PROXY STATEMENT — DATED [●], 2023
NUBIA BRAND INTERNATIONAL CORP.
13355 Noel Rd, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75240
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON [●], 2023
The special meeting of stockholders (the “special meeting”)
of Nubia Brand International Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us”
or “our”), will be held at [●], on [●], 2023. The special meeting will be held virtually, at [●].
At the special meeting, the stockholders will consider and vote upon the following proposals:
1. |
To amend (the “Extension Amendment”) the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “charter”) to allow the Company to extend the date by which the Company must consummate a business combination (as defined below) (the “Extension”) on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 (the date that is 15 months from the closing date of the Company’s initial public offering of units (the “IPO”)) to December 15, 2023 (the date that is 21 months from the closing date of the IPO) (the “Extended Date”) (the “Extension Amendment Proposal”). |
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2. |
To amend (the “Trust Amendment”) the Investment
Management Trust Agreement, dated March 10, 2022 (the “Trust Agreement”), by and between the Company and Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Trustee”), to allow the Company to extend the date on which the Trustee
must liquidate the trust account established by the Company in connection with the IPO (the “trust account”)
if the Company has not completed its initial business combination, on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 (the date that
is 15 months from the closing date of the IPO) to December 15, 2023 (the date that is 21 months from the closing date of the IPO) by depositing
into the trust account the lesser of (a) $125,000 and (b) $0.045 per share per month for each one-month Extension (the “Trust
Amendment Proposal”). |
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3. |
A proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment Proposal or if we determine that additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension (the “Adjournment Proposal”). The Adjournment Proposal will only be presented at the special meeting if there are not sufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal. |
The purpose of the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment
Proposal, and, if necessary the Adjournment Proposal, is more fully described herein. The special meeting will be a virtual meeting. You
will be able to attend and participate in the special meeting online by visiting [●]. Please see “Questions and Answers
about the Special Meeting — How do I attend the special meeting?” for more information.
The Company’s charter provides that the Company has the right
to extend the period to complete a business combination (the “Combination Period”) two times by an additional
three months each time (for a total of 18 months to complete a business combination). In order to extend the time available for the Company
to consummate a business combination without the need for a separate stockholder vote under the charter, the Sponsor or its affiliate
or designees must deposit into the trust account $1,235,000 ($0.10 per public share) on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline.
On March 13, 2023, the Sponsor deposited $1, 235,000 to extend the Combination Period from March 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. Given current
market conditions, the Sponsor would like to pay extension fees that are substantially less than the $411,666.67 per month required for
the permitted extensions under the existing charter. The Company expects that there will be significant redemptions at the special meeting.
The Extension Amendment and the Trust Amendment will provide the Company
with additional time to complete its proposed business combination (the “Proposed Business Combination”) pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2023, as it may be amended, which provides for a business combination between the Company
and Honeycomb Battery Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Seller”). While we have entered into a definitive agreement
with the Seller in respect of the Proposed Business Combination, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”)
currently believes that there will not be sufficient time before June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination Period is extended in accordance
with the terms of the existing charter) to hold a special meeting at which to conduct a vote for stockholder approval of the Proposed
Business Combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that the Extension is necessary in order to be able to consummate the Proposed Business
Combination. Therefore, our Board has determined that it is in the best interests of our stockholders to extend the date by which the
Company must consummate a business combination to the Extended Date in order to provide our stockholders with the opportunity to consider
the Proposed Business Combination. The purpose of the Adjournment Proposal is to allow the Company to adjourn the special meeting to a
later date or dates if we determine that additional time is necessary to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event
that there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal or if we determine that
additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension.
Each of the Company, the Sponsor or any of their respective affiliates
(the “Contributors”) have agreed that if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, they will contribute to the trust account the lesser of (a) $125,000 and (b) $0.045 per share per month for each one-month
Extension (or approximately $0.008 per share assuming no redemptions), paid on a month-to-month and as-needed basis (each being referred
to herein as a “Contribution”), upon five days’ advance notice prior to the applicable deadlines, to
extend the Combination Period for an additional one (1) month period each time, up to six (6) times, until December 15, 2023. Each Contribution
will be deposited in the trust account within two business days prior to the beginning of the additional extension period (or portion
thereof).
The Contributors will not make any Contribution unless the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are both approved and the Combination Period is extended. The Contribution(s) will
not bear any interest. The Contributions will be lost if the Company is unable to consummate an initial business combination except to
the extent of any funds held outside of the trust account. The Company will have the sole discretion whether to continue extending the
time to complete a business combination until the Extended Date, and if the Company determines not to continue extending for an additional
period, any obligation to make additional Contributions will terminate. If this occurs, or if the Company’s board of directors otherwise
determines that the Company will not be able to consummate an initial business combination by the Extended Date and does not wish to seek
an additional Extension, the Company would wind up the Company’s affairs and redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares in accordance
with the same procedures set forth below that would be applicable if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are not approved.
The affirmative vote of at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the
Company’s outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, held by the Company’s public
stockholders (the “public shares”), and the outstanding shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001
per share, held by the Company’s initial stockholders (the “founder shares” and, together with the
public shares, the “common stock”), will be required to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal, and the
affirmative vote of at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock will be required to
approve the Trust Amendment Proposal. Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal is a condition
to the implementation of the Extension.
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote
of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders represented in person (including virtually) or by proxy at the special meeting.
Our Board has fixed the close of business on [_], 2023 as the record
date for determining the Company’s stockholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the special meeting and any adjournment
thereof. Only holders of record of the Company’s common stock on that date are entitled to have their votes counted at the special
meeting or any adjournment thereof. A complete list of stockholders of record entitled to vote at the special meeting will be available
for ten days before the special meeting at the Company’s principal executive offices for inspection by stockholders during ordinary
business hours for any purpose germane to the special meeting.
In connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal, holders of public
shares (“public stockholders”) may elect to redeem their public shares for a per share price, payable in cash,
equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account established by the Company in connection with the IPO (the “trust
account”) as of two business days prior to such approval, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account
and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares (the “Election”),
regardless of whether such public stockholders vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal. If the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are approved by the requisite vote of stockholders, the holders of public shares that
do not make the Election will retain the opportunity to have their public shares redeemed in conjunction with the consummation of a business
combination, subject to any limitations set forth in our charter, as amended. In addition, public stockholders who do not make the Election
would be entitled to have their public shares redeemed for cash if the Company has not completed a business combination by the Extended
Date.
The withdrawal of funds from the trust account in connection with the
Election will reduce the amount held in the trust account following the Election, and the amount remaining in the trust account after
such withdrawal may be only a fraction of the $[●] (including interest, but less the funds used to pay taxes) that was in the trust
account as of [●], 2023. In such event, the Company may still seek to obtain additional funds to complete a business combination,
and there can be no assurance that such funds will be available on terms acceptable to the parties or at all. The Company will not use
the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interest earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in
nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise
tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
The Company estimates that the per share price at which the public
shares may be redeemed from cash held in the trust account will be approximately $[●] at the time of the special meeting. The closing
price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market (the “NASDAQ”) on [●], 2023, was
$[●]. Accordingly, if the market price were to remain the same until the date of the special meeting, exercising redemption rights
would result in a public stockholder receiving approximately $[●] more per share than if such stockholder sold the public shares
in the open market. The Company cannot assure public stockholders that they will be able to sell their public shares in the open market,
even if the market price per share is higher than the redemption price stated above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities
when such stockholders wish to sell their shares.
The Adjournment Proposal, if adopted, will allow our Board to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies. The Adjournment
Proposal will be presented to our stockholders only in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with,
the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment Proposal
is not approved and the Combination Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, 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, and subject to having lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the
trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation
distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to
the approval of our remaining stockholders and our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware
law to provide for claims of creditors and requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions
with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless in the event the Company winds up.
Mach FM Acquisitions LLC (the “Sponsor”)
has agreed that it will be liable to the Company if and to the extent any claims by a third party (other than the Company’s independent
registered public accounting firm) for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which
the Company has discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below (i) $10.10 per
public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account
due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay the Company’s
taxes, except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account and except
as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the IPO against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. However, we have not asked the Sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations,
nor have we independently verified whether the Sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believe that the
Sponsor’s only assets are securities of the Company. Therefore, we cannot assure that the Sponsor would be able to satisfy those
obligations.
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”),
stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a
dissolution. If the corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes
reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against
the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period
before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution
is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any
liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution.
However, because the Company will not be complying with Section 280
of the DGCL, Section 281(b) of the DGCL requires the Company to adopt a plan, based on facts known to the Company at such time that will
provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against the Company within the subsequent
ten years following our dissolution. However, because the Company is a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our
operations have been limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from
our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target businesses.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, such approval will constitute consent for the Company to (i) remove from the trust account an amount (the “Withdrawal
Amount”) equal to the number of public shares properly redeemed multiplied by the per share price, equal to the aggregate
amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to such approval, including interest earned on the funds held
in the trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares
and (ii) deliver to the holders of such redeemed public shares their portion of the Withdrawal Amount. The remainder of such funds shall
remain in the trust account and be available for use by the Company to complete a business combination on or before the Extended Date.
