Debt-Ceiling Drama: Season Finale or Just Another Cliffhanger?

Dow’s Dipsy-Doodle Day, Disney’s Drooping Digits, and Debt Ceiling Debacles: Just Another Manic Monday in the Market!

TLDR:
Disney’s stock drops due to underwhelming earnings report from its streaming division, which lost subscribers in the most recent quarter but increased revenue per user through price hikes.

Microsoft pauses pay raises for salaried employees and reduces performance bonuses for executives as part of its cost-cutting strategy.

Disney, the titan of entertainment, managed to disappoint investors with its unimpressive earnings report, causing its stock to plummet more than 5% in after-hours trading. The culprit? Disney’s streaming division, which, although posting a smaller-than-expected loss, has lost subscribers in the most recent quarter. But, on the bright side, revenue per user did increase, thanks to the magical power of price hikes. It appears that the streaming wars have reached their final act, and now the industry must search for the next growth frontier. Perhaps they’ll find it in the world of gaming, where digital dragons and virtual quests await.

While Disney’s financial drama unfolds, tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. The pro-Russian Wagner Group and Russia’s defense ministry have hit a rough patch in their “partnership,” with Wagner’s leaders threatening to take their toys and go home due to a lack of supplies. Ukrainian fighters, on the other hand, have been reclaiming ground, coinciding with expectations of a new counteroffensive bankrolled by Western money and weaponry. Russia, never one to be outdone, has resorted to recruiting prisoners to join the fight. Talk about a captive audience.

In a parallel universe where the United States’ debt ceiling is still a hot topic, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has once again warned of economic doom if Congress fails to address the issue. Yellen, who is currently attending G7 meetings in Japan, described the notion of defaulting on the nation’s debt as “unthinkable,” as it would severely undermine the U.S. and global economy. In response, GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump suggested that Republicans should let the U.S default if Democrats refuse to agree to significant spending cuts. Apparently, some people are more comfortable with “unthinkable” than others.

In the land of tech giants, Microsoft has opted to pause pay raises for salaried employees as part of its ongoing cost-cutting strategy. This comes after the company announced plans to cut nearly 5% of its workforce earlier this year. Last year, Microsoft increased its budget for merit pay raises and stock awards due to inflation, but CEO Satya Nadella now claims the budget is closer to its historical average. Performance bonuses for executives will also be significantly reduced. It seems that even in the world of big tech, there’s no escaping the wrath of fiscal prudence.

As investors navigate the tumultuous waters of the stock market, it’s important to remember that success lies not only in following the predictable patterns but also in seeking out the novel and uncommon. With the streaming wars drawing to a close, industries will need to shift their focus to other avenues for growth, such as gaming. Meanwhile, as tensions mount between Russia and Ukraine, global market players must remain vigilant and adaptive. Amidst the chaos, the debt ceiling debate serves as a stark reminder that sometimes, the unthinkable must be considered – even if it’s not particularly amusing.

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VinFast & the Furious: Revving up the EV Scene with a $27 Billion SPAC Merger!

TLDR:
VinFast is going public via a $27bn SPAC merger with Black Spade Acquisition Co, making it the third-largest SPAC merger in history. The company has built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with the capacity to produce 300,000 electric vehicles per year and plans to expand its market reach to Europe “soon” while also making waves in Vietnam and North America with its EV models.

Well, folks, it’s time to grab your popcorn and kick back while Vietnam’s very own electric vehicle (EV) prodigy, VinFast, struts its stuff on the public stage. That’s right, VinFast is going public via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) merger with Black Spade Acquisition Co BSAQ, an impeccable move considering the company’s previous flirtations with a U.S. initial public offering. This marriage of convenience values VinFast at a jaw-dropping $27 billion, making it the third-largest SPAC merger in history. Quite the accomplishment for a company that started as a humble electric scooter manufacturer in 2017.

You may be wondering how VinFast managed to earn such a hefty price tag. Well, it seems the company’s been trying to impress, having built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with the capacity to churn out up to 300,000 electric vehicles per year. That’s a whole lot of EVs, folks. It’s no wonder that Black Spade Acquisition Co-CEO Dennis Tam gushed about VinFast’s “execution excellence” and their beautifully designed, high-quality EVs in just a few short years. Talk about a modern-day Cinderella story.

