us
predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, so far as the
liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement
in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce
a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that
a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been
given
54
provided
certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive
and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment
in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, or be of a kind the enforcement of
which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well
be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are
being brought elsewhere.
As
a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions
taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a
United States company.
Provisions
in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors
might be willing to pay in the future for our Class A ordinary shares and could entrench management.
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals
that shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the
ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preference shares, which may make more difficult
the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market
prices for our securities.
Cyber
incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial
loss.
We
depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those
of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure,
or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary
information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security protection,
we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against,
or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination
of them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.
Risks
Associated with Acquiring and Operating a Business in Foreign Countries
If
we pursue a target company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States for our initial business combination,
we may face additional burdens in connection with investigating, agreeing to and completing such initial business combination,
and if we effect such initial business combination, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact
our operations.
If
we pursue a target a company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States for our initial business combination,
we would be subject to risks associated with cross-border business combinations, including in connection with investigating, agreeing
to and completing our initial business combination, conducting due diligence in a foreign jurisdiction, having such transaction
approved by any local governments, regulators or agencies and changes in the purchase price based on fluctuations in foreign exchange
rates.
If
we effect our initial business combination with such a company, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated
with companies operating in an international setting, including any of the following:
¡
costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations;
¡
rules and regulations regarding currency redemption;
¡
complex corporate withholding taxes on individuals;
¡
laws governing the manner in which future business combinations may be effected;
55
¡
exchange listing and/or delisting requirements;
¡
tariffs and trade barriers;
¡
regulations related to customs and import/export matters;
¡
local or regional economic policies and market conditions;
¡
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
¡
longer payment cycles;
¡
tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;
¡
currency fluctuations and exchange controls;
¡
rates of inflation;
¡
challenges in collecting accounts receivable;
¡
cultural and language differences;
¡
employment regulations;
¡
underdeveloped or unpredictable legal or regulatory systems;
¡
corruption;
¡
protection of intellectual property;
¡
social unrest, crime, strikes, riots and civil disturbances;
¡
regime changes and political upheaval;
¡
terrorist attacks and wars; and
¡
deterioration of political relations with the United States.
We
may not be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, we may be unable to complete such initial
business combination, or, if we complete such combination, our operations might suffer, either of which may adversely impact our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
If
our management following our initial business combination is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, they may have to expend
time and resources becoming familiar with such laws, which could lead to various regulatory issues.
Following
our initial business combination, our management may resign from their positions as officers or directors of the company and the
management of the target business at the time of the business combination will remain in place. Management of the target business
may not be familiar with United States securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, they
may have to expend time and resources becoming familiar with such laws. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead
to various regulatory issues which may adversely affect our operations.
After
our initial business combination, substantially all of our assets may be located in a foreign country and substantially all of
our revenue will be derived from our operations in such country. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects will be
subject, to a significant extent, to the economic, political and legal policies, developments and conditions in the country in
which we operate.
The
economic, political and social conditions, as well as government policies, of the country in which our operations are located
could affect our business. Economic growth could be uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy and such
growth may not be sustained in the future. If in the future such country’s economy experiences a downturn or grows at a
slower rate than expected, there may be less demand for spending in certain industries. A decrease in demand for spending in certain
industries could materially and adversely affect our ability to find an attractive target business with which to consummate our
initial business combination and if we effect our initial business combination, the ability of that target business to become
profitable.
56
Exchange
rate fluctuations and currency policies may cause a target business’ ability to succeed in the international markets to
be diminished.
In
the event we acquire a non-U.S. target, all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, and the dollar
equivalent of our net assets and distributions, if any, could be adversely affected by reductions in the value of the local currency.
The value of the currencies in our target regions fluctuate and are affected by, among other things, changes in political and
economic conditions. Any change in the relative value of such currency against our reporting currency may affect the attractiveness
of any target business or, following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of
operations. Additionally, if a currency appreciates in value against the dollar prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination, the cost of a target business as measured in dollars will increase, which may make it less likely that we are able
to consummate such transaction.
We
may reincorporate in another jurisdiction in connection with our initial business combination, and the laws of such jurisdiction
may govern some or all of our future material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.
In
connection with our initial business combination, we may relocate the home jurisdiction of our business from the Cayman Islands
to another jurisdiction. If we determine to do this, the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or all of our future material
agreements. 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.
57
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some
of the statements contained in this prospectus may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal
securities laws. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management team’s
expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections,
forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking
statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,”
“expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,”
“potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions
may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about:
¡
our ability to 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;
¡
our potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination;
¡
our pool of prospective target businesses;
¡
the ability of our officers and directors to generate a number of potential investment opportunities;
¡
our public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;
¡
the lack of a market for our securities;
¡
the use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to us from interest income on the trust account balance;
¡
the trust account not being subject to claims of third parties; or
¡
our financial performance following this offering.
The
forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments
and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have
anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control)
or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described 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.
58
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
are offering 12,500,000 units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit. We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering, together
with the funds we will receive from the sale of the private placement warrants, will be used as set forth in the following table.
|
|
Without
Over-Allotment Option
|
|
Over-Allotment
Option
Exercised
|
Gross
proceeds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
proceeds from units offered to public
(1)
|
|
$
|
125,000,000
|
|
$
|
143,750,000
|
|
Gross
proceeds from private placement warrants offered in the private placement
|
|
$
|
5,437,500
|
|
$
|
5,953,125
|
|
Total
gross proceeds
|
|
$
|
130,437,500
|
|
$
|
149,703,125
|
|
Offering
expenses
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
commissions (2.75% of gross proceeds from units offered to public, excluding deferred
portion)
(3)
|
|
$
|
3,437,500
|
|
$
|
3,953,125
|
|
Legal
fees and expenses
|
|
|
325,000
|
|
|
325,000
|
|
Printing
and engraving expenses
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
Accounting
fees and expenses
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
SEC/FINRA
Expenses
|
|
|
39,960
|
|
|
39,960
|
|
Travel
and road show
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Nasdaq
listing and filing fees
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
Director
& Officer liability insurance premiums
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
340,040
|
|
|
340,040
|
|
Total
offering expenses
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
Proceeds
after offering expenses
|
|
$
|
126,000,000
|
|
$
|
144,750,000
|
|
Held
in trust account
(3)
|
|
$
|
125,000,000
|
|
$
|
143,750,000
|
|
%
of public offering size
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
Not
held in trust account
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
The
following table shows the use of the $1,000,000 of net proceeds not held in the trust account.
(4)(5)
|
|
|
|
|
Legal,
accounting, due diligence, travel, and other expenses in connection with any business
combination
(6)
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
Legal
and accounting fees related to regulatory reporting obligations
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
Consulting,
travel and miscellaneous expenses incurred during search for initial business combination
target
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
Payment
for office space, administrative and support services
|
|
|
240,000
|
|
24.0
|
%
|
Nasdaq
continued listing fees
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
Working
capital to cover miscellaneous expenses
|
|
|
105,000
|
|
10.5
|
%
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
59
The
rules of Nasdaq provide that at least 90% of the gross proceeds from this offering and the private placement be deposited in a
trust account. Of the $130,437,500 in proceeds we receive from this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants described
in this prospectus, or $149,703,125 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, $125,000,000 ($10.00
per unit), or $143,750,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full ($10.00 per unit), will be deposited
into a trust account with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee, and $5,437,500, or up to $5,953,125
if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, will be used to pay expenses in connection with the closing
of this offering and for working capital following this offering. We will not be permitted to withdraw any of the principal or
interest held in the trust account, except for the withdrawal of interest income (if any) to pay our income taxes, if any, until
the earliest of (i) the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable
to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, subject to applicable law, or
(iii) the redemption of our public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to approve an amendment to
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or timing of our obligation to
redeem 100% of our public shares if we have not consummated an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing
of this offering. Based on current interest rates, we expect that interest income earned on the trust account (if any) will be
sufficient to pay income taxes.
The
net proceeds held in the trust account may be used as consideration to pay the sellers of a target business with which we ultimately
complete our initial business combination. If our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt securities, or
not all of the funds released from the trust account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with our initial
business combination, we may apply the balance of the cash released from the trust account for general corporate purposes, including
for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction company, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness
incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other companies or for working capital. There
is no limitation on our ability to raise funds privately or through loans in connection with our initial business combination.
We
believe that amounts not held in trust, together with funds available to us from loans from our sponsor, will be sufficient to
pay the costs and expenses to which such proceeds are allocated. However, if our estimate of the costs of undertaking in-depth
due diligence and negotiating a business combination is less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may be required to
raise additional capital, the amount, availability and cost of which is currently unascertainable. If we are required to seek
additional capital, we could seek such additional capital through loans or additional investments from our sponsor, members of
our management team or any of their affiliates, but such persons are not under any obligation to advance funds to, or invest in,
us.
We
will reimburse an affiliate of our sponsor for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to members of our
management team, in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per month. Upon completion of our initial business combination or our liquidation,
we will cease paying these monthly fees.
60
Our
sponsor has agreed to loan us up to $300,000 to be used for a portion of the expenses of this offering. These loans are non-interest
bearing, unsecured and are due at the earlier of December 31, 2018 or the closing of this offering. The loans will be repaid upon
the closing of this offering out of the $1,000,000 of offering proceeds that has been allocated to the payment of offering expenses.
In
addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor or an
affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required.
If we complete our initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts out of the proceeds of the trust account released
to us. Otherwise, such loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the trust account. In the event that our 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 to repay such loaned amounts. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible
into warrants of the post business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender. The warrants
would be identical to the private placement warrants. Except as set forth above, the terms of such loans, if any, have not been
determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. Prior to the completion of our initial business combination,
we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor as we do not believe third parties
will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our trust account.
61
DIVIDEND
POLICY
We
have not paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion
of our 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 our initial business combination. The
payment of any cash dividends subsequent to our initial business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors
at such time, and we will only pay such dividend out of our profits or share premium (subject to solvency requirements) as permitted
under Cayman Islands law. If we increase the size of this offering, we will effect a share capitalization or other appropriate
mechanism immediately prior to the consummation of this offering in such amount as to maintain the number of founder shares, on
an as-converted basis, at 20% of our issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering. Further,
if we incur any indebtedness in connection with a business combination, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive
covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.
62
DILUTION
The
difference between the public offering price per Class A ordinary share, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants included
in the units we are offering pursuant to this prospectus or the private placement warrants, and the pro forma net tangible book
value per share of our Class A ordinary shares 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 placement warrants,
which would cause the actual dilution to the public shareholders to be higher, particularly where a cashless exercise is utilized.
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 Class A ordinary shares which may be redeemed for cash), by the number of outstanding
Class A ordinary shares.
At
July 5, 2018, our net tangible book deficit was $38,781, or approximately $0.01 per ordinary share. After giving effect to the
sale of 12,500,000 Class A ordinary shares included in the units we are offering by this prospectus (or 14,375,000 Class A ordinary
shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), the sale of the private placement warrants and
the deduction of underwriting commissions and estimated expenses of this offering, our pro forma net tangible book value at July
5, 2018 would have been $5,000,008, or $1.27 per share (or $5,000,003, or $1.12 per share, if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full), representing an immediate increase in net tangible book value (as decreased by the value of 11,696,014
Class A ordinary shares that may be redeemed for cash, or 13,510,077 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full) of $1.28 per share (or $1.13 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full)
to our sponsor as of the date of this prospectus and an immediate dilution to public shareholders from this offering of $10.00
per share. Total dilution to public shareholders from this offering will be $8.73 per share (or $8.88 if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full).
The
following table illustrates the dilution to the public shareholders on a per-share basis, assuming no value is attributed to the
warrants included in the units or the private placement warrants:
|
|
|
|
|
Public
offering price
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
Net
tangible book deficit before this offering
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
attributable to public shareholders
|
|
1.28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.13
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net tangible book value after this offering and the sale of the private placement
warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.12
|
|
Dilution
to public shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8.88
|
|
Percentage
of dilution to public shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
87.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
88.8
|
%
|
For
purposes of presentation, we have reduced our pro forma net tangible book value after this offering (assuming no exercise of the
underwriters’ over-allotment option) by $116,960,140 because holders of up to approximately 93.6% of our public shares may
redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account at a per share redemption
price equal to the amount in the trust account as set forth in our tender offer or proxy materials (initially anticipated to be
the aggregate amount held in trust two days prior to the commencement of our tender offer or shareholders meeting, including interest
and net of taxes payable), divided by the number of Class A ordinary shares sold in this offering.
63
The
following table sets forth information with respect to our sponsor and the public shareholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
B Ordinary Shares
(1)
|
|
3,125,000
|
|
20.00
|
%
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
0.02
|
%
|
|
$
|
0.008
|
Public
Shareholders
|
|
12,500,000
|
|
80.00
|
%
|
|
|
125,000,000
|
|
99.98
|
%
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
15,625,000
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
125,025,000
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
The
pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering (assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment
option) is calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
tangible book deficit before this offering
|
|
$
|
(38,781
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,781
|
)
|
Net
proceeds from this offering and sale of the private placement warrants
(1)
|
|
|
126,000,000
|
|
|
|
144,750,000
|
|
Plus:
Offering costs paid in advance, excluded from tangible book value before this offering
|
|
|
61,429
|
|
|
|
61,429
|
|
Less:
Deferred underwriting commissions
|
|
|
(4,062,500
|
)
|
|
|
(4,671,875
|
)
|
Less:
Proceeds held in trust subject to redemption
(2)
|
|
|
(116,960,140
|
)
|
|
|
(135,100,770
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
5,000,008
|
|
|
$
|
5,000,003
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
shares outstanding prior to this offering
|
|
|
3,593,750
|
|
|
|
3,593,750
|
|
Ordinary
shares forfeited if over-allotment is not exercised
|
|
|
(468,750
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class
A ordinary shares included in the units offered
|
|
|
12,500,000
|
|
|
|
14,375,000
|
|
Less:
Ordinary shares subject to redemption
|
|
|
(11,696,014
|
)
|
|
|
(13,510,077
|
)
|
|
|
|
3,928,986
|
|
|
|
4,458,673
|
|
64
CAPITALIZATION
The
following table sets forth our capitalization at July 5, 2018, and as adjusted to give effect to the filing of our amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association, the sale of our units in this offering and the private placement warrants and
the application of the estimated net proceeds derived from the sale of such securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
Payable — related party
(2)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions
(3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,062,500
|
|
Class
A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, subject to possible redemption; no shares subject
to possible redemption issued and outstanding (actual); and 11,696,014 shares subject
to possible redemption issued and outstanding (as adjusted)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
116,960,140
|
|
Shareholder’s
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized (actual and as adjusted);
3,593,750 issued and outstanding (actual); and 3,125,000 issued and outstanding (as adjusted)
|
|
|
359
|
|
|
|
312
|
|
Preference
shares, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized (actual and as adjusted); and
none issued or outstanding (actual and as adjusted)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class
A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 479,000,000 shares authorized (actual and as adjusted);
no shares issued and outstanding (actual); and 803,986 shares issued outstanding (excluding
11,696,014 shares subject to redemption) (as adjusted)
(4)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
80
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
24,641
|
|
|
|
5,001,968
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(2,352
|
)
|
|
|
(2,352
|
)
|
Total
shareholder’s equity
|
|
$
|
22,648
|
|
|
$
|
5,000,008
|
|
Total
capitalization
|
|
$
|
22,648
|
|
|
$
|
126,022,648
|
|
65
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We
are a blank check company incorporated on June 29, 2018 as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger,
share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
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. We intend to effectuate our initial business combination
using cash from the proceeds of this offering and the private placement of the private placement warrants, our shares, debt or
a combination of cash, equity and debt.
The
issuance of additional shares in a business combination:
¡
may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in this offering, which dilution would increase if the anti-dilution
provisions in the Class B ordinary shares resulted in the issuance of Class A ordinary shares on a greater than one-to-one basis
upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares;
¡
may subordinate the rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares if preference shares are issued with rights senior to those afforded
our Class A ordinary shares;
¡
could cause a change in control if a substantial number of our Class A ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other
things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our
present officers and directors;
¡
may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of a
person seeking to obtain control of us; and
¡
may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class A ordinary shares and/or warrants. Similarly, if we issue debt securities
or otherwise incur significant debt, it could result in:
¡
default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial business combination are insufficient to repay
our debt obligations;
¡
acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach
certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that
covenant;
¡
our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand;
¡
our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain
such financing while the debt security is outstanding;
¡
our inability to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares;
¡
using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available
for dividends on our Class A ordinary shares if declared, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate
purposes;
¡
limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
¡
increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government
regulation; and
¡
limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements,
execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.
As
indicated in the accompanying financial statements, as of July 5, 2018, we had $0 in cash and deferred offering costs of approximately
$61,000. Further, we expect to incur significant costs in the pursuit of our initial business combination. We cannot assure you
that our plans to raise capital or to complete our initial business combination will be successful.
66
Results
of Operations and Known Trends or Future Events
We
have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities since inception have been organizational
activities and those necessary to prepare for this offering. Following this offering, we will not generate any operating revenues
until after completion of our initial business combination. We will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income
on cash and cash equivalents after this offering. There has been no significant change in our financial or trading position and
no material adverse change has occurred since the date of our audited financial statements. After this offering, we expect to
incur increased expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance),
as well as for due diligence expenses. We expect our expenses to increase substantially after the closing of this offering.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Our
liquidity needs have been satisfied prior to the completion of this offering through receipt of a $25,000 capital contribution
from our sponsor in exchange for the issuance of the founder shares to our sponsor and a commitment from our sponsor to loan up
to $300,000 to us to cover our expenses in connection with this offering. We estimate that the net proceeds from (i) the sale
of the units in this offering, after deducting offering expenses of $1.0 million, underwriting commissions of $3,437,500, or $3,953,125
if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full (excluding deferred underwriting commissions of $4,062,500,
or $4,671,875 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), and (ii) the sale of the private placement
warrants for a purchase price of $5,437,000 (or $5,953,125 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full)
will be $126.0 million (or $144.75 million if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). $125.0 million
(or $143.75 million if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be held in the trust account,
which includes the deferred underwriting commissions described above. The proceeds held in the trust account will be invested
only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 180 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. The remaining
$1.0 million will not be held in the trust account. In the event that our offering expenses exceed our estimate of $1.0 million,
we may fund such excess with funds not to be held in the trust account. In such case, the amount of funds we intend to be held
outside the trust account would decrease by a corresponding amount. Conversely, in the event that the offering expenses are less
than our estimate of $1.0 million, the amount of funds we intend to be held outside the trust account would increase by a corresponding
amount.
We
intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on
the trust account (less taxes payable and deferred underwriting commissions), to complete our initial business combination. We
may withdraw interest income (if any) to pay our income taxes, if any. Our annual income tax obligations will depend on the amount
of interest and other income earned on the amounts held in the trust account. We expect the interest income earned on the amount
in the trust account (if any) will be sufficient to pay our income taxes. To the extent that our equity or debt is used, in whole
or in part, as consideration to complete our initial business combination, the remaining proceeds held in the trust account will
be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business or businesses, make other acquisitions and pursue
our growth strategies.
Prior
to the completion of our initial business combination, we will have available to us the $1.0 million of proceeds held outside
the trust account, as well as certain funds from loans from our sponsor. We will use these funds to primarily identify and evaluate
target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or
similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material
agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a business combination.
67
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 prior to our initial business combination, other than funds available from loans from our sponsor. However, if our
estimates of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial business
combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business
prior to our initial business combination. In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection
with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors
may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete our initial business combination, we would repay
such loaned amounts. In the event that our 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.
Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants of the post business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per
warrant at the option of the lender. The warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants. The terms of such loans,
if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. Prior to the completion of our initial
business combination, we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor as we
do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access
to funds in our trust account.
We
expect our primary liquidity requirements during that period to include approximately $350,000 for legal, accounting, due diligence,
travel and other expenses associated with structuring, negotiating and documenting successful business combinations; $150,000
for legal and accounting fees related to regulatory reporting requirements; $100,000 for consulting, travel and miscellaneous
expenses incurred during the search for an initial business combination target; $55,000 for Nasdaq continued listing fees; and
$105,000 for general working capital that will be used for miscellaneous expenses and reserves. We will also reimburse an affiliate
of our sponsor for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to us in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per
month ($240,000 in the aggregate).
These
amounts are estimates and may differ materially from our actual expenses. In addition, we could use a portion of the funds not
being placed in trust to pay commitment fees for financing, fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business
or as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision designed to keep target businesses from “shopping”
around for transactions with other companies or investors on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a
particular proposed business combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we entered into an agreement
where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business, the amount that would be used as a down payment or
to fund a “no-shop” provision would be determined based on the terms of the specific business combination and the
amount of our available funds at the time. Our forfeiture of such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise) could
result in our not having sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conducting due diligence with respect to, prospective
target businesses.
Moreover,
we may need to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination, either because the transaction requires
more cash than is available from the proceeds held in our trust account, or because we become obligated to redeem a significant
number of our public shares upon completion of the business combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur
debt in connection with such business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination because we do
not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account.
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, 2019. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer would we
be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement. Further, for as long as
we remain an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various
reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not
limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.
68
Prior
to the closing of this offering, we have not completed an assessment, nor have our auditors tested our systems, of our 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. Many small and mid-sized target businesses we may consider
for our initial business combination may have internal controls that need improvement in areas such as:
¡
staffing for financial, accounting and external reporting areas, including segregation of duties;
¡
reconciliation of accounts;
¡
proper recording of expenses and liabilities in the period to which they relate;
¡
evidence of internal review and approval of accounting transactions;
¡
documentation of processes, assumptions and conclusions underlying significant estimates; and
¡
documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
Because
it will take time, management involvement and perhaps outside resources to determine what internal control improvements are necessary
for us to meet regulatory requirements and market expectations for our operation of a target business, we may incur significant
expenses 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 and the sale of the private placement warrants held in the trust account will be invested in U.S.
government treasury obligations with a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under
Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Due to the short-term
nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements; Commitments and Contractual Obligations; Quarterly Results
As
of July 5, 2018, 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 not conducted any operations to date.
JOBS
Act
The
JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. We
will qualify as an “emerging growth company” and under the JOBS Act will be allowed to comply with new or revised
accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are electing to delay the
adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on
the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our financial
statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective
dates.
69
Additionally,
we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act.
Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if, as an “emerging growth company,” we choose to rely on
such exemptions we may not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system
of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may
be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii)
comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s
report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis) and (iv)
disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and
comparisons of the CEO’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five
years following the completion of our initial public offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,”
whichever is earlier.
70
PROPOSED BUSINESS
Introduction
We
are a newly organized blank check company incorporated in June 2018 as a Cayman Islands exempted company formed for the purpose
of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with
one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our initial business combination. To date, our efforts
have been limited to organizational activities as well as activities related to this offering. We have not selected any specific
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. We have generated no operating revenues to date and we do not expect that we
will generate operating revenues until we consummate our initial business combination.
While
we may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, we intend to focus on industries
that complement our management team’s background, and to capitalize on the ability of our management team to identify and
acquire a business, focusing on the healthcare or healthcare related industries. In particular, we will target North American
or European companies in the life sciences and medical technology sectors where our management has extensive investment experience.
We may pursue a transaction in which our shareholders immediately prior to our initial business combination would collectively
own a minority interest in the post-transaction company.
Our
Founders
Our
sponsor is an affiliate of Perceptive Advisors, a leading life sciences focused investment firm with over $5 billion of regulatory
assets under management as of July 2018. Since its launch in 1999, Perceptive Advisors has focused exclusively on the healthcare
industry. Our founders are the founder and management of Perceptive Advisors. Joseph Edelman, our Chairman, founded Perceptive
Advisors in 1999. Adam Stone, our Chief Executive Officer, is the Chief Investment Officer of Perceptive Advisors, and Michael
Altman, our Chief Financial Officer, is a senior analyst at Perceptive Advisors. Perceptive Advisors’ investment activity
is focused on identifying both private and public companies in the life sciences and medical technology sectors and currently
has investments in over 150 companies. The team at Perceptive Advisors consists of trained scientists, physicians and financial
analysts who are passionately committed to identifying innovation that can drive critical change to current treatment paradigms.
Perceptive Advisors invests across the capital structure and throughout a company’s growth cycle which provides access to
a broad universe of management teams and companies seeking flexible capital solutions. Perceptive Advisors is also an active investor
in pre-IPO financing rounds known as “crossovers.” Perceptive Advisors has invested in over 40 private companies since
2013 and in 2017 met with over 200 private companies in evaluation of private growth financing rounds, crossovers, and pre-IPO
analysis.
