Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item
1A. Risk Factors
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together
with the other information contained in this Report, before making a decision to invest in our securities. If any of the following events
occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price
of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
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Risks
Relating to Our Search for, and Consummation of or Inability to Consummate a Business Combination
We
are a blank check company with no operating history and no revenues, and, accordingly, you will not have any basis
on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.
We
are a blank check company with no operating results to date. Therefore, our ability to commence operations is dependent upon obtaining
financing through the public offering of our securities. Since we do not have an operating history, you will have no basis upon which
to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective, which is to acquire an operating business. We will not generate any revenues
until, at the earliest, after the consummation of a business combination. Further, our executive officers and directors and the majority
shareholder of our sponsor have ties to the PRC and/or are located in the PRC, which may make it more difficult for us to complete an
initial business combination with a target company outside of the PRC, and therefore, make it more likely that we will need to target
a business combination with a target company located in the PRC.
Our
independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a “going concern.”
As
of December 31, 2024, we have no revenue before the business combination, and our business plan is dependent on the completion
of a financing transaction. Our cash and working capital as December 31, 2024 are insufficient to complete its business combination for
the upcoming year if the full 12 months been extended. Therefore, there is Going Concern issues that we will not have sufficient liquidity
to meet our probable cash needs over the next 12 months.
If
we are unable to consummate a business combination, our public shareholders may be forced to wait more than 15 months before receiving
liquidation distributions.
We
will have 15 months from the closing of our initial public offering to complete a business combination. We have no obligation to return
funds to investors prior to such date unless we consummate a business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors
have sought to convert their shares. Only after the expiration of this full time period will public shareholders be entitled to liquidation
distributions if we are unable to complete a business combination. Accordingly, investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until
after such date and to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your securities potentially at a loss.
In
order to effectuate an initial business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their
charters and other governing instruments. We may seek to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or governing
instruments in a manner to make it easier for us to complete our initial business combination, which our shareholders may not support.
In
order to effectuate a business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters
and governing instruments. For example, blank check companies have amended the definition of business combination, increased redemption
thresholds, and extended the time to consummate a business combination. Amending our amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association will require at least a special resolution of our shareholders as a matter of Cayman Islands law, meaning the approval by
(1) holders of at least two-thirds of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, or (2) a unanimous
written resolution of all of our shareholders. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association or governing instruments or extend the time to consummate an initial business combination in order to effectuate
our initial business combination. In addition, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will require us to provide
our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares for cash if we propose an amendment to our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association (a) that would modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide holders of our public
shares the right to have their shares redeemed or repurchased in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of
our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 15 months from the closing of our initial public offering
or (b) with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of our public shares.
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The
requirement that we complete an initial business combination within a specific period of time may give potential target businesses leverage
over us in negotiating our initial business combination and may limit the amount of time we have to conduct due diligence on potential
business combination targets as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to consummate our initial business
combination on terms that would produce value for our shareholders.
We
have 15 months from the consummation of our initial public offering to complete an initial business combination. Any potential target
business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware of this requirement. Consequently, such
target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete a business combination
with that particular target business, we may be unable to complete a business combination with any other target business. This risk will
increase as we get closer to the time limits referenced above. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may
enter into our initial business combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.
Our
ability to consummate an attractive business combination may be impacted by the market for initial public offerings.
If
the market for initial public offerings is limited, we believe there will be more attractive target businesses open to consummating an
initial business combination with us as a means to achieve publicly held status. Alternatively, if the market for initial public offerings
is robust, we believe that there will be fewer attractive target businesses amenable to consummating an initial business combination
with us to become a public reporting company. Accordingly, during periods with strong public offering markets, it may be more difficult
for us to complete an initial business combination.
As
the number of special purpose acquisition companies increases, there may be more competition to find an attractive target for an initial
business combination. This could increase the costs associated with completing our initial business combination and may result in our
inability to find a suitable target for our initial business combination.
In
recent years, the number of special purpose acquisition companies that have been formed has increased substantially. Many companies have
entered into business combinations with special purpose acquisition companies, and there are still many special purpose acquisition companies
seeking targets for their initial business combination, as well as many additional special purpose acquisition companies currently in
registration. As a result, at times, fewer attractive targets may be available, and it may require more time, effort and resources to
identify a suitable target for an initial business combination.
In
addition, because there are more special purpose acquisition companies seeking to enter into an initial business combination with available
targets, the competition for available targets with attractive fundamentals or business models may increase, which could cause target
companies to demand improved financial terms. Attractive deals could also become scarcer for other reasons, such as economic or industry
sector downturns, geopolitical tensions or increases in the cost of additional capital needed to close business combinations or operate
targets post-business combination. This could increase the cost of, delay or otherwise complicate or frustrate our ability to find a
suitable target for and/or complete our initial business combination.
We
may not be able to complete an initial business combination with a U.S. target company since such initial business combination may be
subject to U.S. foreign investment regulations and review by a U.S. government entity, such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in
the United States (“CFIUS”), or ultimately prohibited.
Infinity-Star
Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, and Jin Xin, a PRC resident, hold 20% and 80%, respectively, of the outstanding shares
of our sponsor. Our sponsor currently owns approximately 21.7% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. Certain companies requiring
federally issued licenses in the United States, such as broadcasters and airlines, may be subject to rules or regulations that limit
foreign ownership. In addition, CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized to review certain transactions involving foreign investment
in the United States by foreign persons in order to determine the effect of such transactions on the national security of the United
States. Therefore, because we may be considered a “foreign person” under such rules and regulations, we could be subject
to foreign ownership restrictions and/or CFIUS review if our proposed business combination is with a U.S. target company engaged in a
regulated industry or which may affect national security. The jurisdictional scope of CFIUS was expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk
Review Modernization Act of 2018 (“FIRRMA”), to include certain non-passive, non-controlling investments in sensitive U.S.
businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying U.S. business. FIRRMA, and subsequent implementing regulations
that are now in force, also subject certain categories of investments to mandatory filings. Therefore, if our potential initial business
combination with a U.S. target company falls within the scope of foreign ownership restrictions, we may be unable to consummate a business
combination with such target company. In addition, if our potential business combination falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we
may be required to make a mandatory filing or determine to submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS, or to proceed with the initial business
combination without notifying CFIUS and risk CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the initial business combination. CFIUS may
decide to block or delay our initial business combination, impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such
initial business combination or order us to divest all or a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company were we to proceed without
first obtaining CFIUS clearance. The foreign ownership limitations, and the potential impact of a CFIUS review, may limit the attractiveness
of a transaction with us or prevent us from pursuing certain initial business combination opportunities that we believe would otherwise
be beneficial to us and our shareholders. As a result, the pool of potential targets with which we could complete an initial business
combination may be limited and we may be adversely affected in terms of competing with other special purpose acquisition companies that
do not have similar foreign ownership issues.
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Moreover,
the process of government review, whether by CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy. Because we have only a limited time to complete our
initial business combination, our failure to obtain any required approvals within the requisite time period may require us to liquidate.
If we liquidate, our public shareholders may only receive $10.00 per share initially or 100.0% of the gross proceeds from the offering,
and our rights will expire worthless. This will also cause you to lose any potential investment opportunity in a target company and the
chance of realizing future gains on your investment through any price appreciation in the combined company.
We
may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to complete a business combination or to fund the operations and growth of
the target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.
Since
we have not yet identified any prospective target business, we cannot ascertain the capital requirements for any particular transaction.
If the net proceeds of our initial public offering prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of the business combination,
the depletion of the available net proceeds in search of a target business, or the obligation to convert into cash (or purchase in any
tender offer) a significant number of shares from dissenting shareholders, we will be required to seek additional financing. Such financing
may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to
consummate a particular business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular
business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we may
require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could
have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our officers, directors or shareholders
is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after a business combination.
If
third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in trust could be reduced and the per-share redemption price received by shareholders
may be less than $10.00.
Our
placing of funds in trust may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we will seek to have all vendors and
service providers we engage and prospective target businesses we negotiate with execute agreements with us waiving any right, title,
interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public shareholders, they may not
execute such agreements. Furthermore, even if such entities execute such agreements with us, they may seek recourse against the monies
held in the trust account. A court may not uphold the validity of such agreements. Accordingly, the proceeds held in trust could be subject
to claims which could take priority over those of our public shareholders. If we liquidate the trust account before the completion of
a business combination, our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced
by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted
for or products sold to us and which have not executed a waiver agreement. However, it may not be able to meet such obligation. Therefore,
the per-share redemption price from the trust account in such a situation may be less than $10.00, plus interest, due to such claims.
Additionally,
if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, or if we otherwise
enter compulsory or court supervised liquidation, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law,
and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our shareholders.
To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, we may not be able to return to our public shareholders at least $10.00
per share.
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Our
shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them.
If
we are forced to enter into insolvent liquidation, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed as an unlawful payment
if it was proved that immediately following the date on which the distribution was made, we were unable to pay our debts as they fall
due in the ordinary course of business. As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover all amounts received by our shareholders. Furthermore,
our directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to us or our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby
exposing themselves and our company to claims, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of
creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons. We and our directors and officers who knowingly
and willfully authorized or permitted any distribution to be paid out of our share premium account while we were unable to pay our debts
as they fall due in the ordinary course of business would be guilty of an offense and may be liable to a fine and to imprisonment for
five years in the Cayman Islands.
If
we deviate from the acquisition criteria or guidelines, our shareholders may have rescission rights or may bring an action for damages
against us or we could be subject to civil or criminal actions taken by governmental authorities.
Although
we have identified specific criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target business
with which we enter into our initial business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we were to elect to deviate
from the acquisition criteria or guidelines, such combination may not be as successful as a combination with a business that does meet
all of our general criteria and guidelines. In addition, a greater number of shareholders may exercise their redemption rights, which
may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition with a target business that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain
amount of cash. If shareholder approval of the transaction is required by law or Nasdaq, or we decide to obtain shareholder approval
for business or other legal reasons, it may be more difficult for us to attain shareholder approval of our initial business combination
if the target business does not meet our general criteria and guidelines.
Furthermore,
each person who purchased units in our initial public offering and still held such securities upon learning of the facts relating to
the deviation may seek rescission of the purchase of the units he or she acquired in our initial public offering (under which a successful
claimant has the right to receive the total amount paid for his or her securities pursuant to an allegedly deficient prospectus, plus
interest and less any income earned on the securities, in exchange for surrender of the securities) or bring an action for damages against
us (compensation for loss on an investment caused by alleged material misrepresentations or omissions in the sale of a security). In
such event, we could also be subject to civil or criminal actions taken by governmental authorities.
Since
we have not yet selected a particular industry or target business with which to complete a business combination, we are unable to currently
ascertain the merits or risks of the industry or business in which we may ultimately operate.
While
we intend to focus our search for target businesses on specific locations and industries as described in this Report, we are not limited
to those locations and may consummate a business combination with a company in any location or industry we choose. Accordingly, there
is no current basis for you to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the particular industry in which we may ultimately operate or
the target business which we may ultimately acquire. To the extent we complete a business combination with a company in its development
stage, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations of those entities. If we complete a business combination
with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk, we may be affected by the currently unascertainable risks of that
industry. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular industry or target business, we cannot
assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. We also cannot assure you that an investment
in our units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors in our initial public offering than a direct investment, if
an opportunity were available, in a target business.
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The
target business or businesses that we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the
funds in the trust account (less any deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on interest earned and less any interest earned
thereon that is released to us) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination. Such requirement
may limit the type and number of companies with which we may complete such a business combination.
Pursuant
to the Nasdaq listing rules, the target business or businesses that we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at
least 80% of the balance of the funds in the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable
on the income earned on the trust account and less any interest earned thereon that is released to us for our taxes) at the time of the
execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination. This restriction may limit the type and number of companies
with which we may complete a business combination. If we are unable to locate a target business or businesses that satisfy this fair
market value test, we may be forced to liquidate and you will only be entitled to receive your pro rata portion of the funds in
the trust account.