But VinFast isn’t content to rest on its laurels. With eyes set firmly on the future, the company plans to expand its market reach to Europe “soon” and continue making waves in Vietnam and North America. As the proud parent of four EV models already delivered to Vietnamese customers and its first North American delivery, the VF 8 model, VinFast is eager to show off its progeny to the world. The company’s commitment to going all-in on electric vehicles after halting internal combustion engine production in 2022 is truly a testament to its dedication to a brighter, greener future.

So, what does this mean for VinFast’s competitors like Tesla, you ask? Well, there’s a new kid on the block, and its name is the VF 8 electric SUV. This feisty newcomer is seen as a potential rival to Tesla’s Model Y, one of the bestselling vehicles globally. With a U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles and showrooms in California, VinFast is making itself cozy in Tesla’s backyard while also maintaining a foothold in the cutthroat Asian market. Tesla’s recent price cuts to gain market share may signal that the bigwigs are taking notice of this up-and-coming contender.

As we eagerly anticipate VinFast’s merger completion in the second half of 2023, it’s hard not to marvel at the company’s rapid growth and ambitious plans. A proposed manufacturing facility in North Carolina is set to break ground, further solidifying the company’s North American presence and aspirations. VinFast Auto Global CEO Madame Thuy Le cited the partnership with Black Spade and the U.S. listing as the “perfect capital raising avenue” for VinFast’s global ambitions. Like a proud parent, they’re preparing to watch their EV brainchild soar to new heights.

In conclusion, VinFast’s foray into the public arena seems to be garnering quite a bit of attention, and with good reason. This high-flying EV company is poised to become a major player in the industry, thanks to its impressive production capabilities and aggressive expansion plans. Tesla and other competitors should keep a weather eye on the horizon as VinFast revs its engines, ready to take on the world. As for us, the spectators, all that’s left to do is sit back, enjoy the show, and perhaps ponder the potential of a VinFast vehicle gracing our driveways in the not-too-distant future.

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Stem Cell Slytherins Unite: Calidi’s Trojans Merge with FLAG for a Cancer-Kicking Bonanza

TLDR:
Calidi Biotherapeutics plans to merge with First Light Acquisition Group (FLAG) and trade on NYSE American starting in July, with an expected valuation of $335 million and total proceeds of up to $82 million, aiming to revolutionize cancer treatment with its allogeneic stem cell-based technology. Calidi’s universal delivery system brings the price down from $500,000 to under $10,000, offering a revolutionary and inexpensive solution for treating cancer.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around, for I have some thrilling news. If you’ve been waiting for stem cell-based oncolytic virus delivery platform companies to merge with special purpose entities, then today is your day! Calidi Biotherapeutics plans to join forces with First Light Acquisition Group (FLAG) and trade on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol “CLDI” starting in July. With an expected valuation of a cool $335 million, total proceeds from the transaction could reach up to $82 million. You know what they say, nothing says cutting-edge medical technology like a few extra million dollars.

The merger with FLAG will give Calidi the opportunity to tap into an extensive network and operational experience, addressing missions of national and global importance in the United States. This comes after Calidi’s previous merger attempt with Edoc Acquisition Corp, which ended prematurely due to Edoc’s inability to meet all the conditions in time. Well, you know what they say, if at first you don’t succeed, try merging with another company.

Calidi’s CEO, Allan Camaisa, is understandably excited about the partnership with FLAG. Their allogeneic stem cell-based technology could revolutionize cancer treatment, and they’re working with the federal government to fund these therapies. General James Cartwright, who served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under two presidential administrations, is part of FLAG’s team. That’s right, folks – the military might help us fight cancer!

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded Calidi a $3.1 million grant, while City of Hope received a $12 million grant for a clinical trial to evaluate Calidi’s licensed NeuroNova platform in patients with advanced brain cancer. Now, if that’s not progress, I don’t know what is.

Calidi has two therapies in clinical development – NeuroNova and SuperNova – which use stem cell-protected oncolytic viruses to target cancerous tumors. CEO Camaisa describes stem cells as a “Trojan horse” that hides viruses from the body’s immune system. Now, who wouldn’t want a sly little Trojan horse to help them fight cancer?