Holders of public shares who do not redeem their public shares now will retain their redemption rights and their ability to vote on a
business combination through the Extended Date if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are approved.
Our Board has fixed the close of business on [_], 2023 as the date
for determining the Company stockholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the special meeting. Only record holders of the Company’s
common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the special meeting. On the
record date, there were 15,561,000 outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust
Amendment Proposal. The Company’s warrants do not have voting rights in connection with the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust
Amendment Proposal or, if presented, the Adjournment Proposal.
This proxy statement contains important information about the special
meeting and the proposals to be voted on at the special meeting. Please read it carefully and vote your shares.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement contains statements that are forward-looking and
as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s financial position, business
strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including as they relate to a business combination. These statements
constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. They involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. Such statements can
be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this proxy statement, words such
as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,”
“project,” “should,” “strive,” “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. When the Company discusses its strategies
or plans, including as they relate to a business combination, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such
statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, the Company’s management.
Actual results and stockholders’ value will be affected by a variety of risks and factors, including, without limitation, international,
national and local economic conditions, merger, acquisition and business combination risks, financing risks, geo-political risks, acts
of terror or war, and those risk factors described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2022, in this proxy statement and in other reports the Company files with the SEC. Many of
the risks and factors that will determine these results and stockholders’ value are beyond the Company’s ability to control
or predict.
All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
proxy statement. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking
statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions
or circumstances on which any such statement is based. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or
persons acting on the Company’s behalf are qualified in their entirety by this “Forward-Looking Statements” section.
RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully all of the risks described in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2023, and in the other reports we file with the SEC before making a decision to invest
in our securities. Furthermore, if any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially
adversely affected or we could face liquidation. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose
all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and below are not the only ones
we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important
factors that adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results or result in our liquidation.
If we were deemed to be an investment company
for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), we may be forced to abandon
our efforts to complete an initial business combination and instead be required to liquidate the Company. To avoid that result, we may
determine, in our discretion, to liquidate the securities held in the trust account and instead hold all funds in the trust account in
an interest bearing bank demand deposit account, which may earn less interest than we otherwise would have if the trust account had remained
invested in U.S. government securities or money market funds.
There is currently uncertainty
concerning the applicability of the Investment Company Act to a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) and we may in
the future be subject to a claim that we have been operating as an unregistered investment company. If we are deemed to be an investment
company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, we might be forced to abandon our efforts to complete an initial business combination
and instead be required to liquidate. If we are required to liquidate, our investors would not be able to realize the benefits of owning
stock in a successor operating business, including the potential appreciation in the value of our stock and warrants following such a
transaction, and our warrants would expire worthless.
The funds in the trust account
have, since our initial public offering, been held 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 money market funds investing solely in United States Treasuries
and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. However, to mitigate the risk of us being deemed to have
been operating as an unregistered investment company (including under the subjective test of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company
Act), we may, in our own discretion, instruct Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the trustee with respect to the trust account,
to liquidate the U.S. government securities or money market funds held in the trust account. This may mean that the amount of funds available
for redemption would not increase, thereby reducing the dollar amount our public shareholders would receive upon any redemption or liquidation
of the Company.
In addition, the longer that
the funds in the trust account are held in short-term U.S. government securities or in money market funds invested exclusively in such
securities, there is a greater risk that we may be considered an unregistered investment company, in which case we may be required to
liquidate. Accordingly, we may determine, in our discretion, to liquidate the securities held in the trust account at any time.
We may not be able to complete an initial business
combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and
review by a U.S. government entity such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), or ultimately prohibited.
The Sponsor is not controlled
by and it does not have substantial ties with a non-U.S. person. Patrick Orlando, the manager of the Sponsor, is a U.S. citizen. We do
not expect the Company to be considered a “foreign person” under the regulations administered by CFIUS. However, if our initial
business combination with a U.S. business is subject to CFIUS review, the scope of which was expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk Review
Modernization Act of 2018 (“FIRRMA”), to include certain non-passive, non-controlling investments in sensitive U.S.
businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying U.S. business, FIRRMA, and subsequent implementing regulations
that are now in force, also subjects certain categories of investments to mandatory filings. If our potential initial business combination
with a U.S. business falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we may determine that we are required to make a mandatory filing or that
we will submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS, or to proceed with the initial business combination without notifying CFIUS and risk CFIUS
intervention, before or after closing the initial business combination. CFIUS may decide to block or delay our initial business combination,
impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such initial business combination or order us to divest all or
a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company without first obtaining CFIUS clearance, which may limit the attractiveness of or
prevent us from pursuing certain initial business combination opportunities that we believe would otherwise be beneficial to us and our
shareholders. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business combination may be limited and
we may be adversely affected in terms of competing with other special purpose acquisition companies which do not have similar foreign
ownership issues.
Moreover, the process of government
review, whether by the CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy and we have limited time to complete our initial business combination. If
we cannot complete our initial business combination within the time permitted under our organizational documents because the review process
drags on beyond such timeframe or because our initial business combination is ultimately prohibited by CFIUS or another U.S. government
entity, we may be required to liquidate. This will also cause you to lose the investment opportunity in a target company and the chance
of realizing future gains on your investment through any price appreciation in the combined company.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING
These Questions and Answers are only summaries of the matters they
discuss. They do not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read carefully the entire document, including
the annexes to this proxy statement.
Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are being sent to
you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board for use at the special meeting, or at any adjournments thereof. This proxy
statement summarizes the information that you need to make an informed decision on the proposals to be considered at the special meeting.
The Company is a blank check company formed in order to effect a merger,
capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses
or entities. The Company was incorporated under the laws of Delaware on June 14, 2021.
On March 15, 2022, the Company closed its initial public offering
of 12,350,000 units, including the exercise of the over-allotment option to the extent of 1,350,000 units, with each unit
consisting of one share of its Class A common stock and one-half of one warrant, each whole warrant to purchase one share of
its Class A common stock at a purchase price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as provided in the Company’s final
prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2022 (File No. 333-261114). The units from the IPO
were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $123,500,000.
Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO and the exercise of
the underwriters’ over-allotment option, the Company consummated the private sale of 5,405,000 warrants at $1.00 per warrant
for an aggregate purchase price of $5,405,000. A total of $125,970,000, was deposited into the trust account and the remaining net proceeds
became available to be used as working capital to provide for business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective business combinations
and continuing general and administrative expenses. The IPO was conducted pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 that
became effective on March 10, 2022.
The trust account was invested in U.S. government securities, within
the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in 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,
until the earliest of: (a) the completion of the Company’s initial business combination, (b) the redemption of any public shares
properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the Company’s charter (i) to modify the substance or timing of
the Company’s obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public
shares if the Company does not complete its initial business combination within 12 months (or up to 18 months if the Combination Period
is extended in accordance with the existing charter) from the closing of the IPO or (ii) with respect to any other provision relating
to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, and (c) the redemption of the Company’s public shares
if the Company is unable to complete the initial business combination within the Combination Period (as defined below). Like most blank
check companies, our charter provides for the return of the IPO proceeds held in the trust account to the holders of shares of common
stock sold in the IPO if there is no qualifying business combination consummated on or before a certain date (the “Combination
Period”). In our case such certain date is June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination Period is extended in accordance with the
terms of the existing charter). Our Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to amend the Company’s
charter to allow the Company to extend the date to consummate a business combination on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15,
2023 to December 15, 2023 in order to allow the Company more time to complete a business combination. Therefore, our Board is submitting
the proposals described in this proxy statement for the stockholders to vote upon.
What is being voted on?
You are being asked to vote on each of the Extension Amendment Proposal,
the Trust Amendment Proposal and, if presented, the Adjournment Proposal. The proposals are listed below:
1. |
Extension Amendment Proposal: To amend our charter to allow the Company to extend the date by which the Company must consummate a business combination on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 (the date that is 15 months from the closing date of the IPO) to December 15, 2023 (the date that is 21 months from the closing date of the IPO). |
2. |
Trust Amendment Proposal: To amend the Trust Agreement to extend the liquidation date on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 to December 15, 2023. |
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3. |
Adjournment Proposal: A proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal or if we determine that additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension. The Adjournment Proposal will only be presented at the special meeting if there are not sufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal. |
What are the purposes of the Extension Amendment and the Trust
Amendment?
The Company’s charter provides that the Company has the right
to extend the period to complete a business combination two times by an additional three months each time (for a total of 18 months to
complete a business combination). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a business combination without the
need for a separate stockholder vote under the charter, the Sponsor or its affiliate or designees must deposit into the Trust Account
$1,235,000 ($0.10 per public share) on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline. On March 13, 2023, the Sponsor deposited $1, 235,000
to extend the Combination Period from March 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. Given current market conditions, the Sponsor would like to pay
extension fees that are substantially less than the $411,666.67 per month required for the permitted extensions under the existing charter.
The Company expects that there will be significant redemptions at the special meeting.