Our
Board of Directors and Management
Joseph
Edelman, our Chairman, has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare investing, and is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer
and Portfolio Manager of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to founding Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Edelman was a Senior Analyst at Aries
Fund, a Paramount Capital Asset Management biotechnology hedge fund, from 1994 through 1998. Prior to that position, Mr. Edelman
was a Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Prudential Securities from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Edelman started his career in the healthcare
sector of the securities industry as a Biotechnology Analyst at Labe, Simpson from 1987 to 1990. Mr. Edelman earned an MBA from
New York University and BA, magna cum laude, in psychology from the University of California San Diego.
Adam
Stone, our Chief Executive Officer, joined Perceptive Advisors in 2006 and has acted as Chief Investment Officer since 2012 and
is a member of the internal investment committees of Perceptive Advisors’ credit opportunities and venture funds. Mr. Stone
currently also serves on the boards of directors of Solid Biosciences (Nasdaq: SLDB), Renovia, and Xontogeny, which are portfolio
companies of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to joining Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Stone was a Senior Analyst at Ursus Capital from 2001
to 2006 where he focused on biotechnology and specialty pharmaceuticals. Mr. Stone graduated, with honors, from Princeton University
with a BA in molecular biology.
71
Michael
Altman, CFA, our Chief Financial Officer, joined Perceptive Advisors in 2007, is a Senior Analyst on the investment team and is
a member of the internal investment committee of Perceptive Advisors' credit opportunities fund. Mr. Altman’s focus is on
medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and specialty pharmaceuticals. Mr. Altman also serves on the boards of directors
of Vensun Pharmaceuticals, Vitruvius Therapeutics and Lyra Therapeutics, which are portfolio companies of Perceptive Advisors.
Prior to joining Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Altman was a trader and analyst at First New York Securities from 2005 to 2007. Mr.
Altman graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Business Administration.
Kevin
Conroy has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Mr. Conroy has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2009, and Chairman
since 2014 of Exact Sciences Corporation (Nasdaq: EXAS), which focuses on the early detection and prevention of cancer. Mr. Conroy
also currently serves on the board of directors of Epizyme, Inc. (Nasdaq: EPZM), a biopharmaceutical company, and of the Greater
Madison Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining Exact Sciences Corporation, Mr. Conroy served from 2005 as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Third Wave Technologies (formerly, Nasdaq: TWTI), a molecular diagnostics company, until its acquisition
by Hologic, Inc. in 2008. Mr. Conroy joined Third Wave in July 2004 and served as general counsel until December 2005. Prior to
joining Third Wave Technologies, Mr. Conroy was an intellectual property counsel at GE Healthcare. Before joining GE Healthcare,
Mr. Conroy was chief operating officer of two early-stage venture-backed companies. Prior to those positions, Mr. Conroy was an
intellectual property litigator at McDermott Will & Emery and Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard and Geraldson, where
he was a partner. Mr. Conroy has also served as the Chairman of United Way of Dane County and on the boards of directors of Wisconsin
Technology Council, BioForward Wisconsin, and Overture Center Foundation. Mr. Conroy graduated from the University of Michigan
Law School with a JD and from Michigan State University with a BA in electrical engineering.
Dr.
Todd Wider, MD, has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Wider is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, focusing on
cancer surgery, with a hospital appointment with Mt. Sinai Hospital/St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Dr.
Wider also currently serves on the board of directors of Abeona Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABEO). Dr. Wider previously consulted
with a number of entities in the biotechnology space. Dr. Wider is also a principal in Wider Film Projects, a documentary film
company focusing on producing films with sociopolitical resonance. Dr. Wider graduated from Columbia College of Physicians and
Surgeons with an MD and from Princeton University with a BA in history of art and architecture.
Dr.
David Hung, MD, has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Hung recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Axovant
Biosciences Inc. from April 2017 until his resignation in February 2018. Prior to that, Dr. Hung was a co-founder of Medivation
and served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of its subsidiary, Medivation Neurology, Inc., from its inception
in September 2003 until its acquisition by Medivation in December 2004, at which time he became President, Chief Executive Officer
and director of Medivation. Dr. Hung served in those roles until Medivation was acquired by Pfizer, Inc. in September 2016. From
1998 to 2001, Dr. Hung served as Chief Scientific Officer (1998–1999) and as President, Chief Executive Officer and director
(1999–2001) of Pro-Duct Health, Inc., a privately-held medical device company focused on breast cancer cytological diagnostics
and therapeutics. From 1996 to 1998, Dr. Hung served in various senior positions at Chiron Corporation, including as Vice President
of Lead Discovery and Development and Vice President of New Projects. Dr. Hung currently serves as a director of Establishment
Labs Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ESTA), NovoCure (NASDAQ: NVCR) and Auransa Inc., and as founder, President and CEO and director of
RePharmation Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company. He previously served as a director of Opexa Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical
company, from May 2006 to October 2011. Dr. Hung received an MD from the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine,
and an AB in Biology from Harvard College.
We
believe our management team is well positioned to take advantage of the growing set of investment opportunities focused on the
healthcare industry and that our contacts and relationships will allow us to generate an attractive transaction for our shareholders.
The
past performance of the members of our management team, Perceptive Advisors or its affiliates is not a guarantee that we will
be able to identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination or of success with respect to any business combination
we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical record or the performance of our management, Perceptive Advisors or any
of its affiliates’ or managed fund’s performance as indicative of our future performance.
72
Industry
Opportunity
While
we may acquire a business in any industry, our focus will be on the healthcare industry in the United States and other developed
countries. We believe the healthcare industry, particularly the life sciences and medical technology sectors, represents an enormous
and growing target market with a large number of potential target acquisition opportunities. Overall, total U.S. national health
expenditures currently exceeds $3 trillion, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has estimated that total healthcare
spending will approach 20% of total U.S. Gross Domestic Product over the coming years. According to IBISWorld, in 2017, the global
biotechnology market represented approximately $328 billion in revenue and grew 5.3% per annum from 2012 to 2017.
The
Current Life Sciences IPO Market
We
believe that current dynamics in the life sciences and medical technology IPO market may enhance our ability to locate an attractive
target. Over 100 life sciences and medical technology companies have gone public since 2016 in the United States. Despite the
current level of IPO activity, according to IBISWorld, in 2017 there were estimated to be over 9,600 biotechnology companies globally,
only a fraction of which are publicly traded.
We
also believe that the process for life sciences and medical technology IPO demand generation often produces offerings that are
significantly oversubscribed but where a majority of the offering is allocated to the top ten investors, some of whom may be existing
investors in these companies or are industry specialists. As a result, we believe that there may be numerous investors who have
not been able to receive meaningful, or any, allocations in recent life sciences and medical technology IPOs who may be interested
in a potential target opportunity that we identify.
We
believe that life sciences and medical technology companies, at a certain stage in their development, will see material benefits
from being publicly-traded, including greater access to capital, more liquid securities and increased customer awareness. An acquisition
by a special purpose acquisition company with a management team that is well-known to, and respected by, life sciences founders,
their current third-party investors and their management teams, we believe, can provide a more transparent and efficient mechanism
to bring a private healthcare company to the public markets.
Acquisition
Strategy
We
believe our management team is well positioned to identify unique opportunities in our target sectors. Our selection process will
leverage our relationships with leading venture capitalists and growth equity funds, executives of private and public companies,
as well as leading investment banking firms, which we believe should provide us with a key competitive advantage in sourcing potential
business combination targets. Given our profile and dedicated industry approach, we anticipate that target business candidates
may be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, and in particular investors in other private and public companies
in our networks. We also believe that Perceptive Advisors’ reputation, experience and track record of making investments
in the healthcare space will make us a preferred partner for these potential targets.
Consistent
with our strategy, we have identified the following criteria to evaluate prospective target businesses. We may however, decide
to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria. We intend to seek to
acquire companies that we believe:
¡
have a scientific or other competitive advantage in the markets in which they operate and which can benefit from access to additional
capital as well as our industry relationships and expertise;
¡
are ready to be public, with strong management, corporate governance and reporting policies in place;
¡
will likely be well received by public investors and are expected to have good access to the public capital markets;
¡
have significant embedded and/or underexploited growth opportunities;
¡
exhibit unrecognized value or other characteristics that we believe have been misevaluated by the market based on our rigorous
analysis and scientific and business due diligence review; and
¡
will offer attractive risk-adjusted equity returns for our shareholders.
73
We
may use other criteria as well. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based
on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria that our management may deem relevant.
Initial
Business Combination
Our
initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value of
at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in trust and
taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time of signing the agreement to enter into the initial business
combination. If our board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market value of the target business or
businesses or we are considering an initial business combination with an affiliated entity, we will obtain an opinion from an
independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm with respect to the
satisfaction of such criteria.
We
anticipate structuring our initial business combination so that the post-transaction company in which our public shareholders
own shares will own or acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure
our initial business combination such that the post-transaction company owns or acquires less than 100% of such interests or assets
of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the prior owners of the target business, 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 shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction
company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could
pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock
of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of
a substantial number of new shares, our shareholders 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 net assets test. If the business combination
involves more than one target business, the 80% of net assets test will be based on the aggregate value of all of the target businesses
and we will treat the target businesses together as the initial business combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking
shareholder approval, as applicable.
In
addition, our sponsor has indicated an interest to purchase up to an aggregate of $25,000,000 of our ordinary shares in a private
placement that would occur concurrently with the consummation of our initial business combination. However, because indications
of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, our sponsor may determine not to purchase any such shares,
or to purchase fewer shares than it has indicated an interest in purchasing. Furthermore, we are not under any obligation to sell
any such shares. If we sell shares to our sponsor (or any other investor) in connection with our initial business combination,
the equity interest of investors in this offering in the combined company may be diluted and the market prices for our securities
may be adversely affected. In addition, if the per share trading price of our ordinary shares is greater than the price per share
paid in the private placement, the private placement will result in value dilution to you, in addition to the immediate dilution
that you will experience in connection with the consummation of this offering. See "Dilution."
Other
Considerations
We
are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination or subsequent transaction with a company that is affiliated with
Perceptive Advisors or our sponsor, founders, officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination
with a company that is affiliated with Perceptive Advisors, our sponsor or any of our founders, officers or directors, we, or
a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of
FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm that such initial business combination or transaction is fair to our company
from a financial point of view.
74
Affiliates
of Perceptive Advisors and members of our board of directors will directly or indirectly own founder shares and private placement
warrants 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 or directors were to be included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our
initial business combination.
We
currently do not have any specific business combination under consideration. Our officers and directors have neither individually
selected nor considered a target business nor have they had any substantive discussions regarding possible target businesses among
themselves or with our underwriters or other advisors. Perceptive Advisors is continuously made aware of potential business opportunities,
one or more of which we may desire to pursue for a business combination, but we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf) contacted
any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to a business combination
transaction with our company. We have not (nor have any of our agents or affiliates) been approached by any candidates (or representative
of any candidates) with respect to a possible acquisition transaction with our company and we will not consider a business combination
with any company that has already been identified to Perceptive Advisors as a suitable acquisition candidate for it, unless Perceptive
Advisors, in its sole discretion, declines such potential business combination or makes available to our company a co-investment
opportunity in accordance with Perceptive Advisors’ applicable existing and future policies and procedures. Additionally,
we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, taken any substantive measure, directly or indirectly, to select or locate any suitable
acquisition candidate for us, nor have we engaged or retained any agent or other representative to select or locate any such acquisition
candidate.
Perceptive
Advisors may manage multiple investment vehicles and raise additional funds and/or successor funds in the future, which may be
during the period in which we are seeking our initial business combination. These Perceptive Advisors investment entities may
be seeking acquisition opportunities and related financing at any time. We may compete with any one or more of them on any given
acquisition opportunity.
In
addition, certain of our founders, officers and directors presently have, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary
and contractual duties to other entities, including without limitation, investment funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles and
other entities managed by affiliates of Perceptive Advisors and certain companies in which Perceptive Advisors or such entities
have invested. As a result, if any of our founders, officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity
which is suitable for an entity to which he, she or it has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations (including, without
limitation, any Perceptive Advisors funds or other investment vehicles), then, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman
Islands law, he or she will need to honor such fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business combination opportunity
to such entity, before we can pursue such opportunity. If these funds or investment entities decide to pursue any such opportunity,
we may be precluded from pursuing the same. In addition, investment ideas generated within or presented to Perceptive Advisors
or our founders may be suitable for both us and a current or future Perceptive Advisors fund, portfolio company or other investment
entity and, subject to applicable fiduciary duties, will first be directed to such fund, portfolio company or other entity before
being directed, if at all, to us. None of Perceptive Advisors, our founders or any members of our board of directors who are also
employed by Perceptive Advisors or its affiliates have any obligation to present us with any opportunity for a potential business
combination of which they become aware solely in their capacities as officers or executives of Perceptive Advisors.
However,
we do not expect these duties to materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination.
In
addition, our founders, officers and directors, are not required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly,
will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities, including identifying potential
business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. Moreover, our founders, officers and directors have, and will
have in the future, time and attention requirements for current and future investment funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles
and other entities managed by Perceptive Advisors. To the extent any conflict of interest arises between, on the one hand, us
and, on the other hand, investments funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles and other entities managed by Perceptive Advisors
(including, without limitation,
75
arising
as a result of certain of our founders, officers and directors being required to offer acquisition opportunities to such investment
funds, accounts, co-investment vehicles and other entities), Perceptive Advisors and its affiliates will resolve such conflicts
of interest in their sole discretion in accordance with their then existing fiduciary, contractual and other duties and there
can be no assurance that such conflict of interest will be resolved in our favor.
Status
as a Public Company
We
believe our structure will make us an attractive business combination partner to target businesses. As an existing public company,
we offer a target business an alternative to the traditional initial public offering through a merger or other business combination
with us. In a business combination transaction with us, the owners of the target business may, for example, exchange their shares
of stock in the target business for our Class A ordinary shares (or shares of a new holding company) or for a combination of our
Class A ordinary shares and cash, allowing us to tailor the consideration to the specific needs of the sellers. We believe target
businesses will find this method a more expeditious and cost effective method to becoming a public company than the typical initial
public offering. The typical initial public offering process takes a significantly longer period of time than the typical business
combination transaction process, and there are significant expenses in the initial public offering process, including underwriting
discounts and commissions, that may not be present to the same extent in connection with a business combination with us.
Furthermore,
once a proposed business combination is completed, the target business will have effectively become public, whereas an initial
public offering is always subject to the underwriters’ ability to complete the offering, as well as general market conditions,
which could prevent the offering from occurring. Once public, we believe the target business would then have greater access to
capital, an additional means of providing management incentives consistent with shareholders’ interests and the ability
to use its shares as currency for acquisitions. Being a public company can offer further benefits by augmenting a company’s
profile among potential new customers and vendors and aid in attracting talented employees.
While
we believe that our structure and our management team’s backgrounds will make us an attractive business partner, some potential
target businesses may view our status as a blank check company, such as our lack of an operating history and our ability to seek
shareholder approval of any proposed initial business combination, negatively.
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an emerging growth company until the
earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in
which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer,
which means the market value of our Class A ordinary shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior
June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year
period.
Financial
Position
With
funds available for a business combination initially in the amount of $121,937,500, after payment of the estimated expenses of
this offering and $4,062,500 of deferred underwriting fees (or $140,078,125 after payment of $4,671,875 of deferred underwriting
fees if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), we offer a target business a variety of options such
as creating a liquidity event for its owners, providing capital for the potential growth and expansion of its operations or strengthening
its balance sheet by reducing its debt ratio. Because we are able to complete our initial business combination using our cash,
debt or equity securities, or a combination of the foregoing, we have the flexibility to use the most efficient combination that
will allow us to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target business to fit its needs and desires. However, we have not
taken any steps to secure third party financing and there can be no assurance it will be available to us.
76
Effecting
Our Initial Business Combination
General
We
are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any operations for an indefinite period of time following this offering.
We intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash from the proceeds of this offering, the private placements
of the private placement warrants, our equity, debt or a combination of these as the consideration to be paid in our initial business
combination. We may seek to complete our initial business combination with a company or business that may be financially unstable
or in its early stages of development or growth, which would subject us to the numerous risks inherent in such companies and businesses.
If
our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt securities, or not all of the funds released from the trust
account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with our initial business combination or used for redemptions
of our Class A ordinary shares, we may apply the balance of the cash released to us from the trust account for general corporate
purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction company, the payment of principal or interest
due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other companies or for working
capital.
We
have not selected any business combination target and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, initiated any substantive discussions
with any business combination target. Additionally, we have not engaged or retained any agent or other representative to select
or locate any suitable acquisition candidate, to conduct any research or take any measures, directly or indirectly, to locate
or contact a target business, other than our officers and directors. Accordingly, there is no current basis for investors in this
offering to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the target business with which we may ultimately complete our initial business
combination. Although our management will assess the risks inherent in a particular target business with which we may combine,
we cannot assure you that this assessment will result in our identifying all risks that a target business may encounter. Furthermore,
some of those risks may be outside of our control, meaning that we can do nothing to control or reduce the chances that those
risks will adversely affect a target business.
We
may need to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination, either because the transaction requires
more cash than is available from the proceeds held in our trust account, or because we become obligated to redeem a significant
number of our public shares upon completion of the business combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur
debt in connection with such business combination. There are no prohibitions on our ability to issue securities or incur debt
in connection with our initial business combination. We are not currently a party to any arrangement or understanding with any
third party with respect to raising any additional funds through the sale of securities, the incurrence of debt or otherwise.
Sources
of Target Businesses
Our
process of identifying acquisition targets will leverage Perceptive Advisors’ and our management team’s unique industry
experiences, proven deal sourcing capabilities and broad and deep network of relationships in numerous industries, including executives
and management teams, private equity groups and other institutional investors, large business enterprises, lenders, investment
bankers and other investment market participants, restructuring advisers, consultants, attorneys and accountants, which we believe
should provide us with a number of business combination opportunities. We expect that the collective experience, capability and
network of Perceptive Advisors, our founders, directors and officers, combined with their individual and collective reputations
in the investment community, will help to create prospective business combination opportunities.
In
addition, we anticipate that target business candidates may be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including
investment bankers and private investment funds. 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 in which
they think we may be interested on an unsolicited basis, since many of these sources will have read this prospectus and know what
types of businesses we are targeting. Our
77
officers
and directors, as well as their affiliates, may also bring to our attention target business candidates of which they become aware
through their business contacts as a result of formal or informal inquiries or discussions they may have, as well as attending
trade shows or conventions.
While
we do not presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions
on any formal basis, we may engage these firms or other individuals in the future, in which event we may pay a finder’s
fee, consulting fee or other compensation to be determined in an arm’s length negotiation based on the terms of the transaction.
We will engage a finder only to the extent our management determines that the use of a finder may bring opportunities to us that
may not otherwise be available to us or if finders approach us on an unsolicited basis with a potential transaction that our management
determines is in our best interest to pursue. Payment of a finder’s fee is customarily tied to completion of a transaction,
in which case any such fee will be paid out of the funds held in the trust account. In no event, however, will our sponsor or
any of our existing officers or directors, or any entity with which they are affiliated, be paid any finder’s fee, consulting
fee or other compensation by the company prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the completion of our
initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). None of our sponsor, executive officers or directors,
or any of their respective affiliates, will be allowed to receive any compensation, finder’s fees or consulting fees from
a prospective business combination target in connection with a contemplated acquisition of such target by us.
We
are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a business combination target that is affiliated with our
sponsor, officers or directors, or from making the acquisition through a joint venture or other form of shared ownership with
our sponsor, officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination with a business combination
target that is affiliated with our sponsor, executive officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, would
obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking which is a member of FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting
firm, that such an initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. We are not required to
obtain such an opinion in any other context.
Each
of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations
to other entities, including entities that are affiliates of our sponsor, pursuant to which such officer or director is or will
be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entity. Accordingly, if any of our officers or directors becomes
aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual
obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business combination opportunity
to such entity, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. See “Management — Conflicts of Interest.”
Evaluation
of a Target Business and Structuring of Our Initial Business Combination
In
evaluating a prospective target business, we expect to conduct a thorough due diligence review which may encompass, among other
things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection
of facilities, as well as a review of financial, operational, legal and other information which will be made available to us.
If we determine to move forward with a particular target, we will proceed to structure and negotiate the terms of the business
combination transaction.
The
time required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete our initial business combination, and the
costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect
to the identification and evaluation of, and negotiation with, a prospective target business with which our initial business combination
is not ultimately completed will result in our incurring losses and will reduce the funds we can use to complete another business
combination. The company will not pay any consulting fees to members of our management team, or any of their respective affiliates,
for services rendered to or in connection with our initial business combination.
Lack
of Business Diversification
For
an indefinite period of time after the completion of our initial business combination, the prospects for our success may depend
entirely on the future performance of a single business. Unlike other entities that have the
78
resources
to complete business combinations with multiple entities in one or several industries, it is probable that we will not have the
resources to diversify our operations and mitigate the risks of being in a single line of business. By completing our initial
business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:
¡
subject us to negative economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact
on the particular industry in which we operate after our initial business combination; and
¡
cause us to depend on the marketing and sale of a single product or limited number of products or services.
Limited
Ability to Evaluate the Target’s Management Team
Although
we intend to closely scrutinize the management of a prospective target business when evaluating the desirability of effecting
our initial business combination with that business, our assessment of the target business’s management may not prove to
be correct. In addition, the future management may not have the necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public
company. Furthermore, the future role of members of our management team, if any, in the target business cannot presently be stated
with any certainty. The determination as to whether any of the members of our management team will remain with the combined company
will be made at the time of our initial business combination. While it is possible that one or more of our directors will remain
associated in some capacity with us following our initial business combination, it is unlikely that any of them will devote their
full efforts to our affairs subsequent to our initial business combination. Moreover, we cannot assure you that members of our
management team will have significant experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.
We
cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with the combined company.
The determination as to whether any of our key personnel will remain with the combined company will be made at the time of our
initial business combination.
Following
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 additional managers will have the requisite
skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.
Shareholders
May Not Have the Ability to Approve Our Initial Business Combination
We
may conduct redemptions without a shareholder vote pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC subject to the provisions of
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. However, we will seek shareholder approval if it is required
by law or applicable stock exchange rule, or we may decide to seek shareholder approval for business or other legal reasons.
Under
Nasdaq’s listing rules, shareholder approval would be required for our initial business combination if, for example:
¡
we issue (other than in a public offering for cash) ordinary shares that will either (a) be equal to or in excess of 20% of the
number of Class A ordinary shares then outstanding or (b) have voting power equal to or in excess of 20% of the voting power then
outstanding;
¡
any of our directors, officers or substantial shareholders (as defined by Nasdaq rules) has a 5% or greater interest (or such
persons collectively have a 10% or greater interest), directly or indirectly, in the target business or assets to be acquired
or otherwise and the present or potential issuance of ordinary shares could result in an increase in outstanding ordinary shares
or voting power of 5% or more; or
¡
the issuance or potential issuance of ordinary shares will result in our undergoing a change of control.
The
Companies Law and Cayman Islands law do not currently require, and we are not aware of any other applicable law that will require,
shareholder approval of our initial business combination.
79
The
decision as to whether we will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business combination in those instances in which shareholder
approval is not required by law will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on business and legal reasons,
which include a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
¡
the timing of the transaction, including in the event we determine shareholder approval would require additional time and there
is either not enough time to seek shareholder approval or doing so would place the company at a disadvantage in the transaction
or result in other additional burdens on the company;
¡
the expected cost of holding a shareholder vote;
¡
the risk that the shareholders would fail to approve the proposed business combination;
¡
other time and budget constraints of the company; and
¡
additional legal complexities of a proposed business combination that would be time-consuming and burdensome to present to shareholders.
Permitted
Purchases of Our Securities
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial
business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our sponsor, directors, executive officers, advisors or their affiliates
may purchase shares or public warrants in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following
the completion of our initial business combination. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in
such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the trust account
will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions. If they engage in such transactions, they will not make
any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases
are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act.
In
the event that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions
from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required
to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute
a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the going-private
rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject
to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules.
The
purpose of any such purchases of shares could be to (i) vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase
the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination or (ii) to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement
with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our initial business
combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public warrants
could be to reduce the number of public warrants outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters submitted to the warrantholders
for approval in connection with our initial business combination. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion
of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.
In
addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares or public warrants may be
reduced and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain
the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.