If
Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange after our initial public offering, we would not be required to satisfy the
fair market value requirement described above and could complete a business combination with a target business having a fair market value
substantially below 80% of the balance in the trust account.
Our
ability to successfully effect a business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts of our
key personnel, some of whom may join us following a business combination. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage
after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct.
Our
ability to successfully effect a business combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. We believe that our success
depends on the continued service of our key personnel, at least until we have consummated our initial business combination. We cannot
assure you that any of our key personnel will remain with us for the immediate or foreseeable future. In addition, none of our officers
are required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly, they will have conflicts of interest in allocating
management time among various business activities, including identifying potential business combinations and monitoring the related due
diligence. We do not have employment agreements with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our officers. The unexpected loss of
the services of our key personnel could have a detrimental effect on us.
The
role of our key personnel in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may remain
with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following a business combination, it is likely that some or all of
the management of the target business will remain in place or be hired after consummation of the business combination. While we intend
to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals
will prove to be correct.
These
individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a public company which could cause us to have to expend time and resources
helping them become familiar with such requirements. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory
issues which may adversely affect our operations.
Our
officers and directors may not have significant experience or knowledge regarding the jurisdiction or industry of the target business
we may seek to acquire.
We
may consummate a business combination with a target business in any geographic location or industry we choose. We cannot assure you that
our officers and directors will have enough experience or have sufficient knowledge relating to the jurisdiction of the target or its
industry to make an informed decision regarding a business combination. If we become aware of a potential business combination outside
of the geographic location or industry where our officers and directors have the most experience, our management may retain consultants
and advisors with experience in such industries to assist in the evaluation of such business combination and in our determination of
whether or not to proceed with such a business combination. However, our management is not required to engage consultants or advisors
in any situation. If they do not engage any consultants or advisors to assist them in the evaluation of a particular target business
or business combination, our management may not properly analyze the risks attendant with such target business or business combination.
Even if our management does engage consultants or advisors to assist in the evaluation of a particular target business or business combination,
we cannot assure you that such consultants or advisors will properly analyze the risks attendant with such target business or business
combination. As a result, we may enter into a business combination that is not in our shareholders’ best interests.
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Our
key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business combination.
These agreements may provide for them to receive compensation following a business combination and as a result, may cause them to have
conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination is the most advantageous.
Our
key personnel will be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination only if they are able to negotiate
employment or consulting agreements or other arrangements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place
simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the
form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination.
The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business.
Our
officers and directors will allocate their time to other businesses thereby potentially limiting the amount of time they devote to our
affairs. This conflict of interest could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate our initial business combination.
Our
officers and directors are not required to commit their full time to our affairs, which could create a conflict of interest when allocating
their time between our operations and their other commitments. We presently expect each of our employees to devote such amount of time
as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business (which could range from only a few hours a week while we are trying to locate
a potential target business to a majority of their time as we move into serious negotiations with a target business for a business combination).
We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of our initial business combination. All of our officers and
directors are engaged in several other business endeavors and are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our affairs.
If our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs require them to devote more substantial amounts of time to such affairs,
it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs and could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate our initial
business combination. We cannot assure you these conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
Our
officers and directors have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations and accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining
to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Our
officers and directors have pre-existing fiduciary and contractual obligations to other companies, including other companies that are
engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us. Accordingly, they may participate in transactions and
have obligations that may be in conflict or competition with our consummation of our initial business combination.
As
a result, a potential target business may be presented by our management team to another entity prior to its presentation to us and we
may not be afforded the opportunity to engage in a transaction with such target business. For a more detailed description of the pre-existing
fiduciary and contractual obligations of our management team, and the potential conflicts of interest that such obligations may present,
see “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Conflicts of Interest” in Part III of this Report.
Our
officers’ and directors’ personal and financial interests may influence their motivation in determining whether a particular
target business is appropriate for a business combination.
Our
officers and directors have waived their right to convert (or sell to us in any tender offer) their initial shares or any other ordinary
shares acquired in our initial public offering or thereafter (although none of these insiders have indicated any intention to purchase
units in our initial public offering or thereafter), or to receive distributions with respect to their initial shares upon our liquidation
if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination. Our sponsor has also waived its right to convert (or sell to us in any
tender offer) its private shares or any other ordinary shares acquired in our initial public offering or thereafter (although it has
not indicated any intention to purchase units in our initial public offering or thereafter), or to receive distributions with respect
to their private shares upon our liquidation if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination. Accordingly, these securities
will be worthless if we do not consummate our initial business combination. In addition, our officers and directors may loan funds to
us after our initial public offering and may be owed reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with certain activities on our
behalf which would only be repaid if we complete an initial business combination. The personal and financial interests of our directors
and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting a target business and completing a business combination.
Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result
in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate
and in our shareholders’ best interest. If this were the case, it would be a breach of their fiduciary duties to us as a matter
of Cayman Islands law and we might have a claim against such individuals. However, we might not ultimately be successful in any claim
we may make against them for such reason.
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We
may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of our initial public offering, which will cause us to be solely
dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services.
We
may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of our initial public offering. By consummating a business combination
with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments.
Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike
other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a
single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may be:
●
solely
dependent upon the performance of a single business, or
●
dependent
upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.
This
lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a
substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination.
Alternatively,
if we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each
of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations,
which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple business combinations,
we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence
investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations
and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks,
it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.
The
ability of our public shareholders to exercise their redemption rights or sell their public shares to us in a tender offer may not allow
us to effectuate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.
If
our business combination requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, because we will not know how many
public shareholders may exercise redemption rights or seek to sell their public shares to us in a tender offer, we may either need to
reserve part of the trust account for possible payment upon such conversion, or we may need to arrange third party financing to help
fund our business transaction. In the event that the business combination involves the issuance of our shares as consideration, we may
be required to issue a higher percentage of our shares to make up for a shortfall in funds. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall
may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate
the most attractive business combination available to us.
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We
may be unable to consummate a business combination if a target business requires that we have cash in excess of the minimum amount we
are required to have at closing and public shareholders may have to remain shareholders of our company and wait until our liquidation
to receive a pro rata share of the trust account or attempt to sell their shares in the open market.
A
potential target may make it a closing condition to our business combination that we have a minimum amount of cash at the time of closing.
If the number of our shareholders electing to exercise their redemption rights or sell their shares to us in a tender offer has the effect
of reducing the amount of money available to us to consummate a business combination below such minimum amount required by the target
business and we are not able to locate an alternative source of funding, we will not be able to consummate such business combination
and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. In that case, public shareholders
may have to remain shareholders of our company and wait the full 15 months, in order to be able to receive a pro rata portion
of the trust account, or attempt to sell their shares in the open market prior to such time, in which case they may receive less than
a pro rata share of the trust account for their shares and suffer an entire loss on your investment.
Our
public shareholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination, which means we may consummate our
initial business combination even though a majority of our public shareholders do not support such a combination.
We
intend to hold a shareholder vote before we consummate our initial business combination. However, if a shareholder vote is not required,
for business or legal reasons, we may conduct conversions via a tender offer and not offer our shareholders the opportunity to vote on
a proposed business combination. Accordingly, we may consummate our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our
public shares do not approve of the business combination.
In
connection with any meeting held to approve an initial business combination, we will offer each public shareholder the option to vote
in favor of a proposed business combination and still seek conversion of his, her or its public shares, which may make it more likely
that we will consummate a business combination.
In
connection with any meeting held to approve an initial business combination, we will offer each public shareholder the right to have
his, her or its public shares converted to cash (subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this Report) regardless of whether
such shareholder votes for or against such proposed business combination. Accordingly, public shareholders owning shares may exercise
their redemption rights and we could still consummate a proposed business combination so long as a majority of shares voted at the meeting
are voted in favor of the proposed business combination. This is different than other similarly structured blank check companies where
shareholders are offered the right to convert their shares only when they vote against a proposed business combination. This is also
different than other similarly structured blank check companies where there is a specific number of shares sold in the offering which
must not exercise redemption rights for the company to complete a business combination. The lack of such a threshold and the ability
to seek conversion while voting in favor of a proposed business combination may make it more likely that we will consummate our initial
business combination.
In
connection with any shareholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require shareholders who wish
to convert their public shares to comply with specific requirements for conversion that may make it more difficult for them to exercise
their redemption rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights.
In
connection with any shareholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, each public shareholder will have
the right, regardless of whether it is voting for or against such proposed business combination, to demand that we convert its public
shares into a share of the trust account. Such conversion will be effectuated under Cayman Islands law and our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association as a redemption of the shares, with the redemption price to be paid being the applicable pro rata portion
of the monies held in the trust account. We may require public shareholders who wish to convert their public shares in connection with
a proposed business combination to either tender their certificates (if any) to our transfer agent or to deliver their shares to the
transfer agent electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System,
at the holder’s option, at any time at or prior to the vote taken at the shareholder meeting relating to such business combination.
In order to obtain a physical share certificate, a shareholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC and our transfer agent will
need to act to facilitate this request. It is our understanding that shareholders should generally allot at least two weeks to obtain
physical certificates from the transfer agent. However, because we do not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC,
it may take significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical share certificate. It is also our understanding that it takes a
short time to deliver shares through the DWAC System. However, this too may not be the case. Accordingly, if it takes longer than we
anticipate for shareholders to deliver their shares, shareholders who wish to convert may be unable to meet the deadline for exercising
their redemption rights and thus may be unable to convert their shares.
27
Investors
may not have sufficient time to comply with the delivery requirements for conversion.
Pursuant
to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we are required to give a minimum of only five days’ notice
for each general meeting. As a result, if we require public shareholders who wish to convert their public shares into the right to receive
a pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account to comply with specific delivery requirements for conversion, holders may
not have sufficient time to receive the notice and deliver their shares for conversion. Accordingly, investors may not be able to exercise
their redemption rights and may be forced to retain our securities when they otherwise would not want to.
If
we require public shareholders who wish to convert their public shares to comply with the delivery requirements for conversion, such
converting shareholders may be unable to sell their securities when they wish to in the event that the proposed business combination
is not approved.
If
we require public shareholders who wish to convert their public shares to comply with specific delivery requirements for conversion described
above and such proposed business combination is not consummated, we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public shareholders.
Accordingly, investors who attempted to convert their shares in such a circumstance will be unable to sell their securities after the
failed acquisition until we have returned their securities to them. The market price for our shares may decline during this time and
you may not be able to sell your securities when you wish to, even while other shareholders that did not seek conversion may be able
to sell their securities.
Because
of our limited resources and structure, other companies may have a competitive advantage and we may not be able to consummate an attractive
business combination.
We
expect to encounter intense competition from entities other than blank check companies having a business objective similar to ours, including
venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds and operating businesses competing for acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established
and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors
possess greater technical, human and other resources than we do, and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted
with those of many of these competitors. While we believe that there are numerous potential target businesses that we could acquire with
the net proceeds of our initial public offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable target businesses will be limited
by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain
target businesses. Furthermore, seeking shareholder approval of a business combination may delay or prevent the consummation of a transaction,
a risk a target business may not be willing to accept. Additionally, our outstanding rights, and the future dilution they potentially
represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Any of the foregoing may place us at a competitive disadvantage
in successfully negotiating a business combination.
Our
initial shareholders control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially
in a manner that you do not support.
Our
initial shareholders currently own approximately 20.0% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. Accordingly, they may exert a substantial
influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our memorandum
and articles of association. None of our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates has indicated any intention to
purchase units in our initial public offering or any units or ordinary shares from persons in the open market or in private transactions
(other than the private units). However, if our initial shareholders purchase any units in our initial public offering or if our officers,
directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates determine in the future to make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions,
to the extent permitted by law, in order to assist us in consummating our initial business combination, this will increase their control.
Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our
ordinary shares. In connection with any vote for a proposed business combination, all of our initial shareholders, as well as all of
our officers and directors, have agreed to vote the ordinary shares owned by them immediately before our initial public offering as well
as any ordinary shares acquired in our initial public offering or in the aftermarket in favor of such proposed business combination.
28
There
is no requirement under the Companies Act for us to hold annual or general meetings to elect directors. Accordingly, shareholders would
not have the right to such a meeting or election of directors, unless the holders of not less than 10% of the voting rights of our company
request such a meeting. As a result, it is unlikely that there will be an annual general meeting to elect new directors prior to the
consummation of a business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the consummation
of the business combination. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your voting rights for 15 months. Accordingly, our initial
shareholders will continue to exert control at least until the consummation of a business combination.
Because
we must furnish our shareholders with financial statements of the target business prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS as issued
by the IASB or reconciled to U.S. GAAP, we may not be able to complete an initial business combination with some prospective target businesses.
We
will be required to provide historical and pro forma financial statement disclosure relating to our target business to our shareholders.
These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to U.S. GAAP or IFRS, depending on the
circumstances, and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. The
financial statements may also be required to be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the Form 8-K announcing the closing of an initial
business combination, which would need to be filed within four business days after closing. These financial statement requirements may
limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire.
If
our management following a business combination is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, they may have to expend time and resources
becoming familiar with such laws which could lead to various regulatory issues.
Following
a business combination, our management will likely resign from their positions as officers of the company and the management of the target
business at the time of the business combination will remain in place. We cannot assure you that management of the target business will
be familiar with United States securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with our laws, they may have to expend time and resources
becoming familiar with such laws. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues which may adversely
affect our operations.
We
may reincorporate in another jurisdiction in connection with our initial business combination and such reincorporation may result in
taxes imposed on shareholders.
We
may, in connection with our initial business combination and subject to requisite shareholder approval under the Companies Act (as revised)
of the Cayman Islands, reincorporate in the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located. The transaction may require
a shareholder to recognize taxable income in the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is a tax resident or in which its members are
resident if it is a tax transparent entity. We do not intend to make any cash distributions to shareholders to pay such taxes. Shareholders
may be subject to withholding taxes or other taxes with respect to their ownership of our securities after the reincorporation.
If
restrictions on repatriation of earnings from the target business’ home jurisdiction to foreign entities are instituted, our business
following a business combination may be materially negatively affected.
It
is possible that following an initial business combination, the home jurisdiction of the target business may have restrictions on repatriations
of earnings or additional restrictions may be imposed in the future. If they were, it could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
29
The
ability of our public shareholders to redeem their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential business
combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter into our initial business combination with a target.
We
may enter into a transaction agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth
or a certain amount of cash. If too many public shareholders exercise their redemption rights, we may not be able to meet such closing
condition, and as a result, would not be able to proceed with the business combination. Consequently, if accepting all properly submitted
redemption requests would cause failure to satisfy a closing condition as described above, we would not proceed with such redemption
and the related business combination and may instead search for an alternate business combination. Prospective targets would be aware
of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into our initial business combination transaction with us.
The
ability of a large number of our shareholders to exercise redemption rights may not allow us to consummate the most desirable business
combination or optimize our capital structure.
At
the time we enter into an agreement for our initial business combination, we will not know how many shareholders may exercise their redemption
rights, and therefore will need to structure the transaction based on our expectations as to the number of shares that will be submitted
for redemption. If a large number of shares are submitted for redemption, we may need to restructure the transaction to reserve a greater
portion of the cash in the trust account to redeem such larger number of shares or arrange for additional third-party financing. If the
acquisition involves the issuance of our shares as consideration, we may be required to issue a higher percentage of our shares to the
target or its shareholders to make up for the failure to satisfy a minimum cash requirement. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall
may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. The above considerations may limit our
ability to complete the most desirable business combination available to us or optimize our capital structure.
If
we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, all of our existing shareholders, including all of our officers and
directors, have agreed to vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our public shareholders vote.
Pursuant
to the letter agreement, our initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed to vote the initial shares owned by them in favor
of our initial business combination. The holders of the representative shares also have agreed, among other things, to vote their representative
shares in favor of any proposed business combination. As a result, we would need only approximately 35.4% of our public shares to be
voted in favor of an initial business combination (assuming that all issued and outstanding shares are voted and that the initial shareholders
do not purchase any units or shares in the after-market) in order to have our initial business combination approved. Our initial shareholders
currently own approximately 20.0% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. Accordingly, if we seek shareholder approval of our
initial business combination, the agreement by our initial shareholders, officers and directors to vote in favor of our initial business
combination will increase the likelihood that we will receive the requisite shareholder approval for such initial business combination.
You
will not have any rights or interests in funds from the trust account, except under certain limited circumstances. To liquidate your
investment, therefore, you may be forced to sell your public shares, potentially at a loss.
Our
public shareholders shall be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of a redemption to public shareholders
prior to any winding up in the event we do not consummate our initial business combination or our liquidation, if they redeem their shares
in connection with an initial business combination that we consummate or if we seek to amend our memorandum and articles of association
to affect the substance or timing of our redemption obligation to redeem all public shares if we cannot complete an initial business
combination within 15 months of the closing of our initial public offering. In no other circumstances will a shareholder have any right
or interest of any kind to the funds in the trust account. Holders of rights will not have any right to the proceeds held in the trust
account with respect to the rights. Accordingly, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares, potentially
at a loss.
30
We
may be limited to the funds held outside of the trust account to fund our search for target businesses, to pay our tax obligations and
expenses, to operate before our initial business combination, and to complete our initial business combination.
Following
the closing of our initial public offering, $2,069,000 of the net proceeds was released to us and will fund our future working capital
needs. The funds available to us outside of the trust account may not be sufficient to allow us to structure, negotiate or close our
initial business combination, pay our expenses, or to operate for at least the next 15 months, assuming that our initial business combination
is not consummated during that time. Of the funds available to us, we could use a portion of the funds available to us to pay fees to
consultants to assist us with our search for a target business. We could also use a portion of the funds as a down payment or to fund
a “no-shop” provision (a provision in letters of intent designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around
for transactions with other companies on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business
combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we are unable to fund such down payments or “no shop”
provisions, our ability to close a contemplated transaction could be impaired. Furthermore, if we entered into a letter of intent where
we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business and were subsequently required to forfeit such funds (whether as
a result of our breach or otherwise), we might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct due diligence with respect
to, a target business. In such event, we would need to borrow funds from our insiders, officers, or directors to operate or may be forced
to liquidate. Our insiders, officers and directors are under no obligation to loan us any funds. If we are unable to obtain the funds
necessary, we may be forced to cease searching for a target business and may be unable to complete our initial business combination.
If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive a pro rata portion of the amount
then in the trust account (which may be less than $10.00 per share) on our redemption.
Subsequent
to our consummation of our initial business combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment
or other charges.
Even
if we conduct thorough due diligence on a target business with which we combine, this diligence may not surface all material issues that
may be present inside a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount
of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a result of these
factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that
could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and
previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges may be
non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to
negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other
covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining
post-combination debt financing.
Our
directors may decide not to enforce indemnification obligations against our sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds
in the trust account available for distribution to our public shareholders.
In
the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below $10.00 per share and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy
its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine
on our behalf whether to take legal action against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While we currently expect
that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations to
us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance.
If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations on our behalf, the amount of funds in the trust
account available for distribution to our public shareholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.
31
The
conversion of the promissory notes upon consummation of our business combination into private units may have an adverse effect on the
market price of our ordinary shares and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
In
order to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of our initial public offering until completion of an initial business
combination or to extend the period of time to consummate a business combination, our initial shareholders, officers and directors or
their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable
in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The promissory note would either be paid upon consummation
of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $300,000 of the promissory note may
be converted upon consummation of our business combination into private units at a price of $10.00 per unit. As such, each promissory
note will result in the issuance of 30,000 private units that will result in the issuance of up to an additional 33,333 ordinary shares.
On October 28, 2024, we issued an unsecured promissory note to the sponsor, pursuant to which we may borrow up to an aggregate principal
amount of $300,000 (the “Working Capital Loan Note”). The Working Capital Loan Note is non-interest-bearing and payable on
the consummation of the initial business combination or converted upon consummation of the business combination into additional private
units at a price of $10.00 per unit. As of December 31, 2024, the principal amount due and owing under the Working Capital Loan Note
was $nil. In addition, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares upon conversion of the rights
could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle in the eyes of a target business. Such securities, when converted, will increase
the number of issued and outstanding ordinary shares and reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination.
Accordingly, our rights may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target
business. Additionally, the sale, or even the possibility of sale, of the shares underlying the rights could have an adverse effect on
the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain future financing. If to the extent these rights are converted, you may
experience dilution to your holdings.
If
our shareholders exercise their registration rights with respect to their securities, it may have an adverse effect on the market price
of our ordinary shares and the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
Our
initial shareholders are entitled to make a demand that we register the resale of their initial shares at any time commencing three months
prior to the date on which their shares may be released from escrow. Additionally, the purchasers of the private units and our initial
shareholders, officers and directors are entitled to demand that we register the resale of the 206,900 ordinary shares underlying the
private units, 19,340 ordinary shares underlying the private rights and any securities our initial shareholders, officers, directors
or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans or loans to extend our life made to us at any time after we consummate
a business combination. The presence of these additional securities trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market
price of our securities. In addition, the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or
increase the cost of acquiring the target business, as the shareholders of the target business may be discouraged from entering into
a business combination with us or will request a higher price for their securities because of the potential effect the exercise of such
rights may have on the trading market for our ordinary shares.
If
we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements
and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.
On
January 24, 2024, the SEC adopted final rules (the “SPAC Final Rules”) relating to, among other items, enhancing disclosures
in business combination transactions involving SPACs and private operating companies; amending the financial statement requirements applicable
to transactions involving shell companies; effectively limiting the use of projections in SEC filings in connection with proposed business
combination transactions; increasing the potential liability of certain participants in proposed business combination transactions; and
the extent to which SPACs could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act. The SPAC Final Rules were published in
the Federal Register on February 26, 2024 and became effective on July 1, 2024.
Instead
of adopting a safe harbor from the “investment company” definition under section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act,
the SPAC Final Rules provide that whether a SPAC is an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act is based on
particular facts and circumstances. A specific duration period of a SPAC is not the sole determinant, but one of the long-standing factors
to consider in determination of a SPAC’s status under the Investment Company Act. A SPAC could be deemed as an investment company
at any stage of its operation. The determination of a SPAC’s status as an investment company includes analysis of multiple facts
and circumstances, including but not limited to, the nature of SPAC assets and income, the activities of the SPAC’s officers, directors
and employees, the duration of a SPAC, the manner a SPAC holding itself out to investors, and the merging with an investment company.
32
We
do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. The funds in the trust account
are held only in U.S. government securities within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity
of 180 days or less or in money market funds investing solely in United States Treasuries and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7
under the Investment Company Act. Because the investment of the proceeds will be restricted to these instruments, we believe we will
meet the requirements for the exemption provided in Rule 3a-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act. However, it is possible that
a claim could be made that we have been operating as an unregistered investment company. See “—To mitigate the risk that
we might be deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, we may determine, in our discretion, to liquidate
the securities held in the trust account and instead hold all funds in the trust account in an interest bearing bank demand deposit account,
which may earn less interest than we otherwise would have if the trust account had remained invested in U.S. government securities or
money market funds.” If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, our activities would be severely
restricted. In addition, we would be subject to burdensome compliance requirements, which would require additional expenses for which
we have not allotted funds and may hinder our ability to complete a business combination. As a result, unless we are able to modify our
activities so that we would not be deemed an investment company, we may be unable to consummate the initial business combination and
instead be required to conduct a liquidation. If we were required to liquidate, our investors would not be able to realize the benefits
of owning shares in a successor operating business, including the potential appreciation in the value of our securities following such
a transaction, and the public rights would expire worthless.
