Buffett Brushes Off Takeover Tango: Berkshire Happy Just Flirting with Occidental, Thanks!

“LatAmGrowth SPAC: Presses Pause on EGM, Eyes Calendar Shuffle and Coin Purse Raid in Winding-Up Saga”

TLDR:
– LatAmGrowth SPAC has postponed their Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) until September 28th and will be discussing the business combination closing date and using $100,000 from the escrow holdings for a party.
– September 26th is the deadline for stockholders with Class A common stock to tender their shares for redemption.

So, in the latest episode of “As the SPAC Turns,” we find the Latin American darling, LatAmGrowth SPAC, in quite the predicament. They’ve decided to hit the pause button on their Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) set for September 21, 2023, and play hard-to-get until September 28. Why the sudden cold feet, you ask? Only the shareholders and the company’s crystal ball might know.

The EGM, which will now be as virtual as a teenager’s social life, will focus on two crucial matters. First, should they make like a band-aid and rip off the business combination closing date? And second, should they siphon off a cool $100,000 from the escrow holdings to cover the party tab? These are the burning questions that will keep LatAmGrowth SPAC’s stockholders up at night.

But, fear not, dear shareholders! If you had the foresight to cast your vote before this twist in the plot, you can rest easy. Your voice has been heard, and you are free to kick back, relax, and watch the drama unfold. However, if you sit on a pile of Class A common stock, you might want to mark September 26th on your calendar with a big red X. That’s the deadline to tender your shares for redemption.

For those with a keen eye for business and a knack for navigating the fast-paced world of Latin American markets, this could be the start of an exhilarating journey. After all, LatAmGrowth SPAC is all about leveraging the high growth potential of Latin American companies with technological prowess and those catering to the emerging middle class. But remember, nobody said this ride would be smooth.

Now, we come to the cliffhanger. What will the EGM conclude? Will the company liquidate and wind up early? Will the date for the business combination be pushed forward? Will they dip into the interest earned on the trust account to cover dissolution expenses? These are the questions that will keep us, the humble spectators, on the edge of our seats until the EGM unfolds on September 28.

In the meantime, stockholders can indulge in a little light reading by perusing related documents available on the SEC’s website. And if you decide to engage in some friendly persuasion of fellow stockholders, remember you are considered a party to the solicitation of proxies. But hey, who doesn’t enjoy a good party, right?

At the end of this saga, remember one thing: this isn’t an offer to sell or a solicitation of an agent. It’s just another day in the vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating world of business. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and let the drama unfold.

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“Phish Makes it Rain: Jam Band’s Flood Relief Concert a Whirlwind of Wizard of Oz Winks, Water Droplets and Classic Wails”

TLDR:
– Phish staged a benefit show in Saratoga Springs, New York, to support flood recovery efforts in Vermont and surrounding areas, incorporating a Wizard of Oz theme into their performance.
– The band delivered a mesmerizing performance, showcasing their musical prowess and on-the-spot creativity, leaving the audience inspired and hopeful.

On a night that coincided with the 84th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz’s premiere, Vermont jam band Phish channeled a tad of Oz magic to stage an unforgettable evening of hope and solidarity. The benefit show in Saratoga Springs, New York, was one of two organized in light of the devastating flash floods that swept Vermont and surrounding areas in July. Phish, known for their playful personalities, sprinkled their performance with iconic film themes and even dressed the part – drummer John Fishman made a splash in a Lisa Simpson-inspired dress, replete with blue droplets representing flood recovery.

Phish kicked off the evening with the vivacious “Kill Devil Falls” and “The Moma Dance,” setting the stage for a mix of classic and new tunes. The audience was treated to the second release of “Ocelot” this year, a spectacular high point that had fans buzzing. Bassist Mike Gordon’s song “Mull” and the Phish staple “Punch You In The Eye,” performed with the band’s signature intricate weaving, were other noteworthy additions to the setlist. Lighting designer Chris Cloda and visual artist Andrew Giffin conjured up stunning visuals that amplified the mesmerizing performance of “Sand,” and a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll.”