Our
sponsor, officers, directors and/or their affiliates anticipate that they may identify the shareholders with whom our sponsor,
officers, directors or their affiliates may pursue privately negotiated purchases by either the shareholders contacting us directly
or by our receipt of redemption requests submitted by shareholders (in the case of Class A ordinary shares) following our mailing
of proxy materials in connection with our initial business combination. To the extent that our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors
or their affiliates enter into a private purchase, they would identify and contact only potential selling shareholders who have
expressed their election to redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the trust account or vote against our initial business
combination, whether or not such shareholder has already submitted a proxy with respect to our initial business combination but
only if such shares have not already been voted at the shareholder meeting related to our initial business combination. Our sponsor,
executive
80
officers,
directors, advisors or any of their affiliates will select which shareholders to purchase shares from based on the negotiated
price and number of shares and any other factors that they may deem relevant, and will only purchase shares if such purchases
comply with Regulation M under the Exchange Act and the other federal securities laws.
Our
sponsor, officers, directors and/or their affiliates will not make purchases of shares if the purchases would violate Section
9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange
Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.
Redemption
Rights for Public Shareholders upon Completion of Our Initial Business Combination
We
will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Class A ordinary shares upon the
completion of our initial business combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the trust account calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination, including
interest (net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described
herein. The amount in the trust account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per public share. The per share amount we will distribute
to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the
underwriters. The redemption rights will include the requirement that a beneficial holder must identify itself in order to validly
redeem its shares. Our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have entered into agreements with us, pursuant to which
they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and public shares in connection with the
completion of our initial business combination.
Limitations
on Redemptions
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount
that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny
stock” rules). However, the proposed business combination may require: (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or
its owners, (ii) cash to be transferred to the target for working capital or other general corporate purposes or (iii) the retention
of cash to satisfy other conditions in accordance with the terms of the proposed business combination. In the event the aggregate
cash consideration we would be required to pay for all Class A ordinary shares that are validly submitted for redemption plus
any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed the aggregate
amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the business combination or redeem any shares, and all Class A ordinary shares
submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof.
Manner
of Conducting Redemptions
We
will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Class A ordinary shares upon the
completion of our initial business combination either (i) in connection with a shareholder meeting called to approve the business
combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether we will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business
combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors
such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would require us to seek shareholder approval under
applicable law or stock exchange listing requirement or whether we were deemed to be a foreign private issuer (which would require
a tender offer rather than seeking shareholder approval under SEC rules). Asset acquisitions and share purchases would not typically
require shareholder approval while direct mergers with our company where we do not survive and any transactions where we issue
more than 20% of our outstanding ordinary shares or seek to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
would require shareholder approval. We currently intend to conduct redemptions in connection with a shareholder vote unless shareholder
approval is not required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirement and we choose to conduct redemptions pursuant
to the tender offer rules of the SEC for business or other legal reasons.
81
If
we held a shareholder vote to approve our initial business combination, we will, pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association:
¡
conduct the redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates
the solicitation of proxies, and not pursuant to the tender offer rules; and
¡
file proxy materials with the SEC.
In
the event that we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, we will distribute proxy materials and, in connection
therewith, provide our public shareholders with the redemption rights described above upon completion of the initial business
combination.
If
we seek shareholder approval, we will complete our initial business combination only if a majority of the ordinary shares voted
are voted in favor of the business combination. In such case, our initial shareholders' have agreed to vote their founder shares
and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in favor of our initial business combination. As a result, in addition
to our initial shareholders' founder shares, we would need 4,687,501, or 37.5%, of the 12,500,000 public shares sold in this offering
to be voted in favor of an initial business combination in order to have our initial business combination approved (assuming all
outstanding shares are voted and the over-allotment option is not exercised). Each public shareholder may elect to redeem their
public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. In addition, our sponsor and our directors
and executive officers have entered into agreements with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights
with respect to their founder shares and public shares in connection with the completion of a business combination.
If
we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC, we will, pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association:
¡
conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers; and
¡
file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination which contain substantially the
same financial and other information about the initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation
14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies.
Upon
the public announcement of our initial business combination, we or our sponsor will terminate any plan established in accordance
with Rule 10b5-1 to purchase Class A ordinary shares in the open market if we elect to redeem our public shares through a tender
offer, to comply with Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act.
In
the event we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, our offer to redeem will remain open for at least 20 business
days, in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange Act, and we will not be permitted to complete our initial business combination
until the expiration of the tender offer period. In addition, the tender offer will be conditioned on public shareholders not
tendering more than the number of public shares we are permitted to redeem. If public shareholders tender more shares than we
have offered to purchase, we will withdraw the tender offer and not complete the initial business combination.
Limitation
on Redemption upon Completion of Our Initial Business Combination If We Seek Shareholder Approval
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial
business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will
provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder
is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking
redemption rights with respect to Excess Shares. We believe this restriction will discourage shareholders from accumulating large
blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption rights against a proposed
business combination as a means to force us or our management to purchase their shares at a significant premium to the then-current
market price or on other undesirable terms. Absent this provision, a public shareholder holding more than an aggregate of 15%
of the shares sold in this offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such
82
holder’s
shares are not purchased by us, our sponsor or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable
terms. By limiting our shareholders’ ability to redeem no more than 15% of the shares sold in this offering without our
prior consent, we believe we will limit the ability of a small group of shareholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability
to complete our initial business combination, particularly in connection with a business combination with a target that requires
as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash.
However,
we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against
our initial business combination.
Tendering
Share Certificates in Connection with a Tender Offer or Redemption Rights
Public
shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street
name,” will be required to either tender their certificates (if any) to our transfer agent prior to the date set forth in
the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, mailed to such holders, or to deliver their shares to the transfer
agent electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/ Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s
option, in each case up to two business days prior to the initially scheduled vote to approve the business combination. The proxy
solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, that we will furnish to holders of our public shares in connection with
our initial business combination will indicate the applicable delivery requirements, which will include the requirement that a
beneficial holder must identify itself in order to validly redeem its shares. Accordingly, a public shareholder would have from
the time we send out our tender offer materials up to two days prior to the vote on the business combination to tender its shares
if it wishes to seek to exercise its redemption rights. Given the relatively short period in which to exercise redemption rights,
it is advisable for shareholders to use electronic delivery of their public shares.
There
is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering
them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker a fee of approximately $80.00 and
it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. However, this fee would be incurred
regardless of whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise redemption rights to tender their shares. The need to deliver
shares is a requirement of exercising redemption rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated.
The
foregoing is different from the procedures used by many blank check companies. In order to perfect redemption rights in connection
with their business combinations, many blank check companies would distribute proxy materials for the shareholders’ vote
on an initial business combination, and a holder could simply vote against a proposed business combination and check a box on
the proxy card indicating such holder was seeking to exercise his or her redemption rights. After the business combination was
approved, the company would contact such shareholder to arrange for him or her to deliver his or her certificate to verify ownership.
As a result, the shareholder then had an “option window” after the completion of the business combination during which
he or she could monitor the price of the company’s shares in the market. If the price rose above the redemption price, he
or she could sell his or her shares in the open market before actually delivering his or her shares to the company for cancellation.
As a result, the redemption rights, to which shareholders were aware they needed to commit before the shareholder meeting, would
become “option” rights surviving past the completion of the business combination until the redeeming holder delivered
its certificate. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the meeting ensures that a redeeming shareholder’s
election to redeem is irrevocable once the business combination is approved.
Any
request to redeem such shares, once made, may be withdrawn at any time up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal
to approve the business combination, unless otherwise agreed to by us. Furthermore, if a holder of a public share delivered its
certificate in connection with an election of redemption rights and subsequently decides prior to the applicable date not to elect
to exercise such rights, such holder may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or electronically).
It is anticipated that the funds to be distributed to holders of our public shares electing to redeem their shares will be distributed
promptly after the completion of our initial business combination.
83
If
our initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then our public shareholders who elected to exercise
their redemption rights would not be entitled to redeem their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the trust account. In
such case, we will promptly return any certificates delivered by public holders who elected to redeem their shares.
If
our initial proposed business combination is not completed, we may continue to try to complete a business combination with a different
target until 24 months from the closing of this offering.
Redemption
of Public Shares and Liquidation If No Initial Business Combination
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that we will have only 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
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 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 (less up to $100,000 of interest
to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption
will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation
distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our
remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) to our
obligations under Cayman Islands 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 our warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to consummate
an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering.
Our
sponsor has entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which it has waived its rights to liquidating distributions from the
trust account with respect to its founder shares if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from
the closing of this offering. However, if our sponsor or members of our management team acquire public shares in or after this
offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such public shares if we fail
to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering.
Our
sponsor, executive officers, directors and director nominees have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will
not propose any amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or
timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24
months from the closing of this offering, unless we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public
shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the trust account, including interest (net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. However,
we may not redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 (so that
we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules). If this optional redemption right is exercised with respect
to an excessive number of public shares such that we cannot satisfy the net tangible asset requirement, we would not proceed with
the amendment or the related redemption of our public shares at such time. This redemption right shall apply in the event of the
approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsors, any executive officer, director or director nominee, or any
other person.
We
expect that all costs and expenses associated with implementing our plan of dissolution, as well as payments to any creditors,
will be funded from amounts remaining out of the $1,000,000 of proceeds held outside the trust account, although we cannot assure
you that there will be sufficient funds for such purpose. However, if those funds are not sufficient to cover the costs and expenses
associated with implementing our plan of dissolution, we may request the trustee to release to us an additional amount of up to
$100,000 of such accrued interest to pay those costs and expenses.
84
If
we were to 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 per-share redemption amount received by shareholders upon
our dissolution would be $10.00. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of our
creditors which would have higher priority than the claims of our public shareholders. We cannot assure you that the actual per-share
redemption amount received by shareholders will not be less than $10.00. While we intend to pay such amounts, if any, we cannot
assure you that we will have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims.
Although
we will seek to have all third parties, including, but not limited to, all vendors, service providers (excluding our independent
registered public accounting firm), prospective target businesses and other entities with which we do business execute agreements
with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit
of our public shareholders, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreements
that they would be prevented from bringing claims against the trust account including but not limited to fraudulent inducement,
breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in
each case in order to gain an advantage with respect to a claim against our assets, including the funds held in the trust account.
If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account, our management
will perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has
not executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to
us than any alternative. Examples of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include
the engagement of a third party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly
superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a service
provider willing to execute a waiver. The underwriters will not execute agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held
in the trust account. In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the
future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not seek recourse against
the trust account for any reason. In order to protect the amounts held in the trust account, our sponsor has agreed that it will
be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective
target business with which we have discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the trust account to
below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per public share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the trust account as of the
date of the liquidation of the trust account if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets,
in each case less taxes payable, provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver
of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account nor will it apply to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters
of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. In the event that an executed waiver
is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, our sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such
third party claims. 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 we believe that our sponsor’s
only assets are securities of our company. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations.
None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors
and prospective target businesses.
In
the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per public share and (ii) the actual
amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account if less than $10.00 per
share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case less taxes payable, and our sponsor asserts that it is
unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim,
our independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations.
While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our sponsor to enforce
its indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may
choose not to do so in any particular instance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that due to claims of creditors the actual value
of the per-share redemption price will not be less than $10.00 per share.
85
We
will seek to reduce the possibility that our sponsor will have to indemnify the trust account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring
to have all third parties, including, but not limited to, all vendors, service providers (excluding our independent registered
public accounting firm), prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us
waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the trust account. Our sponsor will also not be
liable as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. We will have access to up to $1,000,000 from the proceeds of this offering with which to pay any such
potential claims (including costs and expenses incurred in connection with our liquidation, currently estimated to be no more
than approximately $100,000). In the event that we liquidate and it is subsequently determined that the reserve for claims and
liabilities is insufficient, shareholders who received funds from our trust account could be liable for claims made by creditors.
In the event that our offering expenses exceed our estimate of $1,000,000, we may fund such excess with funds from the funds not
to be held in the trust account. In such case, the amount of funds we intend to be held outside the trust account would decrease
by a corresponding amount. Conversely, in the event that the offering expenses are less than our estimate of $1,000,000, the amount
of funds we intend to be held outside the trust account would increase by a corresponding amount.
If
we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held
in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to
the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the
trust account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return $10.00 per share to our public shareholders. Additionally, if we
file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions
received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential
transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover some or all amounts
received by our shareholders. Furthermore, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty 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
shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be
brought against us for these reasons.
Our
public shareholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only (i) in the event of the redemption of our public
shares if we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, (ii) in connection
with a shareholder vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing
of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months
from the closing of this offering or (iii) if they redeem their respective shares for cash upon the completion of the initial
business combination. In no other circumstances will a shareholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.
In the event we seek shareholder approval in connection with our initial business combination, a shareholder’s voting in
connection with the business combination alone will not result in a shareholder’s redeeming its shares to us for an applicable
pro rata share of the trust account. Such shareholder must have also exercised its redemption rights described above. These provisions
of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, like all provisions of our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association, may be amended with a shareholder vote.
86
Comparison
of Redemption or Purchase Prices in Connection with Our Initial Business Combination and If We Fail to Complete Our Initial Business
Combination.
The
following table compares the redemptions and other permitted purchases of public shares that may take place in connection with
the completion of our initial business combination and if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24
months from the closing of this offering.
|
|
Redemptions
in Connection
with our Initial Business Combination
|
|
Other
Permitted Purchases
of Public Shares by our Affiliates
|
|
Redemptions
if We Fail to Complete an Initial Business Combination
|
Calculation
of redemption price
|
|
Redemptions
at the time of our initial business combination may be made pursuant to a tender offer
or in connection with a shareholder vote. The redemption price will be the same whether
we conduct redemptions pursuant to a tender offer or in connection with a shareholder
vote. In either case, our public shareholders may redeem their public shares for cash
equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account calculated as of two
business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination (which is
initially anticipated to be $10.00 per share), including interest (net of taxes payable),
divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitation that
no redemptions will take place if all of the redemptions would cause our net tangible
assets to be less than $5,000,001 and any limitations (including but not limited to cash
requirements) agreed to in connection with the negotiation of terms of a proposed business
combination.
|
|
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, our sponsor, directors,
officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions
or in the open market either prior to or following completion of our initial business
combination. There is no limit to the prices that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors
or their affiliates may pay in these transactions. If they engage in such transactions,
they will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material nonpublic
information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation
M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. We do not
currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute a tender offer subject
to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject
to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine
at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject to such rules, the purchasers
will comply with such rules.
|
|
If
we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the
closing of this offering, we will redeem all public shares at a per-share price, payable
in cash, equal to the aggregate amount, then on deposit in the trust account (which is
initially anticipated to be $10.00 per share), including interest (less up to $100,000
of interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable) divided by the number
of then outstanding public shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87
|
|
Redemptions
in Connection
with our Initial Business
Combination
|
|
Other
Permitted Purchases
of Public Shares by our
Affiliates
|
|
Redemptions
if We Fail to
Complete an Initial Business
Combination
|
Impact
to remaining shareholders
|
|
The
redemptions in connection with our initial business combination will reduce the book
value per share for our remaining shareholders, who will bear the burden of the deferred
underwriting commissions and taxes payable.
|
|
If
the permitted purchases described above are made, there would be no impact to our remaining
shareholders because the purchase price would not be paid by us.
|
|
The
redemption of our public shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination
will reduce the book value per share for the shares held by our sponsor, who will be
our only remaining shareholder after such redemptions.
|
Comparison
of This Offering to Those of Blank Check Companies Subject to Rule 419
The
following table compares the terms of this offering to the terms of an offering by a blank check company subject to the provisions
of Rule 419. This comparison assumes that the gross proceeds, underwriting commissions and underwriting expenses of our offering
would be identical to those of an offering undertaken by a company subject to Rule 419, and that the underwriters will not exercise
their over-allotment option. None of the provisions of Rule 419 apply to our offering.
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a Rule 419 Offering
|
Escrow
of offering proceeds
|
|
$125,000,000
of the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants will
be deposited into a trust account located in the United States with Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee.
|
|
Approximately
$105,750,000 of the offering proceeds, representing the gross proceeds of this offering,
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
|
|
$125,000,000
of the net proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants held
in trust will be invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity
of 180 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
88
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a Rule 419 Offering
|
Receipt
of interest on escrowed funds
|
|
Interest
income (if any) on proceeds from the trust account to be paid to shareholders is reduced
by (i) any taxes paid or payable and (ii) in the event of our liquidation for failure
to complete our initial business combination within the allotted time, up to $100,000
of net interest that may be released to us should we have no or insufficient working
capital to fund the costs and expenses of our dissolution and liquidation.
|
|
Interest
income on funds in escrow account would be held for the sole benefit of investors, unless
and only after the funds held in escrow were released to us in connection with our completion
of a business combination.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limitation
on fair value or net assets of target business
|
|
Our
initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together
have an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of our assets held in the trust account
(excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in trust and taxes payable
on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into
the initial business combination.
|
|
The
fair value or net assets of a target business must represent at least 80% of the maximum
offering proceeds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading
of securities issued
|
|
The
units are expected to begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus.
The Class A ordinary shares and warrants comprising the units will begin separate trading
on the 52
nd
day following the date of
this prospectus unless Jefferies LLC informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate
trading, subject to our having filed the Current Report on Form 8-K described below and
having issued a press release announcing when such separate trading will begin. 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 the units commence trading.
If the 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 over-allotment option.
The
units will automatically separate into their component parts and will not be traded after completion of our initial business combination.
|
|
No
trading of the units or the underlying Class A ordinary shares 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.
|
89
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a Rule 419 Offering
|
Exercise
of the warrants
|
|
The
warrants cannot be exercised until the later of 30 days after the completion of our initial
business combination or 12 months from the closing of this offering.
|
|
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 provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares
for cash at a per share price equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust
account calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination, including interest (net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then
outstanding public shares, upon the completion of our initial business combination, subject
to the limitations described herein. We may not be required by law to hold a shareholder
vote. If we are not required by law and do not otherwise decide to hold a shareholder
vote, we will, pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association,
conduct the redemptions pursuant to 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 and the redemption rights as
is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. If, however, we hold a shareholder vote,
we will, like many blank check companies, offer to redeem shares in conjunction with
a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer
rules. If we seek shareholder approval, we will complete our initial business combination
only if a majority of the ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination.
Additionally, each public shareholder may elect to redeem their public
|
|
A
prospectus containing information pertaining to the business combination required by
the SEC would be sent to each investor. Each investor would be given the opportunity
to notify the company in writing, within a period of no less than 20 business days and
no more than 45 business days from the effective date of a post-effective amendment to
the company’s registration statement, to decide if he, she or it elects to remain
a shareholder of the company or require the return of his, her or its investment. If
the company has not received the notification by the end of the 45th business day, funds
and interest or dividends, if any, held in the trust or escrow account are automatically
returned to the shareholder. Unless a sufficient number of investors elect to remain
investors, all funds on deposit in the escrow account must be returned to all of the
investors and none of the securities are issued.
|
|
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a Rule 419 Offering
|
|
|
shares
irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. Our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association will require that at least five days’
notice will be given of any such shareholder meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business
combination deadline
|
|
If
we are unable to consummate an 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 public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash,
equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest
(less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable),
divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely
extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to
receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably
possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders
and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii)
and (iii) to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors
and the requirements of other applicable law.
|
|
If
an acquisition has not been completed within 18 months after the effective date of the
company’s registration statement, funds held in the trust or escrow account are
returned to investors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a Rule 419 Offering
|
Release
of funds
|
|
Except
for the withdrawal of interest income (if any) to pay our income taxes, if any, none
of the funds held in trust will be released from the trust account until the earliest
of: (i) the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) the redemption of our
public shares if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24
months from the closing of this offering, subject to applicable law, or (iii) the redemption
of our public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to approve
an amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that
would affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares
if we have not consummated an initial business combination within 24 months from the
closing of this offering.
|
|
The
proceeds held in the escrow account are not released until the earlier of the completion
of a business combination or the failure to effect a business combination within the
allotted time.
|
Competition
In
identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for our initial business combination, we may encounter intense competition
from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including other blank check companies, private equity groups
and leveraged buyout funds, public companies, operating businesses seeking strategic acquisitions. Many of these entities are
well established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates.
Moreover, many of these competitors possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources than us. Our ability to acquire
larger target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent limitation gives others an advantage
in pursuing the acquisition of a target business. Furthermore, our obligation to pay cash in connection with our public shareholders
who exercise their redemption rights may reduce the resources available to us for our initial business combination and our outstanding
warrants, and the future dilution they potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Either
of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial business combination.
Facilities
We
currently maintain our executive offices at 51 Astor Place, 10
th
Floor, New York,
NY 10003. The cost for our use of this space is included in the $10,000 per month fee we will pay to an affiliate of our sponsor
for office space, administrative and support services. We consider our current office space adequate for our current operations.
92
Employees
We
currently have two executive officers. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters
but they intend to devote as much of their time as they deem necessary to our affairs until we have completed our initial business
combination. The amount of time they will devote in any time period will vary based on whether a target business has been selected
for our initial business combination and the stage of the business combination process we are in. We do not intend to have any
full time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination.
Periodic
Reporting and Financial Information
We
will register our units, Class A ordinary shares 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 reports will contain financial statements audited and reported on by our independent registered public accountants.
We
will provide shareholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of the proxy solicitation
or tender offer materials, as applicable, sent to shareholders. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance
with, or reconciled to, GAAP, or IFRS, depending on the circumstances, and the historical financial statements may be required
to be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential
target businesses we may acquire because some targets may be unable to provide such statements in time for us to disclose such
statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame.
We cannot assure you that any particular target business identified by us as a potential acquisition candidate will have financial
statements prepared in accordance with the requirements outlined above, or that the potential target business will be able to
prepare its financial statements in accordance with the requirements outlined above. To the extent that these requirements cannot
be met, we may not be able to acquire the proposed target business. While this may limit the pool of potential acquisition candidates,
we do not believe that this limitation will be material.
We
will be required to evaluate our internal control procedures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act. Only in the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer will we be required to have our internal
control procedures audited. A target business 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.
Prior
to the date of this prospectus, we will file a Registration Statement on Form 8-A with the SEC to voluntarily register our securities
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. As a result, we will be subject to the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange
Act. We have no current intention of filing a Form 15 to suspend our reporting or other obligations under the Exchange Act prior
or subsequent to the consummation of our initial business combination.
We
are a Cayman Islands exempted company. Exempted companies are Cayman Islands companies conducting business mainly outside the
Cayman Islands and, as such, are exempted from complying with certain provisions of the Companies Law. As an exempted company,
we have applied for and expect to receive, after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms
a part, a tax exemption undertaking from the Cayman Islands government that, in accordance with Section 6 of the Tax Concessions
Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, for a period of 30 years from the date of the undertaking, no law which is enacted
in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations will apply to us or our operations
and, in addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty
or inheritance tax will be payable (i) on or in respect of our shares, debentures or other obligations or (ii) by way of the withholding
in whole or in part of a payment of dividend or other distribution of income or capital by us to our shareholders or a payment
of principal or interest or other sums due under a debenture or other obligation of us.
93
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage
of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging
growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements
of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive
compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory
vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors
find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of
our securities may be more volatile.
In
addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended
transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards
would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.
We
will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary
of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion, or (c) in which
we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our Class A ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible
debt during the prior three-year period.
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.
94
MANAGEMENT
Officers,
Directors and Director Nominees
Our
officers, directors and director nominees are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph
Edelman
|
|
63
|
|
Chairman
|
Adam
Stone
|
|
39
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer and Director
|
Michael
Altman
|
|
36
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer and Director
|
Kevin
Conroy
|
|
53
|
|
Director
Nominee
|
Dr.
Todd Wider
|
|
53
|
|
Director
Nominee
|
Dr.
David Hung
|
|
61
|
|
Director
Nominee
|
Joseph
Edelman
serves as the Chairman of our board of directors. Mr. Edelman is Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio
Manager of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to founding Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Edelman was a Senior Analyst at Aries Fund, a Paramount
Capital Asset Management biotechnology hedge fund, from 1994 through 1998. Prior to that position, Mr. Edelman was a Senior Biotechnology
Analyst at Prudential Securities from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Edelman started his career in the healthcare sector of the securities
industry as a Biotechnology Analyst at Labe, Simpson from 1987 to 1990. Mr. Edelman earned an MBA from New York University and
a BA, magna cum laude, in psychology from the University of California San Diego.
We
believe that Mr. Edelman’s broad operational and transactional experience make him well qualified to serve as the Chairman
of our board of directors.