The Extension Amendment and the Trust Amendment will provide the Company
with additional time to complete its proposed business combination (the “Proposed Business Combination”) pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2023, as it may be amended, which provides for a business combination between the Company
and Honeycomb Battery Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Seller”). While we have entered into a definitive agreement
with the Seller in respect of the Proposed Business Combination, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”)
currently believes that there will not be sufficient time before June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination Period is extended in accordance
with the terms of the existing charter) to hold a special meeting at which to conduct a vote for stockholder approval of the Proposed
Business Combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that the Extension is necessary in order to be able to consummate the Proposed Business
Combination. Therefore, our Board has determined that it is in the best interests of our stockholders to extend the date by which the
Company must consummate a business combination to the Extended Date in order to provide our stockholders with the opportunity to consider
the Proposed Business Combination.
The purpose of the Adjournment Proposal is to allow the Company to
adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates if we determine that additional time is necessary to permit further solicitation
and vote of proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment
Proposal or if we determine that additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension.
Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment
Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension.
If the Extension is implemented, such approval will constitute consent
for the Company to remove the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account, deliver to the holders of redeemed public shares their portion
of the Withdrawal Amount and retain the remainder of the funds in the trust account for the Company’s use in connection with consummating
a business combination on or before the Extended Date.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved and the Extension is implemented, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account in connection with the Election
will reduce the amount held in the trust account following the Election. The Company cannot predict the amount that will remain in the
trust account after such withdrawal if the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal are approved and the amount remaining
in the trust account may be only a fraction of the $[●] (including interest but less the funds used to pay taxes) that was in the
trust account as of [●], 2023. In such event, the Company may still seek to obtain additional funds to complete a business combination,
and there can be no assurance that such funds will be available on terms acceptable to the parties or at all. The Company will not use
the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interest earned thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in
nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current, pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise
tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment Proposal
is not approved and the Combination Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, 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, and subject to having lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the
trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation
distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to
the approval of our remaining stockholders and our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware
law to provide for claims of creditors and 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 complete an initial business combination within the Combination
Period.
The Adjournment Proposal will be presented at the special meeting only
if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal or if we determine that
additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension.
Why is the Company proposing the Extension Amendment Proposal,
the Trust Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal?
The Company’s charter provides that the Company has the right
to extend the period to complete a business combination two times by an additional three months each time (for a total of 18 months to
complete a business combination). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a business combination without the
need for a separate stockholder vote under the charter, the Sponsor or its affiliate or designees must deposit into the Trust Account
$1,235,000 ($0.10 per public share) on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline. On March 13, 2023, the Sponsor deposited $1, 235,000
to extend the Combination Period from March 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. Given current market conditions, the Sponsor would like to pay
extension fees that are substantially less than the $411,666.67 per month required for the permitted extensions under the existing charter.
The Company expects that there will be significant redemptions at the special meeting.
The Extension Amendment and the Trust Amendment will provide the Company
with additional time to complete the Proposed Business Combination pursuant to the Merger Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2023, as
it may be amended, which provides for a business combination between the Company and the Seller. While we have entered into a definitive
agreement with the Seller in respect of the Proposed Business Combination, the Board currently believes that there will not be sufficient
time before June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination Period is extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter) to hold a special
meeting at which to conduct a vote for stockholder approval of the Proposed Business Combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that
the Extension is necessary in order to be able to consummate the Proposed Business Combination. Therefore, our Board has determined that
it is in the best interests of our stockholders to extend the date by which the Company must consummate a business combination to the
Extended Date in order to provide our stockholders with the opportunity to consider the Proposed Business Combination. The purpose of
the Adjournment Proposal is to allow the Company to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates if we determine that additional
time is necessary to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension
Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal or if we determine that additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension.
Accordingly, our Board is proposing the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment Proposal and, if necessary, the Adjournment
Proposal to extend the Company’s corporate existence until the Extended Date.
You are not being asked to vote on the Proposed Business Combination
at this time. If the Extension is implemented and you do not elect to redeem your public shares now, you will retain the right to vote
on the Proposed business combination when and if one is submitted to the public stockholders (provided that you are a stockholder on the
record date for a meeting to consider a business combination) and the right to redeem your public shares for a pro rata portion of the
trust account in the event a proposed business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination
by the Extended Date.
Why should I vote for the Extension Amendment Proposal and the
Trust Amendment Proposal?
Our Board believes stockholders will benefit from the Company consummating
a business combination and is proposing the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal to extend the date by which
the Company must complete a business combination until the Extended Date. The Extension would give the Company the opportunity to complete
a business combination, which our Board believes in the best interests of the stockholders.
Our charter provides that if our stockholders approve an amendment
to our charter that would affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Company’s public
shares if the Company does not complete a business combination within the Combination Period, the Company will provide our public stockholders
with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their shares of common stock upon such approval at a per share price, payable in cash,
equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to such approval, including interest
earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding
public shares. This charter provision was included to protect the Company’s stockholders from having to sustain their investments
for an unreasonably long period if the Company failed to find a suitable business combination in the timeframe contemplated by the charter.
The Extension Amendment will provide the Company with additional time
to complete its proposed business combination (the “Proposed Business Combination”) pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
dated as of February 16, 2023, as it may be amended, which provides for a business combination between the Company and Honeycomb Battery
Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Seller”). While we have entered into a definitive agreement with the Seller
in respect of the Proposed Business Combination, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) currently
believes that there will not be sufficient time before June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination Period is extended in accordance with the
terms of the existing charter) to hold a special meeting at which to conduct a vote for stockholder approval of the Proposed Business
Combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that the Extension is necessary in order to be able to consummate the Proposed Business Combination.
Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension. The Company believes the Seller is
a compelling opportunity for the Company’s initial business combination. The Company initially filed a proxy statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 20, 2023 (as amended, the “Proxy Statement”)
in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. The Proxy Statement has not yet been cleared by the SEC. Accordingly, since the
Company will not be able to complete the Proposed Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company has determined to seek
stockholder approval to extend the time for closing the Proposed Business Combination beyond the last day of the Combination Period to
the Extended Date.
The Trust Agreement provides that if a business combination has not
been consummated, upon the date which is 15 months (or up to 18 months if the Combination Period is extended in accordance with the terms
of the existing charter) after the closing of the IPO, the trust account is to be liquidated and its proceeds are to be distributed to
the Company’s public stockholders of record as of such date, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and
not previously released to the Company to pay its taxes. The purpose of the Trust Amendment is to amend the Trust Agreement to extend
the liquidation date of the trust account on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 to December 15, 2023 to match the Company’s
charter if the Extension Amendment is approved.
Our Board recommends that you vote in favor of the Extension Amendment
Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal but expresses no opinion as to whether you should redeem your public shares.
Why should I vote for the Adjournment Proposal?
If the Adjournment Proposal is presented and not approved by our stockholders,
our Board may not be able to adjourn the special meeting to a later date in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise
in connection with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal.
Our Board recommends that you vote in favor of the Adjournment Proposal.
When would the Board abandon the Extension Amendment Proposal
and the Trust Amendment Proposal?
Our Board will abandon the Extension Amendment and the Trust Amendment
if our stockholders do not approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal. In addition, notwithstanding stockholder
approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal, our Board will retain the right to abandon and not implement the Extension Amendment at
any time without any further action by our stockholders.
How do the Company insiders intend to vote their shares?
The Company’s initial stockholders (the “initial
stockholders”) and their respective affiliates are expected to vote any common stock over which they have voting control
(including any public shares owned by them) in favor of all proposals.
The initial stockholders are not entitled to redeem the founder shares
or any public shares held by them. On the record date, the initial stockholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,087,500
founder shares, which represents 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock.
In addition, the Company’s initial stockholders or advisors,
or any of their respective affiliates, may purchase public shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to
or following the special meeting, although they are under no obligation to do so. There is no limit on the number of shares our initial
stockholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable
law and NASDAQ rules. The purpose of such share purchases and other transactions would be to increase the likelihood that the proposals
to be voted upon at the special meeting is approved by the requisite number of votes and to reduce the number of public shares that are
redeemed. In the event that such purchases do occur, the purchasers may seek to purchase shares from stockholders who would otherwise
have voted against the Extension Amendment Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal and elected to redeem their shares for a portion of the
trust account. Any public shares held by or subsequently purchased by our affiliates may be voted in favor of the Extension Amendment
Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal. None of the initial stockholders, advisors or their respective affiliates may make any such purchases
when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or during a restricted period under Regulation
M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
Does the Board recommend voting for the approval of the Extension
Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment Proposal and, if presented, the Adjournment Proposal?
Yes. After careful consideration of the terms and conditions of the
proposals, the Board has determined that the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment Proposal and, if presented, the Adjournment
Proposal are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR”
the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment Proposal and, if presented, the Adjournment Proposal.
What vote is required to adopt the Extension Amendment Proposal
and the Trust Amendment Proposal?
Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal will require the
affirmative vote of holders of at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock,
including those shares held as a constituent part of our units, on the record date. Approval of the Trust Amendment Proposal will
require the affirmative vote of holders of at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the Company’s outstanding shares of common
stock, including those shares held as a constituent part of our units, on the record date
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal are
approved, any holder of public shares may redeem all or a portion of their public shares at a per share price, payable in cash, equal
to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to such approval, including interest earned
on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding
public shares.