Guitarist Trey Anastasio surprised everyone with his impromptu incorporation of the Wizard of Oz theme “Munchkinland” into “Sand.” This spontaneous decision sparked excitement and curiosity among the audience and online viewers, adding an unexpected twist to the performance. The second set saw Fishman sporting a Lisa Simpson dress and a munchkin ponytail, keeping with the Wizard of Oz theme. The song combination of “Evolve,” “A Wave of Hope,” and “Simple” resulted in 45 minutes of dark and exploratory improvisation, demonstrating the band’s adeptness at on-the-spot creativity.

The energy surged to a climax as Phish launched into “Fuego,” followed by an explosive performance of “Chalk Dust Torture,” featuring an outro that quotes “Munchkinland.” This brought the Wizard of Oz theme full circle, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. For the encore, Phish chose “Wading in the Velvet Sea,” a somewhat ironic choice for a flood relief fundraiser, but its poignant lyrics struck a chord with the audience. The band wrapped up the show with “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.,” leaving the crowd inspired and hopeful.

As the audience dispersed to the familiar strumming of “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” the spirit of the show remained palpable. Phish’s Flood Relief Benefit Show was not just a night of entertainment, but also a testament to music’s power to uplift spirits and rally support for a cause. For those who didn’t catch the performance live, free streaming is available, along with the chance to enjoy Phish’s unique blend of music and humor while supporting a noble cause. It was indeed a night where music, philanthropy, and a bit of Oz magic collided, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation of the floods.

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Billion-Dollar Burden: Trump’s Truth Social Teeters on the Brink as Deal Decision Looms

TLDR:
– Trump’s Truth Social faces a critical decision that could determine its future as a maverick multinational or leave it in financial trouble.
– The merger between Trump Media and Digital World has been plagued by scandals and financial struggles, raising doubts about Truth Social’s ability to challenge big tech companies.

In the world of corporate drama, Trump’s Truth Social is living on the edge of a cliff. The platform finds itself facing a critical decision next week, a decision that could either solidify its place as a maverick multinational, standing up to ‘Big Tech’, or leave it squirming in the quagmire of precarious finances. The source of all this tension? The complex contract announced back in 2021, which was to merge Trump’s Trump Media & Technology Group with Digital World Acquisition Corp. The shareholders of Digital World, however, are now being asked to give the deal another year. The refusal could mean the company falls woefully short of its $1.7 billion target. The kicker is, if this deal slips through their fingers, Digital World will have to return the $300 million they raised, leaving Trump’s media group with zilch, nada, and nothing to trade.

The road to tech riches, paved with dreams of challenging the might of Big Tech, has been more of a roller coaster ride. Allegations of rule violations, insider trading, missed deadlines, reporting issues, pick a scandal, this merger has it. In fact, the CEO of Digital World was fired in March and a former director indicted for insider trading. Nasdaq, the tech-heavy stock exchange, has already warned Digital World that their shares could be delisted over a reporting issue. Despite an interim settlement of $18 million with the SEC over allegations of accounting fraud in July, the company still urged investors to extend the contract to prevent the company from dissolving.

The merger of Trump Media and Digital World was initially met with enthusiasm by investors. Digital World’s stock soared to $175 when the merger was announced. But alas, the stock now trades at a measly $16.51. The enthusiasm for SPAC deals, seen as an easier path to listing than traditional IPOs, has faded like an old pair of jeans. The number of completed deals has plummeted, mirroring the fortunes of Digital World’s stock.

The grand vision of Truth Social was to challenge the monoliths of Big Tech. But, with a user base estimated at around 2 million, compared to the billions on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter, the David versus Goliath fight seems a tad skewed. The problem with Truth Social, according to experts, is that it is primarily targeting the MAGA population segment, thus excluding a considerable portion of the political spectrum. This limited appeal made it hard for the platform to garner attention even before issues with adoption and rollout surfaced.

