“Delaware Judge Throws SPAC Merger Roulette Ball; Philippines’ Largest Casino Rolls with It”

Merger Monday Gets a Snooze Button: IRRA and AST Take Their Sweet Time To Unite

TLDR:
– IRRA and AST have extended the deadline for their merger agreement to October 15, indicating a strategic move to ensure the merger is financially and strategically beneficial.
– The commitment of both companies to see the merger through is reflected in their willingness to spend more time on due diligence and regulatory approvals, signaling their confidence in the potential of the merger.

In the latest episode of “As The Business World Turns”, Integrated Rail and Resources Acquisition (IRRA) and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (AST) have decided to play hard-to-get with each other. Yes, folks, the deadline for their merger agreement, previously set for the passionate date of September 15, has now been extended to the less romantic but still sturdy date of October 15. The suspense, I tell you, is heart-stopping.

Both of these companies are pretty big deals in their respective arenas. IRRA plays with trains and resource-related assets, while AST handles transfer agents and shareholder communication services. Together, they’re like a business equivalent of a superhero team-up, ready to create an almighty platform to leverage all sorts of synergies. I’m sure that’s got the investors swooning in anticipation.

The extension of the deadline appears to be a strategic move. It’s like they’ve hit the pause button on their corporate romance to make sure they’re not rushing into anything. Due diligence, regulatory approvals, and other such exciting things still need to be sorted out. Possibly, they’re also taking a moment to reassess potential growth opportunities and ensure that the merger is financially and strategically beneficial. Who said romance was dead?

The decision to extend the deadline also reflects the commitment of both companies to see this merger through to the end. It’s not a fling; they’re in it for the long haul. The fact that they are willing to spend more time on due diligence and to get the necessary regulatory approvals signals their belief in the potential of this merger. It’s a testament to their confidence in their ability to create compelling products for shareholders and the broader market. So, let’s raise a glass to commitment.

As we inch closer to the new deadline, there are a few things to keep an eye on. Investors will be watching for any unexpected developments that could impact the merger, regulatory approval will be closely monitored, and market reactions will be under the microscope. The business environment is as unpredictable as a soap opera, and anything can happen.

In conclusion, this love story between IRRA and AST is far from over. With the deadline extended, the spotlight will be on new developments, regulatory approvals, and market reactions. Let’s hope they can navigate through the red tape and bring to life a platform that brings value to both companies and their shareholders. Stay tuned, folks, because just like a good soap opera, this merger saga is sure to keep us on our toes.

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August SPAC-tacular: SPACs Party Like It’s 2020, But With A Sobering Hangover of Deal Breakups. VinFast Goes from SPAC Zero to Street Hero. Sustainability, Anyone?

TLDR:
– SPAC deals reached $9.1 billion in August with an average transaction size of $481 million, but eight deals were terminated, highlighting the risks involved.
– Vietnamese automaker VinFast saw a 254% surge in share price after going public, but concerns remain about the sustainability of its valuation due to limited public trading.

Well, folks, it looks like August was a bustling month in the casino, I mean, market, especially for Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). These deals soared to $9.1 billion in total value with an average transaction size of $481 million. It’s like a SPAC festival with 19 new merry mergers announced. However, in the midst of this SPAC jamboree, we had a sobering reality check – eight deal terminations, taking us back to those lessons we all learned the hard way in the sandbox. Not every castle is destined for greatness, some are just…sand.

The star of the SPAC show, however, was VinFast (VFS). The Vietnamese automaker made a grand entrance into the public trading, transforming valuation concerns into a 254% surge in share price. The transformation was so dramatic, it felt like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, or an ugly duckling into a swan, or…you get the picture. But let’s not get carried away here, there are still concerns about the sustainability of this Cinderella story. With public shares representing a mere 0.6% of VFS’s outstanding equity, one can’t help but wonder about the potential impact of limited public trading on the future share price dynamics.