Adam
Stone
serves as our Chief Executive Officer and is a member of our board of directors. Mr. Stone joined Perceptive
Advisors in 2006 and has acted as Chief Investment Officer since 2012 and is a member of the internal investment committees of
Perceptive Advisors’ credit opportunities and venture funds. Mr. Stone currently also serves on the boards of directors
of Solid Biosciences (Nasdaq: SLDB), Renovia, and Xontogeny, which are portfolio companies of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to joining
Perceptive Advisors, Mr. Stone was a Senior Analyst at Ursus Capital from 2001 to 2006 where he focused on biotechnology and specialty
pharmaceuticals. During Mr. Stone’s tenure at Ursus Capital, Mr. Stone focused on biotech and specialty pharmaceuticals.
Mr. Stone graduated with honors from Princeton University with a BA in molecular biology.
We
believe that Mr. Stone’s broad operational and transactional experience, and his position as Chief Executive Officer, make
him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Michael
Altman
,
CFA,
serves as our Chief Financial Officer and is a member of our board of directors. Mr. Altman joined Perceptive Advisors in 2007,
is a Senior Analyst on the investment team and is a member of the internal investment committee of Perceptive Advisors' credit
opportunities fund. Mr. Altman’s focus is on medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and specialty pharmaceuticals.
Mr. Altman also serves on the boards of directors of Vensun Pharmaceuticals, Vitruvius Therapeutics and Lyra Therapeutics, which
are portfolio companies of Perceptive Advisors. Prior to joining Perceptive Advisors in, Mr. Altman was a trader and analyst at
First New York Securities from 2005 to 2007. Mr. Altman graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Business Administration.
We
believe that Mr. Altman’s broad operational and transactional experience make him well qualified to serve on our board of
directors.
Kevin
Conroy
has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Mr. Conroy has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2009,
and Chairman since 2014 of Exact Sciences Corporation (Nasdaq: EXAS), which focuses on the early detection and prevention of cancer.
Mr. Conroy also currently serves on the board of directors of Epizyme, Inc. (Nasdaq: EPZM), a biopharmaceutical company, and of
the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining Exact Sciences Corporation, Mr. Conroy served from 2005 as the President
and Chief Executive Officer of Third Wave Technologies (formerly, Nasdaq: TWTI), a molecular diagnostics company, until its acquisition
by Hologic, Inc. in 2008. Mr. Conroy joined Third Wave in July 2004 and served as general counsel until December 2005. Prior to
95
joining
Third Wave Technologies, Mr. Conroy was an intellectual property counsel at GE Healthcare. Before joining GE Healthcare, Mr. Conroy
was chief operating officer of two early-stage venture-backed companies. Prior to those positions, Mr. Conroy was an intellectual
property litigator at McDermott Will & Emery and Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard and Geraldson, where he was a partner.
Mr. Conroy has also served as the Chairman of United Way of Dane County and on the boards of directors of Wisconsin Technology
Council, BioForward Wisconsin, and Overture Center Foundation. Mr. Conroy graduated from the University of Michigan Law School
with a JD and from Michigan State University with a BA in electrical engineering.
We
believe that Mr. Conroy’s experience in the healthcare and life sciences industries make him well qualified to serve on
our board of directors.
Dr.
Todd Wider
, MD, has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Wider is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon,
focusing on cancer surgery, with a hospital appointment with Mt. Sinai Hospital/St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York
City. Dr. Wider also currently serves on the board of directors of Abeona Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABEO). Dr. Wider previously
consulted with a number of entities in the biotechnology space. Dr. Wider is also a principal in Wider Film Projects, a documentary
film company focusing on producing films with sociopolitical resonance. Dr. Wider graduated from Columbia College of Physicians
and Surgeons with an MD and from Princeton University with a BA in history of art and architecture.
We
believe that Dr. Wider’s experience in the healthcare and life sciences industries make him well qualified to serve on our
board of directors.
Dr.
David Hung
, MD, has agreed to serve on our board of directors. Dr. Hung recently served as Chief Executive Officer of
Axovant Biosciences Inc. from April 2017 until his resignation in February 2018. Prior to that, Dr. Hung was a co-founder of Medivation
and served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of its subsidiary, Medivation Neurology, Inc., from its inception
in September 2003 until its acquisition by Medivation in December 2004, at which time he became President, Chief Executive Officer
and director of Medivation. Dr. Hung served in those roles until Medivation was acquired by Pfizer, Inc. in September 2016. From
1998 to 2001, Dr. Hung served as Chief Scientific Officer (1998–1999) and as President, Chief Executive Officer and director
(1999–2001) of Pro-Duct Health, Inc., a privately-held medical device company focused on breast cancer cytological diagnostics
and therapeutics. From 1996 to 1998, Dr. Hung served in various senior positions at Chiron Corporation, including as Vice President
of Lead Discovery and Development and Vice President of New Projects. Dr. Hung currently serves as a director of Establishment
Labs Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ESTA), NovoCure (NASDAQ: NVCR) and Auransa Inc., and as founder, President and CEO and director of
RePharmation Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company. He previously served as a director of Opexa Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical
company, from May 2006 to October 2011. Dr. Hung received an MD from the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine,
and an AB in Biology from Harvard College.
We
believe that Dr. Hung's experience in the healthcare and life sciences industries make him well qualified to serve on our board
of directors.
Number
and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors
Our
board of directors is divided into three classes, with only one class of directors being elected in each year, and with each class
(except for those directors appointed prior to our first annual meeting of shareholders) serving a three-year term. The term of
office of the first class of directors, consisting of Michael Altman and Dr. Todd Wider, will expire at our first annual meeting
of shareholders. The term of office of the second class of directors, consisting of Adam Stone and Kevin Conroy, will expire at
our second annual meeting of shareholders. The term of office of the third class of directors, consisting of Joseph Edelman and
Dr. David Hung, will expire at our third annual meeting of shareholders.
Prior
to the completion of an initial business combination, any vacancy on the board of directors may be filled by a nominee chosen
by holders of a majority of our founder shares. In addition, prior to the completion of an initial business combination, holders
of a majority of our founder shares may remove a member of the board of directors for any reason.
Pursuant
to an agreement to be entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in this offering, our sponsor, upon
consummation of an initial business combination and for so long as our sponsor and its permitted transferees collectively hold
at least 50% of the number of ordinary shares held by the sponsor upon consummation of this offering (after giving appropriate
effect to any share splits, reverse share splits or other similar corporate transactions, or any adjustment to the conversion
rate of the founder shares in connection with an initial business combination), will be entitled to nominate one person for election
to our board of directors.
96
Our
officers are appointed by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors, rather than for specific
terms of office. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association as it deems appropriate. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
will provide that our officers may consist of one or more chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president, chief financial
officer, vice presidents, secretary, treasurer and such other offices as may be determined by the board of directors.
Director
Independence
Nasdaq
listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined
generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship
which in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent
judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this
prospectus forms a part, we expect to have “independent directors” as defined in Nasdaq’s listing standards
and applicable SEC rules. Our board of directors has determined that
Joseph Edelman,
Dr. Todd Wider, Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung are “independent directors”
as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings
at which only independent directors are present.
Executive
Officer and Director Compensation
In
September 2018, our sponsor transferred 30,000 founder shares to each of Messrs. Conroy, Wider and Hung. None of our executive
officers or directors have received any cash compensation for services rendered to us. Commencing on the date that our securities
are first listed on the Nasdaq through the earlier of consummation of our initial business combination and our liquidation, we
will reimburse an affiliate of our sponsor for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to us in an amount
not to exceed $10,000 per month. In addition, our sponsor, executive officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates
will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential
target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly
basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, executive officers or directors, or our or their affiliates. Any such payments
prior to an initial business combination will be made using funds held outside the trust account. Other than quarterly audit committee
review of such reimbursements, we do not expect to have any additional controls in place governing our reimbursement payments
to our directors and executive officers for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with our activities on our behalf
in connection with identifying and consummating an initial business combination. Other than these payments and reimbursements,
no compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid by the company to our sponsor, executive
officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, prior to completion of our initial business combination.
After
the completion of our initial business combination, directors or members of our management team who remain with us may be paid
consulting or management fees from the combined company. All of these fees will be fully disclosed to shareholders, to the extent
then known, in the proxy solicitation materials or tender offer materials furnished to our shareholders in connection with a proposed
business combination. We have not established any limit on the amount of such fees that may be paid by the combined company to
our directors or members of management. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of the proposed
business combination, because the directors of the post-combination business will be responsible for determining executive officer
and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to our executive officers will be determined, or recommended to the board
of directors for determination, either by a compensation committee constituted solely by independent directors or by a majority
of the independent directors on our board of directors.
We
do not intend to take any action to ensure that members of our management team maintain their positions with us after the consummation
of our initial business combination, although it is possible that some or all of our executive officers and directors may negotiate
employment or consulting arrangements to remain with us after our initial business combination. The existence or terms of any
such employment or consulting arrangements to retain their positions with us may influence our management’s motivation in
identifying or selecting a target business but we do not believe that the ability of our management to remain with us after the
consummation of our initial business combination will be a determining factor in our decision to proceed with any potential business
combination. We are not party to any agreements with our executive officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination
of employment.
97
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Upon
the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, our board of directors will have three
standing committees: an audit committee, a nominating committee and a compensation committee. Subject to phase-in rules and a
limited exception, the rules of Nasdaq and Rule 10A of the Exchange Act require that the audit committee of a listed company be
comprised solely of independent directors. Subject to phase-in rules and a limited exception, the rules of Nasdaq require that
the compensation committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors. Each committee will operate under
a charter that has been approved by our board and will have the composition and responsibilities described below. The charter
of each committee will be available on our website.
Audit
Committee
Upon
the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will establish an audit committee of
the board of directors. Dr. Todd Wider, Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung will serve as members of our audit committee. Our board
of directors has determined that each of Dr. Todd Wider, Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung are independent. Dr. Todd Wider will
serve as the Chairman of the audit committee. Each member of the audit committee meets the financial literacy requirements of
Nasdaq and our board of directors has determined that Dr. Todd Wider qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert”
as defined in applicable SEC rules and has accounting or related financial management expertise.
The
audit committee is responsible for:
¡
meeting with our independent registered public accounting firm regarding, among other issues, audits, and adequacy of our accounting
and control systems;
¡
monitoring the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm;
¡
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;
¡
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 registered public accounting
firm, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed;
¡
appointing or replacing the independent registered public accounting firm;
¡
determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm (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;
¡
monitoring compliance on a quarterly basis with the terms of this offering and, if any noncompliance is identified, immediately
taking all action necessary to rectify such noncompliance or otherwise causing compliance with the terms of this offering; and
¡
reviewing and approving all payments made to our existing shareholders, executive officers
or directors and their respective affiliates. Any payments made to members of our audit committee will be reviewed and approved
by our board of directors, with the interested director or directors abstaining from such review and approval.
Nominating
Committee
Upon
the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will establish a nominating committee
of our board of directors. The members of our nominating committee will be Dr. Todd Wider, Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung, and
Kevin Conroy will serve as chairman of the nominating committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of Dr. Todd Wider,
Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung are independent.
98
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, shareholders, investment bankers and others.
Guidelines
for Selecting Director Nominees
The
guidelines for selecting nominees, which will be specified a charter to be adopted by us, 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 shareholders.
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 shareholders and other persons.
Compensation
Committee
Upon
the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will establish a compensation committee
of our board of directors. The members of our compensation committee will be Dr. Todd Wider, Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung,
and Dr. David Hung will serve as chairman of the compensation committee.
Our
board of directors has determined that each of Dr. Todd Wider, Kevin Conroy and Dr. David Hung are independent. We will adopt
a compensation committee charter, which will detail the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:
¡
reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s
compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance 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 Section 16 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;
¡
producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and
¡
reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.
The
charter will also provide that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation
consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of
the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel
or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required
by Nasdaq and the SEC.
99
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None
of our executive officers currently serves, and in the past year has not served, as a member of the compensation committee of
any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors.
Code
of Ethics
Upon
to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will have adopted a Code of Ethics
applicable to our directors, officers and employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request
from us. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of Ethics in a Current Report on
Form 8-K.
Conflicts
of Interest
Under
Cayman Islands law, directors and officers owe the following fiduciary duties:
¡
duty to act in good faith in what the director or officer believes to be in the best interests of the company as a whole;
¡
duty to exercise powers for the purposes for which those powers were conferred and not for a collateral purpose;
¡
directors should not improperly fetter the exercise of future discretion;
¡
duty to exercise powers fairly as between different sections of shareholders;
¡
duty not to put themselves in a position in which there is a conflict between their duty to the company and their personal interests;
and
¡
duty to exercise independent judgment.
In
addition to the above, directors also owe a duty of care which is not fiduciary in nature. This duty has been defined as a requirement
to act as a reasonably diligent person having both the general knowledge, skill and experience that may reasonably be expected
of a person carrying out the same functions as are carried out by that director in relation to the company and the general knowledge
skill and experience of that director.
As
set out above, directors have a duty not to put themselves in a position of conflict and this includes a duty not to engage in
self-dealing, or to otherwise benefit as a result of their position. However, in some instances what would otherwise be a breach
of this duty can be forgiven and/or authorized in advance by the shareholders provided that there is full disclosure by the directors.
This can be done by way of permission granted in the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or alternatively
by shareholder approval at general meetings.
Certain
of our officers and directors presently have, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations
to other entities, including entities that are affiliates of our sponsor, pursuant to which such officer or director is or will
be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entity. Accordingly, if any of our officers or directors becomes
aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual
obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business combination opportunity
to such entity, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. We do not believe, however, that the fiduciary duties
or contractual obligations of our officers or directors will materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination.
100
Below
is a table summarizing the entities to which our executive officers and directors currently have fiduciary duties, contractual
obligations or other material management relationships:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph
Edelman
|
|
Perceptive
Advisors, LLC
|
|
Hedge
Fund
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager
|
Adam
Stone
|
|
Perceptive
Advisors, LLC
|
|
Hedge
Fund
|
|
Chief
Investment Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solid
Biosciences
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Renovia
|
|
Healthcare
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xontogeny
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
Altman
|
|
Perceptive
Advisors, LLC
|
|
Hedge
Fund
|
|
Senior
Analyst
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vensun
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vitruvius
Therapeutics
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lyra
Therapeutics
|
|
Healthcare
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin
Conroy
|
|
Exact
Sciences Corporation
|
|
Diagnostics
|
|
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epizyme,
Inc.
|
|
Biopharmaceuticals
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Todd
Wider
|
|
Abeona
Therapeutics
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David
Hung
|
|
Establishment
Labs Holdings Inc.
|
|
Medical
Devices
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NovoCure
|
|
Oncology
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RePharmation
Inc.
|
|
Biopharmaceuticals
|
|
Founder,
President and CEO and Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auransa
Inc.
|
|
Biopharmaceuticals
|
|
Director
|
Potential
investors should also be aware of the following other potential conflicts of interest:
¡
Our executive officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result
in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search for a business combination and their
other businesses. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination.
Each of our executive officers is engaged in several other business endeavors for which he may be entitled to substantial compensation,
and our executive officers are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs.
¡
Our sponsor subscribed for founder shares prior to the date of this prospectus and will purchase private placement warrants in
a transaction that will close simultaneously with the closing of this offering. In September 2018, our sponsor transferred 30,000
founder shares to each of Messrs. Conroy, Wider and Hung. Our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have entered into
agreements with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and
public shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination. Additionally, our sponsor has agreed to waive
its rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to its founder shares if we fail to complete our initial
business combination within the prescribed time frame. If we do not complete our initial business combination within the prescribed
time frame, the private placement warrants will expire worthless. Except as described herein, our sponsor and our directors and
executive officers have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their founder shares until the earliest of (A) one year
after the completion of our initial business combination or (B) subsequent to our initial business combination, (x) if the closing
price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share
101
(as
adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within
any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination, or (y) the date on which we complete
a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having
the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. The private placement warrants will not be
transferable until 30 days following the completion of our initial business combination. Because each of our executive officers
and director nominees will own ordinary shares or warrants directly or indirectly, they may have a conflict of interest in determining
whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination.
¡
Our officers and directors may 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.
We
are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a business combination target that is affiliated with our
sponsor, officers or directors or making the acquisition through a joint venture or other form of shared ownership with our sponsor,
officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination with an business combination target that
is affiliated with our sponsor, executive officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an
opinion from an independent investment banking which is a member of FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm, that
such initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. We are not required to obtain such an
opinion in any other context. Furthermore, in no event will our sponsor or any of our existing officers or directors, or any of
their respective affiliates, be paid by the company any finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation prior to, or
for any services they render in order to effectuate, the completion of our initial business combination. Further, commencing on
the date our securities are first listed on the Nasdaq, we will also reimburse an affiliate of our sponsor for office space, secretarial
and administrative services provided to us in an amount not to exceed $10,000 per month.
We
cannot assure you that any of the above mentioned conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
In
the event that we submit our initial business combination to our public shareholders for a vote, our initial shareholders have
agreed to vote their founder shares, and they and the members of our management team have agreed to vote any shares purchased
during or after the offering, in favor of our initial business combination.
Limitation
on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Cayman
Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification
of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to
public policy, such as to provide indemnification against willful default, fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to
the maximum extent permitted by law, including for any liability incurred in their capacities as such, except through their own
actual fraud, willful default or willful neglect. We expect to purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances
and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors.
Our
officers and directors have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account,
and have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in the future as a result of, or arising
out of, any services provided to us and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly,
any indemnification provided will only be able to be satisfied by us if (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the trust account
or (ii) we consummate an initial business combination.
Our
indemnification obligations may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against our officers or directors for breach of
their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our
officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. Furthermore,
a shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against
our officers and directors 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
officers and directors.
102
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The
following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this prospectus,
and as adjusted to reflect the sale of our Class A ordinary shares included in the units offered by this prospectus, and assuming
no purchase of units in this offering, by:
¡
each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares;
¡
each of our executive officers, directors and director nominees that beneficially owns ordinary shares; and
¡
all our executive officers and directors as a group.
Unless
otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
of our ordinary shares beneficially owned by them. The following table does not reflect record or beneficial ownership of the
private placement warrants as these warrants are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
On
July 5, 2018, we issued to our sponsor 3,593,750 founder shares (of which, 468,750 are subject to forfeiture if the underwriters
do not exercise their over-allotment option) in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000, or approximately $0.007 per share.
In September 2018, our sponsor transferred 30,000 founder shares to each of Messrs. Conroy, Wider and Hung. Prior to the initial
investment in the company of $25,000 by the sponsor, the company had no assets, tangible or intangible. The per share price of
the founder shares was determined by dividing the amount contributed to the company by the number of founder shares issued. The
post-offering percentages in the following table assume that the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option and
that there are 15,625,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding after this offering.
|
|
Number
of
Shares
|
|
Approximate
Percentage of Outstanding Ordinary Shares
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARYA
Sciences Holdings (our sponsor)
(3)
|
|
3,035,000
|
|
97.5
|
%
|
|
19.4
|
%
|
Joseph
Edelman
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Adam
Stone
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Michael
Altman
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Kevin
Conroy
|
|
30,000
|
|
*
|
|
|
*
|
|
Dr.
Todd Wider
|
|
30,000
|
|
*
|
|
|
*
|
|
Dr.
David Hung
|
|
30,000
|
|
*
|
|
|
*
|
|
All
officers, directors and director nominees
as a group (six individuals)
|
|
90,000
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
|
*
|
|
Immediately
after this offering, our initial shareholders will beneficially own 20% of the then issued and outstanding ordinary shares (assuming
they do not purchase any units in this offering) and will have the right to elect all of our directors prior to our initial business
combination. Holders of our public shares will not have the right to elect any directors to our board of directors prior to our
initial business combination. Because of this ownership block, our initial shareholders may be able to effectively influence the
outcome of all other matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including amendments to our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association and approval of significant corporate transactions including our initial business combination.
103
Our
initial shareholders have agreed (a) to vote any founder shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination and
(b) not to redeem any founder shares in connection with a shareholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination.
Our
sponsor is deemed to be our “promoter” as such term is defined under the federal securities laws.
Transfers
of Founder Shares and Private Placement Warrants
The
founder shares, private placement warrants and any Class A ordinary shares issued upon conversion or exercise thereof are each
subject to transfer restrictions pursuant to lock-up provisions in the agreements entered into by our sponsor and management team.
Our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their founder shares until
the earliest of (a) one year after the completion of our initial business combination and (b) upon consummation of our initial
business combination, (x) if the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted
for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading
day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination or (y) the date on which we complete a liquidation,
merger, share exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having the right to
exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property. The private placement warrants and the respective
Class A ordinary shares underlying such warrants are not transferable or salable until 30 days after the completion of our initial
business combination except in each case (a) to our officers or directors, any affiliates or family members of any of our officers
or directors, to our sponsor, any members or partners of our sponsor or their affiliates, or any affiliates of our sponsor; (b)
in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of one of the individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary
of which is a member of the individual’s immediate family, an affiliate of such person or to a charitable organization;
(c) in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual; (d) in the case
of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (e) by private sales or transfers made in connection with
the consummation of a business combination at prices no greater than the price at which the founder shares, private placement
warrants or Class A ordinary shares were originally purchased; (f) by virtue of our sponsor’s organizational documents upon
liquidation or dissolution of our sponsor; (g) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation
of our initial business combination; (h) in the event of our liquidation prior to the completion of our initial business combination;
or (i) in the event of our completion of a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all
of our shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property subsequent
to our completion of our initial business combination; provided, however, that in the case of clauses (a) through (f) these permitted
transferees must enter into a written agreement agreeing to be bound by these transfer restrictions and the other restrictions
contained in the letter agreements.
104
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On
July 5, 2018, we issued 3,593,750 founder shares to our sponsor in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000, or approximately
$0.007 per share. In September 2018, our sponsor transferred 30,000 founder shares to each of Messrs. Conroy, Wider and Hung.
Such shares will not be subject to forfeiture in the event the underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised. The number
of founder shares issued was determined based on the expectation that such founder shares would represent 20% of the outstanding
shares upon completion of this offering. If we increase or decrease the size of the offering, we will effect a share capitalization
or a share surrender or other appropriate mechanism, as applicable, with respect to our Class B ordinary shares immediately prior
to the consummation of the offering in such amount as to maintain the ownership of our initial shareholders (and their permitted
transferees, if any) at 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of our ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering.
Up to 468,750 founder shares are subject to forfeiture by our sponsor depending on the extent to which the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised. The founder shares (including the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise thereof)
may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holder.
Our
sponsor has committed, pursuant to a written agreement, to purchase 5,437,500 private placement warrants (or 5,953,125 private
placement warrants if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) for a purchase price of $1.00 per whole warrant in a private
placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of this offering. As such, our sponsor’s interest in this transaction
is valued at between $5,437,500 and $5,953,125, depending on the number of private placement warrants purchased. Each private
placement warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our Class A ordinary shares at $11.50 per share. The private placement
warrants (including the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise thereof) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions,
be transferred, assigned or sold by the holder.
As
more fully discussed in the section of this prospectus entitled “Management — Conflicts of Interest,” if any
of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any
entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or
contractual obligations to present such opportunity to such entity. Our officers and directors currently have certain relevant
fiduciary duties or contractual obligations that may take priority over their duties to us.
We
currently maintain our executive offices at 51 Astor Place, 10
th
Floor, New York,
NY 10003. The cost for our use of this space is included in the $10,000 per month fee we will pay to an affiliate of our sponsor
for office space, administrative and support services, commencing on the date that our securities are first listed on the Nasdaq.
Upon completion of our initial business combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees.
No
compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid to our sponsor, officers and directors, or
any of their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the completion of an initial business
combination. However, these individuals will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities
on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations.
Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or
their affiliates and will determine which expenses and the amount of expenses that will be reimbursed. There is no cap or ceiling
on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on our behalf.
Our
sponsor may loan us funds to be used for a portion of the expenses of this offering. These loans would be non-interest bearing,
unsecured and are due at the earlier of December 31, 2018 or the closing of this offering. The loan would be repaid upon the closing
of this offering out of the estimated $1,000,000 of offering proceeds that has been allocated to the payment of offering expenses.
In
addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor or an
affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required.
If we complete an initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. 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
105
such
repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the
lender. The warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants, including as to exercise price, exercisability and
exercise period. The terms of such loans by our officers and directors, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements
exist with respect to such loans. We do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor
as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek
access to funds in our trust account.
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 our shareholders, to the extent then known, in
the tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, furnished to our shareholders. It is unlikely the amount of such
compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such tender offer materials or at the time of a shareholder meeting
held to consider our initial business combination, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business
to determine executive and director compensation.