Unlike personalized delivery systems that cost up to $500,000 per patient, Calidi’s therapeutic approach is a universal delivery system. They aim to bring the price down from $500,000 to under $10,000 and even hundreds of dollars in the future. It’s a revolutionary and inexpensive solution for treating cancer, giving everyone a chance to access cutting-edge clinical trials and approved drugs, not just the wealthy with exceptional insurance programs.

Calidi’s master stem cell bank was derived from liposuction of mesenchymal stem cells from healthy adult adipose tissue (waist fat). So, the next time you’re feeling guilty about that extra piece of cake, remember that your love handles are just a stem cell goldmine waiting for their chance to shine.

In conclusion, the merger of Calidi Biotherapeutics and First Light Acquisition Group is a beacon of hope for cancer patients and investors alike. With their innovative stem cell-based technology and strategic partnerships, Calidi is on the cutting edge of revolutionizing cancer treatment. And with a goal of making these treatments affordable and accessible for everyone, they’re truly committed to changing lives. So, here’s to Calidi Biotherapeutics and their tireless efforts to bring life-changing treatments to patients around the world.

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Bank on It: Western Alliance Ain’t Going, PacWest Ponders Sale, and First Horizon Dodges the TD Merger Mess

TLDR:
Western Alliance denies sale rumors, PacWest Bancorp explores strategic options including potential sale.
JP Morgan acquires First Republic for $10.6 billion, while First Horizon and TD Bank call off proposed merger.

Well, folks, it’s another rollercoaster week in the world of banking, and I’m here to give you the highlights. For starters, Western Alliance has decided to play a little game of “deny, deny, deny” when it comes to those pesky rumors of a potential sale. Yes, the market may be turbulent, but they’ve reassured investors that they’re not considering any strategic options, and that their footing is as solid as their 26% drop in shares this week. Bravo!

On the other hand, PacWest Bancorp has admitted that they’re playing the field, exploring some strategic options – including possibly selling themselves off. It seems their shares took a 43% nosedive this week, so the market is keeping a keen eye on this developing story. Maybe it’s time for a good old-fashioned bank swap.

But wait, there’s more! JP Morgan has graciously decided to acquire First Republic, with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation blessing the union. They’ll be shelling out a cool $10.6 billion to the FDIC, while also providing a $50 billion, five-year fixed-rate loan facility. Sounds like a match made in banking heaven. The deal is expected to be slightly accretive to earnings per share and add more than $500 million in annual net income. Not too shabby, JP!

Alas, not every marriage is meant to be. First Horizon and TD Bank have called it quits on their proposed merger, with both parties agreeing to go their separate ways. The breakup announcement sent First Horizon’s share price tumbling down more than 33% on Thursday. But don’t worry, the bank is confident it’ll bounce back – just like every newly-single person hitting the dating market again.

Finally, Apollo managed to put a ring on it with Arconic, and their shares rose more than 28% after the acquisition was announced. Arconic shareholders will be walking away with a nice $30.00 in cash per share, which values the company at around $5.2 billion. Not too shabby for a company with a name that sounds like it should be exploring space instead of dealing with metals.

In the ever-changing landscape of banking, it seems there’s never a dull moment. InvestingPro subscribers have the privilege of being the first to know about these market-shaking updates, ensuring they can react faster than you can say “stock market.” If you’re not subscribed yet, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a 7-day free trial and never miss a beat.

As we look forward to next week, who knows what surprises the world of business will have in store for us? Will Western Alliance continue to deny rumors until they’re blue in the face? Will PacWest Bancorp find a new partner in the banking dance? And will First Horizon recover from their broken heart and soar once more? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – it’s never a dull day in the world of finance.

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Bouncing Back: Asian Stocks Ride Wall Street’s High, Dust Off Recent Losses, and Turn to Inflation Data

TLDR:
Asian stocks rise after Wall Street’s recovery, with China’s index climbing 1.6% and Hong Kong’s index by 0.8%. Despite China’s economic struggles, other Asian markets advance after the better-than-anticipated US jobs report.

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s financial news is so uplifting, it may just make you forget about your crippling student loans! Asian stocks have risen, brushing off recent losses after Wall Street decided to get its act together. In particular, China’s index climbed 1.6%, while the index rose a modest 1%. Perhaps those much-hyped Golden Week holiday travel and spending figures are finally paying off.