To
mitigate the risk that we might be deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, we may determine, in
our discretion, to liquidate the securities held in the trust account and instead hold all funds in the trust account in an interest
bearing bank demand deposit account, which may earn less interest than we otherwise would have if the trust account had remained invested
in U.S. government securities or money market funds.
Following
the consummation of our initial public offering, the funds in the trust account are held only in U.S. government securities within the
meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds investing
solely in United States Treasuries and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. However, as noted
above, one of the factors the SEC identified as relevant to the determination of whether a SPAC which holds securities could potentially
be deemed an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act is the SPAC’s duration. To mitigate the risk of
us being deemed to be an unregistered investment company (including under the subjective test of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment
Company Act) and thus subject to the regulations under the Investment Company Act, we may determine, in our discretion, to liquidate
the securities held in the trust account and instead hold all funds in the trust account in an interest-bearing bank demand deposit account,
which may earn less interest than we otherwise would have if the trust account had remained invested in U.S. government securities or
money market funds.
We
may not seek an opinion from an unaffiliated third party as to the fair market value of the target business we acquire.
We
are not required to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party that the target business we select has a fair market value in
excess of at least 80% of the balance of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable
on the income earned on the trust account) unless our board of directors cannot make such determination on its own. We are also not required
to obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party indicating that the price we are paying is fair to our shareholders from a financial
point of view unless the target is affiliated with our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates. If no opinion is
obtained, our shareholders will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors, whose collective experience in business evaluations
for blank check companies like ours is not significant. Furthermore, our directors may have a conflict of interest in analyzing the transaction
due to their personal and financial interests.
We
may acquire a target business that is affiliated with our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates.
While
we do not currently intend to pursue an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with our officers, directors,
initial shareholders or their affiliates, we are not prohibited from pursuing such a transaction, nor are we prohibited from consummating
a business combination where any of our officers, directors, initial shareholders or their affiliates acquire a minority interest in
the target business alongside our acquisition, provided in each case we obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated third party indicating
that the price we are paying is fair to our shareholders from a financial point of view. These affiliations could cause our officers
or directors to have a conflict of interest in analyzing such transactions due to their personal and financial interests.
33
A
market for our securities may not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.
The
price of our securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations and general market or economic conditions.
Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable
to sell your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.
Resources
could be wasted in researching acquisitions that are not consummated.
We
anticipate that the investigation of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting, and execution of relevant agreements,
disclosure documents, and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants,
attorneys and others. If we decide not to complete a specific initial business combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the
proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target business, we
may fail to consummate our initial business combination for any number of reasons including those beyond our control. Any such event
will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and
acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only
receive $10.00 per share or even less (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) on our redemption,
and our rights will expire worthless.
We
may attempt to consummate our initial business combination with a private company about which little information is available.
In
pursuing our acquisition strategy, we may seek to effectuate our initial business combination with a privately held company. By definition,
very little public information exists about private companies, and we could be required to make our decision on whether to pursue a potential
initial business combination on the basis of limited information, which may result in our initial business combination with a company
that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.
We
may not be able to maintain control of a target business after our initial business combination.
We
may structure our initial business combination to acquire less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business, but
we will only consummate such business combination if we will become the majority shareholder of the target (or control the target through
contractual arrangements in limited circumstances for regulatory compliance purposes) or are otherwise not required to register as an
investment company under the Investment Company Act or to the extent permitted by law we may acquire interests in a variable interest
entity, in which we may have less than a majority of the voting rights in such entity, but in which we are the primary beneficiary. Even
though we may own a majority interest in the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority
interest in the post-business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination
transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the
outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result of the
issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our shareholders immediately prior to such transaction could own less than a majority
of our outstanding shares subsequent to such transaction. In addition, other minority shareholders may subsequently combine their holdings
resulting in a single person or group obtaining a larger share of the company’s stock than we initially acquired. Accordingly,
this may make it more likely that we will not be able to maintain our control of the target business.
34
Risks
Relating to Our Securities
The
value of the initial shares following completion of our initial business combination is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal
price paid for them, even if the trading price of our ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than $10.00 per share.
Upon
the closing of our initial public offering and the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, our initial shareholders
invested in us an aggregate of $2,094,000, comprised of the $25,000 purchase price for the initial shares and the $2,069,000 purchase
price for the private units. Assuming a trading price of $10.00 per share upon consummation of our initial business combination, the
1,725,000 initial shares would have an aggregate implied value of $17,250,000. Even if the trading price of our ordinary shares were
as low as approximately $1.07 per share, the value of the initial shares would be approximately equal to the initial shareholders’
initial investment in us. As a result, our initial shareholders are likely to be able to make a substantial profit on the investment
in us at a time when our public shares have lost significant value (whether because of a substantial amount of redemptions of our public
shares or any other reason). Accordingly, our management team, which owns interests in our sponsor, may be more willing to pursue a business
combination with a riskier or less-established target business than would be the case if our sponsor had paid the same per share price
for the founder shares as our public shareholders paid for their public shares.
The
nominal purchase price paid by our initial shareholders for the initial shares may significantly dilute the implied value of your public
shares in the event we consummate an initial business combination.
While
we offered our units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit and the amount in our trust account was initially $10.00 per public share,
implying an initial value of $10.00 per public share, our initial shareholders paid only a nominal aggregate purchase price of $25,000
for the 1,725,000 initial shares, or approximately $0.014 per share. As a result, the value of your public shares may be significantly
diluted in the event we consummate an initial business combination. Note that redemptions of our public shares in connection with our
initial business combination would further reduce the implied value of our ordinary shares.
Furthermore,
as our initial shareholders acquired their initial shares at a nominal price, they are likely to make a substantial profit on its investment
in us even if we select and consummate an initial business combination that causes the trading price of our ordinary shares to decline,
while our public shareholders who purchased our securities could lose significant value in their public shares. Our initial shareholders
may therefore be economically incentivized to consummate an initial business combination with a riskier, weaker-performing or less-established
target business than would be the case if our initial shareholders had paid the same per share price for the founder shares as our public
shareholders paid for their public shares.
We
may issue additional ordinary or preferred shares or debt securities to complete a business combination, which would reduce the equity
interest of our shareholders and likely cause a change in control of our ownership.
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association currently authorize the issuance of 500,000,000 shares of a single class
each with par value of $0.0001. We may issue a substantial number of additional ordinary shares or preferred shares or debt securities,
or a combination of thereof, to complete a business combination. The issuance of additional ordinary shares or preferred shares:
●
may
significantly reduce the equity interest of investors in our initial public offering;
●
may
subordinate the rights of holders of ordinary shares if we issue preferred shares with rights senior to those afforded to our ordinary
shares;
●
may
cause a change in control if a substantial number of ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability
to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and
directors;
●
may
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of a person
seeking to obtain control of us; and
●
may
adversely affect prevailing market prices for our ordinary shares.
35
Similarly,
if we issue debt securities, it could result in:
●
default
and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after a business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;
●
acceleration
of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants
that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
●
our
immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand;
●
our
inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such
financing while the debt security is outstanding.
●
our
inability to pay dividends on our ordinary shares;
●
using
a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends
on our ordinary shares if declared, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
●
limitations
on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
●
increased
vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation;
●
limitations
on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution
of our strategy and other purposes; and
●
other
disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.
Holders
of rights will not have redemption rights if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period.
If
we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and we redeem the funds held in the trust account,
the rights will expire and holders will not receive any of such proceeds with respect to the rights.
We
have no obligation to net cash settle the rights.
In
no event will we have any obligation to net cash settle the rights. Accordingly, the rights may expire worthless.
If
a public holder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem our ordinary shares in connection with our initial business combination,
or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.
We
will comply with the tender offer rules or proxy rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial business
combination. Despite our compliance with these rules, if a public holder fails to receive our tender offer or proxy materials, as applicable,
such public holder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, proxy materials or tender offer documents,
as applicable, that we will furnish to holders of our ordinary shares in connection with our initial business combination will describe
the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly tender or redeem ordinary shares. For example, we may require our
public holders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,”
to either deliver their stock certificates to our transfer agent prior to the date set forth in the tender offer documents mailed to
such holders, or prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the initial business combination in the event we distribute proxy materials,
or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically. In the event that a public holder fails to comply with these or any
other procedures disclosed in the proxy or tender offer materials, as applicable, its shares may not be redeemed.
36
We
may amend the terms of the rights in a way that may be adverse to holders with the approval by the holders of a majority of the then
outstanding rights.
Our
rights will be issued in registered form under a rights agreement between VStock, as rights agent, and us. The rights agreement provides
that the terms of the rights may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision.
The rights agreement requires the approval by the holders of a majority of the then outstanding rights in order to make any change that
adversely affects the interests of the registered holders.
Our
rights agreement designates the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New
York as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by holders of our rights, which
could limit the ability of rights holders to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with our company.
Our
rights agreement provides that, subject to applicable law, (1) any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating
in any way to the rights agreement, including under the Securities Act, will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New
York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and (2) that we irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction,
which jurisdiction shall be the exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. We will waive any objection to such exclusive
jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, these provisions of the rights agreement will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the
Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our rights shall be deemed to have notice of and to have
consented to the forum provisions in our rights agreement. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope the forum provisions
of the rights agreement, is filed in a court other than a court of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York (a “foreign action”) in the name of any holder of our rights, such holder shall be deemed to
have consented to: (1) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York in connection with
any action brought in any such court to enforce the forum provisions (an “enforcement action”), and (2) having service of
process made upon such rights holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such rights holder’s counsel in the foreign
action as agent for such rights holder.
This
choice-of-forum provision may limit a rights holder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for
disputes with our company, including by increasing the cost of such lawsuits to a rights holder, which may discourage such lawsuits.
Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of our rights agreement inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more
of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions,
which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in a diversion of
the time and resources of our management and board of directors.
An
investment in our units may involve adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
An
investment in our units may involve adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. For instance, there is a risk that an investor’s
entitlement to receive payments in excess of the investor’s initial tax basis in our ordinary shares upon exercise of the investor’s
conversion right or upon our liquidation of the trust account will result in constructive income to the investor, which could affect
the timing and character of income recognition and result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the investor without the investor’s
receipt of cash from us. Furthermore, because there are no authorities that directly address instruments similar to our units, the allocation
an investor makes with respect to the purchase price of the unit between the ordinary shares and rights included in the units could be
challenged by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), or the courts.
We
have also not sought a ruling from the IRS as to any U.S. federal income tax consequences described in this Report. The IRS may disagree
with the descriptions of U.S. federal income tax consequences described herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. Any such
determination could subject an investor or our company to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences that would be different than those
described in this Report. Accordingly, each prospective investor is urged to consult a tax advisor with respect to the specific tax consequences
of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our securities, including the applicability and effect of state, local, or foreign tax
laws, as well as U.S. federal tax laws.
37
We
may qualify as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors.
In
general, we will be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for any taxable year in which either (1) at
least 75% of our gross income (looking through certain 25% or more-owned corporate subsidiaries) is passive income or (2) at least 50%
of the average value of our assets (looking through certain 25% or more-owned corporate subsidiaries) is attributable to assets that
produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Passive income generally includes, without limitation, dividends, interest,
rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. If we are determined to be a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion
thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder of our securities, the U.S. Holder may be subject to increased U.S.
federal income tax liability and may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Our actual PFIC status for our current taxable
year may depend on whether we qualify for the PFIC start-up exception. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will not
be determinable until after the end of such taxable year (or after the end of the start-up period, if later). Accordingly, there can
be no assurance with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. If we determine we
are a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the IRS may require, including a PFIC
Annual Information Statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election,
but there can be no assurance that we will timely provide such required information. A U.S. Holder may also mitigate the adverse tax
consequences by timely making a mark-to-market election with respect to our ordinary shares. We urge U.S. Holders to consult their own
tax advisors regarding the possible application and consequences of the PFIC rules and the availability of such elections.