We
will enter into a registration and shareholder rights agreement pursuant to which our initial shareholders, and their permitted
transferees, if any, will be entitled to certain registration rights with respect to the private placement warrants, the warrants
issuable upon conversion of working capital loans (if any) and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the foregoing
and upon conversion of the founder shares. Further, upon consummation of our initial business combination and for so long as our
sponsor and its permitted transferees collectively hold at least 50% of the number of ordinary shares held by the sponsor upon
consummation of this offering (after giving appropriate effect to any share splits, reverse share splits or other similar corporate
transactions, or any adjustment to the conversion rate of the founder shares in connection with an initial business combination),
our sponsor will be entitled to nominate one person for election to our board of directors, which is described under the section
of this prospectus entitled “Description of Securities — Registration and Shareholder Rights.”
Our
sponsor has indicated an interest to purchase up to an aggregate of $25,000,000 of our ordinary shares in a private placement
that would occur concurrently with the consummation of our initial business combination. The funds from such private placement
would be used as part of the consideration to the sellers in our initial business combination, and any excess funds from such
private placement would be used for working capital in the post-transaction company. However, because indications of interest
are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, our sponsor may determine not to purchase any such shares, or to purchase
fewer shares than it has indicated an interest in purchasing. Furthermore, we are not under any obligation to sell any such shares.
Such investment would be made on terms and conditions determined at the time of the business combination.
Policy
for Approval of Related Party Transactions
The
audit committee of our board of directors will adopt a charter, providing for the review, approval and/or ratification of “related
party transactions,” which are those transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K as promulgated
by the SEC, by the audit committee. At its meetings, the audit committee shall be provided with the details of each new, existing,
or proposed related party transaction, including the terms of the transaction, any contractual restrictions that the company has
already committed to, the business purpose of the transaction, and the benefits of the transaction to the company and to the relevant
related party. Any member of the committee who has an interest in the related party transaction under review by the committee
shall abstain from voting on the approval of the related party transaction, but may, if so requested by the chairman of the committee,
participate in some or all of the committee’s discussions of the related party transaction. Upon completion of its review
of the related party transaction, the committee may determine to permit or to prohibit the related party transaction.
106
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
We
are a Cayman Islands exempted company and our affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association,
the Companies Law and the common law of the Cayman Islands. Pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
which will be adopted upon the consummation of this offering, we will be authorized to issue 479,000,000 Class A ordinary shares
and 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, as well as 1,000,000 preference shares, $0.0001 par value each. The following description
summarizes certain terms of our shares as set out more particularly in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you.
Units
Each
unit has an offering price of $10.00 and consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one warrant. Each whole warrant
entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described
in this prospectus. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, a warrant holder may exercise its warrants only for a whole number of the
company’s Class A ordinary shares. This means only a whole warrant may be exercised at any given time by a warrant holder.
No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Accordingly, unless you
purchase at least two units, you will not be able to receive or trade a whole warrant.
The
Class A ordinary shares and warrants comprising the units are expected to begin separate trading on the 52
nd
day following the date of this prospectus unless Jefferies LLC informs us of its decision to allow earlier separate
trading, subject to our having filed the Current Report on Form 8-K described below and having issued a press release announcing
when such separate trading will begin. Once the Class A ordinary shares and warrants commence separate trading, holders will have
the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component securities. Holders will need to have their brokers
contact our transfer agent in order to separate the units into Class A ordinary shares and warrants.
In
no event will the Class A ordinary shares 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. We will file
a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes this audited balance sheet upon the completion of this offering, which is anticipated
to take place three business days after the date of this prospectus. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised
following the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K, a second or amended Current Report on Form 8-K will be filed
to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.
Additionally,
the units will automatically separate into their component parts and will not be traded after completion of our initial business
combination.
Ordinary
Shares
Prior
to the date of this prospectus, there were 3,593,750 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding, all of which were held of
record by our initial shareholders, so that our initial shareholders will own 20% of our issued and outstanding shares after this
offering (assuming our initial shareholders do not purchase any units in this offering). Upon the closing of this offering, 15,625,000
of our ordinary shares will be outstanding (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) including:
¡
12,500,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying the units issued as part of this offering; and
¡
3,125,000 Class B ordinary shares held by our initial shareholders.
If
we increase or decrease the size of this offering, we will effect a share capitalization or share compulsory redemption or redemption
or other appropriate mechanism, as applicable, with respect to our Class B ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation
of this offering in such amount as to maintain the ownership of our initial shareholders (and their permitted transferees, if
any) at 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of our ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering.
107
Ordinary
shareholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by shareholders. Holders of
Class A ordinary shares and holders of Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to
a vote of our shareholders except as required by law. Unless specified in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association, or as required by applicable provisions of the Companies Law or applicable stock exchange rules, the affirmative
vote of a majority of our ordinary shares that are voted is required to approve any such matter voted on by our shareholders.
Approval of certain actions will require a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of our ordinary shares that are voted, and pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association;
such actions include amending our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and approving a statutory merger
or consolidation with another company. 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 voted for the election of directors
can elect all of the directors. Our shareholders are entitled to receive ratable dividends when, as and if declared by the board
of directors out of funds legally available therefor.
Because
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will authorize the issuance of up to 479,000,000 Class A ordinary
shares, if we were to enter into a business combination, we may (depending on the terms of such a business combination) be required
to increase the number of Class A ordinary shares which we are authorized to issue at the same time as our shareholders vote on
the business combination to the extent we seek shareholder approval in connection with our initial business combination.
Our
board of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class (except
for those directors appointed prior to our first annual meeting of shareholders) serving a three-year term. In accordance with
Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual meeting until one year after our first fiscal
year end following our listing on Nasdaq. As an exempted company, there is no requirement under the Companies Law for us to hold
annual or general meetings or elect directors. We may not hold an annual meeting of shareholders to elect new directors prior
to the consummation of our initial business combination. Prior to the completion of an initial business combination, any vacancy
on the board of directors may be filled by a nominee chosen by holders of a majority of our founder shares. In addition, prior
to the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our founder shares may remove a member of the board
of directors for any reason.
We
will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion
of our initial business combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the
trust account calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, including interest
(net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein.
The amount in the trust account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per public share. The per share amount we will distribute
to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the
underwriters. The redemption rights will include the requirement that a beneficial owner must identify itself in order to valid
redeem its shares. Our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have entered into agreements with us, pursuant to which
they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and public shares in connection with the
completion of our initial business combination. Unlike many blank check companies that hold shareholder votes and conduct proxy
solicitations in conjunction with their initial business combinations and provide for related redemptions of public shares for
cash upon completion of such initial business combinations even when a vote is not required by law, if a shareholder vote is not
required by law and we do not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we will, pursuant to our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the
SEC, and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination. Our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association will require these tender offer documents to contain substantially the same financial and
other information about the initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under the SEC’s proxy
rules. If, however, a shareholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or we decide to obtain shareholder approval
for business or other legal reasons, we will, like many blank check companies, offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy
solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. If we seek shareholder approval, we will
complete our initial business combination only if a majority of the ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the initial business
combination. However, the participation of our sponsor, officers, directors,
108
advisors
or their affiliates in privately-negotiated transactions (as described in this prospectus), if any, could result in the approval
of our initial business combination even if a majority of our public shareholders vote, or indicate their intention to vote, against
such initial business combination unless restricted by applicable Nasdaq rules. For purposes of seeking approval of the majority
of our outstanding ordinary shares, non-votes will have no effect on the approval of our initial business combination once a quorum
is obtained. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will require that at least five days’ notice
will be given of any general meeting.
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial
business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will
provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder
is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from redeeming
its shares with respect to Excess Shares. However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote all of
their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial business combination. Our shareholders’ inability to redeem
the Excess Shares will reduce their influence over our ability to complete our initial business combination, and such shareholders
could suffer a material loss in their investment if they sell such Excess Shares on the open market. Additionally, such shareholders
will not receive redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we complete our initial business combination. And,
as a result, such shareholders will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose such shares
would be required to sell their shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.
If
we seek shareholder approval in connection with our initial business combination, our sponsor and our directors and executive
officers have agreed to vote their founder shares and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in favor of our
initial business combination. As a result, in addition to our initial shareholders’ founder shares, we would need 4,687,501,
or 37.5%, of the 12,500,000 public shares sold in this offering to be voted in favor of an initial business combination in order
to have our initial business combination approved (assuming all outstanding shares are voted and the over-allotment option is
not exercised). The other members of our management team have entered into agreements similar to the one entered into by our sponsor
with respect to any public shares acquired by them in or after this offering. Additionally, each public shareholder may elect
to redeem their public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction.
Pursuant
to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, if we are unable to consummate an 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 no 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 (less up to $100,000 of
interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (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 shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case
to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Our
sponsor has entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which it has agreed to waive its rights to liquidating distributions
from the trust account with respect to its founder shares if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months
from the closing of this offering. However, if our sponsor or members of our management team acquire public shares in or after
this offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such public shares if
we fail to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time period.
In
the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company after a business combination, our shareholders are entitled
to share ratably in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision is
made for each class of shares, if any, having preference over the ordinary shares. Our shareholders have no preemptive or other
subscription rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the ordinary shares, except that we will provide our public
shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares for cash at a per share price equal to the aggregate amount then
on deposit in the trust account, including interest (net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares,
upon the completion of our initial business combination, subject to the limitations described herein.
109
Founder
Shares
The
founder shares are designated as Class B ordinary shares and, except as described below, are identical to the Class A ordinary
shares included in the units being sold in this offering, and holders of founder shares have the same shareholder rights as public
shareholders, except that (i) the founder shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below,
(ii) our sponsor has entered into an agreement with us, pursuant to which it has agreed (A) to waive its redemption rights with
respect to its founder shares and public shares in connection with the completion of our initial business combination, (B) to
waive its redemption rights with respect to its founder shares and public shares in connection with a shareholder vote to approve
an amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or timing of our
obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we have not consummated an initial business combination within 24 months from
the closing of this offering and (C) to waive its rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to its
founder shares if we fail to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, although
it will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any public shares it holds if we fail
to complete our initial business combination within such time period, (iii) the founder shares are automatically convertible into
Class A ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination as described herein, and (iv) prior to the completion
of our initial business combination, only our founder shares will have the right to vote on the election of our directors. If
we submit our initial business combination to our public shareholders for a vote, our sponsor and our directors and executive
officers have agreed to vote their founder shares and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in favor of our
initial business combination.
The
founder shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares on the first business day following the consummation of
our initial business combination at a ratio such that the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all founder
shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of (i) the total number of Class A ordinary shares
issued and outstanding upon completion of this offering, plus (ii) the sum of (a) the total number of Class A ordinary shares
issued or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued,
by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any Class
A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued, or to be issued,
to any seller in the initial business combination and any private placement warrants issued to our sponsor upon conversion of
working capital loans, minus (b) the number of public shares redeemed by public shareholders in connection with our initial business
combination.
Except
as described herein, our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their
founder shares until (a) one year after the completion of our initial business combination, or (b) following the completion of
the Company's initial business combination, the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization
or other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares
for cash, securities or other property. Any permitted transferees will be subject to the same restrictions and other agreements
of our sponsor with respect to any founder shares. We refer to such transfer restrictions throughout this prospectus as the lock-up.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted
for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading
day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination, the founder shares will be released from the lock-up.
Prior
to our initial business combination, only holders of our founder shares will have the right to vote on the election of directors.
Holders of our public shares will not be entitled to vote on the election of directors during such time. In addition, prior to
the completion of an initial business combination, holders of a majority of our founder shares may remove a member of the board
of directors for any reason. These provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be amended
by a resolution passed by a majority of our Class B ordinary shares. With respect to any other matter submitted to a vote of our
shareholders, including any vote in connection with our initial business combination, except as required by law, holders of our
founder shares and holders of our public shares will vote together as a single class, with each share entitling the holder to
one vote.
110
Register
of Members
Under
Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there will be entered therein:
¡
the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member, and of the amount paid or agreed to be
considered as paid, on the shares of each member;
¡
the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
¡
the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under
Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e. the register
of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register
of members will be deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register
of members. Upon the closing of this public offering, the register of members will be immediately updated to reflect the issue
of shares by us. Once our register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members will be deemed
to have legal title to the shares set against their name. However, there are certain limited circumstances where an application
may be made to a Cayman Islands court for a determination on whether the register of members reflects the correct legal position.
Further, the Cayman Islands court has the power to order that the register of members maintained by a company should be rectified
where it considers that the register of members does not reflect the correct legal position. If an application for an order for
rectification of the register of members were made in respect of our ordinary shares, then the validity of such shares may be
subject to re-examination by a Cayman Islands court.
Preference
Shares
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will authorize 1,000,000 preference shares and will provide that preference
shares may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors will be authorized to fix the voting rights,
if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of directors will be able to, without
shareholder approval, issue preference shares with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other
rights of the holders of the ordinary shares and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue
preference shares without shareholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control
of us or the removal of existing management. We have no preference shares issued and outstanding at the date hereof. Although
we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preference shares, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future.
No preference shares are being issued or registered in this offering.
Warrants
Public
Shareholders’ Warrants
Each
whole warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to
adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing on the later of one year from the closing of this offering or 30 days after
the completion of our initial business combination, provided in each case that we have an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating
to them is available (or we permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis under the circumstances specified in
the warrant agreement) and such shares are registered, qualified or exempt from registration under the securities, or blue sky,
laws of the state of residence of the holder. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, a warrant holder may exercise its warrants only
for a whole number of Class A ordinary shares. This means only a whole warrant may be exercised at a given time by a warrant holder.
No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Accordingly, unless you
purchase at least two units, you will not be able to receive or trade a whole warrant. The warrants will expire five years after
the completion of our initial business combination, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
111
We
will not be obligated to deliver any Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of a warrant and will have no obligation
to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the Class A ordinary
shares underlying the warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to our satisfying our obligations
described below with respect to registration. No warrant will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue a Class A ordinary
share upon exercise of a warrant unless the Class A ordinary share issuable upon such warrant exercise has been registered, qualified
or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the warrants. In the event
that the conditions in the two immediately preceding sentences are not satisfied with respect to a warrant, the holder of such
warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In no event will
we be required to net cash settle any warrant. In the event that a registration statement is not effective for the exercised warrants,
the purchaser of a unit containing such warrant will have paid the full purchase price for the unit solely for the Class A ordinary
share underlying such unit.
We
have agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than twenty business days after the closing of our initial business
combination, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration,
under the Securities Act, of the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants. We will use our commercially
reasonable efforts to cause the same to become effective and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement, and
a current prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration of the warrants in accordance with the provisions of the warrant agreement.
If a registration statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the
sixtieth day after the closing of the initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective
registration statement and during any period when we will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise
warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption.
Once
the warrants become exercisable, we may call the warrants for redemption:
¡
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 (the “30-day redemption period”) to each warrant
holder; and
¡
if, and only if, the reported closing price of the ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits,
share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period
ending three business days before we send to the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.
If
and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify
the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.
We
have established the last of the redemption criterion discussed above to prevent a redemption call unless there is at the time
of the call a significant premium to the warrant exercise price. If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice
of redemption of the warrants, each warrant holder will be entitled to exercise his, her or its warrant prior to the scheduled
redemption date. However, the price of the Class A ordinary shares may fall below the $18.00 redemption trigger price (as adjusted
for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) 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 any holder that wishes
to exercise his, her or its warrant to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders
to exercise their warrants on a “cashless basis,” our management will consider, among other factors, our cash position,
the number of warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect on our shareholders of issuing the maximum number of Class
A ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of our warrants. If our management takes advantage of this option, all holders of
warrants would pay the exercise price by surrendering their warrants for that number of Class A ordinary shares equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of Class A ordinary shares 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” will mean the average reported closing price of the Class A ordinary shares for the 10 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. If
our management takes
112
advantage
of this option, the notice of redemption will contain the information necessary to calculate the number of Class A ordinary shares
to be received upon exercise of the warrants, including the “fair market value” in such case. Requiring a cashless
exercise in this manner will reduce the number of shares to be issued and thereby lessen the dilutive effect of a warrant redemption.
We believe this feature is an attractive option to us if we do not need the cash from the exercise of the warrants after our initial
business combination. If we call our warrants for redemption and our management does not take advantage of this option, the holders
of the private placement warrants and their permitted transferees would still be entitled to exercise their private placement
warrants for cash or on a cashless basis using the same formula described above that other warrant holders would have been required
to use had all warrant holders been required to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis, as described in more detail below.
A
holder of a warrant may notify us in writing in the event it elects to be subject to a requirement that such holder will not have
the right to exercise such warrant, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, such person (together with such person’s
affiliates), to the warrant agent’s actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 4.9% or 9.8% (as specified by
the holder) of the Class A ordinary shares issued and outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise.
If
the number of outstanding Class A ordinary shares is increased by a share dividend payable in Class A ordinary shares, or by a
split-up of ordinary shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such share dividend, split-up or similar event,
the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable on exercise of each warrant will be increased in proportion to such increase in
the outstanding ordinary shares. A rights offering to holders of ordinary shares entitling holders to purchase Class A ordinary
shares at a price less than the fair market value will be deemed a share dividend of a number of Class A ordinary shares equal
to the product of (i) the number of Class A ordinary shares actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other
equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for Class A ordinary shares) and (ii)
the quotient of (x) the price per Class A ordinary share paid in such rights offering and (y) the fair market value. For these
purposes, (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for Class A ordinary shares, in determining
the price payable for Class A ordinary shares, there will be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as
well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion and (ii) fair market value means the volume weighted average
price of Class A ordinary shares as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first
date on which the Class A ordinary shares trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the
right to receive such rights.
In
addition, if we, at any time while the warrants are outstanding and unexpired, pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash,
securities or other assets to the holders of Class A ordinary shares on account of such Class A ordinary shares (or other securities
into which the warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described above, (b) certain ordinary cash dividends, (c) to satisfy
the redemption rights of the holders of Class A ordinary shares in connection with a proposed initial business combination or
(d) in connection with the redemption of our public shares upon our failure to complete our initial business combination, then
the warrant exercise price will be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such event, by the amount of cash
and/or the fair market value of any securities or other assets paid on each Class A ordinary share in respect of such event.
If
the number of outstanding Class A ordinary shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse share split or reclassification
of Class A ordinary shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse share
split, reclassification or similar event, the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable on exercise of each warrant will be decreased
in proportion to such decrease in outstanding Class A ordinary shares.
Whenever
the number of Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon the exercise of the warrants is adjusted, as described above, the warrant
exercise price will be adjusted by multiplying the warrant exercise price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x)
the numerator of which will be the number of Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon the exercise of the warrants immediately
prior to such adjustment and (y) the denominator of which will be the number of Class A ordinary shares so purchasable immediately
thereafter.
In
case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Class A ordinary shares (other than those described above or
that solely affects the par value of such Class A ordinary shares), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of us with or
into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which we are the
113
continuing
corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares), or
in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of us as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety in connection with which we are dissolved, the holders of the warrants will thereafter have the right
to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the warrants and in lieu of the Class A
ordinary shares immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind
and amount of Class A ordinary shares or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification,
reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, that the holder of the warrants
would have received if such holder had exercised their warrants immediately prior to such event. If less than 70% of the consideration
receivable by the holders of Class A ordinary shares in such a transaction is payable in the form of Class A ordinary shares in
the successor entity that is listed for trading on a national securities exchange or is quoted in an established over-the-counter
market, or is to be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the registered holder of the warrant
properly exercises the warrant within thirty days following public disclosure of such transaction, the warrant exercise price
will be reduced as specified in the warrant agreement based on the Black-Scholes value (as defined in the warrant agreement) of
the warrant. The purpose of such exercise price reduction is to provide additional value to holders of the warrants when an extraordinary
transaction occurs during the exercise period of the warrants pursuant to which the holders of the warrants otherwise do not receive
the full potential value of the 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 the holders of at least 50% of the
then outstanding public warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders. You should
review a copy of the warrant agreement, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants.
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 (or on a cashless basis, if applicable), 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 ordinary
shares and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive Class A ordinary shares. After the issuance of Class
A ordinary shares 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 shareholders.
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 down to the nearest whole number the number of Class
A ordinary shares to be issued to the warrant holder.
Private
Placement Warrants
The
private placement warrants (including the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants) will
not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination (except pursuant
to limited exceptions as described under “Principal Shareholders — Transfers of Founder Shares and Private Placement
Warrants,” to our officers and directors and other persons or entities affiliated with the initial purchasers of the private
placement warrants) and they will not be redeemable by us so long as they are held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees.
Our sponsor, or its permitted transferees, has the option to exercise the private placement warrants on a cashless basis. Except
as described below, the private placement warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the warrants being
sold as part of the units in this offering. If the private placement warrants are held by holders other than our sponsor or its
permitted transferees, the private placement 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.
If
holders of the private placement warrants elect to exercise them on a cashless basis, they would pay the exercise price by surrendering
his, her or its warrants for that number of Class A ordinary shares equal to the quotient
114
obtained
by dividing (x) the product of the number of Class A ordinary shares 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” will mean the average reported closing price of the Class A ordinary shares for the 10 trading days ending
on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of warrant exercise is sent to the warrant agent. The reason that
we have agreed that these warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by our sponsor and permitted
transferees is because it is not known at this time whether they will be affiliated with us following a business combination.
If they remain affiliated with us, their ability to sell our securities in the open market will be significantly limited. We expect
to have policies in place that prohibit insiders from selling our securities except during specific periods of time. Even during
such periods of time when insiders will be permitted to sell our securities, an insider cannot trade in our securities if he or
she is in possession of material non-public information. Accordingly, unlike public shareholders who could exercise their warrants
and sell the Class A ordinary shares received upon such exercise freely in the open market in order to recoup the cost of such
exercise, the insiders could be significantly restricted from selling such securities. As a result, we believe that allowing the
holders to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis is appropriate.
In
order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor or an affiliate of
our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. Up to $1,500,000
of such loans may be convertible into warrants of the post business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the
option of the lender. Such warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants.
Dividends
We
have not paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares 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 cash
dividends subsequent to a business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time. If we increase
the size of this offering, then we will effect a share capitalization with respect to our founder shares immediately prior to
the consummation of this offering in such amount as to maintain the number of founder shares at 20% of our issued and outstanding
shares of our ordinary shares upon the consummation of this offering. Further, if we incur any indebtedness, our ability to declare
dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.
Our
Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent
The
transfer agent for our ordinary shares and warrant agent for our warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. We
have agreed to indemnify Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company in its roles as transfer agent and warrant agent, its
agents and each of its shareholders, directors, officers and employees against all claims and losses that may arise out of acts
performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any claims and losses due to any gross negligence or intentional
misconduct of the indemnified person or entity.
Certain
Differences in Corporate Law
Cayman
Islands companies are governed by the Companies Law. The Companies Law is modeled on English Law but does not follow recent English
Law statutory enactments, and differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below
is a summary of the material differences between the provisions of the Companies Law applicable to us and the laws applicable
to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
Mergers
and Similar Arrangements
. In certain circumstances, the Companies Law allows for mergers or consolidations between
two Cayman Islands companies, or between a Cayman Islands exempted company and a company incorporated in another jurisdiction
(provided that is facilitated by the laws of that other jurisdiction) so as to form a single surviving company.
115
Where
the merger or consolidation is between two Cayman Islands companies, the directors of each company must approve and enter into
a written plan of merger or consolidation containing certain prescribed information. That plan or merger or consolidation must
then be authorized by either (a) a special resolution (usually a majority of two-thirds in value of the voting shares voted at
a general meeting) of the shareholders of each company; or (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent
company’s articles of association. No shareholder resolution is required for a merger between a parent company (i.e., a
company that owns at least 90% of the issued shares of each class in a subsidiary company) and its subsidiary company. The consent
of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest of a constituent company must be obtained, unless the court waives such
requirement. If the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies is satisfied that the requirements of the Companies Law (which includes
certain other formalities) have been complied with, the Registrar of Companies will register the plan of merger or consolidation.
Where
the merger or consolidation involves a foreign company, the procedure is similar, save that with respect to the foreign company,
the directors of the Cayman Islands exempted company are required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry,
they are of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been met: (i) that the merger or consolidation is permitted or
not prohibited by the constitutional documents of the foreign company and by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the foreign
company is incorporated, and that those laws and any requirements of those constitutional documents have been or will be complied
with; (ii) that no petition or other similar proceeding has been filed and remains outstanding or order made or resolution adopted
to wind up or liquidate the foreign company in any jurisdictions; (iii) that no receiver, trustee, administrator or other similar
person has been appointed in any jurisdiction and is acting in respect of the foreign company, its affairs or its property or
any part thereof; and (iv) that no scheme, order, compromise or other similar arrangement has been entered into or made in any
jurisdiction whereby the rights of creditors of the foreign company are and continue to be suspended or restricted.
