TLDR:
– Prioritize legal counsel to navigate the complex SPAC process and avoid potential litigation risks.
– Consider negotiating a longer lock-up period and ensure a clearly defined board structure for the new entity post-merger.
Navigating through the murky waters of SPAC Fusion is akin to maneuvering a rickety canoe down a river teeming with hidden rocks and ravenous alligators. It’s not a journey for the faint-hearted or those with a novice legal team. So before you set sail, it’s best to hire a seasoned expert. Trust me, the last thing anyone wants is to file a lawsuit. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure to take out directors and officers insurance. If four quarters seems long enough for him, why not double it to eight? Who needs liberty when you’ve got safety, right? Just remember not to be overly confident. The market has its way of bringing overconfident folks down to earth. So, board members, strap yourselves in for a bumpy ride.
In the recent past, going public via SPAC has become all the rage with several unicorns opting for it. The lure of reduced regulatory burdens, the elimination of underwriting fees, and a potentially smoother and faster process than a traditional IPO have all added to its appeal. But hey, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. The SPAC approach also has its share of drawbacks.
It’s paramount that you prioritize legal counsel. The SPAC process is a complex beast. Only a handful of law firms have the experience to guide a company through this transaction. So resist the temptation to cut costs by hiring a legal team with less SPAC experience. This could land you in a litigation mess that could transform your ‘cost savings’ into something far worse if elements of the acquisition are overlooked or if the financial disclosures are too optimistic for the market.
Now, moving on to Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance. It’s crucial to have a D&O insurance policy that covers a minimum of $10 million across the board of directors. But if you’re on the cusp of a SPAC transaction, then it’d be wise to bump up the policy to $20 million.
One aspect that’s often overlooked in SPAC transactions is the length of the lock-up period. It’s highly advisable to negotiate a longer lock-up period. This gives the newco ample time to meet its financial projections with sufficient capital to fuel growth plans post the de-SPAC. A minimum of four quarters offers more breathing room, but an even more extended lock-up period of up to eight quarters would be ideal.
Another point to consider is the board structure following the merger. Ensure that the board structure of the new entity is clearly defined. The new entity needs to be led by officers who are fully committed to the company’s long-term growth.
Finally, when it comes to valuation, don’t let ego cloud judgement. Vote on a realistic valuation to help the company succeed post-de-SPAC. Remember, as a board member, one of your fiduciary duties is to protect stakeholders; overvaluing a company serves no one.
In conclusion, if you have the opportunity to partake in a SPAC transaction, keep responsibility and financial transparency at the forefront during every stage of the process. Paying attention to elements like top-tier legal counsel, the lock-up period, and the post-merger board structure can ensure that the SPAC transaction is successful for the sake of the growth of the company.