Speaking of standout deals, SPAC CVII proposed a $1.58 billion merger with British private equity firm CorpAcq, and SPAC FNVT cut a cool $1 billion deal with the Chinese new energy vehicle maker, Scage International. But let’s not forget the fallen heroes. Eight contracts were signed off to the graveyard this month, making it the second-highest monthly total this year. One of them was SPAC GGAA’s $312-million deal with travel tech company NextTrip, which collapsed faster than a souffle in a loud kitchen.

Now, for some, the tale of VFS might come across as a beacon of hope in a sea of SPAC exuberance, or for the more cynical among us, an eerie echo of past hype. The company, initially valued at $27 billion, is now valued at a whopping $86 billion. That’s twice the market capitalization of titans like General Motors or Ford. But before we crown VFS the new king of the auto industry, let’s remember that the company only generated $83.5 million in revenue in the first quarter of the year. It’s safe to say that reaching the earnout target for the full year will be a herculean task.

As we watch this SPAC-infused drama unfold, let’s remember what our sage friend Robert Sasson from Water Tower Research noted. “Entering into a merger agreement is no guarantee that it will close.” So, while we revel in the glitz and glamour of these high-value deals, let’s also remember to keep a wary eye on the risks that lurk beneath. As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. Or in this case, all that SPACs may not necessarily yield profits. But hey, isn’t unpredictability the spice of business life?

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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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“Billion Dollar Baby: Abpro Swipes Left on IPO’s 6 Years Later for a Juicier Licensing Affair”

TLDR:
1. Abpro and Atlantic Coastal Acquisition Corp. merge in a deal worth $725 million, allowing Abpro to accelerate its growth and develop innovative cancer treatments.
2. Abpro’s groundbreaking antibody technology positions it as a superhero in the fight against HER2+ cancer, garnering excitement and anticipation for its next steps in the industry.

So, here’s a little business tale for you. Once upon a time in the land of biotech, a company named Abpro had dreams of grandeur, dreams of going public through an IPO. Bold, audacious, with a glint in its corporate eye, it was ready to take the Wall Street bull by the horns. But alas, like a teenage romance, it was not to be. The company withdrew its IPO plans quicker than a cat on a hot tin roof, leaving many puzzled and scratching their heads. But did Abpro wallow in its own self-pity? Heck, no. It dusted off its corporate suit, straightened its tie and said, “We shall merge.”

Turns out, Abpro found a new dance partner in Atlantic Coastal Acquisition Corp., a SPAC company with an exciting name as a beach resort. They decided to tango together in a merger, a deal that values our plucky protagonist Abpro at a cool $725 million. That’s right, folks, $725 million. That’s enough to buy an island, or at least a nice house in San Francisco.

And what’s Abpro’s claim to fame, you ask? Well, it’s not just another pretty biotech face. Its claim to fame is its groundbreaking antibody technology, aimed at developing T-cell engagers for the fight against HER2+ cancer. I know, it sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie, but it’s as real as the plastic on your credit card. If cancer were a villain, Abpro would be the superhero, armed with its antibody shield and T-cell sword.

The merger is more than just a corporate prenup; it’s a stepping stone to the big, wide world of cancer treatment. With the necessary capital now in their pocket, Abpro is chomping at the bit to accelerate its growth and bring innovative treatments to the world. Because, you know, nothing says “we care” like a mega merger and a mission to revolutionize an entire industry.

Now, industry observers are like excited kids on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting Abpro’s next steps. Will they deliver the goods? Or will they be another corporate Santa story? Only time will tell. But if you’re looking for a company that combines guts, glory, and antibodies, Abpro is your ticket. Just remember, in the world of business, it’s not the size of the merger that matters, it’s how you use it.

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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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Apple’s Epic Tech Fete: iPhones, iGlasses and iWant One Car, Please!

TLDR:
– Apple unveiled new products including the iPhone 15, Apple Glasses, and Apple Car, along with updates to existing products and software.
– Universal Entertainment can continue to operate as usual after a US judge ruled that they do not have to close their SPAC deal.

Well folks, Apple has done it again. The tech giant just unpacked a truckload of “new” and “revolutionary” products in its iconic circus, otherwise known as a product launch, at the Steve Jobs Theater. Top of the list was the much-anticipated iPhone 15, another testament to our insatiable thirst for sleek slabs of glass that make us feel important. This newest member of the iPhone family sports an A16 Bionic chip, because why not? They also threw in an improved camera system that promises stunningly detailed photos, perfect for capturing every strand of your cat’s fur in excruciating detail.