Where
the surviving company is the Cayman Islands exempted company, the directors of the Cayman Islands exempted company are further
required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry, they are of the opinion that the requirements set
out below have been met: (i) that the foreign company is able to pay its debts as they fall due and that the merger or consolidated
is bona fide and not intended to defraud unsecured creditors of the foreign company; (ii) that in respect of the transfer of any
security interest granted by the foreign company to the surviving or consolidated company (a) consent or approval to the transfer
has been obtained, released or waived; (b) the transfer is permitted by and has been approved in accordance with the constitutional
documents of the foreign company; and (c) the laws of the jurisdiction of the foreign company with respect to the transfer have
been or will be complied with; (iii) that the foreign company will, upon the merger or consolidation becoming effective, cease
to be incorporated, registered or exist under the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction; and (iv) that there is no other reason
why it would be against the public interest to permit the merger or consolidation.
Where
the above procedures are adopted, the Companies Law provides certain limited appraisal rights for dissenting shareholders to be
paid a payment of the fair value of his shares upon their dissenting to the merger or consolidation if they follow a prescribed
procedure. In essence, that procedure is as follows: (a) the shareholder must give his written objection to the merger or consolidation
to the constituent company before the vote on the merger or consolidation, including a statement that the shareholder proposes
to demand payment for his shares if the merger or consolidation is authorized by the vote; (b) within 20 days following the date
on which the merger or consolidation is approved by the shareholders, the constituent company must give written notice to each
shareholder who made a written objection; (c) a shareholder must within 20 days following receipt of such notice from the constituent
company, give the constituent company a written notice of his intention to dissent including, among other details, a demand for
payment of the fair value of his shares; (d) within seven days following the date of the expiration of the period set out in paragraph
(b) above or seven days following the date on which the plan of merger or consolidation is filed, whichever is later, the constituent
company, the surviving company or the consolidated company must make a written offer to each dissenting shareholder to purchase
his shares at a price that the company determines is the fair value and if the company and the shareholder agree the price within
30 days following the date on which the offer was made, the company must pay the shareholder such amount; and (e) if the company
and the shareholder fail to agree a price within such 30 day period, within 20 days following the date on which such 30 day period
expires, the company (and any dissenting shareholder) must file a petition with the Cayman Islands Grand Court to determine the
fair value and such petition must be accompanied by a list of the names and addresses of the
116
dissenting
shareholders with whom agreements as to the fair value of their shares have not been reached by the company. At the hearing of
that petition, the court has the power to determine the fair value of the shares together with a fair rate of interest, if any,
to be paid by the company upon the amount determined to be the fair value. Any dissenting shareholder whose name appears on the
list filed by the company may participate fully in all proceedings until the determination of fair value is reached. These rights
of a dissenting shareholder are not available in certain circumstances, for example, to dissenters holding shares of any class
in respect of which an open market exists on a recognized stock exchange or recognized interdealer quotation system at the relevant
date or where the consideration for such shares to be contributed are shares of any company listed on a national securities exchange
or shares of the surviving or consolidated company.
Moreover,
Cayman Islands law has separate statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction or amalgamation of companies in certain
circumstances, schemes of arrangement will generally be more suited for complex mergers or other transactions involving widely
held companies, commonly referred to in the Cayman Islands as a “scheme of arrangement” which may be tantamount to
a merger. In the event that a merger was sought pursuant to a scheme of arrangement (the procedures for which are more rigorous
and take longer to complete than the procedures typically required to consummate a merger in the United States), the arrangement
in question must be approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is
to be made and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case
may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meeting summoned for that purpose. The convening
of the meetings and subsequently the terms of the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While
a dissenting shareholder would have the right to express to the court the view that the transaction should not be approved, the
court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it satisfies itself that:
¡
we are not proposing to act illegally or beyond the scope of our corporate authority and the statutory provisions as to majority
vote have been complied with;
¡
the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question;
¡
the arrangement is such as a businessman would reasonably approve; and
¡
the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law or that would
amount to a “fraud on the minority.”
If
a scheme of arrangement or takeover offer (as described below) is approved, any dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable
to appraisal rights (providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares), which would
otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations.
Squeeze-out
Provisions
. When a tender offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares to whom the offer relates
within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares
on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, but this is unlikely to succeed
unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith, collusion or inequitable treatment of the shareholders.
Further,
transactions similar to a merger, reconstruction and/or an amalgamation may in some circumstances be achieved through means other
than these statutory provisions, such as a share capital exchange, asset acquisition or control, or through contractual arrangements
of an operating business.
Shareholders’
Suits
. Our Cayman Islands counsel is not aware of any reported class action having been brought in a Cayman Islands
court. Derivative actions have been brought in the Cayman Islands courts, and the Cayman Islands courts have confirmed the availability
for such actions. In most cases, we will be the proper plaintiff in any claim based on a breach of duty owed to us, and a claim
against (for example) our officers or directors usually may not be brought by a shareholder. However, based both on Cayman Islands
authorities and on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority and be applied by a court in
the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing principle apply in circumstances in which:
¡
a company is acting, or proposing to act, illegally or ultra vires (beyond the scope of its authority);
¡
the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of the authority, could be effected if duly authorized by more than the number
of votes which have actually been obtained; or
¡
those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”
117
A
shareholder may have a direct right of action against us where the individual rights of that shareholder have been infringed or
are about to be infringed.
Enforcement
of Civil Liabilities
. The Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States
and provides less protection to investors. Additionally, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the Federal
courts of the United States.
We
have been advised by our Cayman Islands legal counsel that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce
against us judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws
of the United States or any state; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against us
predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, so far as the
liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement
in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce
a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that
a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been
given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be
final and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman
Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, and or be of a kind
the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple
damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent
proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
Special
Considerations for Exempted Companies
. We are an exempted company with limited liability (meaning our public shareholders
have no liability, as members of the company, for liabilities of the company over and above the amount paid for their shares)
under the Companies Law. The Companies Law distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company
that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered
as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except for
the exemptions and privileges listed below:
¡
annual reporting requirements are minimal and consist mainly of a statement that the company has conducted its operations mainly
outside of the Cayman Islands and has complied with the provisions of the Companies Law;
¡
an exempted company’s register of members is not open to inspection;
¡
an exempted company does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
¡
an exempted company may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value;
¡
an exempted company may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given
for 20 years in the first instance);
¡
an exempted company may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
¡
an exempted company may register as a limited duration company; and
¡
an exempted company may register as a segregated portfolio company.
Amended
and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will contain provisions designed to provide certain rights and protections
relating to this offering that will apply to us until the completion of our initial business combination. These provisions cannot
be amended without a special resolution. As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a resolution is deemed to be a special resolution
where it has been approved by either (i) at least two-thirds (or any higher threshold specified in a company’s articles
of association) of a company’s shareholders at a general meeting for which notice specifying the intention to propose the
resolution as a special resolution has been given; or (ii) if so authorized by a company’s articles of association, by a
unanimous written resolution of all of the company’s shareholders. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
will provide that special
118
resolutions
must be approved either by at least two-thirds of our shareholders (i.e., the lowest threshold permissible under Cayman Islands
law), or by a unanimous written resolution of all of our shareholders.
Our
initial shareholders and their permitted transferees, if any, who will collectively beneficially own 20% of our ordinary shares
upon the closing of this offering (assuming they do not purchase any units in this offering), will participate in any vote to
amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they
choose. Specifically, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide, among other things, that:
¡
if we are unable to consummate an 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 no 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 (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses and net of taxes payable),
divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’
rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably
possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate
and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims
of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law;
¡
prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional securities that would entitle the holders thereof to (i)
receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote on our initial business combination;
¡
although we do not intend to enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our sponsor, our
directors or our executive officers, we are not prohibited from doing so. In the event we enter into such a transaction, we, or
a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of
FINRA or an independent valuation or accounting firm that such a business combination is fair to our company from a financial
point of view;
¡
if a shareholder vote on our initial business combination is not required by law and we do not decide to hold a shareholder vote
for business or other legal reasons, we will offer to redeem our public shares pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the
Exchange Act, and will file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination which contain
substantially the same financial and other information about our initial business combination and the redemption rights as is
required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act;
¡
our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have an aggregate fair market value
of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding the amount of deferred underwriting discounts held in trust
and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business
combination;
¡
if our shareholders approve an amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect
the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not consummate an initial business combination
within 24 months from the closing of this offering, we will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all
or a portion of their ordinary shares upon such approval at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount
then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released
to us to pay our income taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein;
and
¡
we will not effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations.
In
addition, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that under no circumstances will we redeem
our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001.
The
Companies Law permits a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands to amend its memorandum and articles of association with the
approval of a special resolution. A company’s articles of association may specify that the approval of a higher majority
is required but, provided the approval of the required majority is obtained, any Cayman Islands exempted company may amend its
memorandum and articles of association regardless of whether
119
its
memorandum and articles of association provides otherwise. Accordingly, although we could amend any of the provisions relating
to our proposed offering, structure and business plan which are contained in our amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association, we view all of these provisions as binding obligations to our shareholders and neither we, nor our officers or
directors, will take any action to amend or waive any of these provisions unless we provide dissenting public shareholders with
the opportunity to redeem their public shares.
Anti-Money
Laundering — Cayman Islands
In
order to comply with legislation or regulations aimed at the prevention of money laundering, we are required to adopt and maintain
anti-money laundering procedures, and may require subscribers to provide evidence to verify their identity and source of funds.
Where permitted, and subject to certain conditions, we may also delegate the maintenance of our anti-money laundering procedures
(including the acquisition of due diligence information) to a suitable person.
We
reserve the right to request such information as is necessary to verify the identity of a subscriber. In some cases the directors
may be satisfied that no further information is required since an exemption applies under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
(2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, as amended and revised from time to time (the “Regulations”). Depending on
the circumstances of each application, a detailed verification of identity might not be required where:
(a)
the subscriber makes the payment for their investment from an account held in the subscriber’s name at a recognized
financial institution;
(b)
the subscriber is regulated by a recognized regulatory authority and is based or incorporated in, or formed under the law
of, a recognized jurisdiction; or
(c)
the application is made through an intermediary which is regulated by a recognized regulatory authority and is based in
or incorporated in, or formed under the law of a recognized jurisdiction and an assurance is provided in relation to the procedures
undertaken on the underlying investors.
For
the purposes of these exceptions, recognition of a financial institution, regulatory authority or jurisdiction will be determined
in accordance with the Regulations by reference to those jurisdictions recognized by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority as
having equivalent anti-money laundering regulations.
In
the event of delay or failure on the part of the subscriber in producing any information required for verification purposes, we
may refuse to accept the application, in which case any funds received will be returned without interest to the account from which
they were originally debited.
We
also reserve the right to refuse to make any distribution payment to a shareholder if our directors or officers suspect or are
advised that the payment of such distribution to such shareholder might result in a breach of applicable anti-money laundering
or other laws or regulations by any person in any relevant jurisdiction, or if such refusal is considered necessary or appropriate
to ensure our compliance with any such laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction.
If
any person resident in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects, or has reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting, that another
person is engaged in criminal conduct or is involved with terrorism or terrorist property and the information for that knowledge
or suspicion came to their attention in the course of business in the regulated sector or other trade, profession, business or
employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) the Financial Reporting Authority of the
Cayman Islands, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands if the disclosure relates to criminal
conduct or money laundering or (ii) a police officer of the rank of constable or higher, or the Financial Reporting Authority,
pursuant to the Terrorism Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or
terrorist financing and property. Such a report will not be treated as a breach of confidence or of any restriction upon the disclosure
of information imposed by any enactment or otherwise.
120
Certain
Anti-Takeover Provisions of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that our board of directors will be classified into three
classes of directors. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of our board only by successfully engaging
in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings.
Our
authorized but unissued Class A ordinary shares and preference shares are available for future issuances without shareholder 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 Class A ordinary shares and preference shares
could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger
or otherwise.
Securities
Eligible for Future Sale
Immediately
after this offering we will have 15,625,000 Class A ordinary shares (or 17,968,750 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full) issued and outstanding on an as-converted basis. Of these shares, the Class A ordinary
shares sold in this offering (12,500,000 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised
and 14,375,000 Class A ordinary shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be freely tradable
without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any Class A ordinary shares purchased by one
of our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of the outstanding founder shares (3,125,000 founder
shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised and 3,593,750 founder shares if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full) and all of the outstanding private placement warrants (5,437,500 private placement
warrants if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised and 5,953,125 private placement warrants if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be restricted securities under Rule 144, in that they were issued in private
transactions not involving a public offering.
Rule
144
Pursuant
to Rule 144, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares 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 and have filed all required reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months
(or such shorter period as we were required to file reports) preceding the sale.
Persons
who have beneficially owned restricted shares or warrants for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or
at 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 only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of:
¡
1% of the total number of ordinary shares then outstanding, which will equal 156,250 shares immediately after this offering (or
179,688 shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full); or
¡
the average weekly reported trading volume of the Class A ordinary shares during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing
of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.
Sales
by our affiliates 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
Rule
144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by shell companies (other than business combination related
shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company. However, Rule 144 also includes an important
exception to this prohibition if the following conditions are met:
¡
the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company;
121
¡
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, our initial shareholders will be able to sell their founder shares and our sponsor will be able to sell its private
placement warrants pursuant to Rule 144 without registration one year after we have completed our initial business combination.
Registration
and Shareholder Rights
The
holders of the founder shares, private placement warrants and warrants that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans
(and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of the private placement warrants and warrants that may be issued
upon conversion of working capital loans) will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration and shareholder rights
agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering. The holders of these securities are entitled to make
up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that we register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back”
registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our completion of our initial business combination.
However, the registration and shareholder rights agreement provides that we will not permit any registration statement filed under
the Securities Act to become effective until termination of the applicable lock-up period, which occurs (i) in the case of the
founder shares, as described in the following paragraph, and (ii) in the case of the private placement warrants and the respective
Class A ordinary shares underlying such warrants, 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination. We will bear
the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
Except
as described herein, our sponsor and our directors and executive officers have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their
founder shares until (a) one year after the completion of our initial business combination, or (b) following the completion of
the Company's initial business combination, the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization
or other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares
for cash, securities or other property. Any permitted transferees will be subject to the same restrictions and other agreements
of our sponsor with respect to any founder shares. We refer to such transfer restrictions throughout this prospectus as the lock-up.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted
for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading
day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination, the founder shares will be released from the lock-up.
In
addition, pursuant to the registration and shareholder rights agreement, our sponsor, upon consummation of an initial business
combination and for so long as our sponsor and its permitted transferees collectively hold at least 50% of the number of ordinary
shares held by the sponsor upon consummation of this offering (after giving appropriate effect to any share splits, reverse share
splits or other similar corporate transactions, or any adjustment to the conversion rate of the founder shares in connection with
an initial business combination), will be entitled to nominate one person for election to our board of directors.
Listing
of Securities
We
have applied to have our units listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “ARYAU.” Once the securities comprising the units
begin separate trading, we expect that the Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “ARYA”
and “ARYAW,” respectively. The units will automatically separate into their component parts and will not be traded
following the completion of our initial business combination.
122
TAXATION
The
following summary of certain Cayman Islands and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our units, each consisting
of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, which we refer to collectively as our securities, is based
upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change.
This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our Class A ordinary shares and warrants,
such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.
Prospective
investors should consult their advisors on the possible tax consequences of investing in our securities under the laws of their
country of citizenship, residence or domicile.
Cayman
Islands Tax Considerations
The
following is a discussion on certain Cayman Islands income tax consequences of an investment in the securities of the Company.
The discussion is a general summary of present law, which is subject to prospective and retroactive change. It is not intended
as tax advice, does not consider any investor’s particular circumstances, and does not consider tax consequences other than
those arising under Cayman Islands law.
Under
Existing Cayman Islands Laws:
Payments
of dividends and capital in respect of our securities will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding
will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of the securities nor will gains derived from the disposal
of the securities be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax. The Cayman Islands currently have no income, corporation
or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax.
No
stamp duty is payable in respect of the issue of the warrants. An instrument of transfer in respect of a warrant is stampable
if executed in or brought into the Cayman Islands.
No
stamp duty is payable in respect of the issue of our Class A ordinary shares or on an instrument of transfer in respect of such
shares.
The
Company has been incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability and, as such,
has applied for and expects to obtain after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part
an undertaking from the Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands in the following form:
The
Tax Concessions Law
(2018 Revision)
Undertaking as to Tax Concessions
In
accordance with the provision of Section 6 of The Tax Concessions Law (2018 Revision), the Financial Secretary undertakes with
ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”):
2.
That no law which is hereafter enacted in the Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations
shall apply to the Company or its operations; and
3.
In addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty
or inheritance tax shall be payable:
3.2
On or in respect of the shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company; or
3.3
by way of the withholding in whole or part, of any relevant payment as defined in Section 6(3) of the Tax Concessions Law
(2018 Revision).
These
concessions shall be for a period of thirty years from the date hereof.
123
United
States Federal Income Tax Considerations
General
The
following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the acquisition, ownership
and disposition of our units (each consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant) that are purchased
in this offering by U.S. Holders (as defined below) and Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below). Because the components of a unit
are generally separable at the option of the holder, the holder of a unit generally should be treated, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, as the owner of the underlying Class A ordinary share and warrant components of the unit. As a result, the discussion
below with respect to holders of Class A ordinary shares and warrants should also apply to holders of units (as the deemed owners
of the underlying Class A ordinary shares and warrants that constitute the units).
This
discussion is limited to certain U.S. federal income tax considerations to beneficial owners of our securities who are initial
purchasers of a unit pursuant to this offering and hold the unit and each component of the unit as a capital asset under the U.S.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This discussion assumes that the Class A ordinary shares and
warrants will trade separately and that any distributions made (or deemed made) by us on our Class A ordinary shares and any consideration
received (or deemed received) by a holder in consideration for the sale or other disposition of our securities will be in U.S.
dollars. This discussion is a summary only and does not consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant
to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of a unit by a prospective investor in light of its particular circumstances, including:
¡
our sponsor, founders, officers or directors;
¡
financial institutions or financial services entities;
¡
broker-dealers;
¡
taxpayers that are subject to the mark-to-market accounting rules;
¡
S-corporations;
¡
tax-exempt entities;
¡
governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
¡
insurance companies;
¡
regulated investment companies;
¡
real estate investment trusts;
¡
expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States;
¡
persons that actually or constructively own five percent or more of our shares;
¡
persons that acquired our securities pursuant to an exercise of employee share options, in connection with employee share incentive
plans or otherwise as compensation or in connection with services;
¡
persons that hold our securities as part of a straddle, constructive sale, hedging, conversion or other integrated or similar
transaction; or
¡
U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.
Moreover,
the discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative
and judicial interpretations thereof, all as of the date hereof, and such provisions may be repealed, revoked, modified or subject
to differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different
from those discussed below. Furthermore, this discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such
as gift, estate or Medicare contribution tax laws, or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws.
We
have not sought, and will not seek, a ruling from the IRS as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described herein. The
IRS may disagree with the discussion herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Moreover, there can be no assurance
that future legislation, regulations, administrative rulings or court decisions will not adversely affect the accuracy of the
statements in this discussion.
124
As
used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of units, Class A ordinary shares or warrants that is
for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other
entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized)
in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which
is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) a trust if (A) a court within the United States is
able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority
to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) it has in effect a valid election to be treated as a United States person.
This
discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold our securities
through such entities. If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) is the beneficial owner of our securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally
will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partner and the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership
holding our securities, we urge you to consult your own tax advisor.
THIS
DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND
DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IN OUR SECURITIES IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT
TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH INVESTOR OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES, INCLUDING
THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-UNITED STATES TAX LAWS.
Allocation
of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit
No
statutory, administrative or judicial authority directly addresses the treatment of a unit or instruments similar to a unit for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, and therefore, that treatment is not entirely clear. The acquisition of a unit should be treated
for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the acquisition of one share of our Class A ordinary shares and one-half of one warrant,
a whole one of which is exercisable to acquire one share of our Class A ordinary shares. We intend to treat the acquisition of
a unit in this manner and, by purchasing a unit, you will agree to adopt such treatment for applicable tax purposes. For U.S.
federal income tax purposes, each holder of a unit must allocate the purchase price paid by such holder for such unit between
the one Class A ordinary share and the one-half of one warrant based on the relative fair market value of each at the time of
issuance. The price allocated to each Class A ordinary share and one-half of one warrant should constitute the shareholder’s
initial tax basis in such share or warrant. Any disposition of a unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as
a disposition of the Class A ordinary share and one-half of one warrant comprising the unit, and the amount realized on the disposition
should be allocated between the Class A ordinary share and warrant based on their respective relative fair market values at the
time of disposition. Neither the separation of the Class A ordinary share and the one-half of one warrant constituting a unit
nor the combination of halves of warrants into a single warrant should be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The
foregoing treatment of the Class A ordinary shares and warrants and a holder’s purchase price allocation are not binding
on the IRS or the courts. Because there are no authorities that directly address instruments that are similar to the units, no
assurance can be given that the IRS or the courts will agree with the characterization described above or the discussion below.
Accordingly, each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of an investment in
a unit (including alternative characterizations of a unit). The balance of this discussion assumes that the characterization of
the units described above is respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
U.S.
Holders
Taxation
of Distributions
Subject
to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will be required
to include in gross income as dividends the amount of any cash distribution paid on our Class A ordinary shares to the extent
the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles).
Such dividends paid by us will be taxable to a corporate U.S. Holder at
125
regular
rates and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to domestic corporations in respect of dividends
received from other domestic corporations. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits generally will be applied against
and reduce the U.S. Holder’s basis in its Class A ordinary shares (but not below zero) and, to the extent in excess of such
basis, will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such Class A ordinary shares (see “— Gain or Loss on Sale,
Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Class A Ordinary Shares and Warrants” below).
With
respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, under tax laws currently in effect, dividends generally will be taxed at the lower applicable
long-term capital gains rate (see “— Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Class
A Ordinary Shares and Warrants” below) only if our Class A ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities
market in the United States, the Company is not treated as a PFIC at the time the dividend was paid or in the preceding taxable
year and certain other requirements are met. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of such
lower rate for any dividends paid with respect to our Class A ordinary shares.
Gain
or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Class A Ordinary Shares and Warrants
Subject
to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition
of our Class A ordinary shares or warrants (including on our dissolution and liquidation if we do not consummate an initial business
combination within the required time period). Any such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if
the U.S. Holder’s holding period for such Class A ordinary shares or warrants exceeds one year. It is unclear, however,
whether certain redemption rights described in this prospectus may suspend the running of the applicable holding period for this
purpose.
The
amount of gain or loss recognized on a sale or other taxable disposition generally will be equal to the difference between (i)
the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received in such disposition (or, if the Class A ordinary
shares or warrants are held as part of units at the time of the disposition, the portion of the amount realized on such disposition
that is allocated to the Class A ordinary shares or warrants based upon the then relative fair market values of the Class A ordinary
shares and the warrants included in the units) and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Class A ordinary shares
or warrants so disposed of. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Class A ordinary shares and warrants generally will
equal the U.S. Holder’s acquisition cost (that is, the portion of the purchase price of a unit allocated to a share of Class
A ordinary shares or one-half of one warrant, as described above under “— Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization
of a Unit”) reduced by any prior distributions treated as a return of capital. Long-term capital gain realized by a non-corporate
U.S. Holder is currently eligible to be taxed at reduced rates. See “— Exercise or Lapse of a Warrant” below
for a discussion regarding a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Class A ordinary share acquired pursuant to the exercise of
a warrant. The deduction of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Redemption
of Class A Ordinary Shares
Subject
to the PFIC rules discussed below, in the event that a U.S. Holder’s Class A ordinary shares are redeemed pursuant to the
redemption provisions described in this prospectus under “Description of Securities — Ordinary Shares” or if
we purchase a U.S. Holder’s Class A ordinary shares in an open market transaction (referred to herein as a redemption),
the treatment of the redemption for U.S. federal income tax purposes will depend on whether it qualifies as sale of the Class
A ordinary shares under Section 302 of the Code. If the redemption qualifies as a sale of Class A ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder
will be treated as described under “— Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Class
A Ordinary Shares and Warrants” above. If the redemption does not qualify as a sale of Class A ordinary shares, the U.S.