Our
initial business combination or transactions relating thereto may result in taxes imposed on us and our shareholders.
We
may, in connection with our initial business combination and subject to requisite shareholder approval by special resolution under the
Companies Act, merge or otherwise combine with another company, or transfer by way of continuation to the jurisdiction in which the target
company or business is located or another jurisdiction. A shareholder may be required to recognize taxable income or gain with respect
to our business combination or transactions relating thereto in the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is a tax resident (or in which
its members are resident if it is a tax transparent entity) or in which the target company is located. In the event of a transfer by
way of continuation or merger, tax liability may attach prior to any consummation of redemptions of our ordinary shares.
In
addition, we could be treated as a tax resident in the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located, which could result
in adverse tax consequences to us (e.g., taxation on our worldwide income in such jurisdiction) and to our shareholders (e.g., withholding
taxes on dividends and taxation of disposition gains). We may effect a business combination with a target company that has business operations
in multiple jurisdictions, which could subject us to significant income, withholding and other tax obligations in a number of jurisdictions
with respect to income, operations and subsidiaries related to those jurisdictions.
Nasdaq
may delist our securities from trading on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities
and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
Our
securities are currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, a national securities exchange. Although we currently meet the continued
listing standards of Nasdaq, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to
an initial business combination. Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, it is likely that Nasdaq will require
us to file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient continued listing
requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.
38
If
Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
●
a
limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
●
reduced
liquidity with respect to our securities;
●
a
determination that our ordinary shares are “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our ordinary shares to
adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our
ordinary shares;
●
a
limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and
●
a
decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
General
Risk Factors
Past
performance by our management team and our sponsor may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in us.
Information
regarding performance by, or businesses associated with our management team and our sponsor and its affiliates is presented for informational
purposes only. Past performance by our management team and our sponsor is not a guarantee either (1) of success with respect to any business
combination we may consummate or (2) that we will be able to locate a suitable candidate for our initial business combination. You should
not rely on the historical record of our management team’s or our sponsor’s respective performance as indicative of our future
performance of an investment in us or the returns we will, or are likely to, generate going forward. Furthermore, an investment in us
is not an investment in our sponsor or its affiliates.
We
are a newly formed blank check company with no operating history and no revenues, and, accordingly, you will not have any basis on which
to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.
We
are a newly formed blank check company with no operating results to date. Therefore, our ability to commence operations is dependent
upon obtaining financing through the public offering of our securities. Since we do not have an operating history, you will have no basis
upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective, which is to acquire an operating business. We will not generate
any revenues until, at the earliest, after the consummation of a business combination.
Further,
our sponsor is predominantly controlled by a PRC national. Given that our executive officers and directors and the majority shareholder
of our sponsor have ties to the PRC and/or Hong Kong and are located in Hong Kong and/or the PRC, these ties may make it more difficult
for us to complete an initial business combination with a target company outside of the PRC or Hong Kong, and which may therefore, make
it more likely that we will need to target a business combination with a target company located in the PRC or Hong Kong. We may be a
less attractive partner to non-PRC or non-Hong Kong-based target companies as compared to a non-PRC or non-Hong Kong based SPAC. Therefore,
it may be more difficult for us to complete an initial business combination with a target company that is based outside of the PRC or
Hong Kong.
Our
independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a “going concern.”
We
initially have 15 months from the consummation of our initial public offering to consummate the initial business combination. If we do
not complete a business combination within 15 months from the consummation of our initial public offering, we will trigger an automatic
winding up, dissolution and liquidation pursuant to the terms of the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. As
a result, this has the same effect as if we had formally gone through a voluntary liquidation procedure under the Companies Act (As Revised)
of the Cayman Islands. Accordingly, no vote would be required from our shareholders to commence such a voluntary winding up, dissolution
and liquidation. However, we may extend the period of time to consummate a business. If we are unable to consummate our initial business
combination within the 15-month period (unless further extended), we will, as promptly as possible but not more than ten business days
thereafter, redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, including a pro
rata portion of any interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not necessary to pay taxes, and then seek to liquidate
and dissolve. However, we may not be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over
the claims of our public shareholders. In the event of dissolution and liquidation, our warrants and rights will expire and will be worthless.
39
Because
we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and most of our executive officers and directors are located outside the United
States, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. Federal or state
courts may be limited.
We
are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. In addition, most of our executive officers and directors
are located outside of the United States and are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States, and most or a
substantial portion of their assets are located outside of the United States. Mr. Bian Fan, our chairman and chief executive officer,
is a PRC passport holder; Mr. Kenneth Lam, our chief financial officer and director, is a United Kingdom passport holder; Ms. Jiayi Liang,
our chief operating officer, is a PRC passport holder; Mr. Shaoke Li, our independent director, is a PRC passport holder; Ms. Longjiao
Li, our independent director, is a PRC passport holder; and Mr. Chi Zhang, our independent director, is a PRC passport holder.
As
a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce
judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or them, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities
laws of the United States or any state in the United States. A judgment of a United States court for civil liabilities predicated upon
the federal securities laws of the United States may not be enforceable in or recognized by the courts of the jurisdictions where our
directors and officers reside, and the judicial recognition process may be time-consuming. It may be difficult for you to enforce judgments
obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors.
We
have appointed Cogency Global Inc., 122 East 42 nd Street, 18 th Floor New York, NY 10168 as our agent to receive
service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the state or federal courts of the United States in connection with
our initial public offering under the securities laws of the United States.
Our
corporate affairs will be governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (as the same
may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action
against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are
to a large extent governed by the Companies Act and common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived
in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, and whilst the decisions
of the English courts are of persuasive authority, they are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders
and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions
in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States,
and some states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman
Islands companies may not have the standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
We
have been advised by our Cayman Islands legal counsel that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would:
●
recognize
or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws;
and
●
entertain
original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws
of the United States or any state in the United States.
40
There
is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands
will in certain circumstances recognize and enforce a foreign judgment, without any re-examination or re-litigation of matters adjudicated
upon, provided such judgment:
(1)
is
given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction;
(2)
imposes
on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given;
(3)
is
final;
(4)
is
not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty;
(5)
was
not obtained by fraud; and
(6)
is
not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands.
Subject
to the above limitations, in appropriate circumstances, a Cayman Islands court may give effect in the Cayman Islands to other kinds of
final foreign judgments such as declaratory orders, orders for performance of contracts and injunctions.
As
a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken
by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a United States
company.
You
will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of blank check companies.
Since
the net proceeds of our initial public offering are intended to be used to complete a business combination with a target business that
has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities laws. However,
since we had net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the consummation of our initial public offering and we filed a Current
Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect
investors of blank check companies such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those
rules which would, for example, completely restrict the transferability of our securities, restrict the use of interest earned on the
funds held in the trust account and require us to complete a business combination within 15 months from the closing of our initial public
offering. Because we are not subject to Rule 419, our units will be immediately tradable, we will be entitled to withdraw amounts from
the funds held in the trust account prior to the completion of a business combination and we may have more time to complete an initial
business combination.
We
are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth
companies will make our securities less attractive to investors.
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an “emerging growth company” for
up to five years. However, if within a three-year period, we issue non-convertible debt exceeding $1.0 billion or generate revenues exceeding
$1.235 billion, or the market value of our ordinary shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the
second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. As an
emerging growth company, we are not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, we have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and we are
exempt from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute
payments not previously approved.
Further,
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting
standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do
not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting
standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements
that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such
extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or
private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, will not adopt the new or revised standard until the time private companies are
required to adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which
is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult
or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares
less attractive because we may rely on these provisions. If some investors find our shares less attractive as a result, there may be
a less active trading market for our shares and our share price may be more volatile.
41
Additionally,
we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take
advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements.
We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the market value of our ordinary shares
held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the prior June 30, or (2) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed
fiscal year and the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30. To the extent
we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies
difficult or impossible.
Compliance
with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require substantial financial and management resources and may increase the time and costs of
completing an acquisition.
Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls and may require us to have
such system audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls,
we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties and/or shareholder litigation. Any inability to provide reliable
financial reports could harm our business. A target business may also not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act regarding the adequacy of internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition. Furthermore, any failure to implement
required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation of adequate controls over our financial processes
and reporting in the future, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inferior internal
controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the
trading price of our securities.
Cyber
incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
We
depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of
third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure,
or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary
information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early-stage company without significant investments in data security protection,
we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or
to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of
them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.
Risks
Associated with Acquiring and Operating a Business in Foreign Countries
We
may effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States and if we do, we would be subject to a variety
of additional risks that may negatively impact our business operations and financial results.
If
we consummate a business combination with a target business located outside of the United States, we would be subject to any special
considerations or risks associated with companies operating in the target business’ governing jurisdiction, including any of the
following:
●
rules
and regulations or currency redemption or corporate withholding taxes on individuals;
●
tariffs
and trade barriers;
42
●
regulations
related to customs and import/export matters;
●
longer
payment cycles than in the United States;
●
inflation;
●
economic
policies and market conditions;
●
unexpected
changes in regulatory requirements;
●
challenges
in managing and staffing international operations;
●
tax
issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;
●
currency
fluctuations;
●
challenges
in collecting accounts receivable;
●
cultural
and language differences;
●
protection
of intellectual property;
●
employment
regulations; and
●
deterioration
of political relations with the United States.
We
cannot assure you that we would be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might
suffer.
Because
of the costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations, our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
Managing
a business, operations, personnel or assets in another country is challenging and costly. Any management that we may have (whether based
abroad or in the U.S.) may be inexperienced in cross-border business practices and unaware of significant differences in accounting rules,
legal regimes and labor practices. Even with a seasoned and experienced management team, the costs and difficulties inherent in managing
cross-border business operations, personnel and assets can be significant (and much higher than in a purely domestic business) and may
negatively impact our financial and operational performance.
If
social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes, changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, or policy changes or enactments
occur in a country in which we may operate after we effect our initial business combination, it may result in a negative impact on our
business.
Political
events in another country may significantly affect our business, assets or operations. Social unrest, acts of terrorism, regime changes,
changes in laws and regulations, political upheaval, and policy changes or enactments could negatively impact our business in a particular
country.
For
example, the Cayman Islands, together with several other non-European Union jurisdictions, have recently introduced legislation aimed
at addressing concerns raised by the Council of the European Union as to offshore structures engaged in certain activities which attract
profits without real economic activity. With effect from January 1, 2019, the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act
(2021 Revision) (the “ITC”), came into force in the Cayman Islands introducing certain economic substance requirements for
Cayman Islands tax resident companies which are engaged in certain “relevant activities.” However, it is not anticipated
that the company itself will be subject to any such requirements prior to any business combination and thereafter the company may still
remain out of scope of the legislation or else be subject to more limited substance requirements. Although it is presently anticipated
that the ITC will have little material impact on the Company or its operations, as the legislation is new and remains subject to further
clarification and interpretation, it is not currently possible to ascertain the precise impact of these legislative changes on the company.
43
Many
countries have difficult and unpredictable legal systems and underdeveloped laws and regulations that are unclear and subject to corruption
and inexperience, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Our
ability to seek and enforce legal protections, including with respect to intellectual property and other property rights, or to defend
ourselves with regard to legal actions taken against us in a given country, may be difficult or impossible, which could adversely impact
our operations, assets or financial condition.