But the real mind-bender at this year’s circus was the grand revealing of the Apple Glasses. Tagged as “the future of personal technology,” these spectacles aim to blur the line between reality and the digital world. They overlay virtual objects into your environment, which means your messy room can now be a battlefield, a classroom, a workspace, or even a movie theater. Don’t we all need more excuses to never leave our homes?

Then there was Apple’s surprise pivot to the automotive world with the Apple Car. I guess they’ve already conquered our pockets and wrists, why not aim for our garages? And let me tell you, this isn’t just any car. No, no. This beauty promises to redefine transportation with self-driving technology and sophisticated design, all while murmuring sweet nothings about sustainability and a greener future. Such gallant words. It’s clear that Apple’s ambition extends far beyond your average tech company’s dreams of world domination.

As if the iPhone 15, Apple Glasses, and Apple Car weren’t enough, they also decided to sprinkle some updates on their existing products. The Apple Watch Series 8 now has expanded health monitoring features, probably to remind us of the heart attacks we’re likely to have when we see the price tags. And let’s not forget the new MacBook Pro, supercharged with the M2 chip, because who doesn’t want to be more efficient while scrolling through social media?

Of course, we can’t overlook Apple’s software updates. iOS 16, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, has been revamped to improve productivity, accessibility, and security. They’ve also introduced macOS Monterey, the newest version of the desktop operating system, which includes a redesigned Safari browser, because change is always good, right?

As the curtains came down, Tim Cook, with a hint of a smirk, thanked us for our support and trust in Apple’s vision. He spoke about how Apple believes technology can change the world. The real kicker was when he said, “Today’s announcement is just the beginning of what we have in store for the future.” As if the prospect of Apple’s all-encompassing control wasn’t enough, they end by teasing us with promises of more innovation. So here’s to Apple and their uncanny ability to dictate our lives, one expensive gadget at a time.

On a different note, Universal Entertainment can breathe a sigh of relief. A US judge has ruled that they do not have to close their SPAC deal. This means the company can continue to operate as per usual, which is good news for those who have been sweating over the outcome. Communication during this period will be through mail or phone, as the offices remain closed to the public. Quite the contrast to Apple’s hoopla, but then again, not all of us can afford to put on a show in the Steve Jobs Theater.

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“Mission Control, We Have an IPO: Spacy SPAC Gears Up to Change the Universe of Investing”

TLDR:
– Mission Control Acquisition Corporation is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) priced at $10 per unit, totaling $100 million.
– Unlike most SPACs, Mission Control has an 18-month window to make their move, with an option to extend by another six months.

Well, folks, it appears we’ve got another company all geared up to blast off into the ever-expanding universe of space investment. Mission Control Acquisition Corporation is their name, and if that doesn’t scream “we’re taking over the cosmos”, I don’t know what does. They’re prepping for an initial public offering (IPO), which apparently is as trendy in the business world as avocado on toast is in hipster cafes.

The fascinating part is that they’ve set their price at $10 per unit with a total of 10 million units. If my grade school math serves me right, that sounds like a cool $100 million deal. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “that’s a lot of green”. And you’re right, it’s as if they’re planning to buy their way to the moon or something.

Unlike most standard SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) that give themselves a tight 12-month window to make their move, Mission Control is opting for a leisurely 18-month stroll, with an option to extend that by another six months, because why rush when you’re just planning to take over the universe, right?

Meet Kira Blackwell, the CEO of Mission Control. This lady has spent time with NASA, and she’s not just been hanging around the coffee machine. She was the iTech Program Executive, which, in layman’s terms, means she’s a big deal. Now she’s at the helm of this SPAC, ready to push some serious boundaries in the space economy.

The space market has already skyrocketed from 2010 to 2022, and it looks set to double again this decade. If McKinsey and the World Economic Forum are to be believed, and they usually are, we could be looking at an industry worth a whopping $1 trillion by 2030. I guess the sky’s not the limit after all.