The future of Truth Social and its potential to revolutionize the social media landscape hangs in the balance. The outcome of the upcoming votes will determine whether Truth Social can achieve its ambitious vision of becoming a major player in challenging the dominance of big tech companies. Despite the trials and tribulations, the platform’s proponents continue to believe in its mission. As they say, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. But, we’ll have to wait and see whether that melody is a triumphant aria or a sad, slow ballad.

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“Saratoga Springs Soaks Up the Outlaw Spirit, Courtesy of Willie Nelson’s Badass Festival!”

TLDR:
– Willie Nelson, at 90 years old, continues to defy expectations and shine as the heart and soul of the Outlaw Fest.
– Despite challenges and setbacks, Nelson’s performance was a testament to his resilience and enduring talent.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Willie Nelson has done it again. At the spry age of 90, he’s outliving the average lifespan, and his career is doing the same. Coughs and slips of the microphone be damned, Nelson graced the stage at his Outlaw Fest, a Saratoga Springs summertime staple. Though the format deviated from previous years, sticking to business hours and featuring more established bands, Nelson remains the heart and soul of the festival. Isn’t that just like a seasoned performer?

But let’s not forget the supporting cast. Los Lobos, String Cheese Incident, and Bobby Weir and the Wolf Bros Band warmed up the stage before Nelson strutted on at 10 pm. With 50-degree temperatures, folks were bundling up like they were going on a late-night ice cream run. Now there’s a thought: Willie Nelson and an ice cream cone. Add in the tie-dye and it’s basically Woodstock 2.0.

The early birds got a treat with Los Lobos’ passionate and precise set, while the String Cheese Incident managed to combine Americana style with jam music. Who knew cheese and jam would go so well together? Bobby Weir and his Wolf Bros Band had fans shaking their tail feathers to unique renditions of Grateful Dead classics, proving once again that you can teach an old dog new tricks—or at least new arrangements.

But let’s get back to our man of the hour—or two, in Nelson’s case. Despite his son Micah falling ill and his other son Lucas off touring with his own band, Nelson sauntered onto that stage with the confidence of a catwalk model. He was flanked by his ever-loyal band “The Family,” and the harmonica echoes of Mickey Raphael filled the air. You’d think the guy was trying to summon the spirit of the Wild West.

Despite the occasional cough and microphone slip that added more suspense than any thriller movie, Nelson crooned advice to mothers about steering their sons clear of the cowboy life. The spirit of Waylon Jennings hung in the air as he covered “Good Hearted Woman,” reminding us all that love is not just a feeling but an act. Nelson is a real-life testament to the adage, “Age is just a number.”

Willie Nelson is not just a musician; he’s a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope for aging rockers everywhere. Let’s hope he continues gracing us with his presence and his music for as long as he can strum that trusty guitar of his. After all, he’s Willie Nelson, and age has nothing on him. So remember, next time you get a chance to see Willie Nelson live, don’t just go, sprint!

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Fast and Curious: VinFast’s EV Hype Train Leaves Station, Stock Soars Despite Tepid Car Reviews

TLDR:
– VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, saw its shares soar 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO, making it the third most valuable car company on paper.
– The surge in stock prices was due to a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand, rather than the company’s performance or sales figures.

Imagine this. You’re a new kid on the block, and on your first day, you topple the school’s big guns. That’s what VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, did when its shares soared a staggering 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO earlier this month. Despite modest sales figures and unfavorable reviews, VinFast was riding a financial high, making it the third most valuable car company on paper, only trailing Tesla and Toyota. Poor Ford and General Motors were left in the dust, wondering how the new kid got so popular so quickly.