Rules
and regulations in many countries are often ambiguous or open to differing interpretation by responsible individuals and agencies at
the municipal, state, regional and federal levels. The attitudes and actions of such individuals and agencies are often difficult to
predict and inconsistent.
Delay
with respect to the enforcement of particular rules and regulations, including those relating to customs, tax, environmental and labor,
could cause serious disruption to operations abroad and negatively impact our results.
If
we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such company will likely
govern all of our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.
If
we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws of the country in which such company operates
will govern almost all of the material agreements relating to its operations. We cannot assure you that the target business will be able
to enforce any of its material agreements or that remedies will be available in this new jurisdiction. The system of laws and the enforcement
of existing laws in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability
to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities
or capital. Additionally, if we acquire a company located outside of the United States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets
would be located outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might reside outside of the United States. As a
result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our
directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our
directors and officers under Federal securities laws.
In
addition, our directors and officers are nationals or residents of the United Kingdom and the PRC, and most or a substantial portion
of their assets are located in the aforementioned locations. As of the date of this Report, Mr. Bian Fan, our chairman and chief executive
officer, Ms. Jiayi Liang, our chief operating officer, as well as Mr. Shaoke Li, Ms. Longjiao Li, and Mr. Chi Zhang, our independent
directors, are located in the PRC; and Mr. Kenneth Lam, our chief financial officer and director, is located in the United Kingdom.
As
a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce
judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or them, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities
laws of the United States or any state in the United States. It will also be costlier and time-consuming for the investors to effect
service of process outside the United States, or to enforce judgments obtained from the U.S. courts in the courts of the jurisdictions
where our directors and officers reside. For example, to enforce a foreign judgment in Hong Kong, you will be required to apply to the
Hong Kong High Court to enforce a foreign judgment, for which you will be required to engage a local counsel to facilitate or prepare
the application, together with its various supporting documents. You will then be required to go through the standard litigation process
to sue on the judgment as a debt. In addition, a judgment of a United States court for civil liabilities predicated upon the federal
securities laws of the United States may also not be enforceable in or recognized by the courts of the jurisdictions where our directors
and officers reside. As such, it may be difficult for you to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions
of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors.
As
a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken
against the management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a U.S.-incorporated
company.
44
If
relations between the United States and foreign governments deteriorate, it could cause potential target businesses or their goods and
services to become less attractive.
The
relationship between the United States and foreign governments could be subject to sudden fluctuation and periodic tension. For instance,
the United States may announce its intention to impose quotas on certain imports. Such import quotas may adversely affect political relations
between the two countries and result in retaliatory countermeasures by the foreign government in industries that may affect our ultimate
target business. Changes in political conditions in foreign countries and changes in the state of U.S. relations with such countries
are difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations or cause potential target businesses or their goods and services to
become less attractive. Because we are not limited to any specific industry, there is no basis for investors in our initial public offering
to evaluate the possible extent of any impact on our ultimate operations if relations are strained between the United States and a foreign
country in which we acquire a target business.
If
any dividend is declared in the future and paid in a foreign currency, you may be taxed on a larger amount in U.S. dollars.
If
you are a U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares, you will be taxed on the U.S. dollar value of your dividends, if any, at the time you receive
them, even if you actually receive a smaller amount of U.S. dollars when the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Specifically,
if a dividend is declared and paid in a foreign currency, the amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income
as a U.S. Holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the payments made in the foreign currency, determined at the spot rate of the foreign
currency to the U.S. dollar on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is
in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Thus, if the value of the foreign currency decreases before you actually convert the currency into
U.S. dollars, you will be taxed on a larger amount in U.S. dollars than the U.S. dollar amount that you will actually ultimately receive.
After
our initial business combination, substantially all of our assets may be located in a foreign country and substantially all of our revenue
may be derived from our operations in such country. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects will be subject, to a significant
extent, to the economic, political and legal policies, developments and conditions in the country in which we operate.
After
our initial business combination, substantially all of our assets may be located in another foreign country and substantially all of
our revenue may be derived from our operations in such country. The economic, political and social conditions, as well as government
policies, of the country in which our operations are located could affect our business. If in the future such country’s economy
experiences a downturn or grows at a slower rate than expected, there may be less demand for spending in certain industries. A decrease
in demand for spending in certain industries could materially and adversely affect our ability to find an attractive target business
with which to consummate our initial business combination and if we effect our initial business combination, the ability of that target
business to become profitable.
Currency
policies may cause a target business’ ability to succeed in the international markets to be diminished.
In
the event we acquire a non-U.S. target, all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, the dollar equivalent
of our net assets and distributions, if any, could be adversely affected by reductions in the value of the local currency. The value
of the currencies in our target regions fluctuate and are affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions.
Any change in the relative value of such currency against our reporting currency may affect the attractiveness of any target business
or, following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if a
currency appreciates in value against the dollar prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, the cost of a target
business as measured in dollars will increase, which may make it less likely that we are able to consummate such transaction.
45
Many
of the economies in Asia are experiencing substantial inflationary pressures which may prompt the governments to take action to control
the growth of the economy and inflation that could lead to a significant decrease in our profitability following our initial business
combination.
While
many of the economies in Asia have experienced rapid growth over the last two decades, they currently are experiencing inflationary pressures.
As governments take steps to address the current inflationary pressures, there may be significant changes in the availability of bank
credits, interest rates, limitations on loans, restrictions on currency conversions and foreign investment. There also may be imposition
of price controls. If prices for the products of our ultimate target business rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the
rise in the costs of supplies, it may have an adverse effect on our profitability. If these or other similar restrictions are imposed
by a government to influence the economy, it may lead to a slowing of economic growth. Because we are not limited to any specific industry,
the ultimate industry that we operate in may be affected more severely by such a slowing of economic growth.
Many
industries in Asia are subject to government regulations that limit or prohibit foreign investments in such industries, which may limit
the potential number of acquisition candidates.
Governments
in many Asian countries have imposed regulations that limit foreign investors’ equity ownership or prohibit foreign investments
altogether in companies that operate in certain industries. As a result, the number of potential acquisition candidates available to
us may be limited or our ability to grow and sustain the business, which we ultimately acquire will be limited.
If
a country in Asia enacts regulations in industry segments that forbid or restrict foreign investment, our ability to consummate our initial
business combination could be severely impaired.
Many
of the rules and regulations that companies face concerning foreign ownership are not explicitly communicated. If new laws or regulations
forbid or limit foreign investment in industries in which we want to complete our initial business combination, they could severely impair
our candidate pool of potential target businesses. Additionally, if the relevant central and local authorities find us or the target
business with which we ultimately complete our initial business combination to be in violation of any existing or future laws or regulations,
they would have broad discretion in dealing with such a violation, including, without limitation:
●
levying
fines;
●
revoking
our business and other licenses;
●
requiring
that we restructure our ownership or operations; and
●
requiring
that we discontinue any portion or all of our business
Any
of the above could have an adverse effect on our company post-business combination and could materially reduce the value of your investment.
Corporate
governance standards in Asia may not be as strict or developed as in the United States and such weakness may hide issues and operational
practices that are detrimental to a target business.
General
corporate governance standards in some countries are weak in that they do not prevent business practices that cause unfavorable related
party transactions, over-leveraging, improper accounting, family company interconnectivity and poor management. Local laws often do not
go far enough to prevent improper business practices. Therefore, shareholders may not be treated impartially and equally as a result
of poor management practices, asset shifting, conglomerate structures that result in preferential treatment to some parts of the overall
company, and cronyism. The lack of transparency and ambiguity in the regulatory process also may result in inadequate credit evaluation
and weakness that may precipitate or encourage financial crisis. In our evaluation of a business combination, we will have to evaluate
the corporate governance of a target and the business environment, and in accordance with United States laws for reporting companies
take steps to implement practices that will cause compliance with all applicable rules and accounting practices. Notwithstanding these
intended efforts, there may be endemic practices and local laws that could add risk to an investment we ultimately make and that result
in an adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
46
Risks
Associated with Acquiring and Operating a Target Business with its Primary Operations in China
As
set forth herein, our efforts in identifying a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular country. We may target
an initial business combination with a company located in China. Because of such potential ties to China, we may be subjected to Chinese
laws, rules and regulations. Accordingly, in addition to the risk factors referred above, we have set forth some of the primary risks
we have identified in seeking to consummate our initial business combination with a company having its primary operations in China.
The
PRC government has indicated its intent to intervene in or influence a PRC company’s business operations at any time or to exert
more oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas and foreign investment in PRC-based issuers. This could result in a material
change in a PRC company’s business operations post-business combination and/or the value of its securities. Additionally, governmental
and regulatory interference could significantly limit or completely hinder a target company’s ability to offer or continue to offer
securities to investors post-business combination and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Our
sponsor is predominantly controlled by a PRC national, and we may seek to acquire a company that is based in China in an initial business
combination. We may be subject to certain risks relating to regulatory oversight by the PRC government. This may significantly limit
our ability to search for candidates for our initial business combination. In particular, changes in the policies, regulations, rules,
and the enforcement of laws of the PRC government may be adopted quickly with little advance notice. The PRC government may also intervene
or influence our search for a target business or the completion of an initial business combination at any time because our sponsor is
predominantly controlled by a PRC national. This could significantly and negatively impact our search for a target business and/or the
value of our securities.
The
PRC government has recently sought to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas or foreign investment
in China-based issuers. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering
and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”), which took effect on March 31, 2023. The Trial Measures supersede
prior rules and clarified and emphasized several aspects, which include but are not limited to: (1) comprehensive determination of the
“indirect overseas offering and listing by PRC domestic companies” in compliance with the principle of “substance over
form” and particularly, an issuer will be required to go through the filing procedures under the Trial Measures if the following
criteria are met at the same time: (a) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets
as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year comes from PRC domestic companies,
and (b) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are
located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled
in mainland China; (2) exemptions from immediate filing requirements for issuers that (a) have already been listed or registered but
not yet listed in foreign securities markets, including U.S. markets, prior to the effective date of the Trial Measures, (b) are not
required to re-perform the regulatory procedures with the relevant overseas regulatory authority or the overseas stock exchange, and
(c) whose such overseas securities offering or listing shall be completed before September 30, 2023, provided however that such issuers
shall carry out filing procedures as required if they conduct refinancing or are involved in other circumstances that require filing
with the CSRC; (3) a negative list of types of issuers banned from listing or offering overseas, such as (a) issuers whose listing or
offering overseas has been recognized by the State Council of the PRC as a possible threat to national security, (b) issuers whose affiliates
have been recently convicted of bribery and corruption, (c) issuers under ongoing criminal investigations, and (d) issuers under major
disputes regarding equity ownership; (4) issuers’ compliance with web security, data security, and other national security laws
and regulations; (5) issuers’ filing and reporting obligations, such as the obligation to file with the CSRC after it submits an
application for initial public offering to overseas regulators, and the obligation after offering or listing overseas to report to the
CSRC material events including a change of control or voluntary or forced delisting of the issuer; and (6) the CSRC’s authority
to fine both issuers and their shareholders between RMB1 and 10 million for failure to comply with the Trial Measures, including failure
to comply with filing obligations or committing fraud and misrepresentation.
47
On
February 24, 2023, the CSRC and several other administrations jointly released the revised Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality
and Archiving Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Archives Rules”), which
came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Archives Rules apply to both overseas direct offerings and overseas indirect offerings. The Archives
Rules provides that, among other things, (1) in relation to the overseas listing activities of PRC domestic enterprises, the PRC domestic
enterprises are required to strictly comply with the relevant requirements on confidentiality and archives management, establish a sound
confidentiality and archives system, and take necessary measures to discharge their confidentiality and archives management responsibilities;
(2) if a PRC domestic enterprise is required to publicly disclose or provide to any securities companies or other securities service
providers or overseas regulators or individuals, any materials that contain state secrets or government work secrets (where there is
ambiguity or dispute on whether it is state secret or government work secret, a request shall be submitted to the competent government
authority for determination), during the course of its overseas offering or listing, the PRC domestic enterprise shall apply for approval
from competent authorities and file with the secrecy administrative department at the same level; and (3) working papers produced in
China by securities companies and other securities service institutions, who provide such PRC domestic enterprises with securities services
during their overseas issuance and listing, should be stored in the PRC, and the transmission of any such working papers to recipients
outside China must be approved following the applicable PRC regulations.