What vote is required to adopt the Adjournment Proposal?
If presented, the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote
of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders represented in person (including virtually) or by proxy at the special meeting.
What happens if I sell my public shares or units before the special
meeting?
The [_], 2023 record date is earlier than the date of the special meeting.
If you transfer your public shares, including those shares held as a constituent part of our units, after the record date, but before
the special meeting, unless the transferee obtains from you a proxy to vote those shares, you will retain your right to vote at the special
meeting. If you transfer your public shares prior to the record date, you will have no right to vote those shares at the special meeting.
If you acquired your public shares after the record date, you will still have an opportunity to redeem them if you so decide.
What if I don’t want to vote for the Extension Amendment
Proposal and/or the Trust Amendment Proposal?
If you do not want the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment
Proposal to be approved, you must abstain, not vote, or vote against the proposal. If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment
Proposal are approved, and the Extension is implemented, then the Withdrawal Amount will be withdrawn from the trust account and paid
to the redeeming holders.
What if I don’t want to vote for the Adjournment Proposal?
If you do not want the Adjournment Proposal to be approved, you must
vote against the proposal. Abstentions will be counted in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established but
will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the Adjournment Proposal.
Will you seek any further extensions to liquidate the trust account?
Other than the extension until the Extended Date as described in this
proxy statement, the Company does not currently anticipate seeking any further extension to consummate its initial business combination,
although it may determine to do so in the future.
What happens if the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust
Amendment Proposal is not approved?
If the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment Proposal
is not approved and the Combination Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, 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, and subject to having lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the
trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation
distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to
the approval of our remaining stockholders and our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware
law to provide for claims of creditors and 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 complete an initial business combination within the Combination
Period.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, what happens next?
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, the Company will continue to attempt to consummate an initial business combination until the Extended Date.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company will file
an amendment to the charter with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in the form of Annex A hereto. The Company will
remain a reporting company under the Exchange Act, and its units, public shares, and public warrants will remain publicly traded. The
Company will also execute an amendment to the Trust Agreement in the form of Annex B hereto.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, the Contributors have agreed they will contribute to the trust account the lesser of (a) $125,000 and (b) $0.045 per share
per month for each one-month Extension, paid on a month-to-month and as-needed basis, upon five days’ advance notice prior to the
applicable deadlines, to extend the Combination Period on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 to December 15, 2023. Each
Contribution will be deposited in the trust account within two business days prior to the beginning of the additional extension period
(or portion thereof).
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account will reduce the amount remaining in the trust account and increase
the percentage interest of the Company’s common stock held by our initial stockholders through the founder shares.
If I do not redeem my shares now, would I still be able to vote
on an initial business combination and exercise my redemption rights with respect to an initial business combination?
Yes. If you do not redeem your shares in connection with the Extension
Amendment Proposal, then, assuming you are a stockholder as of the record date for voting on a business combination, you will be able
to vote on the business combination when it is submitted to stockholders. You will also retain your right to redeem your public shares
upon consummation of a business combination, subject to any limitations set forth in the charter, as amended.
When and where is the special meeting?
The special meeting will be held at [●] Eastern time, on [●],
2023, in virtual format. The Company’s stockholders may attend, vote and examine the list of stockholders entitled to vote at the
special meeting by visiting [●] and entering the control number found on their proxy card, voting instruction form or notice included
in their proxy materials. You may also attend the special meeting telephonically by dialing [●] (toll-free within the United States
and Canada) or [●] (outside of the United States and Canada, standard rates apply). The pin number for telephone access is [●]#,
but please note that you will not be able to vote or ask questions if you choose to participate telephonically. The special meeting will
be held in virtual meeting format only. You will not be able to attend the special meeting physically.
How do I attend the virtual special meeting, and will I be able
to ask questions?
If you are a registered stockholder, you received a proxy card from
the Company’s transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“transfer agent”). The form contains instructions
on how to attend the virtual annual meeting including the URL address, along with your control number. You will need your control number
for access. If you do not have your control number, contact the transfer agent at the phone number or e-mail address below. The transfer
agent support contact information is as follows: [●], or email [●].
You can pre-register to attend the virtual meeting starting [●],
2023 at [●] Eastern time. Enter the following URL address into your browser: [●], enter your control number, name and email
address. Once you pre-register you can vote or enter questions in the chat box. At the start of the special meeting you will need to re-log
in using your control number and will also be prompted to enter your control number if you vote during the special meeting.
Beneficial holders, who own their investments through a bank or broker,
will need to contact the transfer agent to receive a control number. If you plan to vote at the special meeting you will need to have
a legal proxy from your bank or broker or if you would like to join and not vote, the transfer agent will issue you a guest control number
with proof of ownership. Either way you must contact the transfer agent for specific instructions on how to receive the control number.
We can be contacted at the number or email address above. Please allow up to 72 hours prior to the special meeting for processing your
control number.
If you do not have internet capabilities, you can listen only to the
special meeting by dialing [●], within the U.S. and Canada, or [●] (standard rates apply) outside the U.S. and Canada; when
prompted enter the pin number [●]#. This is listen only, you will not be able to vote or enter questions during the special meeting.
How do I vote?
If you are a holder of record of Company common stock, including those
shares held as a constituent part of our units, you may vote virtually at the special meeting or by submitting a proxy for the special
meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting virtually, the Company urges you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is
counted. You may submit your proxy by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying pre-addressed
postage paid envelope. You may still attend the special meeting and vote virtually if you have already voted by proxy.
If your shares of Company common stock, including those shares held
as a constituent part of our units, are held in “street name” by a broker or other agent, you have the right to direct your
broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the special meeting. However, since you
are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares virtually at the special meeting unless you request and obtain a valid
proxy from your broker or other agent.
How do I change my vote?
If you have submitted a proxy to vote your shares and wish to change
your vote, you may do so by delivering a later-dated, signed proxy card prior to the date of the special meeting or by voting virtually
at the special meeting. Attendance at the special meeting alone will not change your vote. You also may revoke your proxy by sending a
notice of revocation to the Company at 13355 Noel Rd, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 75240, Attn: Corporate Secretary.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the
special meeting, who will separately count “FOR” and “AGAINST” votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Because
approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the stockholders holding
at least sixty-five percent (65%),of the public shares and founder shares outstanding on the record date, abstentions and broker non-votes
will have the same effect as votes against the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal.
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote
of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders represented in person (including virtually) or by proxy. Abstentions will be counted
in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established but will have no effect on the outcome of the Adjournment
Proposal.
If my shares are held in “street name,” will my broker
automatically vote them for me?
No. Under the rules governing banks and brokers who submit a proxy
card with respect to shares held in street name, such banks and brokers have the discretion to vote on routine matters, but not on non-routine
matters. It is expected that all proposals to be voted on at the special meeting will be treated as “non-routine” matters
and therefore, we do not expect there to be any broker non-votes at the special meeting.
Your bank, broker, or other nominee can vote your shares only if you
provide instructions on how to vote. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares in accordance with directions you provide. If
your shares are held by your broker as your nominee, which we refer to as being held in “street name”, you may need to obtain
a proxy form from the institution that holds your shares and follow the instructions included on that form regarding how to instruct your
broker to vote your shares.
What is a quorum requirement?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum
will be present if at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock on the record date, including those shares held as a
constituent part of our units, are represented virtually or by proxy at the special meeting.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a
valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote virtually at the special meeting.
Because all of the proposals to be voted on at the special meeting are expected to be treated as “non-routine” matters, banks,
brokers and other nominees will not have authority to vote on any proposals unless instructed, so we do not expect there to be any broker
non-votes at the special meeting. If there is no quorum, the presiding officer of the special meeting may adjourn the special meeting
to another date.
Who can vote at the special meeting?
Only holders of record of the Company’s common stock, including
those shares held as a constituent part of our units, at the close of business on [_], 2023, are entitled to have their vote counted at
the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. As of the record date, there were 15,561,000 outstanding shares of
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name. If on
the record date your shares or units were registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote virtually at the special
meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting virtually, the Company urges you to fill out and return
the enclosed proxy card to ensure your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank.
If on the record date your shares or units were held, not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or
other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are
being forwarded to you by that organization. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to
vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the special meeting virtually. However, since you are not the stockholder
of record, you may not vote your shares virtually at the special meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker
or other agent.
What interests do the Company’s directors and executive
officers have in the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal?
The Company’s directors and executive officers have interests
in the Extension Amendment Proposal that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a stockholder. These interests include
ownership by them or their affiliates of founder shares and the private warrants, loans by them that will not be repaid in the event of
our winding up and the possibility of future compensatory arrangements. See the section entitled “The Extension Amendment —
Interests of the Company’s Directors and Officers.”
What if I object to the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust
Amendment Proposal and/or the Adjournment Proposal? Do I have appraisal rights?
Stockholders do not have appraisal rights in connection with either
the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment Proposal or, if presented, the Adjournment Proposal under the DGCL.
What happens to the Company’s warrants if the Extension
Amendment Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal are not approved?
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are not approved and the Combination Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, 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, and subject to having lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price,
payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the
trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which
redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive
further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption,
subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under
Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and requirements of other applicable law. There will be no distribution from the trust
account with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless in the event the Company winds up.