Hong Kong’s index also got a boost, increasing by 0.8%, thanks to the performance of locally listed Chinese stocks. Eager investors now await Chinese and data scheduled for this week, desperately seeking some good news about the country’s economic recovery.

Despite China’s best efforts, its economy and manufacturing remain as sluggish as a Monday morning. Inflation, however, is dropping, like my motivation after my morning coffee wears off. Even with a majority of COVID restrictions out of the way, China’s manufacturing sector is akin to a turtle on tranquilizers, with April data revealing an unexpected contraction.

Meanwhile, other Asian markets have decided to join the party, advancing like a determined snail. South Korea’s index added 0.8%, and India’s and indexes rose 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively. These markets took inspiration from a better-than-anticipated US jobs report, which calmed the ever-present fear of an imminent recession. Like a soothing cup of chamomile tea, these gains are helping regional markets forget their recent steep losses induced by US banking collapse fears.

The land down under is also enjoying the ride, with Australia’s index rising 0.5%, spurred on by a 2% leap in Westpac Banking Corp shares. It turns out that higher Australian interest rates can actually benefit a bank’s half-year net profit – who knew?

However, our friends in Japan couldn’t quite catch the same wave, as their index fell 0.8%. Furthermore, the surge in US labor data has created a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the Federal Reserve and its next moves. The central bank swears by a data-driven approach to future rate action, but strong labor market performance has them itching to raise rates.

As always, the financial world revolves around the United States. Now, eager investors worldwide are holding their breath for the US inflation data due on Wednesday. It’s expected to reveal that inflation eased in April, but remains as persistently high as my cousin’s opinion of his own intelligence. This figure still exceeds the Fed’s 2% annual target.

Later today, the market will also eagerly watch for a report that might finally shine a light on the much-discussed potential banking crisis. Because nothing says excitement like discussing global economic turmoil.

In conclusion, the world of finance is as unpredictable as that shady uncle who always has a new “business” at family gatherings. However, it’s important to remember that the long-term outlook is brighter than my high school principal’s forehead. So, if you can survive Aunt Marge’s lengthy anecdotes about her cats, you can survive the ups and downs of the global economy. Stay tuned, folks, and hold onto your stocks – the rollercoaster is just beginning!

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De-SPAC-tably Unfair? Klein Law Firm Sniffs Around NRx Pharma Merger Shenanigans 🕵️‍♀️💼

TLDR:
The Klein Law Firm is investigating the fairness of the non-SPAC merger of NRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. and whether all necessary information was disclosed to shareholders. The de-SPAC merger process is being questioned, and the firm encourages those affected to contact them for assistance.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around, for I have news that will surely cause a stir in the world of finance. It appears that the ever-so-valuable time of the Klein Law Firm is being spent investigating the fairness of the non-SPAC merger of NRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (formerly Big Rock Partners Acquisition Corp.) in 2021. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What in the world is a de-SPAC merger?” Well, let me enlighten you.

A de-SPAC merger is a merger between a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) and a privately held company. It’s a magical process that allows private companies to go public without going through the tedious and traditional IPO process. However, our friends at Klein Law Firm are concerned about the fairness of this particular merger and whether all the necessary information was disclosed to those poor, unsuspecting shareholders.

Why the sudden interest, you ask? Well, it seems that shortly after the NRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. exit-SPAC merger was completed in May 2021, the company’s stock began to tumble. Now, this isn’t just a concern for investors, but also for our beloved country as a whole. It’s imperative that we ensure all transactions in the financial industry are fair and impartial so we can all sleep soundly at night.

But do not fret, for Klein Law Offices is a specialist litigation firm with experience in a wide range of practice areas, including securities law, corporate finance, and commercial litigation. Their skilled attorneys focus on their individual areas of expertise to deliver superior results for their clients. So, you can rest assured that this investigation is being taken very seriously.

Klein Law Firm represents investors and participates in securities disputes related to financial fraud all across our great nation. They encourage anyone who may be affected by this investigation to visit their website at www.kleinstocklaw.com and learn more about the matter. After all, knowledge is power, and they want to ensure that all their clients have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.

If you have pressing questions or concerns about this investigation, Klein Law Firm is here to help. You can contact them at (212) 616-4899 or email them at [email protected]. They are more than happy to discuss any doubts and issues you may have.