In
addition, the PRC has proposed new rules in 2021 that would require companies collecting or holding large amounts of data to undergo
a cybersecurity review prior to listing in foreign countries, a move that would significantly tighten oversight over large China-based
internet companies. On November 14, 2021, the CAC publicly solicited comments on the Regulation on Network Data Security Management (Consultation
Draft), which stipulated that data processors that undertake data processing activities using internet networks within China are required
to apply for cybersecurity review if they conduct data processing activities that will or may have an impact on China’s national
security. The review is mandatory if the data processor controls more than 1 million users’ personal information and intends to
be listed in a foreign country, or if the data processor seeks to be listed in Hong Kong. As of the date of this Report, the Draft Regulation
on Network Data Security Management is published for public comments only, the final version and effective date of which are subject
to change with substantial uncertainty. On December 28, 2021, the CAC, jointly with 12 departments under the State Council, implemented
the Measures for Cybersecurity Review, which became effective on February 15, 2022. According to the Measures for Cybersecurity Review,
operators of critical information infrastructure purchasing network products and services, and data processors carrying out data processing
activities that affect or may affect China’s national security, are required to conduct a cybersecurity review. Operators, including
operators of critical information infrastructure and data processors, who control more than one million users’ personal information
must report to the Cyber Security Review Office for a cybersecurity review if they intend to be listed in a foreign country.
On
June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress (“SCNPC”), promulgated the PRC Data Security
Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals
carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data
in economic and social development, and the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights
and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or used. The PRC
Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes
export restrictions on certain data. On August 20, 2021, the SCNPC adopted the Personal Information Protection Law, which took effect
as of November 1, 2021. The Personal Information Protection Law includes the basic rules for personal information processing, the rules
for cross-border provision of personal information, the rights of individuals in personal information processing activities, the obligations
of personal information processors, and the responsibilities for collection, processing, and use of personal information.
Based
on our understanding of currently applicable PRC laws and regulations, our registered public offering in the U.S. is not subject to the
review or prior approval of the CAC or the CSRC, and their oversight will not impact our officers and directors or their search for a
target company. Further, we currently believe that the regulations or policies that have been issued by the CAC to date are not applicable
to our officers and directors. Since none of our officers and directors has engaged in data activities or the processing of personal
information in China, we believe our officers and directors are in full compliance with the regulations and policies that have been issued
by the CAC to date. However, uncertainties still exist due to the possibility that laws, regulations, or policies in the PRC could change
rapidly in the future. Any future action by the PRC government expanding the categories of industries, persons and companies whose foreign
securities offerings are subject to review by the CSRC or the CAC could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer
or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
48
We
have not entered into a definitive agreement with respect to any specific business combination. Our initial business combination target
company may include a PRC target company. It is uncertain whether such PRC target company will be involved in the collection of user
data, implicate cybersecurity, or involve any other type of restricted industry. Given the PRC authorities have significant discretion
in interpreting and applying the relevant cybersecurity and data laws and regulations, there is a risk that any potential target business
of ours may be subject to cybersecurity review or other regulatory actions even though it is not based or located in and does not conduct
its principal business operations in China. Furthermore, if CSRC approval is required for our initial business combination, it is uncertain
whether we are able to and how long it will take for us to obtain such approval, and, even if we obtain such CSRC approval, the approval
could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or any delay in obtaining CSRC approval for our potential initial business combination with
a PRC target company, or a rescission of such approval may subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities,
which could include fines and penalties on our operations in China, restrictions or limitations on our ability to pay dividends outside
of China, and other forms of sanctions that may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations
and the value of our securities. To avoid such risk, we may avoid completing an initial business combination with such a target business
and instead pursue other opportunities, which may limit the pool of attractive targets. As a result, our search for a target company
may be adversely affected, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of the securities we are registering
for sale.
U.S.
laws and regulations, such as the HFCAA, may restrict or eliminate our ability to complete a business combination with certain companies,
particularly those acquisition candidates with substantial operations in mainland China or Hong Kong.
Pursuant
to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCAA”) and related regulations, if we have filed an audit report
issued by a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB has determined that it is unable to inspect and investigate completely,
the SEC will identify us as a “Commission-identified Issuer,” and the trading of our securities on any U.S. national securities
exchanges, as well as any over-the-counter trading in the United States, will be prohibited if we are identified as a Commission-identified
Issuer for two consecutive years. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report on its determinations that it is unable to inspect
or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, and identified the
registered public accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong that were subject to such determinations. In August 2022, the PCAOB,
the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC signed the Statement of Protocol, which establishes a specific and accountable framework
for the PCAOB to conduct inspections and investigations of PCAOB-governed accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong. On December
15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting
firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2022. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that the PCAOB
was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. However,
whether the PCAOB will continue to be able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered
in mainland China and Hong Kong is subject to uncertainties and depends on a number of factors out of our and our auditor’s control.
The PCAOB continues to demand complete access in mainland China and Hong Kong moving forward and pursues ongoing investigations and initiate
new investigations as needed. The PCAOB has also indicated that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations
with the HFCAA if needed.
Our
financial statements contained in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 have been audited by an
independent registered public accounting firm, UHY LLP, which is headquartered in New York, New York, and has not been identified as
a firm subject to the PCAOB’s determination. UHY LLP is registered with the PCAOB and is subject to laws in the United States,
pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with applicable professional standards. However, if
it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely our auditor for two consecutive years because of
a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction, Nasdaq would delist our securities, including our units, ordinary shares
and rights, and the SEC would prohibit them from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market
in the U.S. For example, if we effect our initial business combination with a business located in mainland China and Hong Kong, of which
the auditor is located in mainland China and Hong Kong, with operations in and which performs audit operations in mainland China and
Hong Kong, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the relevant authorities, the
work of such auditor as it relates to those operations may not be inspected by the PCAOB. The HFCAA would restrict our ability to consummate
a business combination with a target business unless that business met certain standards of the PCAOB. The HFCAA also requires public
companies to disclose, among other things, whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government, specifically, those based in
China. Therefore, we may not be able to consummate a business combination with a favorable target business due to relevant laws. Furthermore,
if our securities are delisted and prohibited from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading
market in the U.S. for such reasons, it would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our securities when you wish to do
so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with potential delisting and prohibition would have a negative impact on the price of our
securities. Such delisting and prohibition could also significantly affect our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, or at all,
which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and prospects.
49
Compliance
with the PRC Antitrust law may limit our ability to effect our initial business combination.
The
PRC Antitrust Law became effective on August 1, 2008. The government authorities in charge of antitrust matters in China are the Antitrust
Commission and other antitrust authorities under the State Council. The PRC Antitrust Law regulates (1) monopoly agreements, including
decisions or actions in concert that preclude or impede competition, entered into by business operators; (2) abuse of dominant market
position by business operators; and (3) concentration of business operators that may have the effect of precluding or impeding competition.
To implement the Antitrust Law, in 2008, the State Council formulated the regulations that require filing of concentration of business
operators, pursuant to which concentration of business operators refers to (1) merger with other business operators; (2) gaining control
over other business operators through acquisition of equity interest or assets of other business operators; and (3) gaining control over
other business operators through exerting influence on other business operators through contracts or other means. In 2009, the Ministry
of Commerce, which oversees the Antitrust Commission, promulgated the Measures for Filing of Concentration of Business Operators (amended
by the Guidelines for Filing of Concentration of Business Operators in 2014), which set forth the criteria of concentration and the document
filing requirements. The business combination we contemplate may be considered the concentration of business operators, and to the extent
required by the Antitrust Law and the criteria established by the State Council, we must file with the antitrust authority under the
PRC State Council prior to conducting the contemplated business combination. If the antitrust authority decides not to further investigate
whether the contemplated business combination has the effect of precluding or impeding competition or fails to make a decision within
30 days from receipt of relevant materials, we may proceed to consummate the contemplated business combination. If the antitrust authority
decides to prohibit the contemplated business combination after further investigation, we must terminate such business combination and
would then be forced to either attempt to complete a new business combination if it is within 15 months from the closing of our initial
public offering or we would be required to return any amounts which were held in the trust account to our shareholders. When we evaluate
a potential business combination, we will consider the need to comply with the Antitrust Law and other relevant regulations which may
limit our ability to effect an acquisition or may result in our modifying or not pursuing a particular transaction.
If
we become directly subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have
to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter, which could harm our business operations and our reputation and
could result in a loss of your investment in our ordinary shares, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.
Recently,
U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been subjected to intense scrutiny, criticism and
negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and
negative publicity has centered around financial and accounting irregularities, a lack of effective internal controls over financial
accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result
of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S.-listed Chinese companies has sharply decreased
in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC
enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide
scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on our company if we target a PRC company for our initial business combination.
If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether or not such allegations are proven to be true, we will have to expend
significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend our company and our decisions. This situation may be a major distraction
to our management. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, we will be severely hampered and your investment in our securities
post business combination could be rendered worthless.
50
Regulations
relating to the transfer of state-owned property rights in enterprises may increase the cost of our acquisitions and impose an additional
administrative burden on us.
The
legislation governing the acquisition of a PRC state-owned company contains stringent governmental regulations. The transfer of state-owned
property rights in enterprises must take place through a government-approved “state-owned asset exchange,” and the value
of the transferred property rights must be evaluated by those Chinese appraisal firms qualified to perform “state-owned assets
evaluations.” The final price must not be less than 90% of the appraisal price. Additionally, bidding/auction procedures are essential
in the event that there is more than one potential transferee. In the case of an acquisition by foreign investors of state-owned enterprises,
the acquirer and the seller must make a resettlement plan to properly resettle the employees, and the resettlement plan must be approved
by the Employees’ Representative Congress. The seller must pay all unpaid wages and social welfare payments from the existing assets
of the target company to the employees. These regulations may adversely affect our ability to acquire a PRC state-owned business or assets.
Our
initial business combination may be subject to national security review by the PRC government and we may have to spend additional resources
and incur additional time to complete any such business combination or be prevented from pursuing certain investment opportunities.
On
February 3, 2011, the PRC government issued a Notice Concerning the Establishment of Security Review Procedure on Mergers and Acquisitions
of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors (the Security Review Regulations), which became effective on March 5, 2011. The Security
Review Regulations cover acquisitions by foreign investors of a broad range of PRC enterprises if such acquisitions could result in de
facto control by foreign investors and the enterprises relate to military, national defense, important agriculture products, important
energy and natural resources, important infrastructures, important transportation services, key technologies or important equipment manufacturing.
The scope of the review includes whether the acquisition will impact national security, economic and social stability, and the research
and development capabilities of key national security-related technologies. Foreign investors should submit a security review application
to the Ministry of Commerce for its initial review for a contemplated acquisition. If the acquisition is considered to be within the
scope of the Security Review Regulations, the Ministry of Commerce will transfer the application to a joint security review committee
within five business days for further review. The joint security review committee, consisting of members from various PRC government
agencies, will conduct a general review and seek comments from relevant government agencies. The joint security review committee may
initiate a further special review and request the termination or restructuring of the contemplated acquisition if it determines that
the acquisition will result in a significant national security issue.