Holder will be treated as receiving a corporate distribution with the tax consequences described above under “— Taxation
of Distributions.” Whether a redemption qualifies for sale treatment will depend largely on the total number of our shares
treated as held by the U.S. Holder (including any shares constructively owned by the U.S. Holder described in the following paragraph)
relative to all of our shares outstanding both before and after such redemption. The redemption of Class A ordinary shares generally
will be treated as a sale of the Class A ordinary shares (rather than as a corporate distribution) if such redemption (i) is “substantially
disproportionate” with respect to the U.S. Holder, (ii) results in a “complete termination” of the U.S. Holder’s
interest in us or (iii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. Holder. These tests
are explained more fully below.
126
In
determining whether any of the foregoing tests are satisfied, a U.S. Holder takes into account not only our shares actually owned
by the U.S. Holder, but also our shares that are constructively owned by it. A U.S. Holder may constructively own, in addition
to shares owned directly, shares owned by certain related individuals and entities in which the U.S. Holder has an interest or
that have an interest in such U.S. Holder, as well as any shares the U.S. Holder has a right to acquire by exercise of an option,
which would generally include Class A ordinary shares which could be acquired pursuant to the exercise of the warrants. In order
to meet the substantially disproportionate test, the percentage of our outstanding voting shares actually and constructively owned
by the U.S. Holder immediately following the redemption of Class A ordinary shares must, among other requirements, be less than
80 percent of the percentage of our outstanding voting shares actually and constructively owned by the U.S. Holder immediately
before the redemption. Prior to our initial business combination, the Class A ordinary shares may not be treated as voting stock
for this purpose and, consequently, this substantially disproportionate test may not be applicable. There will be a complete termination
of a U.S. Holder’s interest if either (i) all of our shares actually and constructively owned by the U.S. Holder are redeemed
or (ii) all of our shares actually owned by the U.S. Holder are redeemed and the U.S. Holder is eligible to waive, and effectively
waives in accordance with specific rules, the attribution of shares owned by certain family members and the U.S. Holder does not
constructively own any other shares of ours. The redemption of the Class A ordinary shares will not be essentially equivalent
to a dividend with respect to a U.S. Holder if it results in a “meaningful reduction” of the U.S. Holder’s proportionate
interest in us. Whether the redemption will result in a meaningful reduction in a U.S. Holder’s proportionate interest in
us will depend on the particular facts and circumstances. However, the IRS has indicated in a published ruling that even a small
reduction in the proportionate interest of a small minority shareholder in a publicly held corporation who exercises no control
over corporate affairs may constitute such a “meaningful reduction.” A U.S. Holder should consult with its own tax
advisors as to the tax consequences of a redemption.
If
none of the foregoing tests are satisfied, then the redemption will be treated as a corporate distribution and the tax effects
will be as described under “— Taxation of Distributions” above. After the application of those rules, any remaining
tax basis of the U.S. Holder in the redeemed Class A ordinary shares will be added to the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis
in its remaining shares, or, if it has none, to the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its warrants or possibly in other
shares constructively owned by it.
Exercise
or Lapse of a Warrant
Subject
to the PFIC rules discussed below and except as discussed below with respect to the cashless exercise of a warrant, a U.S. Holder
generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the acquisition of a Class A ordinary share on the exercise of a warrant for cash.
A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in a Class A ordinary share received upon exercise of the warrant generally will equal
the sum of the U.S. Holder’s initial investment in the warrant (that is, the portion of the U.S. Holder’s purchase
price for the units that is allocated to the warrant, as described above under “— Allocation of Purchase Price and
Characterization of a Unit”) and the exercise price. It is unclear whether a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the
Class A ordinary share will commence on the date of exercise of the warrant or the day following the date of exercise of the warrant;
in either case, the holding period will not include the period during which the U.S. Holder held the warrant. If a warrant is
allowed to lapse unexercised, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital loss equal to such holder’s tax basis in
the warrant.
The
tax consequences of a cashless exercise of a warrant are not clear under current law. A cashless exercise may not be taxable,
either because the exercise is not a realization event or because the exercise is treated as a recapitalization for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. In either situation, a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Class A ordinary shares received generally would
equal the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the warrants. If the cashless exercise was not a realization event, it is unclear whether
a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Class A ordinary share will commence on the date of exercise of the warrant or the
day following the date of exercise of the warrant. If the cashless exercise were treated as a recapitalization, the holding period
of the Class A ordinary shares would include the holding period of the warrants.
It
is also possible that a cashless exercise may be treated as a taxable exchange in which gain or loss would be recognized. In such
event, a U.S. Holder may be deemed to have surrendered a number of warrants having a value equal to the exercise price for the
total number of warrants to be exercised. The U.S. Holder would recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference
between the fair market value of the warrants deemed surrendered and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such warrants. In this
case, a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Class A
127
ordinary
shares received would equal the sum of the U.S. Holder’s initial investment in the warrants exercised (i.e., the portion
of the U.S. Holder’s purchase price for the units that is allocated to the warrant, as described above under “ —
Allocation of Purchase Price and Characterization of a Unit”) and the exercise price of such warrants. It is unclear whether
a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Class A ordinary share would commence on the date of exercise of the warrant or the
day following the date of exercise of the warrant.
Due
to the absence of authority on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a cashless exercise, there can be no assurance which,
if any, of the alternative tax consequences and holding periods described above would be adopted by the IRS or a court of law.
Accordingly, a U.S. Holder should consult its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of a cashless exercise.
Possible
Constructive Distributions
The
terms of each warrant provide for an adjustment to the number of Class A ordinary shares for which the warrant may be exercised
or to the exercise price of the warrant in certain events, as discussed in the section of this prospectus captioned “Description
of Securities — Warrants — Public Shareholders’ Warrants.” An adjustment which has the effect of preventing
dilution generally is not taxable. The U.S. Holders of the warrants would, however, be treated as receiving a constructive distribution
from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the warrant holders’ proportionate interest in our assets or earnings
and profits (e.g., through an increase in the number of Class A ordinary shares that would be obtained upon exercise) as a result
of a distribution of cash to the holders of our Class A ordinary shares which is taxable to the U.S. Holders of such Class A ordinary
shares as described under “—Taxation of Distributions” above. Such constructive distribution would be subject
to tax as described under that section in the same manner as if the U.S. Holders of the warrants received a cash distribution
from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest.
Passive
Foreign Investment Company Rules
A
foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) corporation will be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (i) at least
75% of its gross income in a taxable year, including its pro rata share of the gross income of any corporation in which it is
considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of its assets in a taxable year
(ordinarily determined based on fair market value and averaged quarterly over the year), including its pro rata share of the assets
of any corporation in which it is considered to own at least 25% of the shares by value, are held for the production of, or produce,
passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents and royalties (other than rents or royalties derived
from the active conduct of a trade or business) and gains from the disposition of passive assets.
Because
we are a blank check company, with no current active business, we believe that it is likely that we will meet the PFIC asset or
income test for our current taxable year. However, pursuant to a start-up exception, a corporation will not be a PFIC for the
first taxable year the corporation has gross income (the “start-up year”), if (1) no predecessor of the corporation
was a PFIC; (2) the corporation satisfies the IRS that it will not be a PFIC for either of the two taxable years following the
start-up year; and (3) the corporation is not in fact a PFIC for either of those years. The applicability of the start-up exception
to us is uncertain and will not be known until after the close of our current taxable year. After the acquisition of a company
or assets in a business combination, we may still meet one of the PFIC tests depending on the timing of the acquisition and the
amount of our passive income and assets as well as the passive income and assets of the acquired business. If the company that
we acquire in a business combination is a PFIC, then we will likely not qualify for the start-up exception and will be a PFIC
for our current taxable year. Our actual PFIC status for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year, however, will
not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurance with respect to our status
as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year.
Although
our PFIC status is determined annually, an initial determination that our company is a PFIC will generally apply for subsequent
years to a U.S. Holder who held Class A ordinary shares or warrants while we were a PFIC, whether or not we meet the test for
PFIC status in those subsequent years. If we are determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included
in the holding period of a U.S. Holder of our Class A ordinary shares or warrants and, in the case of our Class A ordinary shares,
the U.S. Holder did not make either a qualified electing
128
fund
(“QEF”) election or a mark-to-market election for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder held (or
was deemed to hold) Class A ordinary shares, as described below, such U.S. Holder generally will be subject to special rules with
respect to (i) any gain recognized by the U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of its Class A ordinary shares or warrants
and (ii) any “excess distribution” made to the U.S. Holder (generally, any distributions to such U.S. Holder during
a taxable year of the U.S. Holder that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such U.S. Holder
in respect of the Class A ordinary shares during the three preceding taxable years of such U.S. Holder or, if shorter, such U.S.
Holder’s holding period for the Class A ordinary shares).
Under
these rules:
¡
the U.S. Holder’s gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for
the Class A ordinary shares or warrants;
¡
the amount allocated to the U.S. Holder’s taxable year in which the U.S. Holder recognized the gain or received the excess
distribution, or to the period in the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the first day of our first taxable year in which
we are a PFIC, will be taxed as ordinary income;
¡
the amount allocated to other taxable years (or portions thereof) of the U.S. Holder and
included in its holding period will be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for that year and applicable to the U.S. Holder;
and
¡
an additional tax equal to the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the U.S. Holder
with respect to the tax attributable to each such other taxable year of the U.S. Holder.
In
general, if we are determined to be a PFIC, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above in respect of our
Class A ordinary shares (but not our warrants) by making a timely and valid QEF election (if eligible to do so) to include in
income its pro rata share of our net capital gains (as long-term capital gain) and other earnings and profits (as ordinary income),
on a current basis, in each case whether or not distributed, in the taxable year of the U.S. Holder in which or with which our
taxable year ends. A U.S. Holder generally may make a separate election to defer the payment of taxes on undistributed income
inclusions under the QEF rules, but if deferred, any such taxes will be subject to an interest charge.
A
U.S. Holder may not make a QEF election with respect to its warrants to acquire our Class A ordinary shares. As a result, if a
U.S. Holder sells or otherwise disposes of such warrants (other than upon exercise of such warrants) and we were a PFIC at any
time during the U.S. Holder’s holding period of such warrants, any gain recognized generally will be treated as an excess
distribution, taxed as described above. If a U.S. Holder that exercises such warrants properly makes a QEF election with respect
to the newly acquired Class A ordinary shares (or has previously made a QEF election with respect to our Class A ordinary shares),
the QEF election will apply to the newly acquired Class A ordinary shares. Notwithstanding such QEF election, the adverse tax
consequences relating to PFIC shares, adjusted to take into account the current income inclusions resulting from the QEF election,
will continue to apply with respect to such newly acquired Class A ordinary shares (which generally will be deemed to have a holding
period for purposes of the PFIC rules that includes the period the U.S. Holder held the warrants), unless the U.S. Holder makes
a purging election under the PFIC rules. Under the purging election, the U.S. Holder will be deemed to have sold such shares at
their fair market value and any gain recognized on such deemed sale will be treated as an excess distribution, as described above.
As a result of the purging election, the U.S. Holder will have a new basis and holding period in the Class A ordinary shares acquired
upon the exercise of the warrants for purposes of the PFIC rules.
The
QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and, once made, can be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. A
U.S. Holder generally makes a QEF election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 (Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign
Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund), including the information provided in a PFIC annual information statement, to
a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return for the tax year to which the election relates. Retroactive QEF elections generally
may be made only by filing a protective statement with such return and if certain other conditions are met or with the consent
of the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability and tax consequences of a retroactive QEF
election under their particular circumstances.
In
order to comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive a PFIC annual information statement from us.
If we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the IRS may
require, including a PFIC annual information statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a QEF election,
but there is no assurance that we will timely provide such required
129
information.
There is also no assurance that we will have timely knowledge of our status as a PFIC in the future or of the required information
to be provided.
If
a U.S. Holder has made a QEF election with respect to our Class A ordinary shares, and the excess distribution rules discussed
above do not apply to such shares (because of a timely QEF election for our first taxable year as a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder
holds (or is deemed to hold) such shares or a purge of the PFIC taint pursuant to a purging election, as described above), any
gain recognized on the sale of our Class A ordinary shares generally will be taxable as capital gain and no additional tax charge
will be imposed under the PFIC rules. As discussed above, if we are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder of our Class A
ordinary shares that has made a QEF election will be currently taxed on its pro rata share of our earnings and profits, whether
or not distributed for such year. A subsequent distribution of such earnings and profits that were previously included in income
generally should not be taxable when distributed to such U.S. Holder. The tax basis of a U.S. Holder’s shares in a QEF will
be increased by amounts that are included in income, and decreased by amounts distributed but not taxed as dividends, under the
above rules. In addition, if we are not a PFIC for any taxable year, such U.S. Holder will not be subject to the QEF inclusion
regime with respect to our Class A ordinary shares for such taxable year.
If
we are a PFIC and our Class A ordinary shares constitute “marketable stock,” a U.S. Holder may avoid the adverse PFIC
tax consequences discussed above if such U.S. Holder, at the close of the first taxable year in which it holds (or is deemed to
hold) our Class A ordinary shares, makes a mark-to-market election with respect to such shares for such taxable year. Such U.S.
Holder generally will include for each of its taxable years as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of
its Class A ordinary shares at the end of such year over its adjusted basis in its Class A ordinary shares. The U.S. Holder also
will recognize an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis of its Class A ordinary shares over the
fair market value of its Class A ordinary shares at the end of its taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously
included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). The U.S. Holder’s basis in its Class A ordinary shares will
be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts, and any further gain recognized on a sale or other taxable disposition
of its Class A ordinary shares will be treated as ordinary income. Currently, a mark-to-market election may not be made with respect
to warrants.
The
mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” generally, stock that is regularly traded on a national
securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Nasdaq (on which we intend to list
the Class A ordinary shares), or on a foreign exchange or market that the IRS determines has rules sufficient to ensure that the
market price represents a legitimate and sound fair market value. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding
the availability and tax consequences of a mark-to-market election with respect to our Class A ordinary shares under their particular
circumstances.
If
we are a PFIC and, at any time, have a foreign subsidiary that is classified as a PFIC, U.S. Holders generally would be deemed
to own a portion of the shares of such lower-tier PFIC, and generally could incur liability for the deferred tax and interest
charge described above if we receive a distribution from, or dispose of all or part of our interest in, the lower-tier PFIC or
the U.S. Holders otherwise were deemed to have disposed of an interest in the lower-tier PFIC. We will endeavor to cause any lower-tier
PFIC to provide to a U.S. Holder the information that may be required to make or maintain a QEF election with respect to the lower-tier
PFIC. There can be no assurance that we will have timely knowledge of the status of any such lower-tier PFIC. In addition, we
may not hold a controlling interest in any such lower-tier PFIC and thus there can be no assurance we will be able to cause the
lower-tier PFIC to provide such required information. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax issues
raised by lower-tier PFICs.
A
U.S. Holder that owns (or is deemed to own) shares in a PFIC during any taxable year of the U.S. Holder, may have to file an IRS
Form 8621 (whether or not a QEF or market-to-market election is made) and such other information as may be required by the U.S.
Treasury Department. Failure to do so, if required, will extend the statute of limitations until such required information is
furnished to the IRS.
The
rules dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very complex and are affected by various factors in
addition to those described above. Accordingly, U.S. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares and warrants should consult their
own tax advisors concerning the application of the PFIC rules to our securities under their particular circumstances.
130
Tax
Reporting
Certain
U.S. Holders may be required to file an IRS Form 926 (Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation) to report
a transfer of property (including cash) to us. Substantial penalties may be imposed on a U.S. Holder that fails to comply with
this reporting requirement. Furthermore, certain U.S. Holders who are individuals and certain entities will be required to report
information with respect to such U.S. Holder’s investment in “specified foreign financial assets” on IRS Form
8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets), subject to certain exceptions. An interest in the Company constitutes
a specified foreign financial asset for these purposes. Persons who are required to report specified foreign financial assets
and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties. Potential investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding
the foreign financial asset and other reporting obligations and their application to an investment in our Class A ordinary shares
and warrants.
Non-U.S.
Holders
This
section applies to you if you are a “Non-U.S. Holder.” As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means
a beneficial owner of our units, Class A ordinary shares or warrants (other than a partnership or other entity or arrangement
treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) who or that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
¡
a non-resident alien individual (other than certain former citizens and residents of the United States subject to U.S. tax as
expatriates);
¡
a foreign corporation; or
¡
an estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder;
but
generally does not include an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition.
If you are such an individual, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the sale
or other disposition of our securities.
Dividends
(including constructive dividends) paid or deemed paid to a Non-U.S. Holder in respect of our Class A ordinary shares generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s
conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable
to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains in the United States). In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain attributable to a sale or other disposition of our Class A ordinary
shares or warrants unless such gain is effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and,
if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains
in the United States).
Dividends
and gains that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States
(and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base in the United
States) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the same regular U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to a
comparable U.S. Holder and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, also
may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or a lower applicable tax treaty rate.
The
U.S. federal income tax treatment of a Non-U.S. Holder’s exercise of a warrant, or the lapse of a warrant held by a Non-U.S.
Holder, generally will correspond to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the exercise or lapse of a warrant by a U.S. Holder,
as described under “— U.S. Holders — Exercise or Lapse of a Warrant,” above, although to the extent a
cashless exercise results in a taxable exchange, the consequences would be similar to those described in the preceding paragraphs
above for a Non-U.S. Holder’s gain on the sale or other disposition of our Class A ordinary shares and warrants.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend
payments with respect to our Class A ordinary shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our Class A ordinary
shares may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and possible United States
131
backup
withholding. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number
and makes other required certifications, or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding and establishes such exempt status.
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will eliminate the requirement for information reporting and backup withholding by providing certification
of its foreign status, under penalties of perjury, on a duly executed applicable IRS Form W-8 or by otherwise establishing an
exemption.
Backup
withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a holder’s U.S. federal
income tax liability, and a holder generally may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules
by timely filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information.
The
U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is included for general information only and may not be applicable depending
upon a holder’s particular situation. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences
to them of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our Class A ordinary shares and warrants, including the tax consequences
under state, local, estate, foreign and other tax laws and tax treaties and the possible effects of changes in U.S. or other tax
laws.
132
UNDERWRITING
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, dated October 4, 2018, between us and Jefferies LLC, as the
representative of the underwriters named below and the sole book-running manager of this offering, we have agreed to sell to the
underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the respective number of
units shown opposite its name below:
|
|
|
Underwriter
|
|
|
Jefferies
LLC
|
|
10,000,000
|
Chardan
Capital Markets, LLC
|
|
2,500,000
|
Total
|
|
12,500,000
|
The
underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent such
as the receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions and approval of certain legal matters by
their counsel. The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters will purchase all of the units if any of them are purchased.
If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters
may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and certain of
their controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments
that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The
underwriters have advised us that, following the completion of this offering, they currently intend to make a market in the units
as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so, and the underwriters may
discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice in their sole discretion. Accordingly, no assurance can be
given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the units, that you will be able to sell any of the units held by you at a
particular time or that the prices that you receive when you sell will be favorable.
The
underwriters are offering the units subject to their acceptance of the units from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriters
reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. In addition, the
underwriters have advised us that they do not intend to confirm sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Commission
and Expenses
The
underwriters have advised us that they propose to offer the units to the public at the initial public offering price set forth
on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers, which may include the underwriters, at that price less a concession
not in excess of $0.165 per unit. After the offering, the initial public offering price and concession to dealers may be reduced
by the representative. No such reduction will change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page
of this prospectus.
133
The
following table shows the public offering price, the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay the underwriters
and the proceeds, before expenses, to us in connection with this offering. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and
full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units.
|
|
Paid
by ARYA Sciences
Acquisition corp.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
Unit
(1)
|
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
$
|
0.60
|
Total
(1)
|
|
$
|
7,500,000
|
|
$
|
8,625,000
|
If
we do not complete our initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of this offering, the underwriters have
agreed that (i) they will forfeit any rights or claims to their deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, including any
accrued interest thereon, then in the trust account and (ii) the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions will be
distributed on a pro rata basis, together with any accrued interest thereon (which interest will be net of taxes payable) to the
public shareholders.
We
estimate expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions referred
to above, will be approximately $1,000,000. We have agreed to pay for FINRA-related fees and expenses of the underwriters’
legal counsel, not to exceed $25,000.
Determination
of Offering Price
Prior
to this offering, there has not been a public market for our securities. Consequently, the initial public offering price for our
units was determined by negotiations between us and the representative. Among the factors considered in these negotiations were
the history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies, prior offerings of those
companies, our management, our capital structure, and currently prevailing general conditions in equity securities markets, including
current market valuations of publicly traded companies considered comparable to our company.
We
offer no assurances that the initial public offering price will correspond to the price at which the units will trade in the public
market subsequent to the offering or that an active trading market for the units will develop and continue after the offering.
Listing
We
have applied to have our units listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “ARYA U.” Once the securities comprising the units
begin separate trading, we expect that the Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “ARYA”
and “ARYA W,” respectively. The units will automatically separate into their component parts and will not be traded
following the completion of our initial business combination.
Stamp
Taxes
If
you purchase units offered in this prospectus, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges under the laws and practices
of the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.
Option
to Purchase Additional Units
We
have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 45 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase, from time to
time, in whole or in part, up to an aggregate of 1,875,000 units from us at the public offering price set
134
forth
on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. If the underwriters exercise this option, each
underwriter will be obligated, subject to specified conditions, to purchase a number of additional units proportionate to that
underwriter’s initial purchase commitment as indicated in the table above. This option may be exercised only if the underwriters
sell more units than the total number set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
Letter
Agreements
We,
our sponsor and our officers and directors have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we and
they will not, without the prior written consent of Jefferies LLC, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose
of, directly or indirectly, any units, warrants, Class A ordinary shares or any other securities convertible into, or exercisable,
or exchangeable for, Class A ordinary shares; provided, however, that we may (1) issue and sell the private placement warrants,
(2) issue and sell the additional units to cover our underwriters’ over-allotment option (if any), (3) register with the
SEC pursuant to an agreement to be entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in this offering, the
resale of the founder shares and the private placement warrants or the warrants and Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise
of the warrants and (4) issue securities in connection with an initial business combination. Jefferies LLC in its sole discretion
may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time without notice.
Our
initial shareholders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of their founder shares until the earlier to occur of: (A)
one year after the completion of our initial business combination or (B) subsequent to our initial business combination, (x) if
the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations,
reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least
150 days after our initial business combination, or (y) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization
or other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash,
securities or other property (except as described herein under “Principal Shareholders — Transfers of Founder Shares
and Private Placement Warrants”). Any permitted transferees will be subject to the same restrictions and other agreements
of our initial shareholders with respect to any founder shares. We refer to such transfer restrictions throughout this prospectus
as the lock-up.
The
private placement warrants (including the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants) will
not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination (except with
respect to permitted transferees as described herein under the section of this prospectus entitled “Principal Shareholders
— Transfers of Founder Shares and Private Placement Warrants”).
Stabilization
The
underwriters have advised us that they, pursuant to Regulation M under the Exchange Act, and certain persons participating in
the offering may engage in short sale transactions, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions or the imposition
of penalty bids in connection with this offering. These activities may have the effect of stabilizing or maintaining the market
price of the units at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Establishing short sales positions
may involve either “covered” short sales or “naked” short sales.
“Covered”
short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units in this offering.
The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional units or purchasing
units in the open market. In determining the source of units to close out the covered short position, 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 option to purchase additional units.
“Naked”
short sales are sales in excess of the option to purchase additional units. 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 our units in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors
who purchase in this offering.
135
A
stabilizing bid is a bid for the purchase of units on behalf of the underwriters for the purpose of fixing or maintaining the
price of the units. A syndicate covering transaction is the bid for or the purchase of units on behalf of the underwriters to
reduce a short position incurred by the underwriters in connection with the offering. Similar to other purchase transactions,
the underwriter’s purchases to cover the syndicate short sales 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, the price of our units
may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. A penalty bid is an arrangement permitting the underwriters
to reclaim the selling concession otherwise accruing to a syndicate member in connection with the offering if the units originally
sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction and therefore have not been effectively placed
by such syndicate member.
Neither
we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the price of our units. The underwriters are not obligated to engage in these activities and, if commenced,
any of the activities may be discontinued at any time.
The
underwriters may also engage in passive market making transactions in our units on Nasdaq in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation
M during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of our units in this offering and extending through the completion
of distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security.
However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, that bid must then be lowered when specified
purchase limits are exceeded.
Electronic
Distribution
A
prospectus in electronic format may be made available by e-mail or on the web sites or through online services maintained by one
or more of the underwriters or their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and 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 the underwriters’ web sites and any
information contained in any other web site maintained by any of the underwriters is not part of this prospectus, has not been
approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriters and should not be relied upon by investors.