In conclusion, Klein Law Firm’s dedication to ensuring that all transactions in the financial industry are conducted in a fair and equitable manner should be commended. Their investigation of the non-SPAC merger of NRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. is just one example of how they work tirelessly to protect the interests of their clients and investors across the country.

So the next time you hear about a suspicious financial transaction, remember that the heroes at Klein Law Firm are always ready to swoop in and save the day. They stand behind you, ensuring that justice is served and that no shareholder is left in the dark. All hail the mighty Klein Law Firm, protectors of our financial interests and champions of fair play in the world of mergers and acquisitions.

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Schmid Happens: Jaguar Land Rover Ex-CEO Takes Vintage German Biz Public via SPAC

TLDR:
The Schmidt Group, a profitable German supplier of manufacturing equipment and processes for advanced electronics, is going public with an implied valuation of $640 million and joining forces with a blank-check company led by former Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth. The family-owned business founded 159 years ago as an iron foundry is renowned for its advanced printed circuit board solutions and focus on renewable energy and energy storage, making it a rare gem in the SPAC world.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, because we’ve got some thrilling business news that’ll have you reaching for your lederhosen. The Schmidt Group, a German supplier of manufacturing equipment and processes for advanced electronics, has decided to go public. And we’re not talking about just any public debut – they’re joining forces with a blank-check company led by the former Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralf Speth.

Now, before you start yawning and muttering about yet another SPAC merger, let me assure you that the Schmidt Group is not your average, run-of-the-mill company. This family business, founded a whopping 159 years ago as an iron foundry, has managed to stay profitable in a world where SPAC mergers are typically dominated by money-losing moonshots. That’s right, folks, the Schmidt Group is a rare gem in the business world.

Not only that, but this merger is giving the Schmidt Group an implied valuation of a cool $640 million, and they’ll be trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The SPAC making all this possible is called Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp, created by Ralf Speth and StratCap. So, you can toss out any notions you had of this being a typical SPAC merger – the Schmidt Group is leagues ahead of the rest.

But wait, there’s more. The Schmidt Group isn’t just about making a pretty penny – they’re also focused on renewable energy and energy storage. With approximately 800 employees and a presence in the AI boom that’s driving demand for their advanced printed circuit board solutions, the Schmidt Group is poised to capitalize on this wave of cutting-edge technology.

And let’s not forget the man at the helm, Mr. Speth. With his history of innovation and leadership, you never know what groundbreaking ideas might emerge from this merger. There’s a reason the Schmidt Group has been making waves in the electronics industry, and we’re all on the edge of our seats waiting to see what they’ll do next.

So, join us in raising our glasses of schnitzel – or, you know, beer – to toast the future of business, which is looking brighter than ever. With the Schmidt Group leading the charge, there’s no telling what heights they’ll reach as they continue to innovate and expand.

In this rollercoaster ride of a business world, it’s refreshing to see a company like the Schmidt Group not only surviving but thriving. They’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings as an iron foundry, and their merger with Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp is sure to propel them even further. As they venture into the world of public trading, we can only imagine the incredible things they’ll achieve in cutting-edge electronics, renewable energy, and energy storage.

So, strap in, folks – the future of business is about to get a whole lot more exciting. And with the Schmidt Group and Ralf Speth in the driver’s seat, we’re in for one wild, innovative ride. Prost!

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Schmid Goes Public: From Iron Foundry to NYSE in Just 158 Years!

TLDR:
Schmid Group merges with Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp to become a $640 million NYSE-listed company, marking SPACs’ shift to stable targets. Schmid Group’s majority ownership and management positions will remain while aiming to accelerate growth and expand into new markets, including the automotive sector, with the help of Pegasus’s experienced team.

In the world of business, where money talks and innovation takes a back seat, it’s a pleasure to witness a company with over a century of history shake things up with a public debut. The Schmid Group, a German powerhouse of advanced electronics manufacturing technology, has decided to do just that as they leap into the wild, wacky world of the New York Stock Exchange. And who better to guide them into this new era than an auto industry veteran called Ralph Speth, and his blank-check company, Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp?

The merger with Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp. has left Schmid Group in a pretty cozy spot, valuing the family-owned company at $640 million, including debt. This isn’t just another deal in the cutthroat world of special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). No, this marks a significant shift, as SPACs are now targeting growing, profitable ventures after getting a little too cozy with wobbly startups in 2020 and 2021. It seems that SPACs have finally learned from their past mistakes and are setting their sights on more stable targets.