What happens to the Company warrants if the Extension Amendment
Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal are approved?
If the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal
are approved, the Company will continue its efforts to consummate a business combination until the Extended Date and will retain the blank
check company restrictions previously applicable to it. The warrants will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
How do I redeem my public shares?
If the Extension is implemented, each public stockholder may seek to
redeem all or a portion of his or her public shares at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the trust account as of two business days prior to the approval of the Extension, including interest earned on the funds held in the
trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. You will
also be able to redeem your public shares in connection with any stockholder vote to approve a business combination, or if the Company
has not consummated a business combination by the Extended Date.
Pursuant to our charter, a public stockholder may request that the
Company redeem all or a portion of such public stockholder’s public shares for cash if the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved.
You will be entitled to receive cash for any public shares to be redeemed only if you:
(i) |
(a) hold public shares or (b) hold public shares through units and you elect to separate your units into the underlying public shares and public warrants prior to exercising your redemption rights with respect to the public shares; and |
|
|
(ii) |
prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, on [●], 2023 (two business days prior to the scheduled vote at the special meeting), (a) submit a written request, including the name, phone number, and address of the beneficial owner of the shares for which redemption is requested, to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company’s transfer agent, at Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10004, Attn: [●], that the Company redeem your public shares for cash and (b) deliver your public shares to the transfer agent, physically or electronically through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). |
Holders of units must elect to separate the underlying public shares
and public warrants prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the public shares. If holders hold their units in an account
at a brokerage firm or bank, holders must notify their broker or bank that they elect to separate the units into the underlying public
shares and public warrants, or if a holder holds units registered in its own name, the holder must contact the transfer agent directly
and instruct it to do so. Public stockholders may elect to redeem all or a portion of their public shares regardless of whether they
vote for or against the Extension Amendment Proposal and regardless of whether they hold public shares on the record date.
If you hold your shares through a bank or broker, you must ensure your
bank or broker complies with the requirements identified herein, including submitting a written request that your shares be redeemed for
cash to the transfer agent and delivering your shares to the transfer agent prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on [●], 2023 (two business
days before the scheduled vote at the special meeting). You will only be entitled to receive cash in connection with a redemption of these
shares if you continue to hold them until the effective date of the Extension Amendment and Election.
Through DTC’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian) System,
this electronic delivery process can be accomplished by the stockholder, whether or not it is a record holder or its shares are held in
“street name,” by contacting the transfer agent or its broker and requesting delivery of its shares through the DWAC system.
Delivering shares physically may take significantly longer. In order
to obtain a physical stock certificate, a stockholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC, and the Company’s transfer agent
will need to act together to facilitate this request. 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 $100 and the broker would determine whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. It is the Company’s understanding
that stockholders should generally allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. The Company does
not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC, and it may take longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate.
Such stockholders will have less time to make their investment decision than those stockholders that deliver their shares through the
DWAC system. Stockholders who request physical stock certificates and wish to redeem may be unable to meet the deadline for tendering
their shares before exercising their redemption rights and thus will be unable to redeem their shares.
Certificates that have not been tendered in accordance with these procedures
prior to the vote on the Extension Amendment Proposal will not be redeemed for cash held in the trust account. In the event that a public
stockholder tenders its shares and decides prior to the vote at the special meeting that it does not want to redeem its shares, the stockholder
may withdraw the tender. If you delivered your shares for redemption to our transfer agent and decide prior to the vote at the special
meeting not to redeem your public shares, you may request that our transfer agent return the shares (physically or electronically). You
may make such request by contacting our transfer agent at the address listed above. In the event that a public stockholder tenders shares
and the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved, these shares will not be redeemed and the physical certificates representing these
shares will be returned to the stockholder promptly following the determination that the Extension Amendment Proposal will not be approved.
The Company anticipates that a public stockholder who tenders shares for redemption in connection with the vote to approve the Extension
would receive payment of the redemption price for such shares soon after the completion of the Extension Amendment. The transfer agent
will hold the certificates of public stockholders that make the election until such shares are redeemed for cash or returned to such stockholders.
If I am a unit holder, can I exercise redemption rights with
respect to my units?
No. Holders of outstanding units must separate the underlying public
shares and public warrants prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the public shares.
If you hold units registered in your own name, you must deliver the
certificate for such units to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, our transfer agent, with written instructions to separate
such units into public shares, and public warrants. This must be completed far enough in advance to permit the mailing of the public share
certificates back to you so that you may then exercise your redemption rights upon the separation of the public shares from the units.
See “How do I redeem my public shares?” above.
What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple
copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards, if your shares are registered in more than one name
or are registered in different accounts. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate
voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and
voting instruction card that you receive in order to cast a vote with respect to all of your shares of common stock.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
The Company will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. The
Company has engaged Advantage Proxy, Inc. (“Advantage Proxy”) to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the
special meeting. The Company has agreed to pay Advantage Proxy a fee of $[●]. The Company will also reimburse Advantage Proxy for
reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to these mailed proxy materials, our directors and executive officers may
also solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by other means of communication. These parties will not be paid any additional compensation
for soliciting proxies. The Company may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials
to beneficial owners.
Where do I find the voting results of the special meeting?
We will announce preliminary voting results at the special meeting.
The final voting results will be tallied by the inspector of election and published in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
which the Company is required to file with the SEC within four business days following the special meeting.
Who can help answer my questions?
If you have questions about the proposals or if you need additional
copies of the proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card you should contact:
Nubia Brand International Corp.
13355 Noel Rd, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75240
Attn: [●]
Email: [●]
You may also contact the Company’s proxy solicitor at:
Advantage Proxy, Inc.
PO Box 10904
Yakima, WA 98909
Tel: 866-894-0536 (toll-free)
Email: [●]
You may also obtain additional information about the Company from documents
filed with the SEC by following the instructions in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”
THE SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Time, Place and Purpose of the Special Meeting
The special meeting will be held at [●], on [●], 2023.
The special meeting will be held virtually, at [●]. At the special meeting, the stockholders will consider and vote upon the following
proposals.
1. |
Extension Amendment Proposal: To amend our charter to allow the Company to extend the date by which the Company must consummate a business combination on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 (the date that is 15 months from the closing date of the IPO) to December 15, 2023 (the date that is 21 months from the closing date of the IPO). |
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2. |
Trust Amendment Proposal: To amend the Trust Agreement to extend the liquidation date on a monthly basis up to six times from June 15, 2023 (the date that is 15 months from the closing date of the IPO) to December 15, 2023 (the date that is 21 months from the closing date of the IPO). |
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3. |
Adjournment Proposal: A proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal or if we determine that additional time is necessary to effectuate the Extension. The Adjournment Proposal will only be presented at the special meeting if there are not sufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal. |
Voting Power; Record Date
You will be entitled to vote or direct votes to be cast at the special
meeting if you owned our common stock, including as a constituent part of a unit, at the close of business on [_], 2023, the record date
for the special meeting. You will have one vote per share for each share of common stock you owned at that time. Our warrants do not carry
voting rights.
At the close of business on the record date, there were 15,561,000
shares of common stock outstanding, each of which entitles its holder to cast one vote per share. The warrants do not carry voting rights.
Votes Required
Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal will require the affirmative
vote of holders of at sixty-five percent (65%) of the Company’s public shares and founder shares outstanding on the record date.
Approval of the Trust Amendment Proposal will require the affirmative vote of holders of at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the Company’s
public shares and founder shares outstanding on the record date.
Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote
of the majority of the votes cast by stockholders represented in person (including virtually) or by proxy at the special meeting.
If you do not vote (i.e., you “abstain” from voting), your
action will have the same effect as an “AGAINST” vote with regards to the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment
Proposal. Abstentions will be counted in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established but will have no effect
on the outcome of the Adjournment Proposal.
If you do not want the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment
Proposal to be approved, you must abstain, not vote, or vote against the proposal. The Company anticipates that a public stockholder who
tenders shares for redemption in connection with the vote to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal would receive payment of the redemption
price for such shares soon after the completion of the Extension Amendment.
If you do not want the Adjournment Proposal to be approved, you must
vote against the proposal. Abstentions will be counted in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established but
will have no effect on the outcome of the Adjournment Proposal.
Voting
You can vote your shares at the special meeting by proxy or virtually.
You can vote by proxy by having one or more individuals who will be
at the special meeting vote your shares for you. These individuals are called “proxies” and using them to cast your vote at
the special meeting is called voting “by proxy.”
If you wish to vote by proxy, you must (i) complete the enclosed form,
called a “proxy card,” and mail it in the envelope provided or (ii) submit your proxy by telephone or over the Internet (if
those options are available to you) in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card.
If you complete the proxy card and mail it in the envelope provided
or submit your proxy by telephone or over the Internet as described above, you will designate Jaymes Winters to act as your proxy at the
special meeting. One of them will then vote your shares at the special meeting in accordance with the instructions you have given them
in the proxy card or voting instructions, as applicable, with respect to the proposals presented in this proxy statement. Proxies will
extend to, and be voted at, any adjournment(s) of the special meeting.