But here’s the catch. The surge wasn’t because they had a shiny new line-up of vehicles or overwhelming sales. Oh no, they expect to sell a paltry 50,000 vehicles this year, and let’s just say the reviews of their cars wouldn’t be winning them any awards. MotorTrend kindly suggested they “return to sender.” VinFast’s success was not due to any spectacular performance but a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand. You see, the founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, holds 99% of VinFast, having issued a mere 1% of the shares to the public.

So, we have the float of just 7.2 million shares available for the public to trade, causing stock prices to skyrocket. It’s a bit like a rare coin gaining value because there aren’t enough of them to go around—a classic case of scarcity increasing value. But one mustn’t forget, the coin’s real value is only what someone is willing to pay for it.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. The stock, like any commodity with a low float, is prone to high volatility. And it’s also more susceptible to drastic price changes because it doesn’t take much buying or selling pressure to shift the scales. In fact, VinFast experienced a 26% fall Tuesday, and the stock could continue its downward spiral as more shares enter the market. This is especially likely with several lockup agreements with insiders and the SPAC sponsor set to expire, which would result in selling off millions of shares.

And let’s not forget VinFast’s expansion plans. They need fuel to power their journey into the US market, and by fuel, I mean cold hard cash. The company had reported having about $160 million at the end of March, so they might just be tempted to take advantage of the recent spike in their stock by selling shares at current prices.

Short-seller Jim Chanos, however, isn’t biting the VinFast bait. He labeled it a “$200 billion meme stock,” suggesting VinFast’s luck would run out before they hit 40K units. But given the low float and high volatility, it seems unlikely that short-sellers are queuing up to bet against the company just yet. So, for now, it seems VinFast is enjoying its time in the sun. But as we all know, the weather can change pretty quickly on Wall Street. Only time will tell if VinFast is a one-hit-wonder or if it has the stamina to run with the big dogs.

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US Pulls a Trade Switcheroo, Swaps Chinese Imports for Mexican Flavor – Global Economy Holds its Breath!

TLDR:
– The United States is shifting its import strategy away from China and towards Mexico, in an effort to diversify import partners and reduce reliance on China in the midst of strained trade relations.
– Tech companies like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia are also looking to move away from China and explore opportunities in Mexico, as a way to mitigate the risks of a potential trade war and boost their recovery.

Well, isn’t this a juicy taco of economic news? The United States, in a bold move that would make a salsa dancer proud, has sashayed past China in the race for Mexican imports. And get this, it’s the first time since 2023. Talk about a comeback! But why the sudden fondness for all things Mexican? It seems the US is trying to spice up their import game, not wanting all their eggs (or should I say, avocados?) in the Chinese basket.

As the economic tango between the US and China reaches fever pitch, data shared by Chamath Palihapitiya, the venture capitalist with a knack for turning complicated numbers into juicy gossip, reveals the strategy behind the salsa. With the current trade relations between the US and China colder than a leftover burrito, diversifying import partners could be the hot sauce the US economy needs.

This significant shift in import behavior is not an isolated incident, but part of a grander, strategic two-step. You see, Apple recently got a virtual slap in the face from China when iPhones were banned in government offices. That’s like telling the Kardashians they can’t take selfies. It’s no surprise that Apple’s stock took a belly flop. The company lost around $190 billion in market worth in just two days. That’s enough to buy everyone in the US a round of tequila shots and still have some change left over.

But don’t think it’s just Apple sobbing into its margarita. Other tech heavyweights like Tesla and Nvidia, who’ve been cozying up to China for years, are feeling the chill too. If a full-blown trade war breaks out, it could put the brakes on their recovery and squeeze their revenues. It’s like a late-night party when the cops show up – not good for anyone involved.

But let’s not get too gloomy here. The data hinting at a move away from China could be a silver lining in this trade war cloud. Take Tesla for example. Currently, they’re making about half of their electric cars in China, but they’ve recently started work on a Gigafactory in Mexico. That’s right, Musk is trading in dumplings for tacos, and it could be just the diversification strategy they need.