Now, SPACs had their moment of fame recently, going from the business equivalent of the guy in the back of the class to the star quarterback. The number of SPACs skyrocketed during the pandemic, with more than 600 SPAC deals in the IPO blockbuster year of 2021. But this year, they’ve only managed to make up 48% of new public offerings. It seems SPACs have become the old news, just like last year’s viral video.

But who knows? Maybe Mission Control Acquisition Corporation will change all that. After all, when you’re planning to conquer an industry projected to be worth $1 trillion, you might just stir things up a bit. Just remember, investors, in space, no one can hear you scream… about your investment returns.

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Narcan in the Can: Saratoga’s Innovative NaloxBoxes Set to Give the Boot to Opioid Crisis

TLDR:
– Saratoga County and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have joined forces to combat the opioid epidemic by placing NaloxBoxes, containing naloxone nasal spray, in public restrooms.
– The initiative aims to distribute a total of 35 NaloxBoxes throughout the county, funded by $9,134 from the Opioid Settlement Funds, to address the alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the area.

In a move that is pretty much unprecedented, Saratoga County and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have joined forces to combat the opioid epidemic, with a bit of a twist. Remember those automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that hang on walls to save lives during cardiac emergencies? Well, they’re using a similar concept here, but instead of jolting hearts back to rhythm, they’re reversing opioid overdoses. Yes, you heard it right. NaloxBoxes, as they’re being called, are now available in the restrooms of the Pine and Pine Cone buildings at SPAC, right where you’d least expect, but probably most needed.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly a NaloxBox is. Well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like – a box filled with naloxone nasal spray, or Narcan as it’s often known. This life-saving drug has the power to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, targeting substances like heroin, prescription painkillers, and that nasty thing called fentanyl. The funny part? It’s still safe to use even if there are no opioids in the person’s system. But let’s not get carried away, folks – always dial 911 after administering Narcan.

Now, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The grand scheme involves distributing a total of 35 NaloxBoxes throughout the county, to be hosted by community organizations, businesses, and towns. They’re using their Substance Use Surveillance System to identify the most effective locations for these boxes. All of this is funded by the whopping $9,134 from the Opioid Settlement Funds. Talk about putting money to good use!

The driving force behind the initiative? An alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the area. The year 2023 has seen a 30% increase in drug-related fatalities in Saratoga County, compared to the same period in 2022. And, the zip code 12866, which includes Saratoga Springs, has had 109 non-fatal and fatal drug-related overdoses this year alone. To address this, the county pulled in about $1,156,700 in opioid settlement funds since last year.

All in all, Saratoga County and SPAC seem to have found a unique way to tackle a deadly problem. Public restrooms might not be the first place you’d think to look for life-saving equipment, but hey, if it works, it works. So, next time you’re taking a bathroom break at a concert, don’t be surprised if you see a NaloxBox next to the paper towel dispenser. It’s not just there for decoration; it’s there to possibly save a life. Now, isn’t that a movement we can all get behind?

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“Sizzling Saratoga Summer Series Set to Bid Adieu with a Killer Queen Tribute”

TLDR:
– The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is wrapping up its summer concert series with a performance from Killer Queen and no opening act.
– The event has a cashless policy, only accepting credit or debit cards for parking and other transactions.

In the world of business, it’s often said, “The show must go on.” And as the summer of 2023 draws to a close, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is heeding that advice. Their summer concert series wraps up tonight with a performance from Killer Queen, a tribute to, well, Queen. An inventive choice, like picking a copy machine to play the role of Hamlet, but we’re not here to judge.

The lack of an opening act means the audience will be treated to an unhindered, full-on explosion of Killer Queen from start to finish. Similar to a sales pitch where they skip the small talk and launch straight into the 5-year contract. The show is a pavilion-only event, which means no one will be able to hide in the lawn seats. It’s like a mandatory staff meeting, folks. You can’t get out of it.