Schmid Group’s roots can be traced back to 1864 as an iron foundry in Freudenstadt, a picturesque town in the heart of the Black Forest. This is a place where fresh air and lush trails are aplenty, but don’t be fooled by its fairytale-like setting; Schmid Group has been hard at work creating technologies for industries such as renewable power and energy storage. With over 800 employees under its umbrella, Schmid has been responsible for developing equipment and manufacturing processes for printed circuit boards. But don’t worry, the Schmid family isn’t going anywhere. They will maintain majority ownership and retain management positions after the listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Christian Schmid, the company’s CEO, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming endeavor, stating that becoming an NYSE-listed company will strengthen Schmid’s position as a global solutions provider and accelerate their growth trajectory and innovation. It’s truly heartwarming to see a company wanting to excel not just for the sake of profit but also for the betterment of all stakeholders involved.

On the other side of this partnership, Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corporation raised $200 million in its October 2021 IPO and has been looking for deals in areas such as next-generation transportation. Backed by StratCap, an investment firm focused on digital infrastructure, Pegasus CEO Speth has over 20 years of experience with BMW AG and played a significant role in running Jaguar Land Rover after its sale to India’s Tata Motors.

With the experienced team of former Morgan Stanley investment banker F. Jeremy Mistry as the SPAC’s CFO, and ex-Jaguar Land Rover executive Stephen Berger as CIO, Speth had this to say about the partnership: “We are excited to partner with the Schmid team to further grow the group’s platform and accelerate expansion into new attractive markets, including the automotive sector.” It seems like a match made in heaven, or at least a very productive conference room.

So, dear readers, as we celebrate this partnership between Schmid Group and Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corporation, let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of forward-thinking collaboration and the value of continuous innovation in the technology industry. In a world where the pace of change is breakneck, it’s refreshing to see that some companies still prioritize staying ahead of the curve. Here’s to Schmid Group’s future success and the endless possibilities they will undoubtedly create.

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VinFast & Furious: Vietnam’s EV Star Merges with Black Spade in Record-Breaking SPAC Vroomance

TLDR:
VinFast is merging with Black Spade Acquisition Co., resulting in the largest-ever US listing for a Southeast Asian company. VinFast shareholders will own approximately 99% of the combined entity, and the company aims to break the trend of struggling EV manufacturers post-SPAC mergers and expand its global presence.

Well, folks, it appears that Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, is getting ready to rev its engines and embark on a thrilling ride. The company recently announced that it’s merging with Black Spade Acquisition Co., making it the largest-ever US listing for a Southeast Asian company. Once the deal is done, VinFast’s equity value will stand at a whopping $23 billion, with its total valuation, including debt, reaching around $27 billion. The merger should come to a close in the second half of 2022, provided that pesky regulatory and shareholder approvals go through.

But wait, there’s more! VinFast shareholders will emerge as the winners, owning approximately 99% of the combined entity. Pretty sweet deal, huh? Black Spade Acquisition Co., a blank-check company, saw its shares rise by up to 12% in pre-market trading following the merger announcement. VinFast is joining a select club of Asian companies seeking to list in the US through mergers with special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). However, it’s worth noting that similar deals have slowed down recently, thanks to tighter regulatory oversight and unenthusiastic market sentiment.

As VinFast saddles up for this exhilarating journey, it has a clear ambition: to break the trend of electric vehicle manufacturers facing difficulties after SPAC mergers. Previous examples include Nikola Corp., Lordstown Motors Corp., and Canoo Inc., all of whom wiped out shareholders post-merger. Let’s not forget Electric Last Mile Solutions Inc., an EV hopeful that filed for bankruptcy just about a year ago. Should VinFast’s SPAC merger prove to be successful, it would be a sweet victory lap for the company’s years-long efforts to go public.

VinFast isn’t just content with making headlines; it’s also vrooming to expand beyond Vietnam. The company has plans to build a factory in North Carolina and ship its first vehicles to Europe in July. It has already sent a second batch of electric cars to North America in April, with US customer deliveries starting this month. VinFast’s CEO, Le Thi Thu Thuy, believes that partnering with Black Spade and listing in the US is the perfect way to raise capital for the company’s global ambitions.