The rise of Mexico as a key trading partner for the US is the mariachi band in this economic fiesta. Thanks to NAFTA, the free trade agreement among the US, Canada, and Mexico, trading barriers are as low as a limbo stick at a beach party. This could create a thriving environment for businesses to expand their operations.

So, as we continue to salsa through the complexities of global trade, let’s remember that adaptability and resilience are key. Shaking up supply chains, diversifying import partners, and stepping out of our comfort zones might just be what keeps our economies spinning on the dance floor of global trade. Sure, there will be challenges and missteps along the way, but as long as we keep our sense of humor, we’ll be able to handle whatever the DJ throws our way.

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Phish’s Charity Concerts “Hook, Line, and Sinker”: Raises $3.5 Million for Flood Recovery Efforts Through Music and Unfathomable Fan Up-pouring

TLDR:
– Phish held two benefit concerts, raising $3.5 million for flood recovery efforts in their home state and Upstate New York.
– Phish’s innovative approach to streaming concerts allowed fans worldwide to be part of a significant event that showcased the power of music and unity.

In the world of rock and roll, where egos often eclipse talent, Phish has turned the tables, making headlines not for their off-stage antics, but for their on-stage philanthropy. The American rock band, hailing from Vermont, recently held two benefit concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) to aid flood recovery efforts in their home state and Upstate New York. The amount they raised? $3.5 million – showing that even in an industry fraught with excess, a little compassion and unity can create magic… and a whole lot of money.

The two-night event wasn’t just another concert. It was a musical spectacle, a rallying cry, and a beacon of hope for those affected by devastating floods. The evenings were marked by the incredible talent of Phish’s Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio, and featured a surprise appearance from legendary guitarist Derek Trucks. And if that wasn’t enough to make fans feel like they’d won the rock concert lottery, Phish decided to stream both concerts for free on their website and YouTube channel. It was a bold move – like a poker player going all-in with a pair of twos. But the gamble paid off.

Direct donations to The WaterWheel Foundation’s 2023 Flood Recovery Fund came pouring in. The total amount raised, a hefty $3.5 million, came from ticket sales, merchandise sales, and individual donations from fans new and old. It’s a testament to the power of music, unity and the altruistic spirit of Phish’s fanbase. It seems the band had a hook, line, and sinker approach to fund-raising: Hit ’em with the music, and then reel in the donations.

The WaterWheel Foundation, founded by Phish in 1997, is well versed in the art of philanthropy. Over the years, they’ve provided support to countless individuals and communities, proving that they are more than just a band of musicians. They’re agents of change, turning the tides of despair into waves of hope. Their benefit concert may have ended, but the donations continue to flow in, turning the music of Phish into a symphony of relief.

In a world where innovation is lauded, Phish has proven that they are not just leaders in music, but in charitable deeds too. They created an innovative approach to streaming concerts, allowing fans around the world to be part of an event that grew into something much bigger than just a performance. In the process, they’ve shown that rock and roll isn’t just about rebellion and raucous behavior. It’s about unity, resilience, and the ability to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

As the echo of Phish’s melodies fade away, the impact of their benevolent act remains. The $3.5 million raised is more than just a number; it’s a symbol of hope, a beacon in the darkness, a testament to the strength of a community united by the love of music. It’s a reminder that when we act together, we can rebuild what was lost and overcome any obstacle, one power chord at a time.

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Trump’s Truth Social-DWAC Merger Scores Bonus Season: Shareholders Vote for Year-Long Overtime in Negotiations

TLDR:
– Shareholders extend the negotiation period for the floundering merger of Trump’s Truth Social with DWAC, providing a lifeline and potential for a successful merger.
– The extension adds another year of suspense, drama, and uncertainty to the merger, with the outcome still unknown.