Now, let’s talk timing. In a move that’s as punctual as a Swiss watch stuck in a loop, the box office opens at 2pm, parking lots at 6pm, and gates at 6:30pm. Killer Queen hits the stage at 7:30pm, presumably not in a literal sense. All of this is as subject to change as a businessman’s ethics in a bear market, so keep your eyes peeled.

One thing that’s not changing, however, is SPAC’s cashless policy. They’ve joined the digital revolution and there’s no going back now. Looking for a cash to card kiosk? They’ve got you covered. It’s like a casino exchange booth, but without the faint hope of a payout. General parking costs $10 per vehicle, and in yet another twist, this must be paid with a credit or debit card. So, if you were hoping to get rid of your loose change, tough luck!

Now, onto the question of what you can bring to this event. Water and food are permitted, but only under specific conditions that make the TSA look easygoing. You can bring an empty water bottle or up to one gallon of factory-sealed water, because we all know how wild Queen fans can get when they’re dehydrated. Food, like your personal dignity, must be sealed in a clear, one-gallon zip-lock bag. Cameras with nonprofessional, non-detachable lenses are okay too. For the complete list of what’s permitted, you’ll have to do some investigative work.

The summer concert series may be coming to a close, but the echoes of the 2023 Capital Region concerts will linger. In between the sweat, the cheers, and the music, how many did you attend? If nothing else, this summer proved one thing — Queen is a band like no other. Now, that’s a business model worth singing about.

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“Party’s Over, Startups: 2023 Proxy Season Brings Major Audit Aches and Lots of Homework”

TLDR:
– Tax authorities are cracking down on transfer pricing and profit shifting, requiring companies to ensure transparent practices and thorough documentation.
– The 2023 Proxy Season highlights the need for strong internal controls, particularly in areas such as revenue recognition, lease accounting, and equity accounting. Investing in upgrades to internal controls is increasingly popular.

The COGS Cops are coming! And no, this isn’t the premise for a new action-packed comedy about an elite force of accountants. It’s a stark warning to companies engaging in transfer pricing and complex multinational businesses. These guys mean business, and they’re out hunting for tax violators like a vegan searching for the last tofu burger in a barbecue.

The launch of their campaign is not some lighthearted PR stunt. It’s as serious as a heart attack, or a sudden audit. It’s a reminder that tax authorities are now sporting night vision goggles, actively seeking out those who play fast and loose with terms like ‘arm’s length’. They’re no longer turning a blind eye to profit shifting. In other words, it’s no longer a free-for-all at the international tax buffet.

Here’s some free advice: Check your transfer pricing practices. Ensure they’re as transparent as your grandma’s cellophane-wrapped cookies. And for goodness’ sake, document everything. It seems the era of corporate tax leniency has gone the way of the dodo and the dinosaur – extinct! So, you might want to invest in a good internal review or two, basically anything that can help spot potential issues and take corrective actions. Because these COGS Cops aren’t easily fooled, and they’re not known for their light touch.

Meanwhile, in a plot twist that surprises no one, the 2023 Proxy Season reporting has highlighted the need for a proper handle on internal controls. It’s not exactly party time for audit committee chairs or the CFOs and accounting teams facing the enormous task of fixing these issues. Let’s just say it’s like trying to undo the chaos caused by a toddler in a toy shop.

Leading the charge in the restatement stakes are the usual suspects – revenue recognition, lease accounting, and equity accounting. These areas are like the unholy trinity for IPO / SPAC startups. Investing in upgrades to internal controls over financial reporting is becoming more popular than a politician promising lower taxes.

More importantly, never underestimate the power of a well-crafted internal audit roadmap. It’s like a well-oiled compass in a world of financial fog. And in the midst of all this, remember that speed-to-market reporting can quickly go from enthralling to excruciating. We’ve learned this the hard way, through a series of unfortunate accounting events, failed audits, and resultant shattered dreams.

So, as we gallop towards the end of the year, prepare for some more fun and games. Expect more scrutiny from the SEC and an increased oversight from the PCAOB, especially as IPOs and SPACs mature. The million-dollar question is, will the business plans pan out or will they crumble like an overbaked financier cake? And will the funding and accounting keep up, or will they be left behind like a runner with a bad stitch? Only time will tell.

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