Alternatively, you can vote your shares in person by attending the
special meeting virtually.
A special note for those who plan to attend the special meeting
and vote virtually: if your shares or units are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, please follow the instructions you
receive from your broker, bank or other nominee holding your shares. You will not be able to vote at the special meeting unless you obtain
a legal proxy from the record holder of your shares.
Our Board is asking for your proxy. Giving our Board your proxy means
you authorize it to vote your shares at the special meeting in the manner you direct. You may vote for or against any proposal or you
may abstain from voting. All valid proxies received prior to the special meeting will be voted. All shares represented by a proxy will
be voted, and where a stockholder specifies by means of the proxy a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will
be voted in accordance with the specification so made. If no choice is indicated on the proxy, the shares will be voted “FOR”
the Extension Amendment Proposal, the Trust Amendment Proposal and, if presented, the Adjournment Proposal, and as the proxy holders may
determine in their discretion with respect to any other matters that may properly come before the special meeting.
Stockholders who have questions or need assistance in completing or
submitting their proxy cards should contact our proxy solicitor, Advantage Proxy, at 866-894-0536 (call toll-free), or by sending an email
to [●].
Stockholders who hold their shares in “street name,” meaning
the name of a broker or other nominee who is the record holder, must either direct the record holder of their shares to vote their shares
or obtain a legal proxy from the record holder to vote their shares at the special meeting.
Revocability of Proxies
Any proxy may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before
the polls close at the special meeting. A proxy may be revoked by filing with [●], at Nubia Brand International Corp., 13355 Noel
Rd, Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 75240, either a written notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of such proxy or a subsequent
proxy relating to the same shares or by attending the special meeting and voting virtually.
Simply attending the special meeting will not constitute a revocation
of your proxy. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee who is the record holder, you must follow the instructions
of your broker or other nominee to revoke a previously given proxy.
Attendance at the Special Meeting
Only holders of common stock, their proxy holders and guests the Company
may invite may attend the special meeting. If you wish to attend the special meeting virtually but you hold your shares or units through
someone else, such as a broker, please follow the instructions you receive from your broker, bank or other nominee holding your shares.
You must bring a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee holding your shares, confirming your beneficial ownership of the shares
and giving you the right to vote your shares.
Solicitation of Proxies
Your proxy is being solicited by our Board on the proposals being presented
to the stockholders at the special meeting. The Company has agreed to pay Advantage Proxy a fee of $[●]. The Company will also reimburse
Advantage Proxy for reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to these mailed proxy materials, our directors and executive
officers may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by other means of communication. These parties will not be paid any additional
compensation for soliciting proxies. The Company may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding
proxy materials to beneficial owners. You may contact Advantage Proxy at:
Advantage Proxy, Inc.
PO Box 10904
Yakima, WA 98909
Tel: 866-894-0536 (toll-free)
Email: [●]
The cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this proxy
statement and the accompanying form of proxy, and the cost of soliciting proxies relating to the special meeting, will be borne by the
Company.
Some banks and brokers have customers who beneficially own common stock
listed of record in the names of nominees. The Company intends to request banks and brokers to solicit such customers and will reimburse
them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for such solicitations. If any additional solicitation of the holders of our outstanding
common stock is deemed necessary, the Company (through our directors and executive officers) anticipates making such solicitation directly.
No Right of Appraisal
The Company’s stockholders do not have appraisal rights under
the DGCL in connection with the proposals to be voted on at the special meeting. Accordingly, our stockholders have no right to dissent
and obtain payment for their shares.
Other Business
The Company is not currently aware of any business to be acted upon
at the special meeting other than the matters discussed in this proxy statement. The form of proxy accompanying this proxy statement confers
discretionary authority upon the named proxy holders with respect to amendments or variations to the matters identified in the accompanying
Notice of Special Meeting and with respect to any other matters which may properly come before the special meeting. If other matters do
properly come before the special meeting, or at any adjournment(s) of the special meeting, the Company expects that the shares of common
stock represented by properly submitted proxies will be voted by the proxy holders in accordance with the recommendations of our Board.
Principal Executive Offices
Our principal executive offices are located at 13355 Noel Rd, Suite
1100, Dallas, TX 75240. Our telephone number at such address is (972) 918-5120.
THE EXTENSION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Background
The Company is a blank check company formed in order to effect a merger,
capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses
or entities. The Company was incorporated under the laws of Delaware on June 14, 2021.
On March 15, 2022, the Company closed its initial public offering
of 12,350,000 units, including the exercise of the over-allotment option to the extent of 1,350,000 units, with each unit
consisting of one share of its Class A common stock and one-half of one warrant, each whole warrant to purchase one share of
its Class A common stock at a purchase price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as provided in the Company’s final
prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2022 (File No. 333-261114). The units from the IPO
were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $123,500,000.
Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO and the exercise of
the underwriters’ over-allotment option, the Company consummated the private sale of 5,405,000 warrants at $1.00 per warrant
for an aggregate purchase price of $5,405,000. A total of $125,970,000, was deposited into the trust account and the remaining net proceeds
became available to be used as working capital to provide for business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective business combinations
and continuing general and administrative expenses. The IPO was conducted pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 that
became effective on March 10, 2022.
Our existing charter provides for the return of the IPO proceeds held
in the trust account to the holders of public shares if there is no qualifying business combination(s) consummated on or before June 15,
2023. The Extension Amendment will provide the Company with additional time to complete the Proposed Business Combination pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2023, as it may be amended, which provides for a business combination between the Company
and Honeycomb Battery Company, an Ohio corporation. While we have entered into a definitive agreement with the Seller in respect of the
Proposed Business Combination, the Board currently believes that there will not be sufficient time before June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination
Period is extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter) to hold a special meeting at which to conduct a vote for stockholder
approval of the Proposed Business Combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that the Extension is necessary in order to be able to
consummate the Proposed Business Combination. Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the
Extension. The Company believes the Seller is a compelling opportunity for the Company’s initial business combination. The Company
initially filed a proxy statement with the SEC on March 20, 2023 in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. The Proxy Statement
has not yet been cleared by the SEC. Accordingly, since the Company will not be able to complete the Proposed Business Combination within
the Combination Period, the Company has determined to seek stockholder approval to extend the time for closing the Proposed Business Combination
beyond the last day of the Combination Period to the Extended Date.
The Extension Amendment
The Company is proposing to amend its charter to extend the date by
which the Company must consummate a business combination to the Extended Date.
The Company’s charter provides that the Company has the right
to extend the period to complete a business combination two times by an additional three months each time (for a total of 18 months to
complete a business combination). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a business combination without the
need for a separate stockholder vote under the charter, the Sponsor or its affiliate or designees must deposit into the Trust Account
$1,235,000 ($0.10 per public share) on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline. On March 13, 2023, the Sponsor deposited $1, 235,000
to extend the Combination Period from March 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. Given current market conditions, the Sponsor would like to pay
extension fees that are substantially less than the $411,666.67 per month required for the permitted extensions under the existing charter.
The Company expects that there will be significant redemptions at the special meeting.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved and the Combination
Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, 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, and subject to having lawfully
available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate
amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released
to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public
stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable
law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and
our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and 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 complete an initial business combination within the Combination Period.
A copy of the proposed amendment to the Company’s charter is
attached to this proxy statement as Annex A.
Reasons for the Proposal
The Company’s charter provides that the Company has the right
to extend the period to complete a business combination two times by an additional three months each time (for a total of 18 months to
complete a business combination). In order to extend the time available for the Company to consummate a business combination without the
need for a separate stockholder vote under the charter, the Sponsor or its affiliate or designees must deposit into the Trust Account
$1,235,000 ($0.10 per public share) on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline. On March 13, 2023, the Sponsor deposited $1, 235,000
to extend the Combination Period from March 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. Given current market conditions, the Sponsor would like to pay
extension fees that are substantially less than the $411,666.67 per month required for the permitted extensions under the existing charter.
The Company expects that there will be significant redemptions at the special meeting.
The Extension Amendment will provide the Company with additional time
to complete its proposed business combination (the “Proposed Business Combination”) pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
dated as of February 16, 2023, as it may be amended, which provides for a business combination between the Company and Honeycomb Battery
Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Seller”). While we have entered into a definitive agreement with the Seller
in respect of the Proposed Business Combination, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) currently
believes that there will not be sufficient time before June 15, 2023 (unless the Combination Period is extended in accordance with the
terms of the existing charter) to hold a special meeting at which to conduct a vote for stockholder approval of the Proposed Business
Combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that the Extension is necessary in order to be able to consummate the Proposed Business Combination.
Approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension. The Company believes the Seller is
a compelling opportunity for the Company’s initial business combination. The Company initially filed a proxy statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 20, 2023 (as amended, the “Proxy Statement”)
in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. The Proxy Statement has not yet been cleared by the SEC. Accordingly, since the
Company will not be able to complete the Proposed Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company has determined to seek
stockholder approval to extend the time for closing the Proposed Business Combination beyond the last day of the Combination Period to
the Extended Date. The Company and its officers and directors agreed that they would not seek to amend the Company’s charter to
allow for a longer period of time to complete a business combination unless the Company provided holders of public shares with the right
to seek conversion of their public shares in connection therewith.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is Not Approved
Stockholder approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal is required
for the implementation of our Board’s plan to extend the date by which we must consummate an initial business combination. Therefore,
our Board will abandon and not implement the Extension Amendment unless our stockholders approve the Extension Amendment Proposal.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved and the Combination
Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, 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, and subject to having lawfully
available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate
amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released
to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public
stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable
law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and
our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and requirements
of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our warrants, which will expire
worthless in the event the Company winds up.