Other
Activities and Relationships
We
are not under any contractual obligation to engage any of the underwriters to provide any services for us after this offering,
and have no present intent to do so. However, any of the underwriters may 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 of the underwriters and no fees for such services will be paid to any of the underwriters
prior to the date that is 90 days from the date of this prospectus, unless FINRA determines that such payment would not be deemed
underwriters’ compensation in connection with this offering and we may pay the underwriters of this offering or any entity
with which they are affiliated a finder’s fee or other compensation for services rendered to us in connection with the completion
of a business combination.
The
underwriters and certain of their 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. The underwriters and certain of their affiliates have, from
time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various commercial and investment banking and financial advisory services
for us and our affiliates, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.
In
the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and certain of their affiliates may 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 issued by us and our
136
affiliates.
The underwriters and certain of their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market
color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may
at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Selling
Restrictions
Canada
Resale
Restrictions
The
distribution of the securities in Canada is being made only in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia
on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory
authorities in each province where trades of these securities are made. Any resale of the securities in Canada must be made under
applicable securities laws which may 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.
Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the securities.
Representations
of Canadian Purchasers
By
purchasing the securities in Canada and accepting delivery of a purchase confirmation, a purchaser is representing to us and the
dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
¡
the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase the securities without the benefit of a prospectus
qualified under those securities laws as it is an “accredited investor” as defined under National Instrument 45-106
—
Prospectus Exemptions
,
¡
the purchaser is a “permitted client” as defined in National Instrument 31-103 —
Registration
Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations
,
¡
where required by law, the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and
¡
the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale Restrictions.
Conflicts
of Interest
Canadian
purchasers are hereby notified that the underwriters are relying on the exemption set out in section 3A.3 or 3A.4, if applicable,
of National Instrument 33-105 —
Underwriting Conflicts
from having to provide certain conflict of interest disclosure in this document.
Statutory
Rights of Action
Securities
legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if the
prospectus (including any amendment thereto) such as this document contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for
rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s
province or territory. The purchaser of these securities in Canada should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities
legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Enforcement
of Legal Rights
All
of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein may be 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 or a substantial
portion of our assets and the assets of those persons may be 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.
137
Taxation
and Eligibility for Investment
Canadian
purchasers of the securities should consult their own legal and tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment
in the securities in their particular circumstances and about the eligibility of the securities for investment by the purchaser
under relevant Canadian legislation.
Australia
This
prospectus is not a disclosure document for the purposes of Australia’s Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) of Australia, or Corporations
Act, has not been lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission and is only directed to the categories of
exempt persons set out below. Accordingly, if you receive this prospectus in Australia:
You
confirm and warrant that you are either:
¡
a “sophisticated investor” under section 708(8)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act;
¡
a “sophisticated investor” under section 708(8)(c) or (d) of the Corporations Act and that you have provided an accountant’s
certificate to the Company which complies with the requirements of section 708(8)(c)(i) or (ii) of the Corporations Act and related
regulations before the offer has been made;
¡
a person associated with the Company under Section 708(12) of the Corporations Act; or
¡
a “professional investor” within the meaning of section 708(11)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act.
To
the extent that you are unable to confirm or warrant that you are an exempt sophisticated investor, associated person or professional
investor under the Corporations Act any offer made to you under this prospectus is void and incapable of acceptance.
You
warrant and agree that you will not offer any of the securities issued to you pursuant to this prospectus for resale in Australia
within 12 months of those securities being issued unless any such resale offer is exempt from the requirement to issue a disclosure
document under section 708 of the Corporations Act.
European
Economic Area
The
units are not intended to be offered or sold to and should not be offered or sold to any retail investor in the European Economic
Area (the “EEA”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client
as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within
the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, as amended (the “Insurance Mediation Directive”), where that customer would not
qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined
in the Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, the “Prospectus Directive”). No key information document required by Regulation
(EU) No 1286/2014, as amended (the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the units or otherwise making them
available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared. Offering or selling the units or otherwise making them available to
any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPS Regulation. This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that
any offer of the units in any member state of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from
a requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of units. This prospectus is not a prospectus for the purpose of the Prospectus
Directive.
Hong
Kong
No
securities have been offered or sold, and no securities may be offered or sold, in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other
than to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent; or to “professional
investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (“
SFO
”) and any
rules made under that Ordinance; or in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus”
as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong (“
CO
”) or which do not constitute an offer or
invitation to the public for the purpose of the CO or the SFO. No document, invitation or
138
advertisement
relating to the securities has been issued or 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 of Hong Kong (except if permitted under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities
which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors”
as defined in the SFO and any rules made under that Ordinance.
This
prospectus has not been registered with the Registrar of Companies in Hong Kong. Accordingly, this prospectus may not be issued,
circulated or distributed in Hong Kong, and the securities may not be offered for subscription to members of the public in Hong
Kong. Each person acquiring the securities will be required, and is deemed by the acquisition of the securities, to confirm that
he is aware of the restriction on offers of the securities described in this prospectus and the relevant offering documents and
that he is not acquiring, and has not been offered any securities in circumstances that contravene any such restrictions.
Israel
This
document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Securities Law, and has not been
filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In Israel, this prospectus is being distributed only to, and is directed
only at, and any offer of the units is directed only at, (i) a limited number of persons in accordance with the Israeli Securities
Law and (ii) investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law, consisting primarily of joint
investment in trust funds, provident funds, insurance companies, banks, portfolio managers, investment advisors, members of the
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, underwriters, venture capital funds, entities with equity in excess of NIS 50 million and “qualified
individuals,” each as defined in the Addendum (as it may be amended from time to time), collectively referred to as qualified
investors (in each case, purchasing for their own account or, where permitted under the Addendum, for the accounts of their clients
who are investors listed in the Addendum). Qualified investors are required to submit written confirmation that they fall within
the scope of the Addendum, are aware of the meaning of same and agree to it.
Japan
The
offering has not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948
of Japan, as amended), or FIEL, and the Initial Purchaser will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan
or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any
corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly,
in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements
of, and otherwise in compliance with, the FIEL and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.
Singapore
This
prospectus has not been and will not be lodged or 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 securities may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the securities 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.
Where
the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
¡
a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A 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,
139
securities
(as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) 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 securities pursuant
to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
¡
to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer
referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;
¡
where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;
¡
where the transfer is by operation of law;
¡
as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or
¡
as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of
Singapore.
Switzerland
The
securities 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 prospectus 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 prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to
the securities or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither
this prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company or the securities have been
or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this prospectus will not be filed with, and
the offer of securities will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, and the offer of securities
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 securities.
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, as amended (the “
Order
”) and/or
(ii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order and other persons to whom it may lawfully be
communicated (each such person being referred to as a “
relevant person
”).
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.
140
LEGAL MATTERS
Kirkland
& Ellis LLP, New York, New York will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this prospectus with respect to units
and warrants. Ogier will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this prospectus with respect to the ordinary shares
and matters of Cayman Islands law. In connection with this offering, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Palo Alto,
California advised the underwriters in connection with the offering of the securities.
EXPERTS
The
financial statements of ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp. as of July 5, 2018 and for the period from June 29, 2018 (date of inception)
through July 5, 2018 appearing in this prospectus have been audited by WithumSmith+Brown, PC, independent registered public accounting
firm, as set forth in their report thereon, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and are included in reliance upon such report
given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We
have filed with the 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.
141
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the Shareholder and the Board of Directors of
ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp.
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) as of July 5, 2018,
the related statement of operations, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows, for the period from June 29, 2018 (date
of inception) to July 5, 2018, 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 July
5, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from June 29, 2018 (inception) to July 5, 2018, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
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. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
WithumSmith+Brown, PC
We
have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
Whippany,
New Jersey
September 11, 2018
F-2
ARYA SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
BALANCE SHEET
July 5, 2018
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Other
assets: Deferred offering costs associated with the proposed public offering
|
|
$
|
61,429
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
61,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Shareholder’s Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
$
|
38,781
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
38,781
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder’s
Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
Preference
shares, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued and outstanding
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class
A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 479,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and
outstanding
|
|
|
—
|
|
Class
B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 3,593,750 shares
issued and outstanding
(1)
|
|
|
359
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
24,641
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(2,352
|
)
|
Total
shareholder’s equity
|
|
|
22,648
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity
|
|
$
|
61,429
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
ARYA SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the period from June 29, 2018 (date of inception) to July 5, 2018
Formation
and operating costs
|
|
$
|
2,352
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(2,352
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding, basic and diluted
(1)
|
|
|
3,125,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
ARYA SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
For the period from June 29, 2018 (date of inception) to July 5, 2018
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-In
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
SHAREholder’s
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
– June 29, 2018 (date of inception)
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Issuance
of Class B ordinary shares to Sponsor
(1)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
3,593,750
|
|
|
359
|
|
|
24,641
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,352
|
)
|
|
|
(2,352
|
)
|
Balance
– July 5, 2018
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
3,593,750
|
|
$
|
359
|
|
$
|
24,641
|
|
$
|
(2,352
|
)
|
|
$
|
22,648
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
ARYA SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the period from June 29, 2018 (date of inception) to July 5, 2018
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(2,352
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Formation
and operating costs paid by Sponsor in exchange for issuance of Class B ordinary shares
|
|
|
2,352
|
|
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in cash
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
– beginning of the period
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cash
– end of the period
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosure of noncash activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
offering costs paid by Sponsor in exchange for issuance of Class B ordinary shares
|
|
$
|
22,648
|
|
Deferred
offering costs included in accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
38,781
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
ARYA SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note
1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations
ARYA
Sciences Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) is a newly organized blank check company incorporated on June 29, 2018
(date of inception) as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition,
share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”).
While the Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, it intends
to focus on industries that complement its management team’s background, and to capitalize on the ability of its management
team to identify and acquire a business, focusing on the healthcare or healthcare related industries. In particular, the Company
will target North American or European companies in the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device and therapeutics subsectors where
its management has extensive investment experience. The Company is an emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject
to all of the risks associated with emerging growth companies.
As
of July 5, 2018, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from June 29, 2018 (date of inception)
to July 5, 2018 relates to the Company’s formation and the proposed initial public offering (the “Proposed Public
Offering”) described below. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of its initial
Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and
cash equivalents from the proceeds derived from the Proposed Public Offering. The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal
year end.
The
Company’s sponsor is ARYA Sciences Holdings, a Cayman Islands exempted limited company (the “Sponsor”). The
Company’s ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate financial resources through a proposed public
offering of 12,500,000 units (each, a “Unit” and collectively, the “Units”) at $10.00 per Unit (or 14,375,000
Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), which is discussed in Note 3, and the sale of 5,437,500
warrants (or 5,953,125 warrants if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) (each, a “Private
Placement Warrant” and collectively, the “Private Placement Warrants”) at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement
Warrant in a private placement to 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 Placement Warrants, 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 one or more initial Business Combinations having an aggregate fair market
value of at least 80% of the assets held in the Trust Account (as defined below) (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions
and taxes payable on income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial Business Combination.
However, the Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of
the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not
to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act 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 a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the Private Placement Warrants,
will be held in a trust account (“Trust Account”), located in the United States at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., with
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee, 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 180 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 paragraphs (d)(2),
(d)(3) and (d)(4) 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 assets held in the Trust Account as described below.
F-7
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations
(cont.)
The
Company will provide the holders of its outstanding Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 (the “Class A ordinary shares”),
sold in the Proposed Public Offering (the “Public Shareholders”) with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of
their Public Share (as defined in Note 3) upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a shareholder
meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether the Company
will seek shareholder approval of a Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its
discretion. The Public Shareholders 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). The per-share amount to be distributed to Public Shareholders
who redeem their Public Shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions the Company will pay to the underwriters
(as discussed in Note 5). These Public Shares will be recorded at a redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the
completion of the Proposed Public Offering in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” In such
case, the Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon
such consummation of a Business Combination and a majority of the shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination.
If a shareholder vote is not required by law and the Company does not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other
legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, conduct the redemptions
pursuant to the tender offer rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and file tender offer documents
with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination. If, however, shareholder approval of the transactions is required by
law, or the Company decides to obtain shareholder approval for business or legal reasons, the Company will offer to redeem shares
in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. Additionally,
each Public Shareholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed
transaction. If the Company seeks shareholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the initial shareholders (as
defined below) have agreed to vote their Founder Shares (as defined below in Note 4) and any Public Shares purchased during or
after the Proposed Public Offering in favor of a Business Combination. In addition, the initial shareholders have agreed to waive
their redemption rights with respect to their Founder Shares and Public Shares in connection with the completion of a Business
Combination.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will provide that a Public Shareholder,
together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group”
(as defined under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted
from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% or more of the Class A ordinary shares sold in the Proposed
Public Offering, without the prior consent of the Company.
The
Company’s Sponsor, officers and directors (the “initial shareholders”) have agreed not to propose an amendment
to the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that would affect the substance or timing of the Company’s
obligation to redeem 100% of its Public Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination, unless the Company provides
the public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares in conjunction with any such amendment.
If
the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering (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 its income taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution
expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’
rights as shareholders (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
shareholders
F-8
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations
(cont.)
and
the Company’s board of directors, proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution of the Company,
subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements
of other applicable law.
The
initial shareholders have agreed to waive their liquidation rights with respect to the Founder Shares if the Company fails to
complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the initial shareholders acquire Public Shares in or
after the Proposed Public Offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to
such Public Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The underwriters have
agreed to waive their rights to their deferred underwriting commission (see Note 5) held in the Trust Account in the event the
Company does not complete a Business Combination within in the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included
with the funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Company’s Public Shares. In
the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the residual assets remaining available for distribution
(including Trust Account assets) will be only $10.00 per share initially held in the Trust Account (or less than that in certain
circumstances). In order to protect the amounts held in the Trust Account, the Sponsor has agreed to be liable to the Company
if and to the extent any claims by a 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. This
liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim
of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account or to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters
of the 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 the Sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to
have all vendors, service providers (except for the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm), 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.
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The
Company does not have sufficient liquidity to meet its anticipated obligations over the next year from the date of issuance of
these financial statements. In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with
FASB’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s
Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” management has determined that the Company has access to funds from the Sponsor,
including up to an aggregate of $300,000 provided under the Note (see Note 4), that are sufficient to fund the working capital
needs of the Company until the earlier of the consummation of the Proposed Public Offering or one year from the date of issuance
of these financial statements.
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 auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure
obligations regarding executive compensation in its
F-9
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(cont.)
periodic
reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation
and shareholder 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 an emerging growth 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.
Net
Loss Per Ordinary Share
The
Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net loss
per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. At
July 5, 2018, the Company did not have any dilutive securities and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted
into ordinary shares 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 cash accounts in a financial institution,
which, at times, may exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Coverage of $250,000. At July 5, 2018, the Company has not experienced
losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.
Financial
Instruments
The
fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under the FASB ASC 820, “Fair
Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheet.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Deferred
Offering Costs
Deferred
offering costs consist of legal, accounting, underwriting fees and other costs incurred through the balance sheet date that are
directly related to the Proposed Public Offering and that will be charged to shareholder’s 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.
F-10
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(cont.)
Income
Taxes
The
Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under FASB 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.
FASB
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. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of July 5,
2018. The Company’s management determined that the Cayman Islands is the Company’s only major tax jurisdiction. The
Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized
tax benefits and no amounts were accrued for interest and penalties for the period from June 29, 2018 (date of inception) to July
5, 2018. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or
material deviation from its position.
The
Company may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state or foreign taxing authorities in the area of income
taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various
tax jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws. There is currently no taxation imposed on
income by the Government of the Cayman Islands. In accordance with Cayman federal income tax regulations, income taxes are not
levied on the Company. Consequently, income taxes are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s
management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
The
Company’s 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 12,500,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit
consists of one Class A ordinary shares (such Class A ordinary shares included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares”),
and one-half of one redeemable warrant (each, a “Public Warrant”). Each whole Public Warrant entitles the holder to
purchase one Class A ordinary shares at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 6).
Note
4 — Related Party Transactions
Founder
Shares
On
July 5, 2018, the Sponsor paid $25,000 to cover certain expenses and offering costs on behalf of the Company in consideration
of 3,593,750 shares (the “Founder Shares”) of the Company’s Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share
(the “Class B ordinary shares”). Prior to the consummation of the Proposed Public Offering, the Sponsor intends to
transfer 30,000 Founder Shares to each of Kevin Conroy, Dr. Todd Wider and Dr. David Hung,
F-11
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
4 — Related Party Transactions
(cont.)
the
Company's independent director nominees. The Founder Shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time
of the Company’s initial Business Combination and are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in Note 6.
The initial shareholders have agreed to forfeit up to 468,750 Founder Shares to the extent that the over-allotment option is not
exercised in full by the underwriters. The forfeiture will be adjusted to the extent that the over-allotment option is not exercised
in full by the underwriters so that the Founder Shares will represent 20.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares
after the Proposed Public Offering. If the Company increases or decreases the size of the Proposed Public Offering, the Company
will effect a share dividend or share contribution back to capital, as applicable, immediately prior to the consummation of the
Proposed Public Offering in such amount as to maintain the Founder Share ownership of the Company’s initial shareholders
prior to the Proposed Public Offering at 20.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares upon the consummation
of the Proposed Public Offering.
The
initial shareholders will agree, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares until
the earlier to occur of: (A) one year after the completion of the initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to the initial
Business Combination, (x) if the last sale price of the Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted
for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading
day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial Business Combination, or (y) the date on which the Company completes
a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s shareholders having
the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.
Private
Placement Warrants
The
Sponsor has agreed to purchase 5,437,500 Private Placement Warrants (or 5,953,125 if the over-allotment option is exercised in
full) at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant (approximately $5.438 million in the aggregate or $5.953 million in the
aggregate 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 Placement Warrant is exercisable for one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50
per share. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Private Placement Warrants 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 Private Placement Warrants will expire worthless. The Private Placement Warrants will be non-redeemable and exercisable
on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees.
The
Sponsor and the Company’s officers and directors have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or
sell any of their Private Placement Warrants until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination.
Related
Party Loans
On
July 5, 2018, the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company an aggregate of up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the Proposed
Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). This loan is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier
of December 31, 2018 or the completion of the Proposed Public Offering. As of July 5, 2018, the Company had not borrowed any amount
under the Note.
In
addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors 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 is not completed, the Company
may use a portion of the proceeds held outside
F-12
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
4 — Related Party Transactions
(cont.)
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 $1.5 million of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible
into warrants of the post Business Combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant. The warrants would be identical to the
Private Placement Warrants.
Administrative
Support Agreement
The
Company will agree, commencing on the effective date of the Proposed Public Offering through the earlier of the Company’s
consummation of a Business Combination and its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for office space,
utilities and secretarial and administrative support.
Private
Placement of Ordinary Shares
The
Sponsor has indicated an interest to purchase up to $25 million of the Company's ordinary shares in a private placement that would
occur concurrently with the consummation of the initial Business Combination. The funds from such private placement would be used
as part of the consideration to the sellers in the initial Business Combination, and any excess funds from such private placement
would be used for working capital in the post-transaction company. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements
or commitments to purchase, the Sponsor may determine not to purchase any such shares, or to purchase fewer shares than it indicated
an interest in purchasing. Furthermore, the Company is not under any obligation to sell any such shares.
Note
5 — Commitments & Contingencies
Registration
Rights
The
holders of Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants and warrants that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans,
if any, will be entitled to registration rights (in the case of the Founder Shares, only after conversion of such shares into
Class A ordinary shares) pursuant to a registration and shareholder rights agreement to be entered into upon consummation of the
Proposed Public Offering. These holders will be entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration and shareholder
rights. However, the registration and shareholder rights agreement provides that the Company will not permit any registration
statement filed under the Securities Act to become effective until the termination of the applicable lock-up period for the securities
to be registered. 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 the final prospectus relating to the Proposed Public Offering
to purchase up to 1,875,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at $10.00 per Unit, less underwriting discounts
and commissions.
The
underwriters will be entitled to an underwriting discount of $0.275 per Unit, or approximately $3.438 million in the aggregate
(or approximately $3.953 million in the aggregate if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), payable
upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering. $0.325 per Unit, or approximately $4.062 million in the aggregate (or approximately
$4.672 million in the aggregate if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be payable to the
underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions. The deferred underwriting commissions will become payable to the underwriters
from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that the Company completes a Business Combination, subject to the
terms of the underwriting agreement.
F-13
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
6 — Shareholder’s Equity
Class
A Ordinary Shares
— The Company is authorized to issue 479,000,000 Class A ordinary shares with a par value
of $0.0001 per share. As of July 5, 2018, there were no Class A ordinary shares issued or outstanding.
Class
B Ordinary Shares
— The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares with a par value
of $0.0001 per share. Holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share. As of July 5, 2018, there were
3,593,750 Class B ordinary shares outstanding. Of the 3,593,750 Class B ordinary shares outstanding, up to 468,750 shares are
subject to forfeiture to the Company by the Sponsor for no consideration to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is not exercised in full or in part, so that the initial shareholders will collectively own 20.0% of the Company’s
issued and outstanding ordinary shares after the Proposed Public Offering.
Holders
of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote
of shareholders except as required by law, except prior to an initial Business Combination, only holders of Founder Shares shall
have the right to vote on the election of directors.
The
Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of the initial Business Combination
at a ratio such that the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all Founder Shares will equal, in the aggregate,
on an as-converted basis, 20.0% of the sum of (i) the total number of Class A ordinary shares issued and outstanding upon completion
of the Proposed Public Offering, plus (ii) the sum of (a) the total number of Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities
exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued or deemed issued in connection with the initial Business Combination
(excluding any shares or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial Business Combination or
any warrants issued to the Sponsor upon conversion of Working Capital Loans), minus (b) the number of Public Shares redeemed by
Public Shareholders in connection with the initial Business Combination.
Preference
Shares
— The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 preference shares with such designations, voting and
other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. As of July 5, 2018,
there were no preference shares issued or outstanding.
Warrants
— Public Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of shares. No fractional Public Warrants will
be issued upon separation of the Units and only whole Public Warrants will trade. The Public Warrants will become exercisable
on the later of (a) 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination or (b) 12 months from the closing of the Proposed Offering;
provided in each case that the Company has an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the Class A ordinary
shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants and a current prospectus relating to them is available (or the Company permits
holders to exercise their Public Warrants on a cashless basis and such cashless exercise is exempt from registration under the
Securities Act). The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 20 business days, after the closing
of a Business Combination, the Company will use its best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration,
under the Securities Act, of the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants. The Company will use its
best efforts to cause the same to become effective and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement, and a current
prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration of the Public Warrants in accordance with the provisions of the warrant agreement.
If a registration statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the
sixtieth (60th) day after the closing of the initial Business Combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an
effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration
statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another
exemption. The Public Warrants will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption
or liquidation.
The
Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the Proposed Offering, except that
the Private Placement Warrants and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the
F-14
ARYA
SCIENCES ACQUISITION CORP.
Notes to Financial Statements
Note
6 — Shareholder’s Equity
(cont.)
Private
Placement Warrants will not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination,
subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Private Placement Warrants will be non-redeemable so long as they are
held by the initial purchasers or such purchasers’ permitted transferees. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by
someone other than the initial shareholders or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable
by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.
The
Company may call the Public Warrants for redemption (except with respect to the Private Placement Warrants):
¡
in whole and not in part;
¡
at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
¡
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; and
¡
if, and only if, the last reported closing price of the ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 20 trading
days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of
redemption to the warrant holders.
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.
The
exercise price and number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances
including in the event of a share dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrants
will not be adjusted for issuance of Class A ordinary shares at a price below its exercise price. Additionally, in no event will
the Company be required to net cash settle the warrant shares. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within
the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants will not receive any
of such funds with respect to their warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside
of the Trust Account with the respect to such warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.
Note
7 — Subsequent Events
The
Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred through September 11, 2018, the date that the financial statements
were available to be issued. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required
adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.
F-15
ARYA
Sciences Acquisition Corp.
_______________________
PROSPECTUS
OCTOBER 4, 2018
_______________________
Sole
Book-Running Manager
Jefferies
Lead
Manager
Chardan
Until
October 29, 2018 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our ordinary shares, 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.
We
have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations
other than contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred
you. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information
that others may provide you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction
where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate
as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
No
dealer, salesperson or any other person is authorized to give any information or make
any representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in this
prospectus and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by us. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to
sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security other than the securities offered
by this prospectus, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities
by anyone in any jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not authorized or
is unlawful.