In an unforeseen turn of events that would make a Hollywood scriptwriter weep with envy, shareholders threw a last-minute lifeline to the floundering merger of former President Donald Trump’s Truth Social with Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC). The tag team of DWAC and Trump Media and Technology Group, caught in a plotline thick with allegations, fraud charges, and staff cuts, was given another year to prove their worth in a decision that must have had the suspense of a high-stakes poker game.

This is a tale of extended deadlines, a rescue operation on the brink of liquidation, and enough corporate drama to make the Wall Street wolves howl. With negotiations stalling and the specter of liquidation looming, shareholders made a daring move straight out of a boardroom thriller, extending the negotiation period by another year. What’s next? Will they call in Liam Neeson for a high-profile hostage negotiation? But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The merger, with its whopping $300 million infusion from DWAC into Trump’s media company, has been circling the drain for over two years. DWAC, a special acquisition company, went the extra mile, lobbying their shareholders to turn back time, Cher-style, on the deadline. But unlike the pop diva’s hit, they weren’t singing about lost love, but lost investments.

Fraud allegations against DWAC by the Securities and Exchange Commission added a touch of dark intrigue to the story. A plot twist that would be more at home in a John Grisham novel than a business report. But in classic never-say-die fashion, both DWAC and Trump’s Media Group waved off the SEC’s charges and reaffirmed their commitment to sticking together like business peas in a corporate pod.

Despite the setbacks, the party isn’t over for DWAC and Trump Media and Technology Group. The vote to extend the deadline not only saved them from the brink but also breathed new life into the proposed merger. As in any suspenseful narrative, there’s still a chance for our protagonists to turn the tide and come out on top. The question is, will they, or is all this just a storm in a Wall Street teacup?

The extension offers another year of high-stakes drama, a life raft of sorts, keeping the merger afloat amidst a sea of uncertainty. Whether this act of faith by shareholders will lead to the birth of a resurgent media company or simply drag out the inevitable remains to be seen. In the meantime, keep your popcorn handy, because the Trump media empire saga promises to be an entertaining spectacle.

So brace for impact, fellow watchers of corporate drama. Another year of intrigue, suspense, and, fingers crossed, a few more plot twists in the rollercoaster ride that is the DWAC-Trump media merger. Whether this extension will bring about a happy ending or a disastrous finale, we’re all set for a year of boardroom suspense that will put Hollywood thrillers to shame.

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Delaware Ruling Exposes SPAC Scandal: The Smoke, Mirrors, and Pinball between 26 Capital and Okada Manila

TLDR:
– Hedge fund manager Alex Eiseman secretly received 60% of Jason Ader’s stake in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a SPAC attempting to merge with Okada Manila casino.
– Ader sold a portion of his SPAC stake for $25 million, leading to a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office questioning the deal.

Well, folks, here’s a tale that proves once again that high-stakes finance can be just as thrilling as any spy movie. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by gaming industry analyst and investor Jason Ader, tried to merge with a ritzy casino in the Philippines, the Okada Manila. But the courts have called ‘game over’ on that plan, due to some sneaky double-dealing that smelled fishier than a seafood buffet on a hot day.

Here’s the deal: A Manhattan hedge fund manager, Alex Eiseman, was hired by Universal Entertainment Corp., the Japanese company behind Okada Manila, to find a SPAC to acquire the casino. But Eiseman, instead of doing his best Vanna White and finding the best deal possible, decided to go for a bit of personal gain. Our judge, J. Travis Laster, ruled that Eiseman got 60% of Ader’s stake in 26 Capital – a deal that was kept as secret as grandma’s biscuit recipe. Universal and the SPAC’s shareholders were left in the dark until the pretrial discovery phase of the Delaware case.

As if it couldn’t get more interesting, Ader didn’t even wait for the ink to dry on the deal before selling another slice of his SPAC stake for a neat $25 million. That’s a lot of chips to put on red. The judge noted this, along with the fact that Ader and his mother pocketed the sum. Ader insists the payout was proper, but there’s a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office he sold to, questioning the deal.