The holders of the founder shares have waived their rights to participate
in any liquidation distribution with respect to such shares. There will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to the
Company’s warrants, which will expire worthless in the event the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved. The Company will
pay the costs of liquidation from its remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, the Sponsor has agreed
to advance it the funds necessary to complete such liquidation and has agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is Approved
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company will file
an amendment to the charter with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in the form of Annex A hereto to extend the time
it has to complete a business combination until the Extended Date. The Company will remain a reporting company under the Exchange Act,
and its units, common stock and public warrants will remain publicly traded. The Company will then continue to work to consummate a business
combination by the Extended Date.
You are not being asked to vote on a business combination at this
time. If the Extension is implemented and you do not elect to redeem your public shares in connection with the Extension, you will retain
the right to vote on a business combination when it is submitted to the public stockholders (provided that you are a stockholder on the
record date for a meeting to consider a business combination) and the right to redeem your public shares for a pro rata portion of the
trust account in the event a business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination
by the Extended Date.
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved and the Extension is
implemented, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account in connection with the Election will reduce the amount held in
the trust account following the Election. The Company cannot predict the amount that will remain in the trust account after such withdrawal
if the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved and the amount remaining in the trust account may be only a fraction of the $[●]
(including interest but less the funds used to pay taxes) that was in the trust account as of the record date. In such event, the Company
may still seek to obtain additional funds to complete a business combination, and there can be no assurance that such funds will be available
on terms acceptable to the parties or at all. The Company will not use the proceeds placed in the trust account and the interest earned
thereon to pay any excise taxes or any other similar fees or taxes in nature that may be imposed on the Company pursuant to any current,
pending or future rules or laws, including without limitation any excise tax due imposed under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on
any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company.
Redemption Rights
If the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved, and the Extension
is implemented, public stockholders may elect to redeem their shares for a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount
then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to such approval, including interest earned on the funds held in the
trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. If the
Extension Amendment Proposal is approved by the requisite vote of stockholders, the remaining holders of public shares will retain the
opportunity to have their public shares redeemed in conjunction with the consummation of a business combination, subject to any limitations
set forth in our charter, as amended. In addition, public stockholders who vote for the Extension Amendment Proposal and do not make the
Election would be entitled to have their shares redeemed for cash if the Company has not completed a business combination by the Extended
Date.
TO EXERCISE YOUR REDEMPTION RIGHTS, YOU MUST ENSURE YOUR BANK OR
BROKER COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED HEREIN, INCLUDING SUBMITTING A WRITTEN REQUEST THAT YOUR SHARES BE REDEEMED FOR CASH
TO THE TRANSFER AGENT AND DELIVERING YOUR SHARES TO THE TRANSFER AGENT PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON [●], 2023 (TWO BUSINESS
DAYS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING). YOU WILL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE CASH IN CONNECTION WITH A REDEMPTION OF THESE
SHARES IF YOU CONTINUE TO HOLD THEM UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL AND ELECTION.
Pursuant to our charter, a public stockholder may request that the
Company redeem all or a portion of such public stockholder’s public shares for cash if the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved.
You will be entitled to receive cash for any public shares to be redeemed only if you:
(i) |
(a) hold public shares or (b) hold public shares through units and you elect to separate your units into the underlying public shares and public warrants prior to exercising your redemption rights with respect to the public shares; and |
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(ii) |
prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, on [●], 2023 (two business days prior to the scheduled vote at the special meeting), (a) submit a written request, including the name, phone number, and address of the beneficial owner of the shares for which redemption is requested, to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company’s transfer agent, at Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10004, Attn: [●], that the Company redeem your public shares for cash and (b) deliver your public shares to the transfer agent, physically or electronically through DTC. |
Holders of units must elect to separate the underlying public shares
and public warrants prior to exercising redemption rights with respect to the public shares. If holders hold their units in an account
at a brokerage firm or bank, holders must notify their broker or bank that they elect to separate the units into the underlying public
shares and public warrants, or if a holder holds units registered in its own name, the holder must contact the transfer agent directly
and instruct it to do so. Public stockholders may elect to redeem all or a portion of their public shares regardless of whether they
vote for or against the Extension Amendment Proposal and regardless of whether they hold public shares on the record date.
Through DTC’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian) System,
this electronic delivery process can be accomplished by the stockholder, whether or not it is a record holder or its shares are held in
“street name,” by contacting the transfer agent or its broker and requesting delivery of its shares through the DWAC system.
Delivering shares physically may take significantly longer. In order to obtain a physical stock certificate, a stockholder’s broker
and/or clearing broker, DTC, and the Company’s transfer agent will need to act together to facilitate this request. 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 $100 and the broker would determine whether or not to pass this
cost on to the redeeming holder. It is the Company’s understanding that stockholders should generally allot at least two weeks to
obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. The Company does not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC,
and it may take longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate. Such stockholders will have less time to make their investment
decision than those stockholders that deliver their shares through the DWAC system. Stockholders who request physical stock certificates
and wish to redeem may be unable to meet the deadline for tendering their shares before exercising their redemption rights and thus will
be unable to redeem their shares. Certificates that have not been tendered in accordance with these procedures prior to the vote on the
Extension Amendment will not be redeemed for cash held in the trust account on the redemption date. In the event that a public stockholder
tenders its shares and decides prior to the vote at the special meeting that it does not want to redeem its shares, the stockholder may
withdraw the tender. If you delivered your shares for redemption to our transfer agent and decide prior to the vote at the special meeting
not to redeem your public shares, you may request that our transfer agent return the shares (physically or electronically). You may make
such request by contacting our transfer agent at the address listed above. In the event that a public stockholder tenders shares and the
Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved, these shares will not be redeemed and the physical certificates representing these shares
will be returned to the stockholder promptly following the determination that the Extension Amendment will not be approved. The Company
anticipates that a public stockholder who tenders shares for redemption in connection with the vote to approve the Extension would receive
payment of the redemption price for such shares soon after the completion of the Extension Amendment. The transfer agent will hold the
certificates of public stockholders that make the election until such shares are redeemed for cash or returned to such stockholders.
If properly demanded, the Company will redeem each public share for
a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the
funds held in the trust account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public
shares. Based on the amount in the trust account as of [●], 2023, this would amount to approximately $[●] per share. The closing
price of the public shares on the NASDAQ on [●], 2023, was $[●]. Accordingly, if the market price were to remain the same
until the date of the special meeting, exercising redemption rights would result in a public stockholder receiving approximately $[●]
more per share than if such stockholder sold the public shares in the open market. The Company cannot assure public stockholders that
they will be able to sell their public shares in the open market, even if the market price per share is higher than the redemption price
stated above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when such stockholders wish to sell their shares.
If you exercise your redemption rights, you will be exchanging your
shares of the Company’s common stock for cash and will no longer own the shares. You will be entitled to receive cash for these
shares only if you properly demand redemption and tender your stock certificate(s) to the Company’s transfer agent prior to 5:00
p.m. Eastern time on [●], 2023 (two business days before the scheduled vote at the special meeting). The Company anticipates that
a public stockholder who tenders shares for redemption in connection with the vote to approve the Extension Amendment would receive payment
of the redemption price for such shares soon after the completion of the Extension Amendment.
