Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

SPAC Transaction Challengers Face Uphill Battle

By Jay A. Dubow, Joanna J. Cline and Erica H. Dressler
October 01, 2023

Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, have grown in popularity over the past decade, and as a result, more than 30% of all transactions that took companies public in 2021 involved a de-SPAC merger. The rise in SPACs' popularity led to the rise of SPAC-related litigation, especially following the poor performance of many companies taken public by SPACs. Recent decisions by the Delaware Court of Chancery demonstrate that when a SPAC transaction and the disclosures surrounding it are challenged, defendants may face an uphill battle to prevail on a motion to dismiss, especially where breach of fiduciary duty claims have been asserted.

Understanding how SPAC transactions work is critical to understanding the challenges that defendants may face in litigation involving a SPAC. A SPAC is a company that lacks business operations and tangible assets, but is formed by a sponsor to raise capital through an initial public offering (IPO) for the purpose of merging with, or acquiring, an existing company. The sponsor, which oftentimes is a limited liability company, is also responsible for administering the SPAC, and is typically compensated in the form of founders shares from the SPAC's post-IPO equity, which are acquired at a large discount.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later Image

The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.

Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar Investigations Image

This article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.