Despite all this drama, the shares of 26 Capital SPAC are down only 3% since the judge’s ruling, sitting at $11.15. Ader, in a statement as well-crafted as a poker face, said they were disappointed with the ruling, but would explore all available strategic options. Meanwhile, Eiseman seems to be playing his cards close to his chest, declining to comment on the case and stating he will tell his side of the story in a New York fraud lawsuit brought about by the casino owner.

Universal Entertainment Corp. has pulled up the drawbridge on the SPAC deal, and their lawyer, Grant Mainland, has stated that they’re ready to defend themselves if 26 Capital pursues monetary damages. All in all, folks, it’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that shows us, once again, that in the SPAC market, what you see isn’t always what you get. As the Securities and Exchange Commission gears up to vote on new SPAC rules to improve transparency, let’s hope this sorry saga serves as a cautionary tale. After all, casinos are for gambling, not the stock market, right?

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Slacker Streaming’s SPAC Sprint: Will They Make It to Market or Bump the Needle?

TLDR:
– Slacker streaming service is attempting to go public by merging with SPAC Roth CH Acquisition V Co, but shareholders are hesitant, leaving only $26.4 million available.
– The SPAC trend has been disappointing, with a decline in deals and poor performance for companies like Anghami, Deezer, Reservoir Media, and Alliance Entertainment.

Streaming service Slacker, apparently unsatisfied with living up to its namesake, is eager to beat the ticking clock and go public by merging with Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) Roth CH Acquisition V Co. This $160 million gamble is not without its own set of challenges, mind you. It seems a bunch of Roth’s shareholders decided to give the proverbial cold shoulder to the Slacker deal, leaving only about $26.4 million for the taking. To sweeten the pot, Roth has negotiated an irreversible agreement with shareholders, promising a whopping payout of 4 cents per share for each month of extension. It’s like a desperate plea at a high-stakes poker match: “Stay with me, folks, the best is yet to come!” Yet, the looming deadline on December 4th puts Slacker in a race against the grains of the hourglass.

SPACs, with their cart-before-the-horse approach, are a peculiar breed. They attract investors with the allure of an initial public offering (IPO), even before they’ve identified a suitable, high-growth company to take public. It’s like proposing to someone before the first date, all based on potential. And boy, did they grow like mushrooms in a moist forest, jumping from 55 in 2019 to an astonishing 610 in 2021. You’d think that with a $160.8 billion surge in money raised during that period, SPACs would have been the next gold rush. Well, not quite.

Truth be told, the SPAC trend has been more of a whimper than a bang. As Megan Penick, an attorney at Michelman & Robinson, delicately puts it, there are “too many SPACs, not enough suitable targets.” After a vigorous run in 2021, SPACs started losing steam in 2022, and 2023 hasn’t been looking too rosy either. In fact, the value of SPAC deals in the first half of 2023 amounted to only a tenth of the deals closed in the same period in 2021. In the face of disappointing prospects, some SPACs even chose to dissolve and return capital to shareholders. Talk about a change of heart!

To add insult to injury, SPACs haven’t exactly proven to be the golden goose for original investors. Consider the sobering trajectories of Abu Dhabi-based music streamer Anghami, French music streamer Deezer, and New York-based publisher and label Reservoir Media, all of which plummeted dramatically after merging with SPACs. And let’s not forget the unfortunate fate of Alliance Entertainment, which ended up trading over the counter after a series of redemptions left its partner SPAC, Adara Acquisition Corp, with a measly $1.7 million. It’s like they were left holding the short end of the stick.

So, as Slacker gears up for its date with destiny, one has to wonder: is this a stroke of genius or a last-ditch effort hustling towards a finish line that might not even be there? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Slacker seems unresponsive to our pleas for comment on the deal, perhaps embodying their brand name a little too well. Happy streaming, folks!

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