Interests of the Company’s Directors and Executive Officers
When you consider the recommendation of our Board, you should keep
in mind that the Company’s executive officers and directors, and their affiliates, have interests that may be different from, or
in addition to, your interests as a stockholder. These interests include, among other things:
| ● | If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not consummated by
June 15, 2023 (or September 15, 2023 if the Company has extended the deadline for completing the business combination by an additional
three months by contributing $1,235,000 for the extension to the Company’s trust account in accordance with the current certificate
of incorporation), the Company will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, redeeming 100% of the outstanding public
shares for cash and, subject to the approval of its remaining stockholders and the Board, dissolving and liquidating. In such event,
the 3,087,500 founder shares held by the Sponsor would be worthless because the holders thereof are not entitled to participate in any
redemption or distribution with respect to such shares. Such shares had an aggregate market value of approximately $[●] based upon
the closing price of $[●] per share on the Nasdaq on [●], 2023, the record date for the special meeting. As a result of the
nominal price of $[_] per founder share paid by the Sponsor compared to the recent market price of the Company’s Class A common
stock, the Sponsor and its affiliates are likely to earn a positive rate of return on their investments in the founder shares even if
the holders of the Company’s Class A common stock experience a negative rate of return on their investments in the Class A common
stock. |
| ● | On March 13, 2023, in accordance with the current certificate
of incorporation, the Sponsor contributed an aggregate of $1,235,000 (or $0.10 per share for each outstanding public share) (the “Contributed
Amount”) to the trust account and extended the time to complete a business combination from March 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. The
Sponsor will be not be able to recoup the Contributed Amount if the Company does not consummate a business combination by June 15, 2023,
or September 15, 2023, as applicable. |
| ● | The Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 5,405,000 private placement
warrants from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $ 5,405,000 (or $1.00 per warrant). These purchases took place on a private
placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO. A portion of the proceeds the Company received from these purchases
were placed in the trust account. Such warrants had an aggregate market value of approximately $[●] based upon the closing price
of $[●] per warrant on the Nasdaq on [●], 2023, the record date for the special meeting. The private placement warrants will
become worthless if the Company does not consummate a business combination by June 15, 2023 (or September 15, 2023 if the Company has
extended the deadline for completing the business combination by an additional three months by contributing $1,235,000 for the extension
to the Company’s trust account in accordance with the current certificate of incorporation). |
| ● | The Sponsor may loan to the Company additional funds for
working capital purposes prior to the Closing. As of [_], 2023, there was $[_] outstanding under promissory notes issued to the Sponsor
to fund working capital. From time to time, affiliates of the Sponsor advance funds to the Company or pay expenses on behalf of the Company
for formation and operating costs. As of [_], 2023, the outstanding balance due was $[_]. If the business combination is not consummated
and the Company does not otherwise consummate another business combination prior to June 15, 2023 (or September 15, 2023 if the Company
extends the period of time to consummate a business combination), then there will likely be insufficient funds to repay the advances
and pay amounts due under the promissory notes. |
| ● | If the Company is unable to complete a business combination
within the completion window, its executive officers will be personally liable under certain circumstances to ensure that the proceeds
in the trust account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by
the Company for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to the Company. If the Company consummates a business combination,
on the other hand, the Company will be liable for all such claims. |
| ● | Unless the Company consummates an initial business combination,
the Company’s officers and directors and the Sponsor will not receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
them to the extent that such expenses exceed the amount of available proceeds not deposited in the trust account. the Company’s
officers and directors, and their affiliates are entitled to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with
certain activities on the Company’s behalf, such as identifying and investigating possible business targets and business combinations.
As of the date of this proxy statement, such reimbursement is estimated to be approximately $[_] in the aggregate. However, if the Company
fails to consummate a business combination within the completion window, they will not have any claim against the trust account for reimbursement.
Accordingly, the Company may not be able to reimburse these expenses if the Transactions or another business combination, are not completed
within the completion window. |
| ● | The Company amended and restated certificate of incorporation
provides that the Company renounces any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any potential
transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any member of the Company management on the one hand, and the Company,
on the other hand, or the participation of which would breach any existing legal obligation, under applicable law or otherwise, of a
member of the Company management to any other entity. the Company is not aware of any such corporate opportunities not being offered
to the Company and does not believe that waiver of the corporate opportunities doctrine has materially affected the Company’s search
for an acquisition target or will materially affect the Company’s ability to complete an initial business combination. |
| ● | The continued indemnification of current directors and officers
and the continuation of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. |
| ● | The Sponsor and directors and officers of the Company have
agreed not to redeem any shares of the Company’s common stock they hold in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed
initial business combination. |
| ● | The Sponsor and directors and officers of the Company have
agreed not to redeem any shares of the Company’s common stock they hold in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed
initial business combination. |
Additionally, if the Extension Amendment Proposal is approved and we
consummate an initial business combination, the Sponsor, officers and directors may have additional interests as described in the Proxy
Statement filed in connection with the Proposed Business Combination.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote by holders of at least sixty-five percent
(65%) of the Company’s outstanding common stock is required to approve the Extension Amendment. If the Extension Amendment
Proposal is not approved and the Combination Period is not extended in accordance with the terms of the existing charter, the
Extension Amendment will not be implemented and the Company will be required by its charter to (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, and subject to
having lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price, payable in cash, equal
to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust Account and
not previously released to the Company to pay taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will
completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation
distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject
to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our Board, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under
Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and requirements of other applicable law.
All of the Company’s initial stockholders are expected to vote
any common stock owned by them in favor of the Extension Amendment. On the record date, the initial stockholders beneficially owned and
were entitled to vote 3,087,500 founder shares, representing 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock.
In addition, the Company’s initial stockholders or advisors,
or any of their respective affiliates, may purchase public shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market prior to
or following the special meeting, although they are under no obligation to do so. There is no limit on the number of shares our initial
stockholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable
law and NASDAQ rules. The purpose of such share purchases and other transactions would be to increase the likelihood that the proposals
to be voted upon at the special meeting is approved by the requisite number of votes and to reduce the number of public shares that are
redeemed. In the event that such purchases do occur, the purchasers may seek to purchase shares from stockholders who would otherwise
have voted against the Extension Amendment Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal and elected to redeem their shares for a portion of the
trust account. Any public shares held by or subsequently purchased by our affiliates may be voted in favor of the Extension Amendment
Proposal and Trust Amendment Proposal. None of the initial stockholders, advisors or their respective affiliates may make any such purchases
when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or during a restricted period under Regulation
M under the Exchange Act.
Recommendation
As discussed above, after careful consideration of all relevant factors,
our Board has determined that the Extension Amendment Proposal is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Our Board
has approved and declared advisable adoption of the Extension Amendment Proposal.
OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE EXTENSION
AMENDMENT PROPOSAL. OUR BOARD EXPRESSES NO OPINION AS TO WHETHER YOU SHOULD REDEEM YOUR PUBLIC SHARES.
The existence of financial and personal interests of our directors
and officers may result in a conflict of interest on the part of one or more of the directors or officers between what he, she or they
may believe is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself, herself
or themselves in determining to recommend that stockholders vote for the proposals. See the section entitled “— The Extension
Amendment — Interests of the Company’s Directors and Officers” for a further discussion.
THE TRUST AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Overview
The Company entered into the Trust Agreement in connection with the
IPO and a potential business combination.
The Trust Amendment would amend the Trust Agreement to authorize the
Extension as contemplated by the Extension Amendment Proposal.
Reasons for the Proposal
The purpose of the Trust Amendment Proposal is to authorize the Extension
under the Trust Agreement, as the Extension is not contemplated under the Trust Agreement’s current terms.
We believe that given the Company’s expenditure of time, effort
and money on pursuing an initial business combination, circumstances warrant providing public stockholders an opportunity to consider
a business combination. For the Company to implement the Extension, the Trust Agreement must be amended to authorize the Extension.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote by holders of at least sixty-five percent (65%)
of the Company’s outstanding common stock is required to approve the Trust Amendment.
If you do not vote, you abstain from voting or you fail to instruct
your broker or other nominee as to the voting of shares you beneficially own, your action will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST”
the Trust Amendment Proposal. If you do not want the Trust Amendment Proposal approved, you must abstain, not vote, or vote “AGAINST”
the Trust Amendment Proposal.
The Company’s initial stockholders and their respective affiliates
are expected to vote any common stock over which they have voting control (including any public shares owned by them) in favor of the
Trust Amendment Proposal.
The initial stockholders are not entitled to redeem the founder shares
or any public shares held by them. On the record date, the initial stockholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,087,500
founder shares, which represents 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock.
Recommendation
Our Board has determined that the Trust Amendment Proposal is in the
best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Our Board has approved and declared advisable adoption of the Trust Amendment Proposal.
OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR”
THE TRUST AMENDMENT PROPOSAL.
The existence of financial and personal interests of our directors
and officers may result in a conflict of interest on the part of one or more of the directors or officers between what he, she or they
may believe is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself, herself
or themselves in determining to recommend that stockholders vote for the proposals. See the section entitled “The Extension Amendment
— Interests of the Company’s Directors and Officers” for a further discussion.
THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
Overview
The Adjournment Proposal, if adopted, will allow our Board to adjourn
the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event that
there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment Proposal. The
Adjournment Proposal will be presented to our stockholders only in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection
with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal and the Trust Amendment Proposal.
Consequences if the Adjournment Proposal is Not Approved
If the Adjournment Proposal is not approved by our stockholders, our
Board may not be able to adjourn the special meeting to a later date in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise
in connection with, the approval of the Extension Amendment Proposal or the Trust Amendment Proposal.
Required Vote
The approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the votes cast by the Company’s stockholders represented in person (including virtually) or by proxy at the special
meeting. Accordingly, if a valid quorum is otherwise established, a stockholder’s failure to vote by proxy or in person (including
virtually) at the special meeting or an abstention will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the Adjournment Proposal. Abstentions
will be counted in connection with the determination of whether a valid quorum is established but will have no effect on the outcome of
the Adjournment Proposal.
Recommendation
As discussed above, after careful consideration of all relevant factors,
our Board has determined that the Adjournment Proposal is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Our Board has approved
and declared advisable the adoption of the Adjournment Proposal.
OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR”
THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
The existence of financial and personal interests of our directors
and officers may result in a conflict of interest on the part of one or more of the directors or officers between what he, she or they
may believe is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself, herself
or themselves in determining to recommend that stockholders vote for the proposals. See the section entitled “The Extension Amendment
— Interests of the Company’s Directors and Officers” for a further discussion.