Now, let’s talk about VinFast’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam’s richest person with a net worth of $3.9 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Vuong, who started his own business while studying in Moscow, has invested as much as $2 billion in VinFast since its inception in 2017. But wait, there’s even more generosity! Vuong announced last month that he would donate an additional $1 billion to the EV maker within the next year. Vingroup, Vuong’s company, is also committing to provide a loan of $1 billion for up to five years and chip in another $500 million.

Finally, let’s not forget about Black Spade Acquisition Co., which raised $169 million in a US IPO in 2021. The Hong Kong-based blank-check firm is on the lookout for targets related to or in the entertainment industry, focusing on enabling technology, lifestyle brands, products or services, and entertainment media. Black Spade Capital Ltd., its sponsor, is the private investment arm of Lawrence Ho, the chairman and CEO of casino operator Melco International Development Ltd.

In a nutshell, VinFast’s merger with Black Spade Acquisition Co. is revving up excitement in the electric vehicle market. As the company aims to break the trend of struggling EV manufacturers post-SPAC mergers and expand its global presence, the future for VinFast, its shareholders, and the EV industry as a whole looks electric.

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RTW Investments: Navigating SPAC Scandals and $1.4M Settlements, All While “Minimizing Risk”

TLDR:
RTW Investments paid $1.4 million to settle allegations made by the SEC that it failed to disclose its own interests in SPACs recommended to investors, dividing shares into roughly 40% going to RTW personnel and the rest going to personnel affiliated with three related funds. RTW’s personnel had material conflicts of interest that could affect the advisory relationship between the company and its clients, leading to RTW rendering advice that was not quite disinterested.

Well folks, let me tell you about an investment advisory firm that decided to learn the hard way. RTW Investments, a New York-based company that specializes in life science ventures, got themselves into a bit of a pickle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC accused RTW of failing to disclose its own interests in special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) it recommended to investors. And as a result, they’ve agreed to settle those allegations for a cool $1.4 million.

Now, if you’ve never heard of a SPAC before, it’s essentially a “blank check” company that raises money by selling stock through an IPO, with the sole purpose of buying privately held businesses. They’ve long been under scrutiny for their transparency and benefits to investors, and it seems RTW Investments decided to take part in the shenanigans.

The SEC’s investigation revolved around two SPACs set up by RTW Investments – Health Sciences Acquisitions Corp. and Health Sciences Acquisitions Corp. 2, established in late 2018 and 2019. By sponsoring these SPACs, RTW was entitled to receive roughly a quarter of the proceeds from the IPO financing. The proceeds would then be used to acquire private companies. Instead of being completely transparent, RTW divided these shares into roughly 40% going to RTW personnel and the rest going to personnel affiliated with three related funds.

Now, why is this a problem? Well, the SEC states that RTW’s personnel had material conflicts of interest that could affect the advisory relationship between the company and its clients. This could lead to RTW rendering advice that was, shall we say, not quite disinterested. Not a great look for an investment advisory company, wouldn’t you agree?

The SEC alleged that RTW’s personnel used money from private fund clients to complete SPAC transactions that ultimately benefited them financially. Sounds like a case of “do as I say, not as I do.” And by not disclosing these incentives, the SEC claimed that RTW violated provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Interestingly, the SEC didn’t identify the advisory clients or the specific SPAC deals involved in their allegations. But it’s worth noting that both of RTW’s SPACs have participated in large acquisitions in recent years. For example, Health Sciences Acquisitions Corp. bought biopharmaceutical firm Immunovant Sciences in a $100 million deal in December 2019, while Health Sciences Acquisitions Corp. 2 closed a $158 million merger with therapeutics company Orchestra BioMed in January.

So, what does this mean for the future of SPACs and investment advisory firms? Michael Edmiston, a securities lawyer, says this case highlights the dangers of SPACs. “When you have an advisory firm that’s got its own money in a SPAC, they are going to go out and encourage deals regardless of whether it’s in their clients’ best interests.”

In the end, it seems that transparency is the name of the game. Had RTW Investments been more forthcoming about their conflicts of interest and SPAC involvement, they might have avoided this costly lesson. But as with most things in life, hindsight is 20/20.

For now, let’s hope that other investment advisory firms take note of RTW’s missteps and ensure that they’re acting in the best interests of their clients. After all, nobody wants to be the next company to learn the hard way.

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