The
Security Review Regulations will potentially subject a large number of mergers and acquisitions transactions by foreign investors in
China to an additional layer of regulatory review. Currently, there is significant uncertainty as to the implication of the Security
Review Regulations. Neither the Ministry of Commerce nor other PRC government agencies have issued any detailed rules for the implementation
of the Security Review Regulations. If, for example, our potential initial business combination is with a target company operating in
the PRC in any of the sensitive sectors identified above, the transaction will be subject to the Security Review Regulations, and we
may have to spend additional resources and incur additional time to complete any such acquisition. We may also be prevented from pursuing
certain investment opportunities if the PRC government considers that the potential investments will result in a significant national
security issue.
There
are uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations that could limit the legal protections available
to you and us.
Our
sponsor is predominantly controlled by a Macau national, and we may seek to acquire a company that is based in China in an initial business
combination. The uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws, rules and regulations would apply to us if we were
to acquire a company that is based in China, regardless of whether we have a direct ownership structure post-business combination. Because
of such ties to China, we may be governed by PRC laws and regulations. PRC companies and variable interest entities are generally subject
to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws and regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned
enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential
value.
51
Since
1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in
China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently
cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because
of the limited volume of published decisions and their nonbinding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations
involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are
not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these
policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial
costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
Changes
in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on the business,
results of operations and financial condition of a Chinese target company we may pursue as an acquisition target in the future.
If
our initial business combination target is a company with operations in China, its business, prospects, financial condition and results
of operations may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued
economic growth in China as a whole.
The
Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement,
level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. To date, the government still owns a substantial
portion of productive assets in China. Although the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces
for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate governance in
business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the PRC government
continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The PRC government also exercises
significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated
obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Given the PRC government’s
significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of business of any China-based company that we may target for an initial business
combination, the PRC government may intervene or influence the operations of our target at any time, which could result in a material
change in our operations and/or value of the securities we are registering for sale.
While
the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various
sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the PRC government or in the laws and
regulations in China could materially adversely affect the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect
our business and operating results, reducing demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position.
The
PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures
may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may negatively affect us. In the past the PRC government has implemented certain measures,
including interest rate adjustments, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may decrease economic activity in China,
which may adversely affect our business and operating results.
You
may face difficulties in protecting your interests and exercising your rights as a shareholder if we were to conduct substantially all
of our operations in China, and almost all of our officers and directors currently and will likely reside outside the U.S.
Although
we are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, our initial business combination target may have substantially all of its operations in China.
Further, all of our current officers and almost all of our directors reside outside the U.S. and substantially all of the assets of those
persons are located outside of the U.S. It may be difficult for you to conduct due diligence on our company or such directors in your
election of the directors and attend shareholders meetings if the meetings are held in China. We would likely have one shareholder meeting
each year at a location to be determined, potentially in China. As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more
difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against our management, directors or major shareholders than would shareholders
of a corporation doing business entirely or predominantly within the U.S.
52
Governmental
control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.
The
PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of
currency out of China. We may consummate a business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China, after
which the operating companies in China upon consummation of the business combination may receive substantially all of their revenues
in Renminbi. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments in foreign currencies of current account items, including profit
distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made without prior approvals of
the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the
existing exchange restrictions, without prior approvals of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of PRC operating companies in China
may be used to pay dividends. However, approvals from or registration with appropriate government authorities are required where Renminbi
is to be converted into foreign currencies and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated
in foreign currencies.
As
a result, the PRC subsidiaries of the combined company will need to obtain SAFE approval to pay off their debt in a currency other than
Renminbi owed to any entities outside China or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi.
In
light of the flood of capital outflows of China in 2016 due to the weakening Renminbi, the PRC government has imposed more restrictive
foreign exchange policies and stepped-up scrutiny over major outbound capital movements including overseas direct investment. More restrictions
and substantial vetting process have been put in place by SAFE to regulate cross-border transactions that fall under the capital account
transactions. The PRC government may in the future at its discretion further restrict access to foreign currencies for current account
transactions. If the foreign exchange control regulations prevent the combined company from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies from
its PRC subsidiaries to satisfy its capital demands, the combined company may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to its
shareholders.
If
our initial business combination target has the majority of its operations in China, the PRC regulation on loans to, and direct investment
in, such a PRC subsidiary by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict our ability to make
loans or capital contributions to such subsidiary, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund
and expand our business post-business combination.
If
our initial business combination target has the majority of its operations in China, it may become necessary or desirable for us to make
loans or capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary after the completion of our initial business combination. Our ability to make such
loans or capital contributions may be restricted by certain PRC laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Notice of the
State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital of Foreign invested
Enterprises (“SAFE Circular 19”), effective on June 1, 2015, and the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account (“SAFE Circular 16”),
effective on June 9, 2016, each promulgated by SAFE, which impose limitations on offshore entities in transferring foreign currencies
to PRC persons.
In
light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations, for example, SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16, on loans to, and direct
investment in, a PRC subsidiary by offshore holding companies, and the fact that the PRC government may at its discretion restrict access
to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary
government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us
to a PRC subsidiary or with respect to future capital contributions by us to a PRC subsidiary. If we fail to complete such registrations
or obtain such approvals, our ability to conduct our business post-initial business combination and to capitalize or otherwise fund PRC
operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our
business.
53
PRC
regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our ability to inject capital in our Chinese subsidiaries
and Chinese subsidiaries’ ability to change their registered capital or distribute profits to the combined company or otherwise
expose it or its PRC resident beneficial owners to liability and penalties under PRC laws.
In
July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore
Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles (“SAFE Circular 37”). SAFE Circular 37
requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities as well as foreign individuals that are deemed as PRC residents
for foreign exchange administration purpose) to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect
offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any
offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.
Under
SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments
in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, will be required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition,
any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its filed registration with the local branch
of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change, including, among other things, any major change of a PRC resident shareholder,
name or term of operation of the SPV, or any increase or reduction of the SPV’s registered capital, share transfer or swap, merger
or division. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration
with the local branch of SAFE. If any PRC shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously
filed registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital
reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions
into its subsidiary in China. On February 13, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration
Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign
exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under
SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE or its branches. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications
and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.
We
cannot provide assurance that our shareholders that are PRC residents at all times comply with, or in the future make or obtain any applicable
registrations or approvals required by, SAFE Circular 37 or other related rules. Failure or inability of the combined company’s
PRC resident shareholders to comply with the registration procedures set forth in these regulations may subject the combined company
to fines and legal sanctions, restrict its cross-border investment activities, limit the ability of a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary
in China to distribute dividends and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation, and the combined company
may also be prohibited from injecting additional capital into the subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the various foreign exchange
registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for circumventing applicable foreign exchange restrictions.
As a result, the combined company’s business operations and the combined company’s ability to distribute profits to you could
be materially and adversely affected.
Furthermore,
as these foreign exchange regulations are still relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving,
it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted,
amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval
process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated borrowings,
which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company,
we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete
the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our
acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
54
We
may consummate a business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China, after which the PRC subsidiaries
of the combined company will be subject to restrictions on dividend payments.
We
may consummate a business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China. After such business combination,
the combined company may rely on dividends and other distributions from the PRC subsidiaries of the combined company to provide it with
cash flow and to meet its other obligations. These dividends or other distributions to be paid by the PRC subsidiaries arise from the
combined company’s entitlements to substantially all of the economic benefits of the PRC subsidiaries. Current regulations in China
would permit the combined company’s PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends only out of their accumulated distributable profits, if any,
determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the combined company’s PRC subsidiaries
in China will be required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits each year to fund their respective statutory reserves
(up to an aggregate amount equal to half of their respective registered capital). Such cash reserve may not be distributed as cash dividends.
In addition, if the combined company’s PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing
the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make payments to the combined company or its PRC subsidiaries, as applicable.
The
M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for certain acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign
investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue a business combination with a China-based business.
The
M&A Rules adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers
and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors
more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) be notified
in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. Moreover, the
Anti-Monopoly Law requires that the anti-monopoly enforcement agency of the State Council (currently the “Anti-Monopoly Bureau
of the State Administration for Market Regulation”) shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain
thresholds are triggered. In addition, the security review rules issued by MOFCOM that became effective in September 2011 specify that
mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions
through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns
are subject to strict review by MOFCOM, and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring
the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. On July 1, 2015, the National Security Law of China took effect,
which provided that China would establish rules and mechanisms to conduct national security review of foreign investments in China that
may impact national security. On March 15, 2019, the PRC National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law of China
(the “Foreign Investment Law”), which came into effect on January 1, 2020, reiterates that China will establish a security
review system for foreign investments. On December 19, 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission (the “NDRC”)
and MOFCOM jointly issued the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investments (the “New FISR Measures”), which was
made according to the National Security Law and the Foreign Investment Law and became effective on January 18, 2021. The New FISR Measures
further expand the scope of national security review on foreign investment compared to the existing rules, while leaving substantial
room for interpretation and speculation.
The
M&A Rules have also introduced aspects of economic and substantive analysis of the target business and the acquirer and the terms
of the transaction by MOFCOM and the other governing agencies through submissions of an appraisal report, an evaluation report and the
acquisition agreement, all of which form part of the application for approval, depending on the structure of the transaction. The regulations
also prohibit a transaction at an acquisition price obviously lower than the appraised value of the Chinese business or assets. The regulations
require that in certain transaction structures, the consideration must be paid within strict time periods, generally not in excess of
a year. In asset transactions there must be no harm of third parties and the public interest in the allocation of assets and liabilities
being assumed or acquired.
55
In
the future, we may pursue a business combination with a China-based business. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned
regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time-consuming. These regulations will limit our ability
to negotiate various terms of a possible business combination with a PRC target company, including aspects of the initial consideration,
contingent consideration, holdback provisions, indemnification provisions and provisions relating to the assumption and allocation of
assets and liabilities. Transaction structures involving trusts, nominees and similar entities are prohibited. Therefore, we may not
be able to negotiate a transaction with terms that will satisfy our investors and protect our shareholders’ interests in an acquisition
of a PRC target company. Furthermore, any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from MOFCOM, any other relevant PRC
governmental authorities or their respective local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which
could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
Enhanced
scrutiny over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions we may pursue
in the future.
The
PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer of certain taxable assets, including, in particular,
equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, by a non-resident enterprise by promulgating and implementing SAT Circular 59 and Circular
698, which became effective in January 2008, and Circular 7 in replacement of some of the existing rules in Circular 698, which became
effective in February 2015.
Under
Circular 698, where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the equity interests of a PRC
“resident enterprise” indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise,
being the transferor, may be subject to PRC corporate income tax if the indirect transfer is considered to be an abusive use of company
structure without reasonable commercial purposes. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC tax at
a rate of up to 10%. Circular 698 also provides that, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident
enterprise to its related parties at a price lower than the fair market value, the relevant tax authority has the power to make a reasonable
adjustment to the taxable income of the transaction.
In
February 2015, the SAT issued Circular 7 to replace the rules relating to indirect transfers in Circular 698. Circular 7 has introduced
a new tax regime that is significantly different from that under Circular 698. Circular 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only indirect
transfers set forth under Circular 698 but also transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets, through the offshore transfer
of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, Circular 7 provides clearer criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable
commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public
securities market. Circular 7 also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated
to pay for the transfer) of the taxable assets. Where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring
the taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise being
the transferor, or the transferee, or the PRC entity which directly owned the taxable assets may report to the relevant tax authority
such indirect transfer. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the
overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring
PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC corporate income tax, and the transferee or other
person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer
of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise.
The
PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Circular 698 and Circular 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital
gains based on the difference between the fair value of the taxable assets transferred and the cost of investment. Although we currently
have no plans to pursue any acquisitions in China or elsewhere in the world, we may pursue acquisitions in the future that may involve
complex corporate structures. If we are considered a non-resident enterprise under the PRC corporate income tax law and if the PRC tax
authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of the transactions under SAT Circular 59 or Circular 698 and Circular 7, our income
tax costs associated with such potential acquisitions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations.