10-K
1
form10-k.htm
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
Form
10-K
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from to
Commission
file number: 001-42479
HENNESSY
CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP. VII
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman
Islands
98-1813620
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification Number)
195
US Hwy 50, Suite 309
Zephyr Cove, NV
89448
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number: (775)-339-1671
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of Each Class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Class
A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share
HVII
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Rights,
each right entitling the holder to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of one Class A ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business
combination
HVIIR
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Units,
each consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one right
HVIIU
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐
No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company
or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller
reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated
filer
☐
Non-accelerated
filer
☒
Smaller
reporting company
☒
Emerging
growth company
☒
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☒ No ☐
The
registrant’s Units began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on January 17, 2025 and the registrant’s shares of Class A ordinary
shares began separate trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on February 6, 2025. The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares
of Class A ordinary shares outstanding, other than shares held by persons who may be deemed affiliates of the registrant, at February
6, 2025, computed by reference to the closing price for registrant’s common stock on such date, as reported on The Nasdaq Global
Market, was $188,445,800.
As
of March 28, 2025 there were 19,690,000 shares of Class A ordinary shares, and 6,333,333 shares of Class B ordinary shares issued and
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I
Item
1
Business
1
Item
1A.
Risk Factors
26
Item
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
71
Item
1C
Cybersecurity
71
Item
2.
Properties
72
Item
3.
Legal Proceedings
72
Item
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
72
PART II
Item
5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
72
Item
6.
[Reserved]
73
Item
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
74
Item
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
77
Item
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
77
Item
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
77
Item
9A.
Controls and Procedures
77
Item
9B.
Other Information
78
Item
9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
78
PART III
Item
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
79
Item
11.
Executive Compensation
85
Item
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
85
Item
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
87
Item
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
90
PART IV
Item
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
91
Item
16.
Form 10-K Summary
92
i
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”), including, without limitation, statements under the heading “ Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ,” includes forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). HVII’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding
HVII or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and any other statements
that are not statements of current or historical facts. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations
of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,”
“could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plans,”
“possible,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “should,” “will,”
or “would,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, but the absence of these words
does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
HVII
cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that its actual results of operations, financial
condition and liquidity and developments in the industry in which it operates, may differ materially from those made in or suggested
by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report, and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. In
addition, even if HVII’s results or operations, financial condition and liquidity and developments in the industry in which it
operates are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Report, those results or developments may not be indicative
of results or developments in subsequent periods. The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are based on HVII’s current
expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on HVII. There can be no assurance that future developments
affecting HVII will be those that it has anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some
of which are beyond HVII’s control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different
from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
These
risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the following risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors:
● HVII’s
ability to select an appropriate target business or businesses;
● HVII’s
ability to complete its initial business combination;
● HVII’s
expectations around the performance of a prospective target business or businesses;
● HVII’s
success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, its officers, key employees or
directors following its initial business combination;
● HVII’s
officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts
of interest with HVII’s business or in approving its initial business combination;
● HVII’s
potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete its initial business combination;
● HVII’s
pool of prospective target businesses, including the location and industry of such target
businesses;
● the
ability of HVII’s officers and directors to generate a number of potential business
combination opportunities;
● HVII’s
public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;
● the
lack of a market for HVII’s securities;
● the
availability to HVII of funds from interest income on the trust account balance;
● the
trust account not being subject to claims of third parties;
● HVII’s
financial performance; or
● the
other risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and
elsewhere in this Report and in HVII’s final prospectus filed in connection with its
initial public offering.
The
foregoing risks and uncertainties may not be exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any
of HVII’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking
statements. HVII undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
ii
FREQUENTLY
USED TERMS
Unless
otherwise stated in this Report, or the context otherwise requires, references to:
● “amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association” are to HVII’s amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association as in effect on the date of this Report;
● “Companies
Act” are to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands as the same may be
amended from time to time;
● “completion
window” is the period following the completion of HVII’s initial public offering
at the end of which, if it has not completed its initial business combination, HVII will
redeem 100% of the public shares at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate
amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest (net of permitted withdrawals
and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then
outstanding public shares, subject to applicable law and certain conditions. HVII will have
24 months from the closing of the initial public offering to consummate an initial business
combination. Public shareholders can vote at any time to amend HVII’s amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association to modify the amount of time HVII will have to complete
an initial business combination, in which case its public shareholders will be offered an
opportunity to redeem their public shares;
● “directors”
are to HVII’s directors;
● “equity-linked
securities” are to any debt or equity securities that are convertible, exercisable
or exchangeable for HVII’s Class A ordinary shares issued in a financing transaction
in connection with HVII’s initial business combination, including but not limited to
a private placement of such securities;
● “founder
shares” are to shares of HVII’s Class B ordinary shares and the shares of HVII’s
Class A ordinary shares issued upon the automatic conversion thereof at the time of its initial
business combination or at any time prior thereto at the option of the holder thereof as
described herein;
● “HVII”
“Hennessy VII,” or “company” are to Hennessy Capital Investment Corp.
VII, a Cayman Islands exempted company, limited by shares;
● “initial
shareholders” are to HVII’s sponsor and any other holders of its founder shares
(or their permitted transferees);
● “letter
agreement” refers to the letter agreement entered into by HVII and the initial shareholders
in connection with its initial public offering;
● “management”
or HVII’s “management team” are to its officers and directors;
● “ordinary
shares” are to HVII’s Class A ordinary shares and its Class B ordinary shares,
collectively;
● “permitted
withdrawals” means the aggregate amounts withdrawn to fund HVII’s working capital
requirements following HVII’s initial public offering related to HVII’s search
for an initial business combination, subject to an annual limit of 5.0% of the interest generated
on the amount held in the trust account, and to pay HVII’s taxes, other than excise
taxes, if any; all permitted withdrawals can only be made from interest and not from the
principal held in the trust account;
● “private
placement” are to a subscription of 690,000 private placement units at a price of $10.00
per private placement unit for a total purchase price of $6,900,000 by HVII’s sponsor
and the underwriters in a private placement that closed simultaneously with the closing of
HVII’s initial public offering; of those 690,000 private placement units, HVII’s
sponsor purchased 500,000 private placement units and the underwriters purchased 190,000
private placement units;
● “private
placement rights” are to the share rights included in the private placement units;
● “private
placement shares” are to the Class A ordinary shares included in the private placement
units;
● “private
placement units” are to the units, each unit consisting on one Class A ordinary share
and one right to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of a Class A ordinary share upon the consummation
of an initial business combination, at a price of $10.00 per unit, issued to HVII’s
sponsor and the underwriters of its initial public offering, in the private placement or
issued to HVII’s sponsor upon conversion of working capital loans;
● “public
shares” are to HVII’s Class A ordinary shares sold as part of the units in its
initial public offering (whether they were purchased in such offering or thereafter in the
open market);
● “public
shareholders” are to the holders of HVII’s public shares, including HVII’s
sponsor, officers and directors to the extent its sponsor, officers or directors purchase
public shares, provided that each of their status as a “public shareholder” shall
only exist with respect to such public shares;
● “share
rights” are to HVII’s rights sold as part of the units in its initial public
offering (whether they were purchased in HVII’s initial public offering or thereafter
in the open market) and the rights sold as part of the private placement units; and
● “sponsor”
are to HC VII Sponsor LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and an affiliate of Daniel
J. Hennessy, HVII’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas D. Hennessy, HVII’s President
and Chief Operating Officer.
iii
PART
I
Item
1. Business.
Overview
HVII
is a newly organized special purpose acquisition company (a “SPAC”) incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company on
September 27, 2024 for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar
business combination with one or more businesses, which is referred to throughout this Report as its initial business combination.
The
registration statement for HVII’s initial public offering became effective on January 16, 2025. On January 21, 2025, HVII consummated
its initial public offering of 19,000,000 units, which included 1.5 million units sold pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’
over-allotment option, generating gross proceeds of $190.0 million, and incurring offering costs of approximately $12.6 million, inclusive
of $7,600,000 in deferred underwriting commissions.
Substantially
concurrently with the closing of HVII’s initial public offering, HVII consummated the private placement of 690,000 private placement
units at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit to its sponsor and the underwriters, generating gross proceeds of $6,900,000. Of
the 690,000 private placement units, 500,000 private placement units were purchased by the sponsor and 190,000 private placement units
were purchased by the underwriters.
Upon
the closing of HVII’s initial public offering and the concurrent private placement, $190,000,000 ($10.00 per public share) of the
net proceeds of the initial public offering and certain of the proceeds of the private placement were placed in a trust account located
in the United States and invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market
funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act, which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury
obligations, and/or deposited in an interest-bearing demand deposit account at a U.S.-chartered commercial bank with consolidated assets
of $50 billion or more. Except with respect to permitted withdrawals, the proceeds from the initial public and the sale of the private
placement units will not be released from the trust account until the earliest of (i) the completion of HVII’s initial business
combination and (ii) the distribution of the funds in the trust account as described below.
On
January 30, 2025, HVII announced that, commencing February 6, 2025, holders of the units sold in its initial public offering may elect
to separately trade the Class A ordinary shares and the share rights included in the units. Those units not separated continued to trade
on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “HVIIU” and HVII’s Class A ordinary shares and the share rights that were
separated trade under the symbols “HVII” and “HVIIR,” respectively.
While
HVII may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, HVII intends to focus on industries
that complement its management team’s background, and to capitalize on the ability of its management team to identify and acquire
a business, focusing on the industrial technology and energy transition sectors. HVII is seeking to acquire one or more businesses with
an expected aggregate enterprise value of $500 million or greater.
HVII’s
Sponsor
HVII’s
sponsor is a Nevada limited liability company formed for the purpose of serving as HVII’s sponsor in connection with its search
for an initial business combination. The roles and responsibilities of HVII’s sponsor and its affiliates are to initiate HVII’s
formation through an initial public offering, to identify, acquire and operate one or more businesses, and to hold security interests
in HVII.
The
following entities and individuals have a direct or indirect material interest in the sponsor:
i. Hennessy
Capital Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“HCG”) has a direct
material interest in HVII’s sponsor as its sole managing member;
ii. Daniel
J. Hennessy has an indirect material interest in HVII’s sponsor as a managing member
and majority equity owner of HCG; and
iii. Thomas
D. Hennessy has an indirect material interest in HVII’s sponsor as a managing member
and minority equity owner of HCG.
Since
2014, HVII’s management team has announced, completed or otherwise served as an advisor to 13 different business combinations with
early- to late-stage industrial products and services companies, industrial technology and energy transition companies on six continents.
HVII’s management team is one of the most experienced SPAC sponsors and is a leader in the SPAC asset class. Below are experiences
HVII’s sponsor, its affiliates, and any of its promoters and HVII’s management have had in organizing SPACs and other SPACs
in which HVII’s sponsor, its affiliates and any of its promoters, and HVII’s management are involved, along with certain
other information:
● Hennessy
I (2014) : SPAC (Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. (“Hennessy I”)), Target
(Blue Bird Corp. (“Blue Bird”)). Hennessy I’s initial public offering closed
January 16, 2014, at approximately $115 million. There was no extension of the SPAC term
and there were approximately 64.8% redemptions in connection with the business combination.
Hennessy I’s business combination with School Bus Holdings, Inc. to form Blue Bird
closed on February 24, 2015. Shares of Blue Bird common stock trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market
under the symbol “BLBD”, and the price of the common stock has ranged from $7.14
to $59.40 following the consummation of the business combination, with a closing price of
$35.14 on February 28, 2025;
● Hennessy
II (2015) : SPAC (Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. II (“Hennessy II”)),
Target (Daseke, Inc. (“Daseke”)). Hennessy II’s initial public offering
closed July 22, 2015, at approximately $200 million. There was no extension of the SPAC term
and there were approximately 58.1% redemptions in connection with the business combination.
Hennessy II’s business combination with Daseke, Inc. closed on February 27, 2017. Shares
of Daseke common stock traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “DSKE”,
and the price of the common stock has ranged from $0.86 to $14.47 following the consummation
of the business combination. Daseke was acquired by TFI International (NYSE and TSX: TFII)
on April 3, 2024 for $8.30 per share;
1
● Hennessy
III (2017) : SPAC (Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. III (“Hennessy III”)),
Target (NRC Group Holdings Corp. (“NRC Group”)). Hennessy III’s initial
public offering closed June 22, 2017, at approximately $258 million. There was no extension
of the SPAC term and there were approximately 81.6% redemptions in connection with the business
combination. Hennessy III’s business combination with NRC Group closed on October 17,
2018. Prior to its acquisition by US Ecology, Inc., shares of NRC Group common stock traded
on the NYSE American under the symbol “NRCG”, and the price of the common stock
ranged from $6.65 to $13.00 following the consummation of the business combination. NRC Group
was acquired by US Ecology, Inc. on November 1, 2019, for $12.16 per share;
● Hennessy
IV (2019) : SPAC (Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV (“Hennessy IV”)),
Target (Canoo Inc. (“Canoo”)). Hennessy IV’s initial public offering closed
February 28, 2019, at approximately $303 million. The SPAC term was extended and there were
approximately 0.8% redemptions in connection with the extension and no redemptions in connection
with the business combination. Hennessy IV’s business combination with Canoo closed
on December 21, 2020. Shares of Canoo common stock traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under
the symbol “GOEV”, and the price of the common stock, after giving effect to
its reverse stock splits, ranged from $1.12 to $11,453.60 following the consummation of the
business combination, with a closing price of $1.35 on January 17, 2025, the date on which
Canoo filed for bankruptcy;
● Hennessy
V (2021) : SPAC (Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. V (“Hennessy V”)). Hennessy
V’s initial public offering closed September 28, 2021. Hennessy V was liquidated in
December 2022.
● two
(2021) (members of HVII’s management team acquired the SPAC sponsor) : SPAC (two
(“two”)), Target (Logistics Properties of the Americas (“Logistics”)).
Two’s initial public offering closed March 30, 2021, at approximately $200 million.
The SPAC term was extended twice and there were approximately 76.7% and 16.2% redemptions,
respectively, in connection with extensions and approximately 97.5% in connection with the
business combination. two’s business combination with Logistics closed on March 27,
2024. Shares of Logistics common stock trade on the NYSE American under the symbol “LPA”,
and the price of the common stock, after giving effect to its stock split, has ranged from
$5.59 to $525.00 following the consummation of the business combination, with a closing price
of $9.70 on February 28, 2025;
● PropTech
I (2019) : SPAC (PropTech Acquisition Corp (“PropTech I”)), Target (Porch
Group, Inc. (“Porch”)). PropTech I’s initial public offering closed November
21, 2019, at approximately $173 million. There was no extension of the SPAC term and there
were approximately 0.00002% redemptions in connection with the business combination. PropTech
I’s business combination with Porch closed on December 23, 2020. Shares of Porch common
stock trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “PRCH”, and the price
of the common stock has ranged from $0.50 to $27.50 following the consummation of the business
combination, with a closing price of $6.99 on February 28, 2025;
● PropTech
II (2020) : SPAC (PropTech Investment Corporation II (“PropTech II”)), Target
(Appreciate Holdings, Inc. (“Appreciate”)). PropTech II’s initial public
offering closed December 3, 2020, at approximately $230 million. There was no extension of
the SPAC term and there were approximately 56.8% redemptions in connection with the business
combination. PropTech II’s business combination with Appreciate closed on November
29, 2022. Shares of Appreciate common stock traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol
“SFRT” until November 30, 2023, and the price of the common stock ranged from
$0.0001 to $13.40 following the consummation of the business combination;
● 7GC
(2020) : SPAC (7GC & Co. Holdings Inc. (“7GC”)), Target (Banzai International,
Inc. (“Banzai”)). 7GC’s initial public offering closed December 22, 2020,
at approximately $230 million. The SPAC term was extended twice and there were approximately
77.9% and 34.4% redemptions, respectively, in connection with extensions and approximately
99.3% in connection with the business combination. 7GC’s business combination with
Banzai closed on December 14, 2023. Shares of Banzai common stock trade on the Nasdaq Stock
Market under the symbol “BNZI”, and the price of the common stock, after giving
effect to its stock split, has ranged from $0.73 to $828.50 following the consummation of
the business combination, with a closing price of $1.44 on February 28, 2025;
2
● Hennessy
VI (2021) : SPAC (Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VI (“Hennessy VI”)), Target
(Namib Minerals (“Namib”)). Hennessy VI’s initial public offering closed
September 28, 2021, at approximately $341 million. The SPAC term was extended three times
and there were approximately 24.3%, 79.6% and 37.8% redemptions, respectively, in connection
with extensions. Hennessy VI and Namib executed a business combination agreement on June
17, 2024, and it is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025;
● Compass
Digital (2021) (members of HVII’s management team acquired the SPAC sponsor) : SPAC
(Compass Digital Acquisition Corp. (“Compass Digital”)), Target (EEW Renewables
Ltd (“EEW”)). Compass Digital’s initial public offering closed October
14, 2021, at approximately $212 million. The SPAC term was extended twice and there were
approximately 76% and 52% redemptions, respectively, in connection with extensions. Compass
Digital and EEW executed a definitive merger agreement on September 6, 2024;
● Jaguar
Global (2022) : SPAC (Jaguar Global Growth Corporation I (“Jaguar Global”)),
Target (Captivision Inc. (“Captivision”)). Jaguar Global’s initial public
offering closed February 11, 2022, at approximately $235 million. The SPAC term was extended
and there were approximately 56% redemptions in connection with extensions and approximately
99.6% in connection with the business combination. Jaguar Global’s business combination
with Captivision closed on November 15, 2023. Shares of Captivision common stock trade on
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “CAPT”, and the price of the common
stock has ranged from $0.37 to $7.92 following the consummation of the business combination,
with a closing price of $0.56 on February 28, 2025;
● Twin
Ridge (2021) (members of HVII’s management team advised Twin Ridge and were equityholders
in the SPAC sponsor) : SPAC (Twin Ridge Capital Acquisition Corp. (“Twin Ridge”)),
Target (Carbon Revolution Public Limited Company (“Carbon Revolution”)). Twin
Ridge’s initial public offering closed March 3, 2021, at approximately $213 million.
The SPAC term was extended and there were approximately 70.6% redemptions in connection with
the extension and 99.7% redemptions in connection with the business combination. Twin Ridge’s
business combination with Carbon Revolution closed on November 3, 2023. Shares of Carbon
Revolution common stock trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “CREV”,
and the price of the common stock has ranged from $2.00 to $197.99 following the consummation
of the business combination, with a closing price of $3.16 on February 28, 2025; and
● Learn
CW (2021) (members of HVII’s management team advised Learn CW and were equityholders
in the SPAC sponsor) : SPAC (Learn CW Investment Corporation (“LCW”)), Target
(Innventure, Inc. (“Innventure”)). LCW’s initial public offering closed
October 7, 2021, at approximately $200 million. The SPAC term was extended and there were
approximately 59.4% redemptions in connection with extensions and approximately 89.0% in
connection with the business combination. LCW’s business combination with Innventure
closed on October 2, 2024. Shares of LCW common stock trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under
the symbol “INV”, and the price of the common stock has ranged from $6.57 to
$18.75 following the consummation of the business combination, with a closing price of $8.70
on February 28, 2025.
Competitive
Strengths
Experienced
SPAC Management Team with Business Combination Success
The
team is led by Daniel J. Hennessy, HVII’s Chairman and CEO, who is one of the longest-tenured and most experienced SPAC sponsor
executives. In September 2013, Mr. Hennessy became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hennessy Capital Acquisition
Corp., or Hennessy I, which merged with School Bus Holdings Inc., or SBH, in February 2015 and is now known as Blue Bird Corporation
(NASDAQ: BLBD), and previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Blue Bird Corporation from February 2015 to April 2019. From April
2015 to February 2017, Mr. Hennessy served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp.
II, or Hennessy II, which merged with Daseke in February 2017 and was subsequently acquired by TFI International (NYSE and TSX: TFII),
and previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Daseke from February 2017 to June 2021. From January 2017 to October 2018, Mr.
Hennessy served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. III, or Hennessy III, which
merged with NRC Group Holdings, LLC, a global provider of comprehensive environmental, compliance and waste management services in October
2018. In November 2019, NRC Group Holdings Corp. merged with U.S. Ecology, Inc. at an attractive premium to the then current stock price.
From March 2019 to December 2020, Mr. Hennessy served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV, or Hennessy
IV, which in August 2020 entered into a definitive agreement for an initial business combination with Canoo Holdings Ltd that closed
in December 2020 and is now known as Canoo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOEV). In October 2020, Mr. Hennessy founded Hennessy Capital Investment Corp.
V (NASDAQ: HCIC), or Hennessy V, a SPAC incorporated for similar purposes as HVII, with a particular focus on sustainable industrial
technology and infrastructure targets. In December 2021, Hennessy V liquidated. In January 2021, Mr. Hennessy founded Hennessy Capital
Investment Corp. VI (NASDAQ: HCVI), or Hennessy VI, a SPAC incorporated for similar purposes as HVII, with a particular focus on industrial
technology sectors. Hennessy VI announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement on June 17, 2024, with Namib Minerals, which
is an established African gold producer with an attractive portfolio of mines in Zimbabwe supported by high-grade, low-cost production,
extensive infrastructure and pro-mining government policy. Since September 2023, Mr. Hennessy has served as the Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Compass Digital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: CDAQ). Mr. Hennessy has also served as a director of Innventure, Inc. (NASDAQ:
INV) since October 2024.
3
In
addition, Thomas D. Hennessy, the son of Mr. Daniel J. Hennessy and HVII’s President and Chief Operating Officer and a director,
has previously, amongst other roles, as director and/or officer, successfully executed the following SPAC business combinations: (i)
two’s business combination with LatAm Logistic Properties, S.A. (NYSE: LPA) in March 2024; (ii) Jaguar Global Growth Corporation
I’s business combination with Captivision Inc. (Nasdaq: CAPT) in November 2023; and (iii) PropTech Acquisition Corporation’s
business combination with Porch Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRCH) in December 2020.
Furthermore,
Nicholas Geeza, HVII’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, currently serves as Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Hennessy VI. He has served since April 2023 as Head of Business Development of Hennessy Capital
Growth Strategies, an alternative investment company, since August 2023, as Chief Financial Officer of Compass Digital Acquisition Corp
(NASDAQ: CDAQ), a SPAC, and since April 2024, as Chief Financial Officer of Global Technology Acquisition Corp. I, a SPAC that liquidated
its trust account and delisted its securities from Nasdaq in October 2024.
HVII
believes potential sellers of target businesses will favorably view its management team’s credentialed experience of closing and
advising on the completion or announcement of 13 business combinations with vehicles similar to HVII in considering whether or not to
enter into a business combination with it. However, past performance by members of its management team is not a guarantee either (i)
of success with respect to any business combination HVII may consummate or (ii) that HVII will be able to identify a suitable candidate
for its initial business combination. Investors should not rely on the historical record of HVII’s management’s performance
as indicative of its future performance.
HVII
believes its management team is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing set of acquisition opportunities focused on industrial
technology solutions and energy transition opportunities in the United States and internationally, to create value for its shareholders
and that its contacts and relationships, including owners of private and public companies, private equity funds, investment bankers,
attorneys, accountants and business brokers, will allow it to generate attractive acquisition opportunities. The management team is led
by Daniel J. Hennessy, who has over 30 years of experience in the private equity investment business and over 10 years of experience
in the SPAC asset class.
Seasoned
Board of Directors with Relevant Industry Experience
HVII
has recruited and organized a group of seven highly accomplished and engaged directors who have public company governance, executive
leadership, operations oversight and capital markets expertise. The board members have served as directors, chief executive officers,
chief financial officers or in other executive and advisory capacities for numerous publicly-listed and privately-owned companies. The
directors have extensive experience with acquisitions, divestitures and corporate strategy and possess relevant domain expertise in the
sectors where HVII expects to source business combination targets including, but not limited to, industrial technology and energy transition.
HVII’s believes that these directors’ collective expertise, contacts and relationships make HVII a highly competitive and
desirable merger partner. The backgrounds of independent directors are highlighted below:
● Grant
R. Allen is one of HVII’s independent directors. Mr. Allen has served as a Venture
Partner of Giant Ventures since May 2024. Mr. Allen previously served as founding General
Partner from August 2019 to January 2024 at SE Ventures, a financially oriented, single LP
fund created in partnership with Schneider Electric. Prior to SE Ventures, Mr. Allen served
as global head of venture investing at Zurich-based ABB Ltd. where he was also a member of
ABB’s Technology Leadership Team and served on the Board of Directors of Enbala Power
Networks, acquired in 2020 by Generac, and Industrial Defender, acquired by Lockheed Martin
in 2014. Prior to joining ABB in 2010, Mr. Allen worked at Core Capital Partners, Microsoft
Corporation, Dean & Company and Bates White.
4
● Brian
Bonner is one of HVII’s independent directors. Mr. Bonner served on the Board of Directors
of Daseke from February 2015 to April 2024, including roles as Executive Chairman (August
2019 until August 2020), Independent Chairman of the Board of Directors of Daseke (August
2020 until June 2022), Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Daseke
(January 2020 until July 2022) and the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Board of
Directors of Daseke. Mr. Bonner’s 33-year career with Texas Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ:
TXN), a Fortune 500 publicly traded technology company that designs and manufactures semiconductors
and various integrated circuits, spanned several executive leadership positions, including
Vice President and Chief Information Officer from 2000 to 2014 and other leadership positions
in product profit and loss management, worldwide marketing and post-acquisition integration.
Mr. Bonner brings to HVII’s Board significant experience and insight in sales management;
human capital management, organization and compensation; corporate oversight and governance;
business performance; business scaling post-acquisition implementation/integration; information
technology management and development; and cybersecurity and information technology systems.
Mr. Bonner served as a member on the Board of Directors of Copper Mobile from 2012 to 2015
and as an advisory board member for Gemini Israel Funds from June 2004 to May 2015.
● Anna
Brunelle is one of HVII’s independent directors. Ms. Brunelle has served as Chief Financial
Officer of May Mobility, an autonomous driving company, since October 2023. Previously, Ms.
Brunelle served as Chief Financial Officer of Ouster Inc. from August 2020 to May 2023, which
completed a business combination with Colonnade Acquisition Corp., a SPAC, in March 2021,
and subsequently merged with Velodyne Lidar, Inc. (previously NASDAQ: VLDR) in February 2023.
HVII believes that having a member of the board of directors with experience as an executive
officer of a SPAC business combination target is unique and will make HVII an attractive
business combination partner to target businesses. Ms. Brunelle has over 20 years of experience
in finance, accounting, investor relations, corporate and business development, as well as
business operations and analytics. She previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Kinestral
Technologies from April 2018 through May 2020 and Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief
Operating Officer of Soylent from March 2016 through October 2017. She has also served as
Chief Financial Officer of GlobalLogic, Chief Financial Officer of Tivo, Inc., and Senior
Consultant for Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Ms. Brunelle currently serves as a director of
Compass Digital Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: CDAQ) and Bolt Threads, Inc. and previously served
as a director of Halio International from March 2019 through May 2020. During her tenure
in leadership positions, she has worked on successful IPOs of technology companies and completed
multiple private and public acquisitions and divestitures.
● Javier
Saade is one of HVII’s independent directors. Mr. Saade is Founder & Managing Partner
of Impact Master Holdings, Venture Partner at Fenway Summer and Operating Partner at Presidio
Investors. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of GP Funding, Inc. (private
equity-owned financial services company), Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Only
Agency (private equity-owned media & entertainment company), Member of the Board of Directors
of VCheck Global Holdings (private equity-owned tech services company), Member of the Board
of Trustees of Swedish Providence (a large health services enterprise), Member of the Board
of Advisors of Harvard University’s Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, Executive
Fellow at Harvard Business School, Lecturer at University of Washington’s Foster School
of Business, CNBC Contributor and host of “Top Of The Game”. In the recent past,
Javier served as Audit Committee Chair of the Board of Directors of SoftBank Vision Fund
Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: SVFA), Lead Independent Director and Nominations & Governance
Committee Chair of the Board of Directors of Porch Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRCH), Board Member
of Global Technology Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: GTAC), Board Member of two inc. (NYSE: TWOA),
now Logistics Properties of the Americas (NYSE: LPA), Member of the Boards of Trustees of
The Nature Conservancy and Pan American Development Foundation and Member of the Board of
Advisors of DocuSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: DOCU). In 2013, he was appointed by the White House to
serve as Associate Administrator, Chief of Investment & Innovation of the U.S. Small
Business Administration (SBA), concurrently served on the Committee for Small and Emerging
Companies at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), and subsequently served
on the Presidential Transition at the Department of Treasury and the White House’s
Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Prior to public service, he spent over
20 years in investing, entrepreneurial, operating and advisory roles at McKinsey & Company,
Booz Allen & Hamilton (NYSE: BAH), Bridgewater Associates, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:
ABT) and Air America, a company he co-founded. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School,
an MS in Operations & Technology from Illinois Institute of Technology and a BS in Industrial
Management from Purdue University.
5
● Poonam
Sharma is one of HVII’s independent directors. Ms. Sharma has served as an Investment
Committee Advisor of Healthy Home Innovation Fund since March 2024 and as an Independent
Director of Lumen Energy since January 2024. Ms. Sharma previously served as an Independent
Director of Fifth Wall Acquisition Corp. III from May 2021 to December 2023, which completed
its business combination with Mobile Infrastructure Corporation (NYSE American: BEEP). Ms.
Sharma is also a serial entrepreneur, real estate industry veteran and public speaker with
a passion for innovating around the built world. Most recently CEO of Raise, she aimed to
revolutionize childcare for the future of work. Previously, she founded StealthForce, (the
gig economy of real estate; a resource and project management platform for CRE), which was
exited in early 2019. Prior to StealthForce, she was Deputy to the Head of Global Real Estate
Asset Management at Partners Group AG ($40 billion AUM), and earlier employee 13 at The Gerson
Lehrman Group, which was the world’s first institutional expert network. Ms. Sharma
earned her Bachelor of Arts at Harvard and Master of Business Administration at Wharton,
and spent over a decade in real estate development and investment.
Directors
Mr. Allen, Mr. Bonner, Ms. Brunelle, Mr. Saade and Ms. Sharma received founders’ equity prior to the initial public offering of
HVII, in line with equity received by outside directors for similar entities. All of HVII’s directors and officers are individual
investors in HVII’s sponsor.
Capital
Markets Experience
The
HVII team believes it has substantial capital markets expertise, making HVII an attractive business combination partner to target businesses.
As examples of this, at the time of HVII’s initial public offering, the HVII team had completed SPAC business combinations with
a combined total enterprise value of $6.7 billion (at the time of the business combination), completed ten SPAC IPOs for a total of approximately
$2.4 billion and raised over $900 million of PIPE and backstop capital to support its business combinations with footprints across six
continents.
Established
Network of Third-Party Advisors
HVII
has utilized what its management team believes is an accomplished and proven network of third-party advisors and relationships to assist
with target company origination and evaluation, due diligence and implementation of value creation programs and activities following
its initial business combination. With respect to target identification, the HVII team has identified, in total, over 1,500 potential
targets since 2014 for prior Hennessy SPACs. HVII’s origination activities are a core competency that it believes allows it to
select value-maximizing opportunities for its shareholders, consistent with its investment strategy. Once a letter of intent is signed
with a target, HVII’s team of advisors and consultants is activated, and comprehensive due diligence activities are undertaken
and overseen by HVII, including a review of the target’s financial statements and model, IPO readiness, commercial and competitive
analysis, operations and performance improvement, strategic growth opportunities, as well as customary legal and accounting due diligence.
This network of advisors has supported HCG since inception in 2013 and is now highly familiar with the SPAC vehicle and HVII’s
comprehensive due diligence process. HVII believes that its network of established third-party advisors and relationships represents
an attractive and differentiated value proposition for investors, sellers, target companies and their management teams. The HVII management
team identified and evaluated over 390 potential acquisition target companies and completed meaningful reviews of 115 potential acquisition
targets.
Investment
Strategy
HVII’s
investment strategy is directed at industrial technology and energy transition targets of $500 million or greater in expected aggregate
enterprise value and is informed and validated by its research and analysis and complemented by what it believes are favorable market
conditions for the SPAC asset class.
6
HVII’s
Acquisition Criteria
HVII
has identified the following general criteria and guidelines that it believes are important in evaluating prospective target businesses.
HVII has used these criteria and guidelines in evaluating acquisition opportunities, but it may decide to enter into its initial business
combination with a target business that does not meet these criteria and guidelines.
● $500
Million+ Target Business Size. HVII will seek to acquire one or more businesses with
an expected aggregate enterprise value of $500 million or greater, determined at the sole
discretion of its officers and directors according to reasonably accepted valuation standards
and methodologies.
● Large
Addressable Market. HVII will target companies that operate in large addressable markets
within industrial technology and energy transition sectors. HVII believes its management
team and its board are skilled in analyzing and evaluating companies in these markets based
on their significant past SPAC execution, investing and operating experience.
● Scalable
and Sustainable Growth Platform. HVII intends to focus on segments and businesses within
its target sectors that are poised for scalable, sustainable growth due to shifting customer
preferences in favor of products and technologies that enable improvements in automation,
efficiency, safety and customer experience.
● Strong
Competitive Positioning and Differentiated Technology. HVII plans to focus on attractive
companies with distinct intellectual property and highly defensible, differentiated technology
aimed at solving critical challenges in their areas of focus. Companies with unique and disruptive
platforms and product offerings, including technology innovators, will be at the forefront
of HVII’s evaluation process. HVII’s management team and its board have extensive
operational, commercial and transactional experience with technology-driven companies in
its target sectors, and HVII intends to use these skills to identify market leaders and category
winners.
● Experienced
Management Team. HVII will seek to acquire one or more businesses with a complete, experienced
management team that provides a platform for HVII to further develop the acquired business’s
management capabilities. HVII will seek to partner with a potential target’s management
team and expects that the operating and financial abilities of its executive team and board
will complement management’s capabilities.
● Partnership
Approach. HVII will pursue a partnership approach to working with a management team that
shares its strategic vision and believes HVII can help them achieve the full potential of
their business. HVII’s management team and its board have a long history of founding
and scaling businesses, and HVII will use its collective experience to help guide management
teams of target businesses.
● Benefit
from Being a Public Company. HVII intends to acquire one or more businesses that will
benefit from being publicly traded and can effectively utilize the broader access to capital
and public profile that are associated with being a publicly traded company.
These
criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be
based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria that HVII’s management
may deem relevant. These criteria are substantially similar to the criteria set forth by Hennessy I, Hennessy II, Hennessy III, Hennessy
IV, Hennessy V and Hennessy VI for their respective initial business combinations. All of the previously completed Hennessy Capital business
combinations have met substantially all of the aforementioned criteria, with the exception of Hennessy I, which was targeting a smaller
business combination.
7
Initial
Business Combination
HVII
has up to 24 months from the closing of its initial public offering to consummate an initial business combination. HVII may hold a shareholder
vote at any time to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the amount of time it will have to
consummate an initial business combination (as well as to modify the substance or timing of its obligation to redeem 100% of its public
shares if it has not consummated an initial business combination within completion window or with respect to any other provisions relating
to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity), in which case its public shareholders will be offered an
opportunity to redeem their public shares. HVII’s sponsor, executive officers and directors have agreed that they will not propose
any such amendment unless HVII provides its public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares upon approval of any
such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest
earned on the funds held in the trust account (net of permitted withdrawals), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares,
subject to the limitations described herein.
If
HVII does not complete its initial business combination within the completion window, while it does not currently intend to seek shareholder
approval to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to extend the amount of time it will have to consummate
an initial business combination, it may elect to do so in the future. There is no limit on the number of extensions that HVII may seek.
If HVII determines not to extend, or fails to obtain shareholder approval to extend, the time period to consummate its initial business
combination, and the time to consummate its initial business combination expires, HVII’s sponsor’s investment in its founder
shares and its private placement units will be worthless.
If
HVII does not complete its initial business combination within the completion window and does not hold a shareholder vote to amend its
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to extend the amount of time it has to consummate an initial business combination,
HVII will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten
business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account (net of permitted withdrawals and up to $100,000
of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish
public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any) and (iii)
as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of HVII’s remaining shareholders and its
board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject, in each case, to HVII’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for
claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There is no limitation on HVII’s ability to raise funds privately
or through loans in connection with its initial business combination.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association requires the affirmative vote of a majority of its board of directors, which
must include a majority of its independent directors, to approve its initial business combination (or such other vote as the applicable
law or stock exchange rules then in effect may require).
HVII
does not believe it will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating its business. However,
if HVII’s estimates of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial
business combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, it may have insufficient funds available to operate its business
prior to its initial business combination. Moreover, HVII may need to obtain additional financing either to complete its initial business
combination or because it becomes obligated to redeem a significant number of its public shares upon completion of its initial business
combination, in which case it may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business combination. If HVII raises
additional funds through equity or convertible debt issuances, its public shareholders may suffer significant dilution, and these securities
could have rights that rank senior to its public shares. If HVII raises additional funds through the incurrence of indebtedness, such
indebtedness would have rights that are senior to its equity securities and could contain covenants that restrict its operations. Further,
as described above, due to the anti-dilution rights of HVII’s founder shares, its public shareholders may incur material dilution.
In addition, HVII intends to target businesses with enterprise values that are greater than it could acquire with the net proceeds of
its initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units, and, as a result, if the cash portion of the purchase price
exceeds the amount available from the trust account, net of amounts needed to satisfy redemptions by public shareholders, HVII may be
required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial business combination. HVII may also obtain financing prior to
the closing of its initial business combination to fund its working capital needs and transaction costs in connection with its search
for and completion of its initial business combination. There is no limitation on HVII’s ability to raise funds through the issuance
of equity or equity-linked securities or through loans, advances or other indebtedness in connection with its initial business combination,
including pursuant to any backstop or similar agreements it may enter into following the consummation of its initial public offering
or otherwise. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, HVII would only complete such financing simultaneously with the
completion of its business combination. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination because it does not have sufficient
funds available to it, it will be forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account. In addition, following HVII’s initial
business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, it may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet its obligations.
8
Nasdaq
rules require that HVII must complete one or more business combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the
value of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account)
at the time of its agreement to enter into its initial business combination. If HVII’s securities are no longer listed on Nasdaq,
it will not be obligated to satisfy such 80% test. HVII’s board of directors will make the determination as to the fair market
value of its initial business combination. If HVII’s board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market
value of the target business or businesses, HVII will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member
of FINRA or from an independent registered public accounting firm, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. While HVII considers
it unlikely that its board of directors will not be able to make an independent determination of the fair market value of its initial
business combination, it may be unable to do so if it is less familiar or experienced with the business of a particular target or if
there is a significant amount of uncertainty as to the value of a target’s assets or prospects. Additionally, pursuant to Nasdaq
rules, any initial business combination must be approved by a majority of HVII’s independent directors.
HVII
anticipates structuring its initial business combination either (i) in such a way so that the post-transaction company in which its public
shareholders own shares will own or acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses,
or (ii) in such a way that the post-transaction company owns or acquires less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business
in order to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons. However, HVII will only complete
an initial business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Even if the post-transaction
company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, HVII’s shareholders prior to its initial business
combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target
and HVII in its initial business combination transaction. For example, HVII could pursue a transaction in which it issues a substantial
number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock, shares or other equity interests of a target. In this case,
HVII would acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares,
HVII’s shareholders immediately prior to its initial business combination could own less than a majority of its outstanding shares
subsequent to its initial business combination. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses
are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will
be taken into account for purposes of Nasdaq’s 80% of net assets test. If the initial business combination involves more than one
target business, the 80% of net assets test will be based on the aggregate value of all of the transactions, and HVII will treat the
target businesses together as the initial business combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking shareholder approval, as
applicable.
HVII’s
Business Combination Process
In
evaluating prospective business combinations, HVII expects to conduct a thorough due diligence review process that encompasses, among
other things, a review of historical and projected financial and operating data, meetings with management and their advisors (if applicable),
on-site inspection of facilities and assets, discussion with customers and suppliers, legal reviews and other reviews as deemed appropriate.
HVII’s management and directors utilize their expertise in analyzing companies in industrial technology sectors in evaluating operating
projections, financial projections and determining the appropriate return expectations given the risk profile of the target business.
9
HVII
is not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with HVII’s sponsor, officers
or directors. In the event HVII seeks to complete its initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with its sponsor,
officers or directors, HVII or a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm
that is a member of FINRA or an independent accounting firm that the initial business combination is fair to HVII from a financial point
of view.
HVII’s
officers and directors currently own, either directly or indirectly, founder shares and private placement units. Because of this ownership,
HVII’s officers and directors may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate
business with which to effectuate the initial business combination. Further, each of HVII’s officers and directors may have a conflict
of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors
were to be included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to the initial business combination.
Each
of HVII’s officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary, contractual or other
obligations or duties to one or more other entities, including Hennessy VI, pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be
required to present a business combination opportunity. Accordingly, if any of HVII’s officers or directors becomes aware of a
business combination opportunity which is suitable for one or more entities to which he or she has fiduciary, contractual or other obligations
or duties, he or she may honor these obligations and duties to present such business combination opportunity to such entities first,
and only present it to HVII if such entities reject the opportunity and he or she determines to present the opportunity to HVII. These
conflicts may not be resolved in HVII’s favor and a potential target business may be presented to another entity prior to its presentation
to HVII. HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that HVII renounces its interest in any corporate
opportunity offered to any director or officer unless (i) such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of HVII, (ii) such opportunity is one HVII is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise
be reasonable for HVII to pursue and (iii) the director or officer is permitted to refer the opportunity to HVII without violating another
legal obligation. As a result, the fiduciary, contractual or other obligations or duties of HVII’s officers or directors could
materially affect HVII’s ability to complete its initial business combination.
HVII’s
sponsor, officers and directors may participate in the formation of, or become an officer or director of, any other SPAC prior to completion
of HVII’s initial business combination. As a result, HVII’s sponsor, officers or directors could have conflicts of interest
in determining whether to present business combination opportunities to HVII or to any other SPAC with which they may become involved.
For example, each of Mr. Daniel J. Hennessy and Mr. Geeza is currently an officer of Hennessy VI and owes fiduciary duties to Hennessy
VI, which may compete with HVII for acquisition opportunities. Although HVII has no formal policy in place for vetting potential conflicts
of interest, HVII’s board of directors will review any potential conflicts of interest on a case-by-case basis. In particular,
affiliates of HVII’s sponsor are currently sponsoring one other SPAC, Hennessy VI. Any such companies, including Hennessy VI, may
present additional conflicts of interest in pursuing an acquisition target. However, HVII does not believe that any potential conflicts
with Hennessy VI would materially affect HVII’s ability to complete its initial business combination, because HVII’s management
team has significant experience in identifying and executing multiple acquisition opportunities simultaneously, HVII is not limited by
industry or geography in terms of the acquisition opportunities it can pursue, and Hennessy VI has executed a merger agreement with Namib
Materials, even though HVII expects that Hennessy VI will have priority over HVII with respect to acquisition opportunities until it
completes an initial business combination.
Financial
Position
With
funds in HVII’s trust account available for a business combination initially in the amount of approximately $190,000,000, as of
January 21, 2025, (which amount includes the underwriters’ deferred underwriting discounts and commissions of $7,600,000), HVII
believes it offers a target business a variety of options such as creating a liquidity event for its owners, providing capital for the
potential growth and expansion of its operations or strengthening its balance sheet by reducing its debt ratio. Because HVII is able
to complete its initial business combination using its cash, debt or equity securities or a combination of the foregoing, HVII has the
flexibility to use the most efficient combination that will allow it to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target business to
fit its needs and desires. However, HVII has not taken any steps to secure third-party financing and there can be no assurance it will
be available to HVII.
10
Effecting
the Initial Business Combination
HVII
is not presently engaged in, and will not engage in, any operations until it consummates an initial business combination. HVII intends
to effectuate its initial business combination using cash from the proceeds of its initial public offering and the sale of the private
placement units, the proceeds of the sale of its securities in connection with its initial business combination (pursuant to any forward
purchase, backstop or similar agreements HVII may enter), if any, its equity, debt or a combination of these as the consideration to
be paid in its initial business combination. HVII may seek to complete its initial business combination with a company or business that
may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth, which would subject HVII to the numerous risks inherent
in such companies and businesses.
If
HVII’s initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt securities or not all of the funds released from the trust
account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with its initial business combination or used for redemption of its public
shares, HVII may apply the balance of the cash released to it from the trust account for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance
or expansion of operations of post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing
its initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other companies, or for working capital.
HVII
may seek to raise additional funds in connection with the completion of its initial business combination through a private offering of
equity securities or debt securities or loans, and HVII may effectuate its initial business combination using the proceeds of such offerings
or loans rather than using the amounts held in the trust account. In the case of an initial business combination funded with assets other
than the trust account assets, HVII’s tender offer documents or proxy materials disclosing the business combination would disclose
the terms of the financing and, only if required by applicable law, HVII would seek shareholder approval of such financing. There are
no prohibitions on HVII’s ability to raise funds privately or through loans in connection with its initial business combination.
At this time, HVII is not a party to any arrangement or understanding with any third party with respect to raising any additional funds
through the sale of securities or otherwise.
Although
HVII’s management will assess the risks inherent in a particular target business with which HVII may combine, HVII cannot assure
investors that this assessment will result in identifying all risks that a target business may encounter. Furthermore, some of those
risks may be outside of HVII’s control, meaning that HVII can do nothing to control or reduce the chances that those risks will
adversely impact a target business.
The
time required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete HVII’s initial business combination, and the
costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to
the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business with which HVII’s initial business combination is not ultimately
completed will result in HVII incurring losses and will reduce the funds HVII can use to complete another business combination.
Sourcing
of Target Businesses
HVII
may engage the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions, in which event HVII may
pay a finder’s fee, consulting fee, advisory fee or other compensation to be determined in an arm’s length negotiation based
on the terms of the transaction. HVII will engage a finder only to the extent its management determines that the use of a finder may
bring opportunities to HVII that may not otherwise be available or if finders approach HVII on an unsolicited basis with a potential
transaction that its management determines is in HVII’s best interest to pursue. Payment of finder’s fees is customarily
tied to the completion of a transaction, in which case any such fee will be paid out of the funds held in the trust account. In no event,
however, will HVII’s sponsor or any of its existing officers or directors or any entity with which HVII’s sponsor or officers
are affiliated, be paid any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee, monies in respect of any payment of a loan or other compensation
by the company prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the completion of HVII’s initial business
combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). None of HVII’s sponsor, executive officers or directors or any
of their respective affiliates, are allowed to receive any compensation, finder’s fees or consulting fees from a prospective business
combination target in connection with a contemplated initial business combination. HVII has agreed to pay an affiliate of its sponsor
a total of $15,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support and to reimburse its sponsor for
any out-of-pocket expenses related to identifying, investigating and completing an initial business combination. Some of HVII’s
officers and directors may enter into employment or consulting agreements with the post-transaction company following HVII’s initial
business combination. The presence or absence of any such fees or arrangements will not be used as a criterion in HVII’s selection
process of an initial business combination candidate. HVII pays Nicholas Geeza, its Chief Financial Officer, $10,000 per month for his
services until the earlier of the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination or its liquidation.
11
HVII
is not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with its sponsor, executive officers
or directors or making the acquisition through a joint venture or other form of shared ownership with its sponsor, executive officers
or directors. In the event HVII seeks to complete an initial business combination with a target that is affiliated with its sponsor,
executive officers or directors, HVII or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment
bank which is a member of FINRA or a qualified independent accounting firm that such an initial business combination is fair to HVII
from a financial point of view. HVII is not required to obtain such an opinion in any other context.
If
any of HVII’s executive officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity that falls within the line of
business of any entity to which he or she has pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she may be required to present
such business combination opportunity to such entity prior to presenting such business combination opportunity to HVII. All of HVII’s
executive officers and directors currently have certain relevant fiduciary duties or contractual obligations that may take priority over
their duties to HVII, subject to his or her fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association provide that to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: (i) no individual serving as a director or an
officer shall have any duty, except and to the extent expressly assumed by contract, to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly
in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as HVII; and (ii) HVII renounces any interest or expectancy in, or in
being offered an opportunity to participate in, any potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any director
or officer, on the one hand, and HVII, on the other.
HVII
anticipates that target business candidates will also be brought to its attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment
bankers, private investment funds and other intermediaries. Target businesses may be brought to HVII’s attention by such unaffiliated
sources as a result of being solicited by HVII through calls or mailings. These sources may also introduce HVII to target businesses
in which they think HVII may be interested on an unsolicited basis, since many of these sources will have read this Report and know what
types of businesses HVII is targeting. HVII’s officers and directors, as well as their affiliates, may also bring to HVII’s
attention target business candidates that they become aware of through their business contacts as a result of formal or informal inquiries
or discussions they may have, as well as attending trade shows or conventions. In addition, HVII expects to receive a number of proprietary
deal flow opportunities that would not otherwise necessarily be available to HVII as a result of the track record and business relationships
of its officers and directors.
Selection
of a Target Business and Structuring of HVII’s Initial Business Combination
Nasdaq
rules require that HVII must complete one or more business combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the
value of the trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account)
at the time of HVII’s agreement to enter into its initial business combination. If HVII’s securities are no longer listed
on Nasdaq, HVII will not be obligated to satisfy such 80% test. The fair market value of HVII’s initial business combination will
be determined by its board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as discounted
cash flow valuation, a valuation based on trading multiples of comparable public businesses, or a valuation based on the financial metrics
of M&A transactions of comparable businesses. If HVII’s board is not able to independently determine the fair market value
of the target business or businesses, HVII will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA
or from an independent public accounting firm, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. HVII does not currently intend to purchase
multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with its initial business combination, although there is no assurance that
will be the case. Subject to this requirement, HVII’s management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and
selecting one or more prospective target businesses, although HVII will not be permitted to effectuate its initial business combination
with another SPAC or a similar company with nominal operations.
12
In
any case, HVII will only complete an initial business combination in which it owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting
securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register
as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. If HVII owns or acquires less than 100% of the equity interests or assets
of a target business or businesses, the portion of such business or businesses that are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company
is what will be taken into account for purposes of Nasdaq’s 80% of net assets test. There is no basis for investors in HVII to
evaluate the possible merits or risks of any target business with which HVII may ultimately complete its initial business combination.
To
the extent HVII effects its initial business combination with a company or business that may be financially unstable or in its early
stages of development or growth, HVII may be affected by numerous risks inherent in such company or business. Although HVII’s management
will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, HVII cannot assure investors that it will properly ascertain
or assess all significant risk factors.
In
evaluating a prospective target business, HVII expects to conduct a thorough due diligence review which will encompass, among other things,
meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews, inspection of facilities, as well as a review of financial, operational,
legal and other information which will be made available to HVII.
The
time required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete HVII’s initial business combination, and the
costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to
the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business with which HVII’s initial business combination is not ultimately
completed will result in HVII incurring losses and will reduce the funds HVII can use to complete another business combination.
Lack
of Business Diversification
After
the completion of HVII’s initial business combination, the prospects for HVII’s success may depend entirely on the future
performance of a single business.
Unlike
other entities that have the resources to complete business combinations with multiple entities in one or several industries, it is probable
that HVII will not have the resources to diversify its operations and mitigate the risks of being in a single line of business. By completing
HVII’s initial business combination with only a single entity, HVII’s lack of diversification may:
● subject
HVII to negative economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may
have a substantial adverse impact on the particular industry in which HVII operates after
its initial business combination; and
● cause
HVII to depend on the marketing and sale of a single product or limited number of products
or services.
Limited
Ability to Evaluate the Target’s Management Team
Although
HVII intends to closely scrutinize the management of a prospective target business when evaluating the desirability of effecting its
initial business combination with that business, HVII’s assessment of the target business’s management may not prove to be
correct. In addition, the future management may not have the necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company.
Furthermore, the future role of members of HVII’s management team, if any, in the target business cannot presently be stated with
any certainty. While it is possible that one or more of HVII’s directors will remain associated in some capacity with HVII following
its initial business combination, it is highly unlikely that any of them will devote their full efforts to HVII’s affairs subsequent
to its initial business combination. Moreover, HVII cannot assure investors that members of its management team will have significant
experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.
13
HVII
cannot assure investors that any of its key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with the combined company.
The determination as to whether any of HVII’s key personnel will remain with the combined company will be made at the time of HVII’s
initial business combination.
Following
HVII’s initial business combination, it may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the incumbent management of the target
business. HVII cannot assure investors that it will have the ability to recruit additional managers, or that additional managers will
have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.
Shareholders
May Not Have the Ability to Approve HVII’s Initial Business Combination
HVII
may conduct redemptions without a shareholder vote pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC. However, HVII will seek shareholder
approval if it is required by applicable law or stock exchange rule, or it may decide to seek shareholder approval for business or other
reasons.
So
long as HVII maintains a listing for its securities on Nasdaq, shareholder approval would be required for HVII’s initial business
combination if, for example:
● HVII
issues Class A ordinary shares that will be equal to or in excess of 20% of the number of
its Class A ordinary shares then issued and outstanding (other than in a public offering);
● any
of HVII’s directors, officers or substantial shareholders (as defined by Nasdaq rules)
has a 5% or greater interest (or such persons collectively have a 10% or greater interest),
directly or indirectly, in the target business or assets to be acquired or otherwise and
the present or potential issuance of ordinary shares could result in an increase in issued
and outstanding ordinary shares or voting power of 5% or more; or
● the
issuance or potential issuance of ordinary shares will result in HVII undergoing a change
of control.
The
Companies Act and Cayman Islands law do not currently require, and HVII is not aware of any other applicable law that will require, shareholder
approval of its initial business combination.
The
decision as to whether HVII will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business combination in those instances in which shareholder
approval is not required by law will be made by HVII, solely in its discretion, and will be based on business and legal reasons, which
include a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
● the
timing of the transaction, including in the event HVII determines shareholder approval would
require additional time and there is either not enough time to seek shareholder approval
or doing so would place the company at a disadvantage in the transaction or result in other
additional burdens on the company;
● the
expected cost of holding a shareholder vote;
● the
risk that the shareholders would fail to approve the proposed business combination;
● other
time and budget constraints of the company; and
● additional
legal complexities of a proposed business combination that would be time-consuming and burdensome
to present to shareholders.
14
Permitted
Purchases of HVII’s Securities
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination and does not conduct redemptions in connection with its initial business
combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates may purchase
public shares or units in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of its
initial business combination. Such a purchase would include a contractual acknowledgment that such shareholder, although still the record
holder of HVII’s shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights.
In the event that HVII’s sponsor, directors, officers or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions
from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights or submitted a proxy to vote against HVII’s
initial business combination, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares and
any proxy to vote against HVII’s initial business combination. HVII does not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any,
would constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the
going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases
are subject to such rules, the purchasers will be required to comply with such rules. It is intended that, if Rule 10b-18 would apply
to purchases by HVII’s sponsor, directors, executive officers or any of their affiliates, then such purchases will comply with
Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, to the extent it applies, which provides a safe harbor for purchases made under certain conditions,
including with respect to timing, pricing and volume of purchases.
Additionally,
at any time at or prior to HVII’s initial business combination, subject to applicable securities laws (including with respect to
material nonpublic information), HVII’s sponsor, directors, executive officers or their affiliates may enter into transactions
with investors and others to provide them with incentives to acquire public shares, vote their public shares in favor of HVII’s
initial business combination, or not redeem their public shares. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage
in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the trust account
will be used to purchase public shares or share rights in such transactions. If they engage in such transactions, they will be restricted
from making any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or if such
purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. HVII has an insider trading policy which will require insiders to (1)
refrain from purchasing securities when they are in possession of any material non-public information and (2) to clear all trades with
HVII’s compliance personnel or legal counsel prior to execution. HVII cannot currently determine whether its insiders will make
such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, as it will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to, the timing
and size of such purchases. Depending on such circumstances, HVII’s insiders may either make such purchases pursuant to a Rule
10b5-1 plan or determine that such a plan is not necessary.
The
purpose of any such transactions could be to (i) increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination,
(ii) reduce the number of public share rights outstanding and/or increase the likelihood of approval on any matters submitted to the
public share right holders for approval in connection with HVII’s initial business combination or (iii) satisfy a closing condition
in an agreement with a target that requires HVII to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of HVII’s
initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. Any such purchases of HVII’s securities
may result in the completion of HVII’s initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.
In
addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of HVII’s securities may be reduced and the number of beneficial
holders of HVII’s securities may be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing or trading
of HVII’s securities on a national securities exchange.
HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates anticipate that they may identify the shareholders with whom HVII’s
sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates may pursue privately negotiated transactions by either the shareholders contacting HVII
directly or by HVII’s receipt of redemption requests submitted by shareholders (in the case of Class A ordinary shares) following
HVII’s mailing of tender offer or proxy materials in connection with HVII’s initial business combination. To the extent that
HVII’s sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates enter into a private transaction, they would identify and contact only
potential selling or redeeming shareholders who have expressed their election to redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the trust
account or vote against HVII’s initial business combination, whether or not such shareholder has already submitted a proxy with
respect to HVII’s initial business combination but only if such shares have not already been voted at the general meeting related
to HVII’s initial business combination. HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates will select
which shareholders to purchase shares from based on the negotiated price and number of shares and any other factors that they may deem
relevant and will be restricted from purchasing shares if such purchases do not comply with Regulation M under the Exchange Act and the
other federal securities laws.
15
HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates will be restricted from making purchases of shares if the purchases would
violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. HVII expects any such purchases would be reported by such person pursuant
to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. Additionally,
in the event HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates were to purchase public shares or share rights
from public shareholders, such purchases would be structured in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act
including, in pertinent part, through adherence to the following:
● HVII’s
registration statement/proxy statement filed for its business combination transaction would
disclose the possibility that HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective
affiliates may purchase shares or share rights from public shareholders outside the redemption
process, along with the purpose of such purchases;
● if
HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates were to purchase
public shares or share rights from public shareholders, they would do so at a price no higher
than the price offered through HVII’s redemption process;
● HVII’s
registration statement/proxy statement filed for its business combination transaction would
include a representation that any of HVII’s securities purchased by HVII’s management
team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates would not be voted in favor of approving
the business combination transaction;
● HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates would not possess any redemption
rights with respect to HVII’s securities or, if they do acquire and possess redemption
rights, they would waive such rights; and
● HVII
would disclose in a Form 8-K, before its security holder meeting to approve the business
combination transaction, the following material items:
○ the
amount of HVII’s securities purchased outside of the redemption offer by HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates, along with the purchase price;
○ the
purpose of the purchases by HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective
affiliates;
○ the
impact, if any, of the purchases by HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their
respective affiliates on the likelihood that the business combination transaction will be
approved;
○ the
identities of HVII’s security holders who sold to HVII’s management team, sponsor
or any of their respective affiliates (if not purchased on the open market) or the nature
of HVII’s security holders (e.g., 5% security holders) who sold to HVII’s management
team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates; and
○ the
number of HVII’s securities for which HVII has received redemption requests pursuant
to HVII’s redemption offer.
Please
see the section of this Report entitled “ Risk Factors — If HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination,
HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates may elect to purchase public shares or share rights from
public shareholders. This may influence a vote on a proposed initial business combination and reduce the public “float” of
HVII’s Class A ordinary shares. ”
16
Redemption
Rights for Public Shareholders Upon Completion of HVII’s Initial Business Combination
HVII
will provide its public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion of its
initial business combination at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account
as of two business days prior to the consummation of its initial business combination, including interest (net of permitted withdrawals),
divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein. The amount in the trust account
as of January 21, 2025 is approximately $10.00 per public share, net of accrued taxes. The per share amount HVII will distribute to investors
who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions HVII will pay to the underwriters. The
redemption right will include the requirement that any beneficial owner on whose behalf a redemption right is being exercised must identify
itself in order to validly redeem its shares. Each public shareholder may elect to redeem its public shares irrespective of whether they
vote for or against, or vote at all in connection with, the proposed transaction. There will be no redemption rights upon the completion
of HVII’s initial business combination with respect to share rights. HVII’s initial shareholders, officers and directors
have entered into a letter agreement with HVII, pursuant to which they agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to any founder
shares and any public shares held by them in connection with the completion of HVII’s initial business combination.
Manner
of Conducting Redemptions
HVII
will provide its public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Class A ordinary shares upon the completion
of its initial business combination either: (1) in connection with a general meeting called to approve the business combination; or (2)
by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether HVII will seek shareholder approval of a proposed business combination or conduct
a tender offer will be made by HVII, solely in its discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction
and whether the terms of the transaction would require HVII to seek shareholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing
requirements. Under Nasdaq rules, asset acquisitions and share purchases would not typically require shareholder approval while direct
mergers with HVII where it does not survive and any transactions where it issues more than 20% of its outstanding ordinary shares or
seeks to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association would require shareholder approval. If HVII structures
a business combination transaction with a target company in a manner that requires shareholder approval, it will not have discretion
as to whether to seek a shareholder vote to approve the proposed business combination. HVII currently intends to conduct redemptions
pursuant to a shareholder vote unless shareholder approval is not required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements and
it chooses to conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC for business or other reasons. So long as HVII maintains
a listing for its securities on Nasdaq, it is required to comply with such rules.
If
a shareholder vote is not required and HVII does not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other reasons, it will, pursuant
to its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association:
● conduct
the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate
issuer tender offers; and
● file
tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing its initial business combination
which contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business
combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange
Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies.
Upon
the public announcement of its initial business combination, HVII and its sponsor will terminate any plan established in accordance with
Rule 10b5-1 to purchase Class A ordinary shares in the open market if HVII elects to redeem its public shares through a tender offer,
to comply with Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act.
In
the event HVII conducts redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, its offer to redeem will remain open for at least 20 business
days, in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange Act, and it will not be permitted to complete its initial business combination
until the expiration of the tender offer period. In addition, the tender offer will be conditioned on public shareholders not tendering
more than the number of public shares HVII is permitted to redeem. If public shareholders tender more shares than HVII has offered to
purchase, it will withdraw the tender offer and not complete such initial business combination.
17
If,
however, shareholder approval of the transaction is required by applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements, or HVII decides
to obtain shareholder approval for business or other reasons, it will, pursuant to its amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association:
● conduct
the redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A of the
Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies, and not pursuant to the tender
offer rules; and
● file
proxy materials with the SEC.
HVII
expects that a final proxy statement would be mailed to public shareholders at least 20 days prior to the shareholder vote. However,
it expects that a draft proxy statement would be made available to such shareholders well in advance of such time, providing additional
notice of redemption if HVII conducts redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation. Although HVII is not required to do so, it
currently intends to comply with the substantive and procedural requirements of Regulation 14A in connection with any shareholder vote
even if it is not able to maintain its Nasdaq listing or Exchange Act registration.
In
the event that HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination, it will distribute proxy materials and, in connection
therewith, provide its public shareholders with the redemption rights described above upon completion of the initial business combination.
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval, unless otherwise required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rules, it will complete its
initial business combination only if it receives approval pursuant to an ordinary resolution under its amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association and under Cayman Islands law, which requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the shareholders
who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, voting together as a single class, and includes a unanimous written resolution.
In such case, its sponsor and each member of its management team have agreed to vote their founder shares and public shares purchased
during or after its initial public offering (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions) in favor of its initial
business combination (except that any public shares such parties may purchase in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under
the Exchange Act would not be voted in favor of approving the business combination transaction). For purposes of seeking approval of
an ordinary resolution, non-votes will have no effect on the approval of HVII’s initial business combination once a quorum is obtained.
As a result, in addition to its initial shareholders’ founder shares and private placement shares held by its sponsor, HVII would
need 7,495,834, or 39.5%, of the 19,000,000 public shares sold in its initial public offering to be voted in favor of an initial business
combination in order to have its initial business combination approved, assuming all outstanding shares are voted and the parties to
the letter agreement do not acquire any public shares. Assuming that only the holders of one-third of its issued and outstanding ordinary
shares, representing a quorum under its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association vote their shares at a general meeting
of the company, HVII will not need any public shares in addition to its founder shares to be voted in favor of an initial business combination
in order to approve an initial business combination. However, if its initial business combination is structured as a statutory merger
or consolidation with another company under Cayman Islands law, the approval of its initial business combination will require a special
resolution, which requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by such shareholders as, being entitled to do
so, vote in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at the applicable general meeting of the company, voting together as a single
class. In addition, prior to the closing of HVII’s initial business combination, only holders of its Class B ordinary shares (i)
will have the right to vote to appoint and remove directors prior to or in connection with the completion of its initial business combination
and (ii) will be entitled to vote on continuing HVII in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands (including any special resolution required
to adopt new constitutional documents as a result of its approving a transfer by way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman
Islands). These quorum and voting thresholds and the agreement of its initial shareholders may make it more likely that HVII will consummate
its initial business combination. Each public shareholder may elect to redeem their public shares irrespective of whether they vote for
or against the proposed transaction, or whether they do not vote or abstain from voting on the proposed transaction, or whether they
were a public shareholder on the record date for the general meeting held to approve the proposed transaction.
HVII’s
proposed initial business combination may impose a minimum cash requirement for: (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or its
owners; (ii) cash to be transferred to the target for working capital or other general corporate purposes; or (iii) the retention of
cash to satisfy other conditions in accordance with the terms of the proposed business combination. In the event the aggregate cash consideration
HVII would be required to pay for all Class A ordinary shares that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy
cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to HVII, it
will not complete the business combination or redeem any shares, and all Class A ordinary shares submitted for redemption will be returned
to the holders thereof.
18
Limitation
on Redemption Upon Completion of HVII’s Initial Business Combination if it Seeks Shareholder Approval
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination and it does not conduct redemptions in connection
with its initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is
acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), is restricted from seeking redemption
rights with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in HVII’s initial public offering (“Excess Shares”),
without its prior consent. HVII believes this restriction will discourage shareholders from accumulating large blocks of shares, and
subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption rights against a proposed business combination
as a means to force HVII or its affiliates to purchase their shares at a significant premium to then-current market price or on other
undesirable terms. Absent this provision, a public shareholder holding more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in its initial
public offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such holder’s shares are not purchased by HVII or its affiliates
at a premium to then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. By limiting its shareholders’ ability to redeem no more
than 15% of the shares sold in its initial public offering, HVII believes it will limit the ability of a small group of shareholders
to unreasonably attempt to block its ability to complete its initial business combination, particularly in connection with a business
combination with a target that requires as a closing condition that HVII have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. However,
HVII would not be restricting its shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against its
initial business combination.
Tendering
Share Certificates in Connection with a Tender Offer or Redemption Rights
HVII
may require its public shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares
in “street name,” to either tender their certificates to its transfer agent prior to the date set forth in the tender offer
documents or proxy materials mailed to such holders, or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the business
combination in the event HVII distributes proxy materials or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using The Depository
Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, rather than simply voting against the initial business combination
at the holder’s option. The tender offer or proxy materials, as applicable, that HVII will furnish to holders of its public shares
in connection with its initial business combination will indicate whether it is requiring public shareholders to satisfy such delivery
requirements, which will include the requirement that any beneficial owner on whose behalf a redemption right is being exercised must
identify itself in order to validly redeem its shares. Accordingly, a public shareholder would have from the time HVII sends out its
tender offer materials until the close of the tender offer period, or up to two business days prior to the vote on the business combination
if HVII distributes proxy materials, as applicable, to tender its shares if it wishes to seek to exercise its redemption rights. Pursuant
to the tender offer rules, the tender offer period will be not less than 20 business days and, in the case of a shareholder vote, a final
proxy statement would be mailed to public shareholders at least 20 days prior to the shareholder vote. However, HVII expects that a draft
proxy statement would be made available to such shareholders well in advance of such time, providing additional notice of redemption
if it conducts redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation. Given the relatively short exercise period, it is advisable for
shareholders to use electronic delivery of their public shares.
There
is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through
The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering
broker $80.00 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. However, this fee would be
incurred regardless of whether or not HVII requires holders seeking to exercise redemption rights to tender their shares. The need to
deliver shares is a requirement of exercising redemption rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated.
The
foregoing is different from the procedures used by many blank check companies. In order to perfect redemption rights in connection with
their business combinations, many blank check companies would distribute proxy materials for the shareholders’ vote on an initial
business combination, and a holder could simply vote against a proposed business combination and check a box on the proxy card indicating
such holder was seeking to exercise his or her redemption rights. After the business combination was approved, the company would contact
such shareholder to arrange for him or her to deliver his or her certificate to verify ownership. As a result, the shareholder then had
an “option window” after the completion of the business combination during which he or she could monitor the price of the
company’s ordinary shares in the market. If the price rose above the redemption price, he or she could sell his or her shares in
the open market before actually delivering his or her shares to the company for cancellation. As a result, the redemption rights, to
which shareholders were aware they needed to commit before the general meeting, would become “option” rights surviving past
the completion of the business combination until the redeeming holder delivered its certificate. The requirement for physical or electronic
delivery prior to the meeting ensures that a redeeming holder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the business combination
is approved.
19
Any
request to redeem such shares, once made, may be withdrawn at any time up to the date set forth in the tender offer materials or the
date of the general meeting set forth in HVII’s proxy materials, as applicable. Furthermore, if a holder of a public share delivered
its certificate in connection with an election of redemption rights and subsequently decides prior to the applicable date not to elect
to exercise such rights, such holder may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or electronically).
It is anticipated that the funds to be distributed to holders of public shares electing to redeem their shares will be distributed promptly
after the completion of HVII’s initial business combination.
If
HVII’s initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then its public shareholders who elected to exercise
their redemption rights would not be entitled to redeem their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the trust account. In such
case, HVII will promptly return any certificates delivered by public holders who elected to redeem their shares.
If
HVII’s initial proposed business combination is not completed, it may continue to try to complete a business combination with a
different target until the end of the completion window.
Redemption
of Public Shares and Liquidation if no Initial Business Combination
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that HVII will have only the time of the completion window to complete
its initial business combination. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination within such completion window, it will:
(i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business
days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the
trust account, including interest (net of permitted withdrawals and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided
by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders
(including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably
possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of HVII’s remaining shareholders and its board of directors, liquidate
and dissolve, subject in each case to HVII’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements
of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to share rights, which will expire
worthless if HVII fails to complete its initial business combination within the completion window.
HVII’s
initial shareholders, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with HVII, pursuant to which they have waived their
rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any founder shares held by them if HVII fails to complete
its initial business combination within the completion window. However, if HVII’s sponsor or any of its officers and directors
acquires public shares after HVII’s initial public offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust
account with respect to such public shares if HVII fails to complete its initial business combination within the completion window.
HVII’s
initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a letter agreement with HVII, that they will not propose any amendment
to HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (i) to modify the substance or timing of HVII’s obligation
to provide for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of its public
shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion window or (ii) with respect to any other provision
relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless HVII provides its public shareholders with
the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per share price, payable in cash, equal
to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest (net of permitted withdrawals), divided by the number
of then outstanding public shares.
20
HVII
expects that all costs and expenses associated with implementing its plan of dissolution, as well as payments to any creditors, will
be funded from amounts held outside the trust account, although there is no assurance that there will be sufficient funds for such purpose.
However, if those funds are not sufficient to cover the costs and expenses associated with implementing HVII’s plan of dissolution,
to the extent that there is any interest accrued in the trust account not required to pay income taxes, HVII may request the trustee
to release to it an additional amount of up to $100,000 of such accrued interest to pay those costs and expenses.
If
HVII were to expend all of the net proceeds of its initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units, other than the
proceeds deposited in the trust account, and without taking into account interest, if any, earned on the trust account and any tax payments
or expenses for the dissolution of the trust, the per share redemption amount received by shareholders upon HVII’s dissolution
would be approximately $10.00. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of HVII’s
creditors which would have higher priority than the claims of HVII’s public shareholders. There is no assurance that the actual
per share redemption amount received by shareholders will not be substantially less than $10.00. Please see the section of this Report
entitled “ Risk Factors — If third parties bring claims against HVII, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced
and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share ” and other risk factors described
below.
Although
HVII has sought and will continue to seek to have all vendors, service providers (other than its independent registered public accounting
firm), prospective target businesses or other entities with which HVII does business execute agreements with HVII waiving any right,
title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of HVII’s public shareholders,
there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreements that they would be prevented from
bringing claims against the trust account including but not limited to fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other
similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain an advantage with respect
to a claim against HVII’s assets, including the funds held in the trust account. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement
waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account, HVII’s management will perform an analysis of the alternatives available
to it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has not executed a waiver if management believes that such third
party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to HVII than any alternative. Examples of possible instances where HVII
may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party consultant whose particular expertise
or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver
or in cases where HVII is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver. In addition, there is no guarantee that such
entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or
agreements with HVII and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason. In order to protect the amounts held in the
trust account, HVII’s sponsor will agree that it will be liable to HVII if and to the extent any claims by a third party (other
than HVII’s independent registered public accounting firm) for services rendered or products sold to HVII, or a prospective target
business with which HVII has entered into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below (1) $10.00
per public share or (2) the actual amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account,
if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of permitted withdrawals, except as
to any claims by a third party that executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the trust account (whether any such
waiver is enforceable) and except as to any claims under HVII’s indemnity of the underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. HVII has not independently verified whether its sponsor
has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believes that its sponsor’s only assets are securities of HVII and,
therefore, HVII’s sponsor may not be able to satisfy these obligations. HVII has not asked its sponsor to reserve for such obligations.
Therefore, there is no assurance that HVII’s sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. As a result, if any such claims
were successfully made against the trust account, the funds available for redemptions could be reduced to less than $10.00 per public
share and the funds available for HVII’s initial business combination could be reduced as well. In such event, HVII may not be
able to complete its initial business combination, and investors would receive such lesser amount per share in connection with any redemption
of their public shares. None of HVII’s officers will indemnify HVII for claims by third parties including, without limitation,
claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.
21
In
the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below: (1) $10.00 per public share; or (1) the actual amount per public
share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions
in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of permitted withdrawals, and HVII’s sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy
its indemnification obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, HVII’s independent
directors would determine whether to take legal action against HVII’s sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While
HVII currently expects that its independent directors would take legal action on HVII’s behalf against its sponsor to enforce its
indemnification obligations to HVII, it is possible that HVII’s independent directors in exercising their business judgment may
choose not to do so in certain instances. For example, the cost of such legal action may be deemed by the independent directors to be
too high relative to the amount recoverable or the independent directors may determine that a favorable outcome is not likely. Accordingly,
there is no assurance that due to claims of creditors the actual value of the per share redemption price will not be substantially less
than $10.00 per public share. Please see the section of this Report entitled “ Risk Factors — If third parties bring claims
against HVII, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may
be less than $10.00 per share. ”
HVII
will seek to reduce the possibility that its sponsor will have to indemnify the trust account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring
to have all vendors, service providers (other than HVII’s independent registered public accounting firm), prospective target businesses
or other entities with which HVII does business execute agreements with HVII waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or to monies held in the trust account. HVII’s sponsor will also not be liable as to any claims under HVII’s indemnity
of the underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
In the event that HVII liquidates and it is subsequently determined that the reserve for claims and liabilities is insufficient, shareholders
who received funds from HVII’s trust account could be liable for claims made by creditors.
If
HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition or an involuntary bankruptcy or winding-up petition is filed against it that is not dismissed,
the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy or insolvency law, and may be included in HVII’s
bankruptcy or insolvency estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of HVII’s shareholders.
To the extent any bankruptcy or insolvency claims deplete the trust account, there is no assurance that HVII will be able to return $10.00
per share to its public shareholders. Additionally, if HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition or an involuntary bankruptcy or
winding-up petition is filed against it that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed under applicable
debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy and/or insolvency laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.”
As a result, a bankruptcy or insolvency court could seek to recover some or all amounts received by HVII’s shareholders. Furthermore,
HVII’s board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to HVII’s creditors and/or may have acted in
bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and HVII to claims of punitive damages, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior
to addressing the claims of creditors. There is no assurance that claims will not be brought against HVII for these reasons. Please see
the section of this Report entitled “ Risk Factors — If, after HVII distributes the proceeds in the trust account to its
public shareholders, HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition or an involuntary bankruptcy or winding-up petition is filed against
HVII that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy or insolvency court may seek to recover such proceeds, and HVII and its board may be exposed
to claims of punitive damages. ”
HVII’s
public shareholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) HVII’s completion
of an initial business combination, and then only in connection with those Class A ordinary shares that such shareholder properly elected
to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with
a shareholder vote to amend HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing
of HVII’s obligation to provide for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to
redeem 100% of its public shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion window or (B) with
respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity and (iii) the redemption
of HVII’s public shares if HVII is unable to complete an initial business combination within the completion window, subject to
applicable law and as further described herein. In no other circumstances will a shareholder have any right or interest of any kind to
or in the trust account. In the event HVII seeks shareholder approval in connection with its initial business combination, a shareholder’s
voting in connection with HVII’s initial business combination alone will not result in a shareholder’s redeeming its shares
to HVII for an applicable pro rata share of the trust account. Such shareholder must have also exercised its redemption rights described
above.
22
Amended
and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain certain requirements and restrictions relating to its initial public
offering that will apply to HVII until the consummation of its initial business combination. If HVII seeks to amend any provisions of
its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of HVII’s obligation to provide
for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of its public shares if
HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion window or (B) with respect to any other provision relating
to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, HVII will provide public shareholders with the opportunity
to redeem their public shares in connection with any such vote. HVII’s initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed
to waive any redemption rights with respect to any founder shares and any public shares held by them in connection with the completion
of HVII’s initial business combination. Specifically, HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
provide, among other things, that:
● prior
to the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination, HVII shall either: (1)
seek shareholder approval of its initial business combination at a general meeting called
for such purpose at which shareholders may seek to redeem their shares, regardless of whether
they vote for or against, or abstain from voting on, the proposed business combination, into
their pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit in the trust account as of two business
days prior to the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination, including interest
(net of permitted withdrawals); or (2) provide HVII’s public shareholders with the
opportunity to tender their shares to HVII by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid
the need for a shareholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate
amount on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation
of HVII’s initial business combination, including interest (net of permitted withdrawals),
in each case subject to the limitations described herein;
● HVII
will consummate its initial business combination only if it seeks shareholder approval, a
majority of the outstanding ordinary shares voted are voted in favor of the business combination
at a duly held shareholders meeting;
● if
HVII’s initial business combination is not consummated within the completion window,
then HVII’s existence will terminate and it will distribute all amounts in the trust
account; and
● prior
to HVII’s initial business combination, HVII may not issue additional ordinary shares
that would entitle the holders thereof to (1) receive funds from the trust account or (2)
vote on any initial business combination.
These
provisions cannot be amended without the approval of a special resolution, meaning the approval of holders of at least two-thirds of
HVII’s ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company. In the event HVII seeks shareholder approval in
connection with its initial business combination, HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that,
unless otherwise required by applicable law or stock exchange rules, HVII may consummate its initial business combination only if approved
by a majority of the ordinary shares voted by HVII’s shareholders at a duly held shareholders meeting.
Competition
In
identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for HVII’s initial business combination, HVII has encountered, and expects
to continue to encounter, intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to HVII’s, including private
investors (which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other SPACs, private equity groups and leveraged buyout funds, public
companies and operating businesses seeking strategic acquisitions. Many of these individuals and entities are well established and have
extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations or acquisitions directly or through affiliates. Moreover, many of
these competitors possess greater technical, financial, human, and other resources or more local industry knowledge than HVII does and
HVII’s financial resources are relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While HVII believes
there are numerous target businesses it could potentially acquire with the net proceeds of its initial public offering and the sale of
the private placement units, HVII’s ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are sizable
is limited by its available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition
of certain target businesses. Furthermore, HVII’s obligation to pay cash in connection with its public shareholders who exercise
their redemption rights may reduce the resources available to HVII for its initial business combination and its outstanding share rights,
and the future dilution they potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Any of these obligations
may place HVII at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating and completing an initial business combination.
23
Sponsor
Indemnity
HVII’s
sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to HVII if and to the extent any claims by a third party (other than HVII’s independent
registered public accounting firm) for services rendered or products sold to HVII, or a prospective target business with which HVII has
discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below: (1) $10.00 per public share;
or (2) the actual amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, if less than
$10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case, net of permitted withdrawals, except as to any claims
by a third party that executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the trust account (whether any such waiver is enforceable)
and except as to any claims under HVII’s indemnity of the underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. HVII has not independently verified whether its sponsor has sufficient funds
to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believes that the sponsor’s only assets are securities of HVII and, therefore, the sponsor
may not be able to satisfy those obligations. HVII has not asked its sponsor to reserve for such obligations. Therefore, HVII cannot
assure investors that the sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. HVII believes the likelihood of the sponsor having to indemnify
the trust account is limited because HVII will endeavor to have all vendors and prospective target businesses as well as other entities
execute agreements with HVII waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the trust account.
Employees
HVII
currently has three individual independent contractor service providers for its various officer positions and does not intend to have
any employees prior to the completion of its initial business combination. Members of HVII’s management team are not obligated
to devote any specific number of hours to HVII’s matters but they devote as much of their time as they deem necessary to HVII’s
affairs and intend to continue doing so until HVII has completed its initial business combination. The amount of time that any such person
devotes in any time period to HVII may vary based on whether a target business has been selected for HVII’s initial business combination
and the current stage of the business combination process.
Periodic
Reporting and Financial Information
HVII
will provide shareholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of the tender offer materials
or proxy solicitation materials sent to shareholders to assist them in assessing the target business. These financial statements may
be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, 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. These financial statement requirements may limit
the pool of potential target businesses HVII may acquire because some targets may be unable to provide such financial statements in time
for HVII to disclose such financial statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete its initial business combination within
the completion window. There is no assurance that any particular target business identified by HVII as a potential business combination
candidate will have financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP or that the potential target business will be able to prepare
its financial statements in accordance with the requirements outlined above. To the extent that these requirements cannot be met, HVII
may not be able to acquire the proposed target business. While this may limit the pool of potential business combination candidates,
HVII does not believe that this limitation will be material.
HVII
will be required to evaluate its internal control procedures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act. Only in the event HVII is deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer and no longer qualifies as an emerging
growth company, will HVII be required to have its internal control procedures audited. A target business may not be in compliance with
the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of their 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.
24
HVII
has filed a registration statement on Form 8-A with the SEC to voluntarily register its securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
As a result, HVII is subject to the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and has reporting obligations, including
the requirement that HVII file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange
Act, HVII’s annual reports will contain financial statements audited and reported on by its independent registered public accounting
firm. HVII has no current intention of filing a Form 15 to suspend its reporting or other obligations under the Exchange Act prior or
subsequent to the consummation of its initial business combination.
HVII
is a Cayman Islands exempted company. Exempted companies are Cayman Islands companies conducting business mainly outside the Cayman Islands
and, as such, are exempted from complying with certain provisions of the Companies Act. As an exempted company, HVII has applied for
and received a tax exemption undertaking from the Cayman Islands government that, in accordance with Section 6 of the Tax Concessions
Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, for a period of 30 years from the date of the undertaking, no law which is enacted in the Cayman
Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations will apply to HVII or its operations and, in addition,
that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax will
be payable (i) on or in respect of HVII’s shares, debentures or other obligations or (ii) by way of the withholding in whole or
in part of a payment of dividend or other distribution of income or capital by HVII to its shareholders or a payment of principal or
interest or other sums due under a debenture or other obligation of HVII.
HVII
is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such,
HVII is eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies
that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic
reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and
shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find HVII’s securities less attractive
as a result, there may be a less active trading market for HVII’s securities and the prices of HVII’s securities may be more
volatile.
In
addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended
transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other
words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise
apply to private companies. HVII intends to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.
HVII
will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary
of the completion of HVII’s initial public offering, (b) in which HVII has total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion
or (c) in which HVII is deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the aggregate worldwide market value of HVII’s Class
A ordinary shares that is held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700.0 million as of the end of the prior fiscal year’s second
fiscal quarter; and (2) the date on which HVII has issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior
three-year period.
Additionally,
HVII is 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.
HVII will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the aggregate worldwide market value
of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates equaled or exceeded $250.0 million as of the end of the prior June 30th,
and (2) HVII’s annual revenues equaled or exceeded $100.0 million during such completed fiscal year or the aggregate worldwide
market value of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates equaled or exceeded $700.0 million as of the prior June 30th.
25
Item
1A. Risk Factors.
An
investment in HVII’s securities involves a high degree of risk. Potential investors 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 HVII’s units.
If any of the following events occur, HVII’s business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.
In that event, the trading price of HVII’s securities could decline, and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
Such
risks include, but are not limited to:
● HVII
is a SPAC with no operational revenue or basis to evaluate its ability to select a suitable
business target.
● HVII
may not be able to select an appropriate target business or businesses and complete its initial
business combination in the prescribed time frame.
● Expectations
around the performance of a prospective target business or businesses may not be realized.
● HVII
may not be successful in retaining or recruiting required officers, key employees or directors
following its initial business combination.
● Officers
and directors may have difficulties allocating their time between HVII and other businesses
and may potentially have conflicts of interest with HVII’s business or in approving
its initial business combination.
● HVII
may not be able to obtain additional financing to complete its initial business combination
or reduce the number of shareholders requesting redemption.
● HVII
may issue its shares to investors in connection with its initial business combination at
a price that is less than the prevailing market price of its shares at that time.
● Investors
may not be given the opportunity to choose the initial business target or to vote on the
initial business combination.
● Trust
account funds may not be protected against third-party claims or bankruptcy.
● An
active market for HVII’s public securities may not develop, and investors will have
limited liquidity and trading.
● The
availability to HVII of funds from interest income on the trust account balance may be insufficient
to operate its business prior to the business combination.
● HVII’s
financial performance following a business combination with an entity may be negatively affected
by their lack of an established record of revenue, cash flows and experienced management.
● There
may be more competition to find an attractive target for an initial business combination,
which could increase the costs associated with completing HVII’s initial business combination
and may result in its inability to find a suitable target.
● Changes
in the market for directors and officers liability insurance could make it more difficult
and more expensive for HVII to negotiate and complete an initial business combination.
● HVII
may attempt to simultaneously complete business combinations with multiple prospective targets,
which may hinder its ability to complete its initial business combination and give rise to
increased costs and risks that could negatively impact its operations and profitability.
26
● HVII
may engage one or more of its underwriters or one of their respective affiliates to provide
additional services to HVII after the initial public offering, which may include acting as
a financial advisor in connection with an initial business combination or as placement agent
in connection with a related financing transaction.
● HVII
may attempt to complete its initial business combination with a private company about which
little information is available, which may result in a business combination with a company
that is not as profitable as suspected, if at all.
● Since
HVII’s initial shareholders will lose their entire investment in HVII if its initial
business combination is not completed (other than with respect to any public shares they
may acquire during or after the initial public offering), and because HVII’s sponsor,
officers and directors may profit substantially even under circumstances in which HVII’s
public shareholders would experience losses in connection with their investment, a conflict
of interest may arise in determining whether a particular business combination target is
appropriate for HVII’s initial business combination.
● Changes
in laws or regulations or how such laws or regulations are interpreted or applied, or a failure
to comply with any laws or regulations, may adversely affect HVII’s business, including
its ability to negotiate and complete its initial business combination, and results of operations.
● The
value of the founder shares following completion of HVII’s initial business combination
is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading
price of HVII’s ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than $10.00 per
share.
● Resources
could be wasted in researching acquisitions that are not completed, which could materially
adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business.
If HVII has not completed its initial business combination within the required time period,
HVII’s public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less
than such amount in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of HVII’s trust account
and HVII’s share rights will expire worthless.
● The
current economic conditions may lead to increased difficulty in completing HVII’s initial
business combination.
● Recent
volatility in capital markets may affect HVII’s ability to obtain financing for its
initial business combination through sales of its common shares or issuance of indebtedness.
● Military
conflict in Russia/Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere may lead to increased price volatility
for publicly traded securities, which could make it difficult for HVII to consummate its
initial business combination.
● Changes
in applicable laws, rules or regulations or how such laws, rules or regulations are interpreted
or applied, including the SEC’s new rules and interpretive guidance regarding SPAC
and SPAC transactions, or a failure to comply with any applicable laws, rules and regulations,
may adversely affect HVII’s business, including its ability to negotiate and complete,
and the costs associated with, its initial business combination and its results of operations.
Risks
Relating to HVII’s Search for, Consummation of, or Inability to Consummate, a Business Combination and Post-Business Combination
Risks
HVII’s
public shareholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on HVII’s proposed initial business combination, and even if a vote
is held, holders of HVII’s founder shares will participate in such vote, which means HVII may complete its initial business combination
even though a majority of HVII’s public shareholders do not support such a combination.
HVII
may choose not to hold a shareholder vote to approve its initial business combination unless the initial business combination would require
shareholder approval under applicable Cayman Islands law or stock exchange listing requirements or if HVII decides to hold a shareholder
vote for business or other legal reasons. Except as required by law, the decision as to whether HVII will seek shareholder approval of
a proposed initial business combination or will allow shareholders to sell their shares to HVII in a tender offer will be made by HVII,
solely in its discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors, such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the
transaction would otherwise require HVII to seek shareholder approval. Even if HVII seeks shareholder approval, the holders of HVII’s
founder shares will participate in the vote on such approval. Accordingly, HVII may consummate its initial business combination even
if holders of a majority of HVII’s outstanding public shares do not approve of the initial business combination HVII consummates.
Please see the section of this Report entitled “ Business — Shareholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve HVII’s
Initial Business Combination ” for additional information.
27
Changes
in the market for directors and officers liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive for HVII to negotiate and
complete an initial business combination.
The
market for directors and officers liability insurance for SPACs has changed in ways adverse to HVII and its management team. Fewer insurance
companies are offering quotes for directors and officers liability coverage, the premiums charged for such policies have generally increased,
and the terms of such policies have generally become less favorable. These trends may continue into the future.
The
increased cost and decreased availability of directors and officers liability insurance could make it more difficult and more expensive
for HVII to negotiate an initial business combination. In order to obtain directors and officers liability insurance or modify its coverage
as a result of becoming a public company, the post-business combination entity might need to incur greater expense, accept less favorable
terms, or both. However, any failure to obtain adequate directors and officers liability insurance could have an adverse impact on the
post-business combination’s ability to attract and retain qualified officers and directors.
In
addition, even after HVII were to complete an initial business combination, HVII’s directors and officers could still be subject
to potential liability from claims arising from conduct alleged to have occurred prior to the initial business combination. As a result,
in order to protect HVII’s directors and officers, the post-business combination entity may need to purchase additional insurance
with respect to any such claims (“run-off insurance”). The need for run-off insurance would be an added expense for the post-business
combination entity and could interfere with or frustrate HVII’s ability to consummate an initial business combination on terms
favorable to HVII’s investors.
HVII
may engage one or more of its underwriters or one of their respective affiliates to provide additional services to HVII, which may include
acting as M&A advisor in connection with an initial business combination or as placement agent in connection with a related financing
transaction. HVII’s underwriters are entitled to receive deferred underwriting commissions that will be released from the trust
account only upon a completion of an initial business combination. These financial incentives may cause them to have potential conflicts
of interest in rendering any such additional services to HVII, including, for example, in connection with the sourcing and consummation
of an initial business combination.
HVII
may engage one or more of its underwriters or one of their respective affiliates to provide additional services to HVII, including, for
example, identifying potential targets, providing M&A advisory services, acting as a placement agent in a private offering, or arranging
debt financing transactions. HVII may pay such underwriter or its affiliate fair and reasonable fees or other compensation that would
be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation. No agreement was entered into with any of the underwriters or their
respective affiliates and no fees or other compensation for such services was paid to any of the underwriters or their respective affiliates
prior to the date that was 60 days from the date of the IPO.
The
underwriters are also entitled to receive deferred underwriting commissions that are conditioned on the completion of an initial business
combination. The underwriters’ or their respective affiliates’ financial interests tied to the consummation of a business
combination transaction may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in providing any such additional services to HVII, including
potential conflicts of interest in connection with the sourcing and consummation of an initial business combination. The underwriters
are under no obligation to provide any further services to HVII in order to receive all or any part of the deferred underwriting commissions.
28
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination, HVII’s initial shareholders have agreed to vote in favor of
such initial business combination, regardless of how HVII’s public shareholders vote.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that, if HVII seeks shareholder approval, HVII will complete its
initial business combination only if HVII receives approval pursuant to an ordinary resolution under HVII’s amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association and under Cayman Islands law, which requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the
shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, voting together as a single class and includes a unanimous written
resolution. Pursuant to the letter agreement, HVII’s initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed to vote their founder
shares as well as any public shares purchased during or after HVII’s initial public offering (including in open market and privately
negotiated transactions), in favor of HVII’s initial business combination (except that any public shares such parties may purchase
in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act would not be voted in favor of approving the business combination
transaction). As a result, in addition to HVII’s initial shareholders’ founder shares and private placement shares held by
HVII’s sponsor, HVII would need only 7,495,834, or 39.5%, of the 19,000,000 public shares sold in its initial public offering to
be voted in favor of an initial business combination (assuming all outstanding shares are voted, and the parties to the letter agreement
do not acquire any Class A ordinary shares) in order to have HVII’s initial business combination approved. HVII’s initial
shareholders own shares representing approximately 24% of HVII’s outstanding ordinary shares (excluding the private placement shares).
Assuming that only the holders of one-third of HVII’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares, representing a quorum under HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, vote their shares at a general meeting of the company, HVII will not need
any public shares in addition to HVII’s founder shares to be voted in favor of an initial business combination in order to approve
an initial business combination. Accordingly, if HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination, the agreement by
HVII’s initial shareholders to vote in favor of HVII’s initial business combination will increase the likelihood that HVII
will receive the requisite shareholder approval for such initial business combination.
Investors’
only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination will be limited to the exercise of their
right to redeem their shares from HVII for cash, unless HVII seeks shareholder approval of the initial business combination.
At
the time of an investment in HVII, investors will not be provided with an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of HVII’s
initial business combination. Since HVII’s board of directors may complete an initial business combination without seeking shareholder
approval, public shareholders may not have the right or opportunity to vote on the initial business combination, unless HVII seeks such
shareholder vote. Accordingly, if HVII does not seek shareholder approval, investors’ only opportunity to affect the investment
decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to exercising their redemption rights within the period of time (which
will be at least 20 business days) set forth in HVII’s tender offer documents mailed to HVII’s public shareholders in which
HVII describes its initial business combination. The amount of the deferred underwriting commissions payable to the underwriters will
not be adjusted for any shares that are redeemed in connection with an initial business combination. The per-share amount HVII will distribute
to shareholders who properly exercise their redemption rights will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commission and after such
redemptions, the per-share value of shares held by non-redeeming shareholders will reflect HVII’s obligation to pay the deferred
underwriting commissions.
The
ability of HVII’s public shareholders to redeem their shares for cash may make its financial condition unattractive to potential
business combination targets, which may make it difficult for HVII to enter into a business combination with a target.
HVII
may seek to enter into a business combination transaction agreement with a minimum cash requirement for (i) cash consideration to be
paid to the target or its owners, (ii) cash for working capital or other general corporate purposes or (iii) the retention of cash to
satisfy other conditions. If too many public shareholders exercise their redemption rights, HVII would 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 not allow HVII to satisfy a closing condition as described above, it would not proceed with such redemption
and the related business combination and may instead search for an alternate business combination. Prospective targets will be aware
of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into a business combination transaction with HVII.
29
The
ability of HVII’s public shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of its shares could increase
the probability that its initial business combination would be unsuccessful and that shareholders would have to wait for liquidation
in order to redeem their ordinary shares.
If
HVII’s initial business combination agreement requires it to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase
price, or requires it to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that its initial business combination would be unsuccessful
is increased. If HVII’s initial business combination is unsuccessful, shareholders would not receive their pro rata portion of
the funds in the trust account until HVII liquidates the trust account. If shareholders are in need of immediate liquidity, they could
attempt to sell their shares in the open market; however, at such time HVII’s shares may trade at a discount to the pro rata amount
per share in the trust account. In either situation, shareholders may suffer a material loss on their investment or lose the benefit
of funds expected in connection with their exercise of redemption rights until HVII liquidates or they are able to sell their shares
in the open market.
The
ability of HVII’s public shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of its shares may not allow
HVII to complete the most desirable business combination or optimize its capital structure.
At
the time HVII enters into an agreement for its initial business combination, it will not know how many shareholders may exercise their
redemption rights, and therefore will need to structure the transaction based on its expectations as to the number of shares that will
be submitted for redemption. If HVII’s initial business combination agreement requires it to use a portion of the cash in the trust
account to pay the purchase price, or requires it to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, HVII will need to reserve a portion of
the cash in the trust account to meet such requirements, or arrange for third-party financing. In addition, if a larger number of shares
are submitted for redemption than HVII initially expected, it may need to restructure the transaction to reserve a greater portion of
the cash in the trust account or arrange for third-party financing. Raising additional third-party financing may involve dilutive equity
issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. Furthermore, this dilution would increase to the extent
that the anti-dilution provision of the Class B ordinary shares results in the issuance of Class A shares on a greater than one-to-one
basis upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares at the time of HVII’s business combination. In addition, the underwriters have agreed to defer underwriting commissions equal to up to 4.0% of the gross proceeds
of HVII’s initial public offering, payable to the underwriters upon consummation of HVII’s initial business combination. Upon the consummation
of HVII’s initial business combination, up to 4.0% of the deferred underwriting commissions, which will be reduced based on the percentage
of total funds from the trust account released to pay redeeming public shareholders. Even though the deferred underwriting commissions
are reduced in proportion to the amount of redemptions by HVII’s public shareholders, if HVII’s public shareholders exercise redemption
rights with respect to a large number of shares, there may not be sufficient cash in the trust account to meet a minimum cash condition
at closing of HVII’s initial business combination and require additional third-party financing, which may result in dilutive equity issuances
or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. There are no redemption rights with respect
to the share rights. The above considerations may limit HVII’s ability to complete the most desirable business combination available
to it or optimize its capital structure.
The
requirement that HVII complete its initial business combination within the prescribed time frame may give potential target businesses
leverage over HVII in negotiating an initial business combination and may decrease its ability to conduct due diligence on potential
business combination targets as it approaches its dissolution deadline, which could undermine its ability to complete its initial business
combination on terms that would produce value for its shareholders.
Any
potential target business with which HVII enters into negotiations concerning an initial business combination will be aware that HVII
must complete its initial business combination within the completion window. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over
HVII in negotiating an initial business combination, knowing that if HVII does not complete its initial business combination with that
particular target business, HVII may be unable to complete its initial business combination with any target business. This risk will
increase as HVII gets closer to the timeframe described above. In addition, HVII may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may
enter into its initial business combination on terms that it would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.
30
HVII
may not be able to complete its initial business combination within the completion window, in which case it would cease all operations
except for the purpose of winding up and it would redeem its public shares and liquidate, in which case its public shareholders may only
receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and its share rights will expire worthless.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that it must complete its initial business combination within the
completion window. HVII may not be able to find a suitable target business and complete its initial business combination within such
time period. An increasing number of SPACs have liquidated in 2022 through 2024 due to an inability to complete an initial business combination
within the allotted completion window. Furthermore, HVII’s ability to complete its initial business combination may be negatively
impacted by general market conditions, volatility in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein, including the
impact of events such as the war between Russia and Ukraine and the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
If
HVII has not completed its initial business combination within such time period, it will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose
of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a
per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account including interest earned on the
funds held in the trust account and not previously released to HVII for permitted withdrawals, divided by the number of then outstanding
public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to
receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following
such redemption, subject to the approval of HVII’s remaining shareholders and its board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject
in each case to HVII’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable
law. In such case, HVII’s public shareholders may only receive $10.00 per share, and its share rights will expire worthless.
HVII
may decide not to extend the term it has to consummate its initial business combination, in which case it would redeem its public shares,
and the share rights will be worthless.
HVII
has until the date that is 24 months from the closing of its initial public offering, or until such earlier liquidation date as its board
of directors may approve, to consummate its initial business combination.
If
HVII does not consummate an initial business combination by such deadline, it may decide not to seek to extend the date by which it must
consummate its initial business combination. If HVII does not seek to extend the date by which it must consummate its initial business
combination, and it is unable to consummate its initial business combination within the applicable time period, it will, as promptly
as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held
in the trust account, subject to its obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of
other applicable law. In such event, the share rights will be worthless.
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination, HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective
affiliates may elect to purchase public shares or share rights from public shareholders. This may influence a vote on a proposed initial
business combination and reduce the public “float” of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares.
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination and does not conduct redemptions in connection with its initial business
combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates may purchase
public shares or share rights in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion
of HVII’s initial business combination, although they are under no obligation or duty to do so. Any such price per share may be
different than the amount per share a public shareholder would receive if it elected to redeem its shares in connection with HVII’s
initial business combination. Such a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgment that such shareholder, although still the record
holder of HVII’s shares, is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights.
In the event that HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated
transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be
required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. It is intended that, if Rule 10b-18 would apply to purchases by HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates, then such purchases will comply with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act,
to the extent it applies, which provides a safe harbor for purchases made under certain conditions, including with respect to timing,
pricing and volume of purchases.
Additionally,
at any time at or prior to HVII’s initial business combination, subject to applicable securities laws (including with respect to
material nonpublic information), HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates may enter into transactions
with investors and others to provide them with incentives to acquire public shares, vote their public shares in favor of HVII’s
initial business combination, or not redeem their public shares. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage
in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the trust account
will be used to purchase public shares, rights or share rights in such transactions.
31
The
purpose of any such transactions could be to: (i) increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination,
(ii) reduce the number of public share rights outstanding and/or increase the likelihood of approval on any matters submitted to the
public share right holders for approval in connection with HVII’s initial business combination or (iii) satisfy a closing condition
in an agreement with a target that requires HVII to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of HVII’s
initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. Any such purchases of HVII’s securities
may result in the completion of HVII’s initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.
In
addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of HVII’s securities may be reduced and the number of beneficial
holders of HVII’s securities may be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing, or trading
of HVII’s securities on a national securities exchange. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section
16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. Additionally, in the event HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates were to purchase public shares or share rights from public shareholders,
such purchases would be structured in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act including, in pertinent part,
through adherence to the following:
● HVII’s
registration statement/proxy statement filed for HVII’s business combination transaction
would disclose the possibility that HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their
respective affiliates may purchase public shares or share rights from public shareholders
outside the redemption process, along with the purpose of such purchases;
● if
HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates were to purchase
public shares or share rights from public shareholders, they would do so at a price no higher
than the price offered through HVII’s redemption process;
● HVII’s
registration statement/proxy statement filed for HVII’s business combination transaction
would include a representation that any of HVII’s securities purchased by HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates would not be voted in favor
of approving the business combination transaction;
● HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates would not possess any redemption
rights with respect to HVII’s securities or, if they do acquire and possess redemption
rights, they would waive such rights; and
● HVII
would disclose in a Form 8-K, before HVII’s security holder meeting to approve the
business combination transaction, the following material items:
○ the
amount of HVII’s securities purchased outside of the redemption offer by HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates, along with the purchase price;
○ the
purpose of the purchases by HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their respective
affiliates;
○ the
impact, if any, of the purchases by HVII’s management team, sponsor or any of their
respective affiliates on the likelihood that the business combination transaction will be
approved;
○ the
identities of HVII’s security holders who sold to HVII’s sponsor, directors,
executive officers or any of their affiliates (if not purchased on the open market) or the
nature of HVII’s security holders (e.g., 5% security holders) who sold to HVII’s
management team, sponsor or any of their respective affiliates; and
○ the
number of HVII’s securities for which HVII has received redemption requests pursuant
to HVII’s redemption offer.
32
Please
the section of this Report entitled “ Business — Permitted Purchases of HVII’s Securities ” for a description
of how such persons will determine from which shareholders to seek to acquire securities.
HVII
may not be able to complete an initial business combination since such initial business combination may be subject to regulatory review
and approval requirements, including foreign investment regulations and review by government entities such as the Committee on Foreign
Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”), or may be ultimately prohibited.
HVII’s
initial business combination may be subject to regulatory review and approval requirements by governmental entities, or ultimately prohibited.
For example, CFIUS has authority to review direct or indirect foreign investments in U.S. companies. Among other things, CFIUS is empowered
to require certain foreign investors to make mandatory filings, to charge filing fees related to such filings and to self-initiate national
security reviews of foreign direct and indirect investments in U.S. companies if the parties to that investment choose not to file voluntarily.
In the case that CFIUS determines an investment to be a threat to national security, CFIUS has the power to unwind or place restrictions
on the investment. Whether CFIUS has jurisdiction to review an acquisition or investment transaction depends on — among other factors
— the nature and structure of the transaction, including the level of beneficial ownership interest and the nature of any information
or governance rights involved. While HVII’s sponsor is a limited liability company formed in Nevada and is not, is not controlled
by, and does not have any substantial ties with or any members who are, a non-U.S. person, investments that result in “control”
of a U.S. business by a foreign person always are subject to CFIUS jurisdiction. CFIUS’s expanded jurisdiction under the Foreign
Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 and implementing regulations that became effective on February 13, 2020, further includes
investments that do not result in control of a U.S. business by a foreign person but afford certain foreign investors certain information
or governance rights in a U.S. business that has a nexus to “critical technologies,” “critical infrastructure,”
and/or “sensitive personal data.”
If
a particular proposed initial business combination with a U.S. business falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, HVII may determine that
it is required to make a mandatory filing or that it will submit to CFIUS review on a voluntary basis, or to proceed with the transaction
without submitting to CFIUS and risk CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the transaction. CFIUS may decide to block or delay
HVII’s proposed initial business combination, impose conditions with respect to such initial business combination, or request the
President of the United States to order HVII to divest all or a portion of the U.S. target business of HVII’s initial business
combination that HVII acquired without first obtaining CFIUS approval, which may limit the attractiveness of, delay or prevent HVII from
pursuing certain target companies that HVII believes would otherwise be beneficial to HVII and its shareholders. As a result, the pool
of potential targets with which HVII could complete an initial business combination may be limited and HVII may be adversely affected
in terms of competing with other SPACs which do not have similar foreign ownership issues. In addition, certain federally licensed businesses
may be subject to rules or regulations that limit foreign ownership.
In
addition, outside the United States, laws or regulations may affect HVII’s ability to consummate its initial business combination
with potential target companies incorporated or having business operations in jurisdictions where national security considerations, involvement
in regulated industries (including telecommunications) or in businesses relating to a country’s culture or heritage may be implicated.
The
process of government review, whether by CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy. Because HVII has only a limited time to complete its initial
business combination, HVII’s failure to obtain any required approvals within the requisite time period may require HVII to liquidate.
If HVII is unable to consummate its initial business combination within the applicable time period required under its amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association, including as a result of extended regulatory review of a potential initial business combination,
HVII will, as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares for a pro rata
portion of the funds held in the trust account and as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval
of HVII’s remaining shareholders and HVII’s board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to HVII’s
obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. In such event,
HVII’s shareholders will miss the opportunity to benefit from an investment in a target company and the appreciation in value of
such investment. Additionally, HVII’s share rights will be worthless.
33
Members
of HVII’s management team and board of directors have significant experience as founders, board members, officers, executives,
employees or service providers of other companies. Certain of those persons have been, are currently, or may become, involved in litigation,
investigations or other proceedings, including related to those companies or otherwise. This may have an adverse effect on HVII, which
may impede HVII’s ability to consummate an initial business combination.
During
the course of their careers, members of HVII’s management team and board of directors have had significant experience as founders,
board members, officers, executives, employees or service providers of other companies. Certain of those persons have been, are currently,
or may in the future become involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings, including relating to the business affairs of
such companies, transactions entered into by such companies, or otherwise. In his capacity as a director and an executive officer of
Hennessy IV, Daniel J. Hennessy, HVII’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was a named defendant in In re Hennessy Capital
Acquisition Corp. IV Stockholder Litigation C.A. No. 2022-0571-LWW, which was brought in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The case
revolved around allegations that Hennessy IV’s fiduciaries breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the disclosures relating
to the business combination between Hennessy IV and Canoo Inc. The case was dismissed with prejudice in May 2024 with no findings of
violations or breaches of fiduciary duties. The dismissal was appealed by the plaintiffs. Any such litigation, investigations or other
proceedings may divert the attention and resources of HVII’s management team and board of directors away from identifying and selecting
a target business or businesses for HVII’s initial business combination and may negatively affect HVII’s reputation, which
may impede HVII’s ability to complete an initial business combination.
If
a shareholder fails to receive notice of HVII’s offer to redeem HVII’s public shares in connection with the initial business
combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.
HVII
will comply with the tender offer rules or proxy rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with HVII’s initial
business combination. Despite HVII’s compliance with these rules, if a shareholder fails to receive HVII’s tender offer or
proxy materials, as applicable, such shareholder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, proxy materials
or tender offer documents, as applicable, that HVII will furnish to holders of HVII’s public shares in connection with the initial
business combination will describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly tender or redeem public shares.
For example, HVII may require HVII’s public shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders
or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender their certificates to HVII’s transfer agent prior to the date
set forth in the tender offer documents mailed to such holders, or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve
the initial business combination in the event HVII distributes proxy materials, or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically.
In the event that a shareholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures, its shares may not be redeemed. See the section of
this Report entitled “ Business — Redemption Rights for Public Shareholders upon Completion of HVII’s Initial Business
Combination. ”
If
HVII does not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of its initial public offering, HVII’s
public shareholders may be forced to wait beyond such time before redemption from HVII’s trust account.
If
HVII does not consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from the closing of its initial public offering, the proceeds
then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to
HVII to pay permitted withdrawals, if any (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), will be used to fund the redemption
of HVII’s public shares, as further described herein. Any redemption of public shareholders from the trust account will be effected
automatically by function of HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association prior to any voluntary winding
up. If HVII is required to wind up, liquidate the trust account and distribute such amount therein, pro rata, to HVII’s public
shareholders, as part of any liquidation process, such winding up, liquidation and distribution must comply with the applicable provisions
of the Companies Act. In that case, investors may be forced to wait beyond such time from the closing of HVII’s initial public
offering, before the redemption proceeds of HVII’s trust account become available to them, and they receive the return of their
pro rata portion of the proceeds from HVII’s trust account. HVII has no obligation to return funds to investors prior to the date
of HVII’s redemption or liquidation unless, prior thereto, HVII consummates its initial business combination or amends certain
provisions of HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, and only then in cases where investors have sought
to redeem their Class A ordinary shares. Only upon HVII’s redemption or any liquidation will public shareholders be entitled to
distributions if HVII does not complete its initial business combination and does not amend certain provisions of HVII’s amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association. HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides
that, if HVII winds up for any other reason prior to the consummation of its initial business combination, HVII will follow the foregoing
procedures with respect to the liquidation of the trust account as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days
thereafter, subject to applicable Cayman Islands law.
34
Investors
will not have any rights or interests in funds from the trust account, except under certain limited circumstances. To liquidate their
investment, therefore, shareholders may be forced to sell their public shares or share rights, potentially at a loss.
HVII’s
public shareholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) HVII’s completion
of an initial business combination, and then only in connection with those Class A ordinary shares that such shareholder properly elected
to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with
a shareholder vote to amend HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing
of HVII’s obligation to provide for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to
redeem 100% of its public shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion window or (B) with
respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity and (iii) the redemption
of HVII’s public shares if it is unable to complete an initial business combination within the completion window, subject to applicable
law and as further described herein. In no other circumstances will a public shareholder have any right or interest of any kind in the
trust account. Holders of share rights will not have any right to the proceeds held in the trust account. There are no redemption rights
with respect to the share rights. Accordingly, to liquidate their investment, they may be forced to sell their public shares or share
rights, potentially at a loss.
Investors
will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of many other SPACs.
Since
the net proceeds of HVII’s initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units are intended to be used to complete
an initial business combination with a target business that has not been identified, HVII may be deemed to be a “blank check”
company under the United States securities laws. However, because HVII has net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 and has filed
a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, HVII is exempt from rules promulgated by the
SEC to protect investors in SPACs, such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those
rules. Among other things, this means HVII will have a longer period of time to complete its business combination than do companies subject
to Rule 419. Moreover, if HVII’s initial public offering were subject to Rule 419, that rule would prohibit the release of any
interest earned on funds held in the trust account to HVII unless and until the funds in the trust account were released to HVII in connection
with its completion of an initial business combination. For a more detailed comparison of HVII’s offering to offerings that comply
with Rule 419, please see the section of this Report entitled “ Business — Overview. ”
35
Because
of HVII’s limited resources and the significant competition for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for
HVII to complete its initial business combination. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination, HVII’s public
shareholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on HVII’s redemption of its public shares, or less than such amount
in certain circumstances, and HVII’s share rights will expire worthless.
HVII
expects to encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to HVII’s, including private investors
(which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other SPACs and other entities competing for the types of businesses HVII intends
to acquire. Many of these individuals and entities are well-established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly
or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess
greater technical, human and other resources or more industry knowledge than HVII does, and HVII’s financial resources will be
relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While HVII believes there are numerous target businesses
it could potentially acquire with the net proceeds of its initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units, HVII’s
ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are sizable will be limited by HVII’s available
financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses.
Furthermore, because HVII is obligated to pay cash for the Class A ordinary shares which HVII’s public shareholders redeem in connection
with HVII’s initial business combination, target companies will be aware that this may reduce the resources available to HVII for
its initial business combination. This may place HVII at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial business combination.
If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination, HVII’s public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.00
per share on the liquidation of HVII’s trust account and HVII’s share rights will expire worthless.
If
the net proceeds of HVII’s initial offering and the sale of the private placement units not being held in the trust account and
the permitted withdrawals are insufficient to allow HVII to operate for at least the completion window, HVII may be unable to complete
its initial business combination, in which case its public shareholders may only receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in
certain circumstances, and its share rights will expire worthless.
The
funds available to HVII outside of the trust account and the permitted withdrawals may not be sufficient to allow HVII to operate for
at least the completion window, assuming that its initial business combination is not completed during that time. HVII believes that
the funds available to it outside of the trust account and the permitted withdrawals will be sufficient to allow it to operate for at
least the completion window; however, HVII cannot assure investors that its estimate is accurate.
Of
the funds available to HVII, it could use a portion of the funds available to it to pay fees to consultants to assist it with its search
for a target business. HVII 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 or merger agreements 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 initial business combination,
although HVII does not have any current intention to do so. If HVII entered into a letter of intent or merger agreement where it paid
for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business and were subsequently required to forfeit such funds (whether as a result
of its breach or otherwise), it might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct due diligence with respect to,
a target business. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination, its public shareholders may receive only approximately
$10.00 per share on the liquidation of its trust account and its share rights will expire worthless.
36
If
the net proceeds of HVII’s initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units not being held in the trust account
and the permitted withdrawals are insufficient, it could limit the amount available to fund HVII’s search for a target business
or businesses and complete its initial business combination and HVII will depend on permitted withdrawals and loans from its sponsor
or management team to fund its search for an initial business combination, to pay its taxes and to complete its initial business combination.
If HVII is unable to obtain these loans, it may be unable to complete its initial business combination.
Of
the net proceeds of HVII’s initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units, only approximately $ $1,843,218
were available to HVII outside the trust account to fund its working capital requirements. HVII believes that the funds available to
it outside of the trust account will be sufficient to allow it to operate for at least the completion window; however, HVII cannot assure
investors that its estimate is accurate. If HVII is required to seek additional capital, it would need to borrow funds from its sponsor,
management team or other third parties to operate or may be forced to liquidate. None of HVII’s sponsor, members of its management
team nor any of their affiliates is under any obligation to advance funds to HVII in such circumstances. Any such advances would be repaid
only from funds held outside the trust account or from funds released to HVII upon completion of its initial business combination. Up
to $2.5 million of such loans may be convertible into private placement units, at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit at the
option of the lender, upon consummation of HVII’s initial business combination. Prior to the completion of its initial business
combination, HVII does not expect to seek loans from parties other than its sponsor or an affiliate of its sponsor as it does not believe
third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in its trust
account. If HVII is unable to obtain these loans, it may be unable to complete its initial business combination. If HVII is unable to
complete its initial business combination because it does not have sufficient funds available to it, it will be forced to cease operations
and liquidate the trust account. Consequently, its public shareholders may only receive approximately $10.00 per share on its redemption
of its public shares, and its share rights will expire worthless.
Subsequent
to the completion of HVII’s initial business combination, it may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and
impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on its financial condition, results of operations and the price
of its ordinary shares, which could cause investors to lose some or all of their investment.
Even
if HVII conducts extensive due diligence on a target business with which it combines, it cannot assure investors that this diligence
will 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 HVII’s control
will not later arise. As a result of these factors, HVII may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure its operations
or incur impairment or other charges that could result in reporting losses. Even if HVII’s due diligence successfully identifies
certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with its preliminary
risk analysis. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on HVII’s liquidity, the fact that
it reports charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about HVII or its securities. In addition, charges
of this nature may cause HVII to violate net worth or other covenants to which it may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing
debt held by a target business or by virtue of obtaining debt financing to partially finance the initial business combination. Accordingly,
any public shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the
value of their shares.
If
third parties bring claims against HVII, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount
received by shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share.
HVII’s
placing of funds in the trust account may not protect those funds from third-party claims against it. Although HVII will seek to have
all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses and other entities with which it does business execute agreements with
HVII waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of its public
shareholders, such parties may not execute such agreements, or even if they execute such agreements they may not be prevented from bringing
claims against the trust account, including, but not limited to, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar
claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a claim
against HVII’s assets, including the funds held in the trust account. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving
such claims to the monies held in the trust account, HVII’s management will perform an analysis of the alternatives available to
it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has not executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s
engagement would be significantly more beneficial to HVII than any alternative. Withum Smith+Brown, PC (“Withum”), HVII’s
independent registered public accounting firm, and the underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering have not executed agreements
with HVII waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account.
37
Examples
of possible instances where HVII may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party consultant
whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would
agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver. In addition,
there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of,
any negotiations, contracts or agreements with HVII and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason. Upon redemption
of HVII’s public shares, if it is unable to complete its initial business combination within the prescribed timeframe, or upon
the exercise of a redemption right in connection with its initial business combination, HVII will be required to provide for payment
of claims of creditors that were not waived that may be brought against it within the 10 years following redemption. Accordingly, the
per-share redemption amount received by public shareholders could be less than the $10.00 per share initially held in the trust account,
due to claims of such creditors. Pursuant to the letter agreement, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to HVII’s registration
statement filed in connection with HVII’s initial public offering, HVII’s sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to HVII
if and to the extent any claims by a third party (other than HVII’s independent registered public accounting firm) for services
rendered or products sold to HVII, or a prospective target business with which HVII has entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality
or similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below the lesser of (i) $10.00
per public share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust
account, if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less permitted withdrawals, provided that
such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights
to the monies held in the trust account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) nor will it apply to any claims under HVII’s
indemnity of the underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act. However, HVII has not asked its sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations, nor has it independently verified whether
its sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believes that its sponsor’s only assets are securities
of HVII. Therefore, HVII cannot assure investors that its sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. None of HVII’s officers
or directors will indemnify HVII for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target
businesses.
HVII’s
directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of its sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in
the trust account available for distribution to HVII’s public shareholders.
In
the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per share and (ii) the actual amount per
share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions
in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest that may be withdrawn to fund permitted withdrawals, and HVII’s
sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim,
HVII’s independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against the sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations.
While
it is currently expected that HVII’s independent directors would take legal action on behalf of HVII against the sponsor to enforce
its indemnification obligations, it is possible that the independent directors, in exercising their business judgment and subject to
their fiduciary duties, may choose not to do so in any particular instance if, for example, the cost of such legal action is deemed by
the independent directors to be too high relative to the amount recoverable or if the independent directors determine that a favorable
outcome is not likely. If the independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the
trust account available for distribution to HVII’s public shareholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.
38
HVII
may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of its directors and executive officers.
HVII
has agreed to indemnify its officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, HVII’s officers and directors
have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account and to not seek recourse
against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided will be able to be satisfied by HVII only
if (i) it has sufficient funds outside of the trust account or (ii) it consummates an initial business combination. HVII’s obligation
to indemnify its officers and directors may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against its officers or directors for breach
of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against HVII’s
officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit HVII and its shareholders. Furthermore, a
shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent HVII pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against its
officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
If,
after HVII distributes the proceeds in the trust account to its public shareholders, HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition or
an involuntary bankruptcy or winding-up petition is filed against HVII that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy or insolvency court may seek
to recover such proceeds, and HVII and its board may be exposed to claims of punitive damages.
If,
after HVII distributes the proceeds in the trust account to its public shareholders, HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition or
an involuntary bankruptcy or winding-up petition is filed against HVII that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders
could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy and/or insolvency laws as either a “preferential transfer”
or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy or insolvency court could seek to recover all amounts received by
HVII’s shareholders. In addition, HVII’s board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to HVII’s
creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and HVII to claims of punitive damages, by paying public shareholders
from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.
If,
before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to HVII’s public shareholders, HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition
or an involuntary bankruptcy or winding-up petition is filed against HVII that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding
may have priority over the claims of HVII’s shareholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by HVII’s
shareholders in connection with its liquidation may be reduced.
If,
before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to HVII’s public shareholders, HVII files a bankruptcy or winding-up petition
or an involuntary bankruptcy or winding-up petition is filed against HVII that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account
could be subject to applicable bankruptcy insolvency law, and may be included in HVII’s bankruptcy or insolvency estate and subject
to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of HVII’s shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy or insolvency
claims deplete the trust account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by HVII’s shareholders in connection with
its liquidation may be reduced.
HVII’s
shareholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against HVII to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption
of their shares.
If
HVII is forced to enter into an 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, HVII was unable to pay its debts as they fall
due in the ordinary course of business. As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover some or all amounts received by HVII’s
shareholders. Furthermore, HVII’s directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to HVII or its creditors and/or
may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and HVII to claims, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior
to addressing the claims of creditors.
Claims
may be brought against HVII for these reasons. HVII and its directors and officers who knowingly and willfully authorized or permitted
any distribution to be paid out of HVII’s share premium account while HVII was unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the
ordinary course of business would be guilty of an offence and may be liable for a fine of $18,292.68 and imprisonment for five years
in the Cayman Islands.
39
HVII
may not hold an annual general meeting until after the consummation of its initial business combination, which could delay the opportunity
for HVII’s shareholders to elect directors.
In
accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, HVII is not required to hold an annual general meeting until no later than
one year after its first fiscal year end following its listing on Nasdaq. As an exempted company, there is no requirement under the Companies
Act for HVII to hold annual or extraordinary general meetings to appoint directors. Prior to the consummation of HVII’s initial
business combination, only holders of HVII’s Class B ordinary shares will have the right to vote on the appointment or removal
of directors.
After
HVII’s initial business combination, it is possible that a majority of HVII’s directors and officers will live outside the
United States and all of HVII’s assets will be located outside the United States; therefore investors may not be able to enforce
federal securities laws or their other legal rights.
It
is possible that after HVII’s initial business combination, a majority of HVII’s directors and officers will reside outside
of the United States and all of HVII’s assets will be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult, or
in some cases not possible, for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon all of
HVII’s directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties
on HVII’s directors and officers under United States laws.
In
particular, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or any other applicable jurisdictions would recognize
and enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against HVII or its directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions
of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States or entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands
or any other applicable jurisdiction’s courts against HVII or its directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of
the United States or any state in the United States.
For
a more detailed discussion, see Exhibit 4.2 of this Report captioned “Description of Securities.”
HVII
may seek business combination opportunities in industries or sectors which may or may not be outside of its management’s area of
expertise.
HVII
may consider an initial business combination outside of its management’s area of expertise if an initial business combination candidate
is presented to HVII and it determines that such candidate offers an attractive business combination opportunity for HVII or HVII is
unable to identify a suitable candidate in other sectors after having expanded a reasonable amount of time and effort in an attempt to
do so. Although HVII’s management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular business combination candidate,
it cannot assure investors that it will adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. HVII also cannot assure investors
that an investment in HVII’s units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors than a direct investment, if an
opportunity were available, in an initial business combination candidate. In the event HVII elects to pursue a business combination outside
of the areas of its management’s expertise, its management’s expertise may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or
operation, and the information contained in this Report regarding the areas of its management’s expertise would not be relevant
to an understanding of the business that HVII elects to acquire. As a result, HVII’s management may not be able to adequately ascertain
or assess all of the significant risk factors. Accordingly, any public shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following HVII’s
initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for
such reduction in value.
HVII
may seek business combination opportunities with a high degree of complexity that require significant operational improvements, which
could delay or prevent it from achieving its desired results.
HVII
may seek business combination opportunities with large, highly complex companies that it believes would benefit from operational improvements.
While HVII intends to implement such improvements, to the extent that its efforts are delayed or it is unable to achieve the desired
improvements, the business combination may not be as successful as anticipated.
To
the extent HVII completes its initial business combination with a large complex business or entity with a complex operating structure,
it may also be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which it combines, which could delay or prevent
HVII from implementing its strategy. Although HVII’s management team will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular
target business and its operations, HVII may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors until it
completes its business combination. If HVII is not able to achieve its desired operational improvements, or the improvements take longer
to implement than anticipated, it may not achieve the gains that it anticipates. Furthermore, some of these risks and complexities may
be outside of HVII’s control and leave it with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks and complexities will
adversely impact a target business. Such combination may not be as successful as a combination with a smaller, less complex organization.
40
Although
HVII has identified general criteria and guidelines that it believes are important in evaluating prospective target businesses, it may
enter into its initial business combination with a target that does not meet such criteria and guidelines, and as a result, the target
business with which HVII enters into its initial business combination may not have attributes entirely consistent with its general criteria
and guidelines.
Although
HVII has identified general criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target business
with which HVII enters into its initial business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If HVII completes its initial
business combination with a target that does not meet some or all of these guidelines, such combination may not be as successful as a
combination with a business that does meet all of HVII’s general criteria and guidelines. In addition, if HVII announces a prospective
business combination with a target that does not meet its general criteria and guidelines, a greater number of shareholders may exercise
their redemption rights, which may make it difficult for HVII to meet any closing condition with a target business that requires HVII
to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. In addition, if shareholder approval of the transaction is required by law,
or HVII decides to obtain shareholder approval for business or other legal reasons, it may be more difficult for HVII to attain shareholder
approval of its initial business combination if the target business does not meet its general criteria and guidelines. If HVII is unable
to complete its initial business combination, its public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation
of its trust account and its share rights will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, HVII’s public shareholders may receive
less than $10.00 per share upon HVII’s liquidation.
HVII
may seek business combination opportunities with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenue,
cash flow or earnings, which could subject it to volatile revenues, cash flows or earnings or difficulty in retaining key personnel.
To
the extent HVII completes its initial business combination with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record
of revenues or earnings, it may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which it combines. These
risks include volatile revenues or earnings and difficulties in obtaining and retaining key personnel. In recent years, a number of target
businesses have underperformed financially post-business combination. There are no assurances that the target business with which HVII
consummates its initial business combination will perform as anticipated. Although HVII’s officers and directors will endeavor
to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, HVII may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the significant
risk factors and it may not have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of HVII’s
control and leave it with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business.
HVII
is not required to obtain a fairness opinion and consequently, shareholders may have no assurance from an independent source that the
price HVII is paying for the business is fair to the company from a financial point of view.
Unless
HVII completes its initial business combination with an affiliated entity or its board cannot independently determine the fair market
value of the target business or businesses, HVII is not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or
another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that the price it is paying is fair to the company from a financial
point of view. If no opinion is obtained, HVII’s shareholders will be relying on the judgment of its board of directors, who will
determine fair market value based on standards generally accepted by the financial community. Such standards used will be disclosed in
HVII’s proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, related to its initial business combination.
41
Transactions
in connection with or in anticipation of HVII’s initial business combination and its structure thereafter may not be tax-efficient
to its shareholders and share right holders. As a result of HVII’s business combination, its tax obligations may be more complex,
burdensome and uncertain.
Although
HVII will attempt to structure transactions in connection with its initial business combination in a tax-efficient manner, tax structuring
considerations are complex, the relevant facts and law are uncertain and may change, and HVII may prioritize commercial and other considerations
over tax considerations. For example, in anticipation of or as a result of HVII’s initial business combination and subject to requisite
shareholder approval, HVII may enter into one or more transactions that require shareholders and/or share right holders to recognize
gain or income for tax purposes or otherwise increase their tax burden. HVII does not intend to make any cash distributions to shareholders
or share right holders to pay taxes in connection with its business combination or thereafter. Accordingly, a shareholder or a share
right holder may be required to satisfy any liability resulting from any such transactions with cash from its own funds or by selling
all or a portion of such holder’s shares or share rights. In addition, HVII may effect a business combination with a target company
in another jurisdiction (including, but not limited to, the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located). As a result,
shareholders and share right holders may be subject to additional income, withholding or other taxes with respect to their ownership
of HVII after its initial business combination.
Because
HVII must furnish its shareholders with target business financial statements, it may lose the ability to complete an otherwise advantageous
initial business combination with some prospective target businesses.
The
federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on an initial business combination meeting certain financial
significance tests include historical and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. HVII will include the same
financial statement disclosure in connection with its tender offer documents, whether or not they are required under the tender offer
rules. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board, or IFRS, depending on the circumstances and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance
with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB. These financial statement requirements
may limit the pool of potential target businesses HVII may acquire because some targets may be unable to provide such financial statements
in time for HVII to disclose such statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete its initial business combination within
the prescribed time frame.
Compliance
obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may make it more difficult for HVII to effectuate its initial business combination, require
substantial financial and management resources, and increase the time and costs of completing an initial business combination.
Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that HVII evaluate and report on its system of internal controls beginning with its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2025. Only in the event HVII is deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated
filer will it be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on its internal control
over financial reporting. Further, for as long as HVII remains an emerging growth company, it will not be required to comply with the
independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on its internal control over financial reporting. The fact that
HVII is a SPAC makes compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on HVII as compared to other
public companies because a target company with which HVII seeks to complete its initial business combination may not be in compliance
with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of its internal controls. The development of the internal control of
any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such business
combination.
HVII
does not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for HVII to complete
an initial business combination with which a substantial majority of its shareholders do not agree.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association do not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold. HVII’s initial
proposed business combination may impose a minimum cash requirement for: (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or its owners;
(ii) cash to be transferred to the target for working capital or other general corporate purposes; or (iii) the retention of cash to
satisfy other conditions in accordance with the terms of the proposed business combination. As a result, HVII may be able to complete
its initial business combination even though a substantial majority of its public shareholders do not agree with the transaction and
have redeemed their shares or, if HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination and does not conduct redemptions
in connection with its initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, have entered into privately negotiated agreements
to sell their shares to HVII’s sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates. In the event the aggregate cash consideration
HVII would be required to pay for all Class A ordinary shares that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy
cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to HVII,
it will not complete the initial business combination or redeem any shares, all Class A ordinary shares submitted for redemption will
be returned to the holders thereof, and HVII instead may search for an alternate business combination.
42
In
order to effectuate an initial business combination, SPACs have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and
other governing instruments. HVII cannot assure investors that it will not seek to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association or governing instruments in a manner that will make it easier for HVII to complete its initial business combination that
its shareholders may not support.
In
order to effectuate an initial business combination, SPACs have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and
modified governing instruments. For example, SPACs have amended the definition of business combination, increased redemption thresholds
and extended the time to consummate an initial business combination. Amending HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association requires at least a special resolution of its shareholders as a matter of Cayman Islands law, meaning the approval of
holders of at least two-thirds of HVII’s ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, and amending
its share rights agreement requires a vote of holders of at least 50% of the public share rights and, solely with respect to any amendment
to the terms of the private placement units or any provision of the share rights agreement with respect to the private placement rights,
50% of the number of the then outstanding private placement units (including the consent of Cohen & Company). In addition, HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association requires it to provide its public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem
their public shares for cash if HVII proposes an amendment to its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (i) to
modify the substance or timing of its obligation to provide for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business
combination or to redeem 100% of its public shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion
window or (ii) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity.
Many SPACs have faced delisting of their securities following redemptions of shares by public shareholders in connection with proposed
amendments to their corporate charters since, after redeeming a large number of publicly held shares, they no longer meet the continued
listing requirements of the stock exchange.
To
the extent any such amendments would be deemed to fundamentally change the nature of any securities offered through HVII’s registration
statement filed in connection with its initial public offering, HVII would register, or seek an exemption from registration for, the
affected securities. HVII cannot assure investors that it will not seek to amend its charter or governing instruments or extend the time
to consummate an initial business combination in order to effectuate its initial business combination.
Certain
agreements related to HVII’s initial public offering may be amended or waived without shareholder approval.
Each
of the agreements related to HVII’s initial public offering to which HVII is a party, other than the share rights agreement and
the investment management trust agreement, may be amended or waived without shareholder approval. Such agreements are: the underwriting
agreement; the letter agreement among HVII and its initial shareholders, sponsor, officers and directors; the registration rights agreement
among HVII and its initial shareholders; the private placement units purchase agreement between HVII and its sponsor; and the administrative
services agreement among HVII, its sponsor and an affiliate of its sponsor. These agreements contain various provisions that HVII’s
public shareholders might deem to be material. For example, the letter agreement and the underwriting agreement contain certain lock-up
provisions with respect to the founder shares, private placement units and other securities held by HVII’s initial shareholders,
sponsor, officers and directors. Amendments to or waivers of such agreements would require the consent of the applicable parties thereto
and would need to be approved by HVII’s board of directors, which may do so for a variety of reasons, including to facilitate HVII’s
initial business combination. While HVII does not expect its board of directors to approve any amendment to or waiver of any of these
agreements prior to its initial business combination, it may be possible that HVII’s board of directors, in exercising its business
judgment and subject to its fiduciary duties, chooses to approve one or more amendments to or waivers of any such agreement in connection
with the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination. Any amendment or waiver entered into in connection with the consummation
of HVII’s initial business combination will be disclosed in its proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, related
to such initial business combination, and any other material amendment to or waiver of any of HVII’s material agreements will be
disclosed in a filing with the SEC. Any such amendments or waivers would not require approval from HVII’s shareholders, may result
in the completion of HVII’s initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible, and may have an adverse effect
on the value of an investment in HVII’s securities. For example, amendments to or waivers of the lock-up provision discussed above
may result in HVII’s initial shareholders selling their securities earlier than they would otherwise be permitted, which may have
an adverse effect on the price of HVII’s securities.
43
The
provisions of HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that relate to its pre-business combination activity
(and corresponding provisions of the agreement governing the release of funds from its trust account), including an amendment to permit
HVII to withdraw funds from the trust account such that the per share amount investors will receive upon any liquidation or redemption
is substantially reduced or eliminated, may be amended with the approval of a special resolution which requires the approval of the holders
of at least two-thirds of HVII’s ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company. It may be easier for
HVII to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the trust agreement to facilitate the completion of
an initial business combination that some of HVII’s shareholders may not support.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that any of its provisions related to pre-initial business combination
activity (including the requirement to deposit certain proceeds of HVII’s initial public offering and the private placement of
units into the trust account and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public
shareholders as described herein and including to permit HVII to withdraw funds from the trust account such that the per share amount
investors will receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated) may be amended if approved by special
resolution, meaning holders of at least two-thirds of HVII’s ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company,
voting together as a single class, and corresponding provisions of the trust agreement governing the release of funds from HVII’s
trust account may be amended if approved by holders of at least two-thirds of HVII’s ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general
meeting of the company; provided that the provisions of HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association governing
the appointment or removal of directors prior to HVII’s initial business combination and continuing the company in a jurisdiction
outside the Cayman Islands, may only be amended by a special resolution passed by holders representing at least 90% of HVII’s issued
and outstanding Class B ordinary shares. HVII’s initial shareholders, who collectively beneficially own approximately 24% of HVII’s
ordinary shares, will participate in any vote to amend HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and/or
trust agreement and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. As a result, HVII may be able to amend the provisions
of its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association which govern its pre-initial business combination behavior more easily
than some other SPACs, and this may increase HVII’s ability to complete an initial business combination with which public shareholders
do not agree. HVII’s shareholders may pursue remedies against HVII for any breach of its amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association.
HVII’s
initial shareholders, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a letter agreement with HVII, that they will not propose any amendment
to HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (i) to modify the substance or timing of HVII’s obligation
to provide for the redemption of HVII’s public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of HVII’s
public shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion window or (ii) with respect to any other
provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless HVII provides its public shareholders
with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash,
equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. These agreements
are contained in a letter agreement that HVII has entered into with its initial shareholders, officers and directors. HVII’s shareholders
are not parties to, or third-party beneficiaries of, these agreements and, as a result, will not have the ability to pursue remedies
against HVII’s sponsor, officers or directors for any breach of these agreements. As a result, in the event of a breach, HVII’s
shareholders would need to pursue a shareholder derivative action, subject to applicable law.
44
HVII
may be unable to obtain additional financing to complete its initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth of a target
business, which could compel HVII to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.
HVII
has not selected any specific business combination target, but intends to target businesses larger than it could acquire with the net
proceeds of HVII’s initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units. As a result, HVII may be required to seek
additional financing to complete such proposed initial business combination. HVII cannot assure investors that such financing will be
available on acceptable terms, if at all. This additional financing may be significantly dilutive to the
post-combination company, and represent the type of financing risk that is not associated with traditional IPOs. To the extent that additional
financing proves to be unavailable when needed to complete HVII’s initial business combination, HVII would be compelled to either
restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. Further,
the amount of additional financing HVII may be required to obtain could increase as a result of future growth capital needs for any particular
transaction, the depletion of the available net proceeds in search of a target business, the obligation to repurchase for cash a significant
number of shares from shareholders who elect redemption in connection with HVII’s initial business combination and/or the terms
of negotiated transactions to purchase shares in connection with HVII’s initial business combination. If HVII is unable to complete
its initial business combination, HVII’s public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share plus any pro rata
interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to HVII for permitted withdrawals and to pay taxes
on the liquidation of HVII’s trust account and its share rights will expire worthless. In addition, even if HVII does not need
additional financing to complete its initial business combination, it may require such 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 HVII’s officers, directors or shareholders is required to provide any financing to HVII
in connection with or after its initial business combination. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination, HVII’s
public shareholders may only receive approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of its trust account, and its share rights will
expire worthless. Furthermore, as described in the risk factor entitled “If third parties bring claims against HVII, the proceeds
held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share,”
under certain circumstances HVII’s public shareholders may receive less than $10.00 per share upon the liquidation of the trust
account.
HVII’s
initial shareholders may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that shareholders
do not support.
HVII’s
initial shareholders own shares representing 24% of its issued and outstanding ordinary shares. Accordingly, they may exert a substantial
influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that shareholders do not support, including amendments to
HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and approval of major corporate transactions. If HVII’s
initial shareholders purchase any additional ordinary shares in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated transactions, this would increase
their control. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading
price of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares. In addition, HVII may not hold an annual general meeting to elect new directors prior
to the completion of its initial business combination, in which case all of the current directors, who were elected by HVII’s initial
shareholders, will continue in office until at least the completion of the initial business combination. Prior to the consummation of
HVII’s initial business combination, only holders of its Class B ordinary shares will have the right to vote on the appointment
or removal of directors. Holders of HVII’s public shares will have no right to vote on the appointment or removal of directors
during such time. Further, prior to the closing of HVII’s initial business combination, only holders of its Class B ordinary shares
will be entitled to vote on continuing HVII in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands (including any special resolution required to
adopt new constitutional documents as a result of HVII approving a transfer by way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman
Islands). These provisions of HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may only be amended if approved
by a special resolution passed by the affirmative vote of at least 90% (or, where such amendment is proposed in respect of the consummation
of HVII’s initial business combination, two-thirds) of the votes cast by such shareholders as, being entitled to do so, vote in
person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at the applicable general meeting of the company, voting together as a single class. As
a result, shareholders will not have any influence over the appointment or removal of directors prior to HVII’s initial business
combination or any influence over its continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands prior to its initial business combination.
Accordingly, HVII’s initial shareholders will continue to exert control at least until the completion of its initial business combination.
45
Resources
could be wasted in researching business combinations that are not completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts
to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination, its public shareholders
may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of its trust account
and its share rights will expire worthless.
HVII
anticipates 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, consultants and others. If HVII decides 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 HVII reaches an agreement relating to a specific
target business, it may fail to complete its initial business combination for any number of reasons including those beyond its control.
Any such event will result in a loss to HVII of the related costs incurred which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts
to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination, its public shareholders
may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of its trust account and its share rights will expire worthless. In
certain circumstances, HVII’s public shareholders may receive less than $10.00 per share upon its liquidation.
HVII’s
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 HVII’s initial 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.
HVII’s
key personnel may be able to remain with the company after the completion of its initial business combination only if they are able to
negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the initial business combination. Such negotiations would take place
simultaneously with the negotiation of the initial business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation
in the form of cash payments and/or HVII’s securities for services they would render to HVII after the completion of the initial
business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting
a target business. However, HVII believes the ability of such individuals to remain with HVII after the completion of its initial business
combination will not be the determining factor in its decision as to whether or not it will proceed with any potential business combination.
There is no certainty, however, that any of HVII’s key personnel will remain with HVII after the completion of its initial business
combination. HVII cannot assure shareholders that any of its key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with
HVII. The determination as to whether any of HVII’s key personnel will remain with HVII will be made at the time of its initial
business combination.
HVII
may have a limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may effect its initial business
combination with a target business whose management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company,
which could, in turn, negatively impact the value of HVII’s shareholders’ investment in HVII.
When
evaluating the desirability of effecting HVII’s initial business combination with a prospective target business, its ability to
assess the target business’s management may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. HVII’s assessment
of the capabilities of the target’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications
or abilities HVII suspected. Should the target’s management not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to manage
a public company, the operations and profitability of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted. Accordingly, any public
shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their
shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.
46
Since
only holders of HVII’s Class B ordinary shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors, upon the listing of
HVII’s shares on Nasdaq, Nasdaq considers HVII to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq rules and,
as a result, HVII qualifies for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Only
holders of HVII’s Class B ordinary shares have the right to vote on the appointment of directors. As a result, Nasdaq considers
HVII to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq corporate governance standards. Under Nasdaq corporate governance
standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled
company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
● HVII
have a board that includes a majority of “independent directors,” as defined
under the rules of Nasdaq; and
● HVII
have a compensation committee of its board that is comprised entirely of independent directors
with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.
● HVII
have independent director oversight of its director nominations.
HVII
does not intend to utilize these exemptions and intends to comply with the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq, subject to applicable
phase-in rules. However, if HVII determines in the future to utilize some or all of these exemptions, shareholders will not have the
same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
HVII
may be a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences
to U.S. investors.
If
HVII is a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined in the section
of HVII’s final prospectus filed in connection with its initial public offering “Taxation — Material United States
Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Holders”) of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares or share rights, such U.S. Holder
may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and may be subject to additional reporting requirements. HVII’s
PFIC status for its current and subsequent taxable years may depend on whether it qualifies for the PFIC start-up exception (as defined
in the section of HVII’s final prospectus filed in connection with its initial public offering entitled “Taxation —
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Holders — Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules”).
Depending on the particular circumstances, the application of the start-up exception may be subject to uncertainty, and there cannot
be any assurance that HVII will qualify for the start-up exception. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to HVII’s
status as a PFIC for its current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. HVII’s actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however,
will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year (and, in the case of the start-up exception, potentially not until
after the two taxable years following HVII’s current taxable year).
If
HVII determines it is a PFIC for any taxable year, upon written request by a U.S. Holder, HVII will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder
such information as the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may require, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement, in order
to enable such U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election, but there can be no assurance that
HVII will timely provide such required information, and such election would be unavailable with respect to HVII’s share rights
in all cases. HVII urges U.S. investors to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules. For a more
detailed discussion of the material tax consequences of PFIC classification to U.S. Holders, see the section of HVII’s final prospectus
filed in connection with its initial public offering entitled “Taxation — Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S.
Holders—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
A
1% U.S. federal excise tax on stock buybacks could be imposed on redemptions of HVII’s shares if it were to become a “covered
corporation” in the future.
The
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, among other things, generally imposes a 1% U.S. federal excise tax (the “Excise Tax”) on
certain repurchases of stock by “covered corporations” (which include publicly traded domestic (i.e., U.S.) corporations
and certain domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) corporations). The Excise Tax is imposed on the repurchasing
corporation itself, not its stockholders from which the stock is repurchased. The amount of the Excise Tax is generally 1% of the fair
market value of the stock repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the Excise Tax, repurchasing
corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases
during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the Excise Tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”)
has authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out, and prevent the abuse or avoidance of, the Excise Tax. On December
27, 2022, the Treasury issued a notice that provides interim operating rules for the Excise Tax, including rules governing the calculation
and reporting of the Excise Tax. The Treasury issued proposed regulations on April 12, 2024, and final regulations on June 28, 2024,
which generally adopt (but in some respects expand or modify) the rules and guidance set forth in the earlier notice. Although such notice
and Treasury regulations clarify certain aspects of the Excise Tax, the interpretation and operation of certain other aspects of the
Excise Tax remain unclear.
HVII
is currently not a “covered corporation” for purposes of the Excise Tax. If HVII were to become a “covered corporation”
in the future, whether in connection with the consummation of its initial business combination with a U.S. company (including if HVII
were to redomicile as a U.S. corporation in connection therewith) or otherwise, whether and to what extent HVII would be subject to the
Excise Tax on a redemption of its shares would depend on a number of factors, including (i) whether the redemption is treated as a repurchase
of stock for purposes of the Excise Tax, (ii) the fair market value of the redemption treated as a repurchase of stock, (iii) the structure
of HVII’s initial business combination, (iv) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances (whether
in connection with HVII’s initial business combination or otherwise) issued within the same taxable year of a redemption treated
as a repurchase of stock and (v) the content of any other guidance from the Treasury. The imposition of the Excise Tax on HVII as a result
of redemptions by HVII could, however, reduce the amount of cash available to the target business in connection with HVII’s initial
business combination, which could cause investors in HVII’s securities who do not redeem or the other shareholders of the combined
company to economically bear the impact of such Excise Tax. However, HVII will not use the proceeds placed in the Trust Account, or the
interest earned on the proceeds placed in the Trust Account, to pay for possible excise tax or any other fees or taxes that may be levied
on the Company on any redemptions or stock buybacks by the Company pursuant to any current, pending or further rules or laws, including
without limitation any Excise Tax, prior to release of such funds from the Trust Account following HVII’s initial business combination.
47
If
HVII effects its initial business combination with a company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States, it may face
additional burdens in connection with investigating, agreeing to and completing such combination, and if HVII effects such initial business
combination, it would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact its operations.
If
HVII effects its initial business combination with a company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States, it would
be subject to risks associated with cross-border business combinations, including in connection with investigating, agreeing to and completing
its initial business combination, conducting due diligence in a foreign market, having such transaction approved by any local governments,
regulators or agencies and changes in the purchase price based on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If HVII effects its initial
business combination with a company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States, it would be subject to any special
considerations or risks associated with companies operating in an international setting, including any of the following:
● higher
costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations and complying
with different commercial and legal requirements of overseas markets;
● rules
and regulations regarding currency redemption;
● complex
corporate withholding taxes on individuals;
● laws
governing the manner in which future business combinations may be effected;
● tariffs
and trade barriers;
● regulations
related to customs and import/export matters;
● longer
payment cycles and challenges in collecting accounts receivable;
● tax
issues, including but not limited to tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared
to the United States;
● currency
fluctuations and exchange controls;
● rates
of inflation;
● cultural
and language differences;
● employment
regulations;
● social
unrest, crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks, natural disasters,
widespread health emergencies and wars;
● deterioration
of political relations with the United States;
● regime
changes or political upheaval;
● local
or regional economic policies and market conditions;
● unexpected
changes in regulatory requirements;
● underdeveloped
or unpredictable legal or regulatory systems;
● corruption;
● protection
of intellectual property;
● exchange
listing and delisting requirements;
● challenges
in manning and staffing international operations; and
● government
appropriations of assets.
48
HVII
may not be able to adequately address these additional risks. If HVII were unable to do so, its operations might suffer, which may adversely
impact its results of operations and financial condition.
If
HVII’s management following its initial business combination is unfamiliar with U.S. securities laws, they may have to expend time
and resources becoming familiar with such laws, which could lead to various regulatory issues.
Following
HVII’s initial business combination, any or all of its management could resign from their positions as officers of the Company,
and the management of the target business at the time of the business combination could remain in place. Management of the target business
may not be familiar with U.S. securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with U.S. securities 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 HVII’s operations.
HVII
may issue notes or other debt securities, or otherwise incur substantial debt, to complete an initial business combination, which may
adversely affect its leverage and financial condition and thus negatively impact the value of its shareholders’ investment.
Although
HVII has no commitments as of the date of this Report to issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding
debt, it may choose to incur substantial debt to complete its initial business combination. HVII has agreed that it will not incur any
indebtedness unless it has obtained from the lender a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to the monies held
in the trust account. As such, no issuance of debt will affect the per-share amount available for redemption from the trust account.
Nevertheless, the incurrence of debt could have a variety of negative effects, including:
● default
and foreclosure on HVII’s assets if its operating revenues after an initial business
combination are insufficient to repay its debt obligations;
● acceleration
of HVII’s obligations to repay the indebtedness even if it makes all principal and
interest payments when due if it breaches certain covenants that require the maintenance
of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
● HVII’s
immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is
payable on demand;
● HVII’s
inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants
restricting its ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding;
● HVII’s
inability to pay dividends on its ordinary shares;
● using
a substantial portion of HVII’s cash flow to pay principal and interest on its debt,
which will reduce the funds available for dividends on its ordinary shares, its ability to
pay expenses, make capital expenditures and acquisitions and fund other general corporate
purposes;
● limitations
on HVII’s flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in its business and in
the industry in which it operates;
● increased
vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions
and adverse changes in government regulation;
● limitations
on HVII’s ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures,
acquisitions, debt service requirements and execution of its strategy; and
● other
disadvantages compared to its competitors who have less debt.
49
HVII
may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of its initial public offering and the sale of the private placement
units, which will cause it to be solely dependent on a single business that may have a limited number of services and limited operating
activities. This lack of diversification may negatively impact HVII’s operating results and profitability.
Of
the net proceeds from HVII’s initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units (excluding $1,843,218), $182,400,000,
will be available to complete HVII’s initial business combination and pay related fees and expenses (after taking into account
the $7,600,000 of deferred underwriting commissions being held in the trust account).
HVII
may effectuate its initial business combination with a single target business or multiple target businesses simultaneously or within
a short period of time. However, it may not be able to effectuate its initial business combination with more than one target business
because of various factors, including the existence of complex accounting issues and the requirement that it prepare and file pro forma
financial statements with the SEC that present operating results and the financial condition of several target businesses as if they
had been operated on a combined basis. By completing its initial business combination with only a single entity, HVII’s lack of
diversification may subject it to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments. Further, it would not be able to diversify
its 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. In addition, HVII intends
to focus its search for an initial business combination in a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for its success may be:
● solely
dependent upon the performance of a single business, property or asset, 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 HVII to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory risks, any or all of which may have a substantial
adverse impact upon the particular industry in which it may operate subsequent to its initial business combination.
HVII
may attempt to simultaneously complete business combinations with multiple prospective targets, which may hinder its ability to complete
its initial business combination and give rise to increased costs and risks that could negatively impact its operations and profitability.
If
HVII determines to simultaneously acquire several businesses that are owned by different sellers, it will need for each of such sellers
to agree that its purchase of their business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may
make it more difficult for HVII, and delay its ability, to complete its initial business combination. HVII does not, however, intend
to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with its initial business combination. With multiple business
combinations, HVII 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 HVII is unable to adequately
address these risks, it could negatively impact its profitability and results of operations.
HVII
may attempt to complete its initial business combination with a private company about which little information is available, which may
result in an initial business combination with a company that is not as profitable as it suspected, if at all.
In
pursuing its initial business combination strategy, HVII may seek to effectuate its initial business combination with a privately held
company. Very little public information generally exists about private companies, and HVII could be required to make its decision on
whether to pursue a potential initial business combination on the basis of limited information, which may result in an initial business
combination with a company that is not as profitable as it suspected, if at all.
50
After
its initial business combination, substantially all of HVII’s assets may be located in a foreign country and substantially all
of its revenue will be derived from its operations in such country. Accordingly, its 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 it operates.
The
economic, political and social conditions, as well as government policies, of the country in which HVII’s operations are located
could affect its business. Economic growth could be uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy and such growth
may not be sustained in the future. 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 HVII’s ability to find an attractive target business with which to consummate its initial business
combination and if it effects its initial business combination, the ability of that target business to become profitable.
Exchange
rate fluctuations and currency policies may cause a target business’ ability to succeed in the international markets to be diminished.
In
the event HVII acquires a non-U.S. target, all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, and the dollar equivalent
of its 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 HVII’s 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 HVII’s reporting currency may affect the attractiveness of
any target business or, following consummation of its initial business combination, its financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, if a currency appreciates in value against the dollar prior to the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination,
the cost of a target business as measured in dollars will increase, which may make it less likely that HVII is able to consummate such
transaction.
HVII
would be subject to a second level of U.S. federal income tax on a portion of HVII’s income if it is determined to be a personal
holding company (a “PHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A
U.S. corporation generally will be classified as a PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a given taxable year if (i) at any time
during the last half of such taxable year, five or fewer individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency and including
as individuals for this purpose certain entities such as certain tax-exempt organizations, pension funds and charitable trusts) own or
are deemed to own (pursuant to certain constructive ownership rules) more than 50% of the stock of the corporation by value and (ii)
at least 60% of the corporation’s adjusted ordinary gross income, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for such
taxable year consists of PHC income (which includes, among other things, dividends, interest, certain royalties, annuities and, under
certain circumstances, rents).
51
HVII’s
search for an initial business combination, and any target business with which HVII may ultimately consummate an initial business combination,
may be materially adversely affected by current global geopolitical conditions resulting from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and
the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
United
States and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the geopolitical instability resulting from the ongoing
Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. In response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) deployed additional military forces to eastern Europe, and the United States,
the United Kingdom, the European Union and other countries have announced various sanctions and restrictive actions against Russia, Belarus
and related individuals and entities, including the removal of certain financial institutions from the Society for Worldwide Interbank
Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment system. Certain countries, including the United States, have also provided and may continue
to provide military aid or other assistance to Ukraine and to Israel, increasing geopolitical tensions among a number of nations. The
invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the resulting measures that have been taken, and could
be taken in the future, by NATO, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel and its neighboring states and other
countries have created global security concerns that could have a lasting impact on regional and global economies. Although the length
and impact of the ongoing conflicts are highly unpredictable, they could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility
in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions and increased cyber-attacks against U.S. companies.
Additionally, any resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack
of liquidity in capital markets.
Any
of the abovementioned factors, or any other negative impact on the global economy, capital markets or other geopolitical conditions resulting
from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and subsequent sanctions or related actions, could
adversely affect HVII’s search for an initial business combination and any target business with which HVII may ultimately consummate
an initial business combination.
The
extent and duration of the ongoing conflicts, resulting sanctions and any related market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could
be substantial, particularly if current or new sanctions continue for an extended period of time or if geopolitical tensions result in
expanded military operations on a global scale. Any such disruptions may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks
described in this section. If these disruptions or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, HVII’s
ability to consummate an initial business combination, or the operations of a target business with which HVII may ultimately consummate
an initial business combination, may be materially adversely affected.
52
Military
or other conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere may lead to increased volume and price volatility for publicly traded securities,
or affect the operations or financial condition of potential target companies, which could make it more difficult for HVII to consummate
an initial business combination.
Military
or other conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere may lead to increased volume and price volatility for publicly traded securities,
or affect the operations or financial condition of potential target companies, and to other company or industry-specific, national, regional
or international economic disruptions and economic uncertainty, any of which could make it more difficult for HVII to identify a business
combination target and consummate an initial business combination on acceptable commercial terms, or at all.
Recent
increases in inflation in the United States and elsewhere could make it more difficult for HVII to complete its initial business combination.
Recent
increases in inflation in the United States and elsewhere may lead to increased price volatility for publicly traded securities, including
those of HVII, or other national, regional or international economic disruptions, any of which could make it more difficult for HVII
to complete its initial business combination.
Risks
Relating to HVII’s Sponsor and Management Team
The
nominal purchase price paid by HVII’s sponsor for the founder shares may result in significant dilution to the implied value of
public shares upon the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination.
HVII
offered its units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit and the amount in its trust account is $10.00 per public share, implying an
initial value of $10.00 per public share. However, prior to HVII’s initial public offering, HVII’s sponsor paid a nominal
aggregate purchase price of $25,000 for the founder shares, or approximately $0.004 per share. As a result, the value of public shares
may be significantly diluted upon the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination, when the founder shares are converted
into public shares. For example, the following table shows the dilutive effect of the founder shares on the implied value of the public
shares upon the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination assuming that HVII’s equity value at that time is $190,000,000,
which is the amount HVII would have for its initial business combination in the trust account assuming no interest is earned on the funds
held in the trust account, and no public shares are redeemed in connection with HVII’s initial business combination, and without
taking into account any other potential impacts on HVII’s valuation at such time, such as the trading price of HVII’s public
shares, the business combination transaction costs (including payment of $7,600,000 of deferred underwriting commissions), any equity
issued or cash paid to the target’s sellers or other third parties, or the target’s business itself, including its assets,
liabilities, management and prospects, as well as the value of HVII’s public and private placement units. At such valuation, each
of HVII’s ordinary shares would have an implied value of $6.91 per share upon consummation of HVII’s initial business combination,
which is a 30.9% decrease as compared to the initial implied value per public share of $10.00.
Public shares
19,000,000
Founder shares
6,708,333
Private placement shares
690,000
Total shares
26,398,333
Total funds in trust account available for initial business combination
$ 182,400,000
Initial implied value per share before initial business combination
$ 10.00
Implied value per share after initial business combination
$ 6.91
53
The
value of the founder shares following completion of HVII’s initial business combination is likely to be substantially higher than
the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of HVII’s ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than $10.00
per share.
HVII’s
sponsor has invested an aggregate of $5,025,000, comprised of the $25,000 purchase price for the founder shares and the $5,000,000 purchase
price for the private placement units. Assuming a trading price of $10.00 per share upon consummation of HVII’s initial business
combination, the 6,708,333 founder shares would have an aggregate implied value of $ 67,083,330. Even if the trading price of HVII’s
ordinary shares were as low as approximately $0.75 per share, and the private placement units are worthless, the value of the founder
shares would be equal to the sponsor’s initial investment in HVII. As a result, HVII’s sponsor is likely to be able to make
a substantial profit on its investment in HVII at a time when HVII’s public shares have lost significant value. Accordingly, HVII’s
management team, which owns interests in HVII’s sponsor, may be more willing to pursue a business combination with a riskier or
less-established target business than would be the case if HVII’s sponsor had paid the same per share price for the founder shares
as HVII’s public shareholders paid for their public shares.
HVII’s
ability to successfully effect its initial business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts
of HVII’s key personnel, some of whom may join HVII following its initial business combination. The loss of key personnel could
negatively impact the operations and profitability of HVII’s post-combination business.
HVII’s
ability to successfully effect its initial business combination is dependent upon the efforts of HVII’s key personnel. The role
of HVII’s key personnel in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of HVII’s key personnel
may remain with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following HVII’s initial business combination, it
is likely that some or all of the management of the target business will remain in place. While HVII intends to closely scrutinize any
individuals employed after its initial business combination, it cannot assure investors that the assessment of these individuals will
prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a company regulated by the SEC, which could
cause HVII to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements. In addition, the officers and directors
of an initial business combination candidate may resign upon completion of HVII’s initial business combination. The departure of
an initial business combination target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of HVII’s
post-combination business. The role of an initial business combination candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of HVII’s
initial business combination cannot be ascertained at this time. Although HVII contemplates that certain members of an initial business
combination candidate’s management team will remain associated with the initial business combination candidate following HVII’s
initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an initial business combination candidate will not wish
to remain in place. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of HVII’s post-combination
business.
HVII
is dependent upon its executive officers and directors and their departure, or a reduction in the amount of time they can dedicate to
HVII’s initial business combination, could adversely affect HVII’s ability to operate.
HVII’s
operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, its executive officers and directors. HVII
believes that its success depends on the continued service of its executive officers and directors, at least until HVII has completed
its initial business combination. In addition, HVII’s officers and directors are not required to commit any specified amount of
time to HVII’s affairs and, accordingly, will have conflicts of interest in allocating their time among various business activities,
including identifying potential business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. HVII does not have an employment agreement,
independent contractor agreement or service provider agreement with or key-man insurance on the life of, any of its directors or executive
officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of HVII’s directors or executive officers could have a detrimental
effect on HVII.
54
Since
HVII’s sponsor, officers and directors will lose their entire investment in HVII if its initial business combination is not completed,
a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular business combination target is appropriate for HVII’s initial
business combination.
HVII’s
sponsor owns 6,708,333 founder shares (as of March 28, 2025). The number of founder shares issued was determined based on the expectation
that such founder shares would represent 25% of the outstanding shares after this offering (excluding the private placement shares).
The founder shares will be worthless if HVII does not complete an initial business combination. HVII’s sponsor purchased 500,000
private placement units at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit ($5,000,000 in the aggregate). These securities will also be
worthless if HVII does not complete an initial business combination. Holders of founder shares have agreed (i) to vote any shares owned
by them in favor of any proposed initial business combination (except that any public shares such parties may purchase in compliance
with the requirements of Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act would not be voted in favor of approving the business combination transaction)
and (ii) not to redeem any founder shares in connection with a shareholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination. In
addition, HVII may obtain loans from its sponsor, affiliates of its sponsor, or an officer or director. The personal and financial interests
of HVII’s officers and directors may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business combination, completing
an initial business combination and influencing the operation of the business following the initial business combination.
HVII’s
officers and directors will allocate some of their time to other businesses, thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination
as to how much time to devote to HVII’s affairs. This conflict of interest could have a negative impact on HVII’s ability
to complete its initial business combination.
HVII’s
officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit their full time to HVII’s affairs, which may result in a conflict
of interest in allocating their time between HVII’s operations and HVII’s search for an initial business combination and
their other businesses. HVII does not intend to have any employees prior to the completion of its initial business combination. Each
of HVII’s officers is engaged in other business endeavors for which he may be entitled to substantial compensation and HVII’s
officers are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to HVII’s affairs. HVII’s independent directors
may also serve as officers or board members for other entities. If HVII’s officers’ and directors’ other business affairs
require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs in excess of their current commitment levels, it could limit their
ability to devote time to HVII’s affairs which may have a negative impact on HVII’s ability to complete its initial business
combination. For a complete discussion of HVII’s officers’ and directors’ other business affairs, please see the section
of this Report entitled “ Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. ”
Certain
of HVII’s officers and directors are now, and all of them may in the future become, affiliated with entities engaged in business
activities similar to those intended to be conducted by HVII and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time
and determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
Until
HVII consummates its initial business combination, HVII intends to engage in the business of identifying and combining with one or more
businesses. HVII’s sponsor and its affiliates and HVII’s officers and directors are, and may in the future become, affiliated
with entities (such as operating companies or investment vehicles) that are engaged in a similar business, including other SPACs before
HVII has entered into a definitive agreement regarding its initial business combination.
HVII’s
officers and directors also may become aware of business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to HVII and the other
entities to which they owe certain fiduciary or contractual duties.
In
addition, HVII’s management team and sponsor are, and/or may in the future become affiliated with other SPACs or other entities
that may have acquisition objectives that are similar to HVII’s. Such entities may compete with HVII for acquisition opportunities.
If such entity decides to pursue any such opportunity, HVII may be precluded from pursuing such opportunities. Subject to their fiduciary
duties under Cayman Islands law, none of the members of HVII’s management team who are also employed by HVII’s sponsor or
its affiliates have any obligation to present HVII with any opportunity for a potential business combination of which they become aware.
HVII’s management team and sponsor are also not prohibited from sponsoring, investing or otherwise becoming involved with, any
other SPACs, including in connection with their initial business combinations, prior to HVII completing its initial business combination.
Accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
These conflicts may not be resolved in HVII’s favor and a potential target business may be presented to another entity prior to
its presentation to HVII. HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law: (i) no individual serving as a director or an officer shall have any duty, except and to the extent expressly
assumed by contract, to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business
as HVII; and (ii) HVII renounces any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any potential transaction
or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for any director or officer on the one hand, and HVII, on the other.
55
For
a complete discussion of HVII’s officers’ and directors’ business affiliations and the potential conflicts of interest
that investors should be aware of, please see the sections of this Report entitled “ Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate
Governance ” and “ Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, and Director Independence. ”
HVII’s
officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with its
interests.
HVII
has not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits its directors, officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct or indirect
pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by HVII or in any transaction to which HVII is a party
or has an interest. In fact, HVII may enter into an initial business combination with a target business that is affiliated with its sponsor
or its affiliates, its directors or officers, although it does not intend to do so. HVII does not have a policy that expressly prohibits
any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by HVII. Accordingly, such persons
or entities may have a conflict between their interests and those of HVII.
HVII
may engage in an initial business combination with one or more target businesses that have relationships with entities that may be affiliated
with members of its management team, its sponsor or existing holders, which may raise potential conflicts of interest.
In
light of the involvement of HVII’s sponsor and its affiliates, its management team, on the one hand, with other entities, on the
other hand, HVII may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated with its sponsor and its affiliates, its management team. HVII’s
directors and officers also serve as officers and board members for other entities, including, without limitation, those described under
the section of HVII’s registration filed in connection with its initial public offering entitled “Management — Conflicts
of Interest.” Such entities may compete with HVII for business combination opportunities. HVII’s sponsor and management team
are not currently aware of any specific opportunities for HVII to complete its initial business combination with any entities with which
they are affiliated, and there have been no preliminary discussions concerning an initial business combination with any such entity or
entities. Although HVII will not be specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any affiliated entities, it would pursue
such a transaction if it determined that such affiliated entity met its criteria for an initial business combination as set forth in
the section of this Report entitled “ Business — Selection of a Target Business and Structuring of HVII’s Initial Business
Combination ” and such transaction was approved by a majority of its disinterested directors. Despite HVII’s agreement
to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions,
regarding the fairness to its shareholders from a financial point of view of an initial business combination with one or more businesses
affiliated with its sponsor, management team or existing holders, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the
terms of the initial business combination may not be as advantageous to its public shareholders as they would be absent any conflicts
of interest.
HVII’s
management may not be able to maintain control of a target business after its initial business combination. HVII cannot provide assurance
that, upon loss of control of a target business, new management will possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to profitably
operate such business.
HVII
may structure an initial business combination so that the post-transaction company in which its public shareholders own shares will own
less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business, but HVII will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction
company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest
in the target sufficient for HVII not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. HVII will
not consider any transaction that does not meet such criteria. Even if the post-transaction company owns 50% or more of the voting securities
of the target, HVII’s shareholders prior to the initial business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-business
combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and HVII in the initial business combination. For example, HVII could
pursue a transaction in which it issues a substantial number of new Class A ordinary shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital
stock, shares or other equity interests of a target. In this case, HVII would acquire a 100% interest in the target. However, as a result
of the issuance of a substantial number of new ordinary shares, HVII’s shareholders immediately prior to such transaction could
own less than a majority of its outstanding ordinary 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
HVII initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that HVII’s management will not be able to maintain its control
of the target business. HVII cannot provide assurance that, upon loss of control of a target business, new management will possess the
skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to profitably operate such business.
56
Members
of HVII’s management team and companies affiliated thereof have been, and may from time to time be, involved in legal proceedings
or governmental investigations unrelated to HVII’s business.
Members
of HVII’s management team have been (and intend to be) involved in a wide variety of businesses. Such involvement has, and may
lead to, media coverage and public awareness. As a result of such involvement, members of HVII’s management team and companies
affiliated thereof have been, and may from time to time be, involved in legal proceedings or governmental investigations unrelated to
HVII’s business. Any such proceedings or investigations may be detrimental to HVII’s or their reputation or result in other
negative consequences or damages, which could negatively affect HVII’s ability to identify and complete an initial business combination
and may have an adverse effect on the price of its securities.
HVII
may approve an amendment or waiver of the letter agreement that would allow its sponsor to directly, or members of its sponsor to indirectly,
transfer founder shares and private placement shares or membership interests in its sponsor in a transaction in which the sponsor removes
itself as HVII’s sponsor before identifying a business combination, which may deprive HVII of key personnel.
While
there is no current intention to do so, and the members of HVII’s management team and sponsor have not done so with any of their
respective previously formed SPACs, HVII may approve an amendment or waiver of the letter agreement that would allow the sponsor to directly,
or members of its sponsor to indirectly, transfer founder shares and private placement shares or membership interests in its sponsor
in a transaction in which the sponsor removes itself as HVII’s sponsor before identifying a business combination. As a result,
there is a risk that HVII’s sponsor and its officers and directors may divest their ownership or economic interests in HVII or
in its sponsor, which would likely result in HVII’s loss of certain key personnel, including Daniel J. Hennessy, Thomas D. Hennessy
and Nicholas Geeza. There can be no assurance that any replacement sponsor or key personnel will successfully identify a business combination
target for HVII, or, even if one is so identified, successfully complete such business combination.
57
Risks
Relating to HVII’s Securities
If
HVII is deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, it may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements
and its activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for HVII to complete its initial business combination.
If
HVII is deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, its activities may be restricted, including:
● restrictions
on the nature of its investments; and
● restrictions
on the issuance of securities, each of which may make it difficult for HVII to complete its
initial business combination.
In
addition, HVII may have imposed upon it burdensome requirements, including:
● registration
as an investment company;
● adoption
of a specific form of corporate structure; and
● reporting,
record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.
In
order not to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless HVII can qualify for an exclusion, it must
ensure that it is engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and that its activities
do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of its
total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. HVII’s business will be to identify
and complete an initial business combination and thereafter to operate the post-transaction business or assets for the long term. HVII
does not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. HVII does not plan to buy unrelated businesses
or assets or to be a passive investor.
The
SEC recently provided guidance that the determination of whether a SPAC, like HVII, is an “investment company” under the
Investment Company Act is a facts and circumstances determination requiring individualized analysis and depends on a variety of factors,
including a special purpose acquisition company’s duration, asset composition, business purpose and activities, and “is a
question of facts and circumstances” requiring individualized analysis. When applying these factors to HVII, it does not believe
that its principal activities will subject it to the Investment Company Act. To this end, HVII was formed for the purpose of completing
an initial business combination with one or more businesses. Since its inception, its business has been and will continue to be focused
on identifying and completing an initial business combination, and thereafter, operating the post-transaction business or assets for
the long term. Further, HVII does not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale and it does
not plan to buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor. In addition, the proceeds held in the trust account may only
be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act
having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment
Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee is not permitted
to invest in other securities or assets. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business
plan targeted at acquiring and growing businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a
merchant bank or private equity fund), HVII intends to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act. Investing in HVII’s securities is not intended for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government
securities or investment securities. The trust account is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i)
the completion of HVII’s initial business combination; (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection
with a shareholder vote to amend HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance
or timing of HVII’s obligation to provide for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business combination
or to redeem 100% of its public shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business combination within the completion window or (B)
with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent
an initial business combination within the completion window, HVII’s return of the funds held in the trust account to its public
shareholders as part of its redemption of the public shares.
58
Further,
under the subjective test of an “investment company” pursuant to Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act, even if
the funds deposited in the trust account were invested in the assets discussed above, there is a risk that HVII could be deemed an investment
company and subject to the Investment Company Act based on the length of time such funds are invested in such assets.
If
HVII were deemed to be subject to compliance with and regulation under the Investment Company Act, it would be subject to additional
regulatory burdens and expenses for which it has not allotted funds. Unless HVII is able to modify its activities so that it would not
be deemed an investment company, it would either register as an investment company or wind down and abandon its efforts to complete an
initial business combination and instead liquidate the company. As a result, HVII’s public shareholders may receive only approximately
$10.00 per public share, or less in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of its trust account, would lose the investment opportunity
in a target company with which HVII may decide to consummate an initial business combination and would be unable to realize the potential
benefits of an initial business combination, including the possible appreciation of the combined company’s securities. In addition,
under these circumstances, HVII’s public share rights would expire worthless.
HVII
is aware of litigation against certain SPACs asserting that, notwithstanding the foregoing, those SPACs should be considered investment
companies. Although HVII believes that these claims are without merit, it cannot guarantee that HVII will not be considered an investment
company and thus be subject to the Investment Company Act. If HVII’s circumstances change over time, it will update its disclosure
to reflect how such changes impact the risk that it may be considered to be operating as an unregistered investment company.
To
mitigate the risk that HVII might be deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act, it may, at any time,
instruct the trustee to liquidate the securities held in the trust account and instead to hold the funds in the trust account in cash
or an interest-bearing account until the earlier of the consummation of HVII’s initial business combination or its liquidation.
As a result, following the liquidation of securities in the trust account, HVII would likely receive minimal interest, if any, on the
funds held in the trust account, which would reduce the dollar amount HVII’s public shareholders would receive upon any redemption
or liquidation of the Company.
The
funds in the trust account will be (i) invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in
money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act, which invest only in direct U.S. government
treasury obligations, and/or (ii) deposited in an interest-bearing demand deposit account at a U.S.-chartered commercial bank with consolidated
assets of $50 billion or more. However, to mitigate the risk of HVII 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 regulation under the Investment Company
Act, HVII may, at any time, and it expects that it will, on or prior to the 24-month anniversary of the closing date of HVII’s
initial public offering, instruct Odyssey Transfer and Trust Company, the trustee with respect to the trust account, to liquidate the
U.S. government treasury obligations or money market funds held in the trust account and thereafter to hold all funds in the trust account
in cash or an interest-bearing account until the earlier of consummation of HVII’s initial business combination or liquidation
of the Company. Following such liquidation, HVII would likely receive minimal interest, if any, on the funds held in the trust account.
However, interest previously earned on the funds held in the trust account still may be released to HVII for permitted withdrawals and
certain other expenses as permitted. As a result, any decision to liquidate the securities held in the trust account and thereafter to
hold all funds in the trust account in cash or an interest-bearing account would reduce the dollar amount HVII’s public shareholders
would receive upon any redemption or liquidation of the Company.
In
addition, even prior to the 24-month anniversary of the closing date of HVII’s initial public offering, HVII may be deemed to be
an investment company. The longer that the funds in the trust account are held in short-term U.S. government treasury obligations or
in money market funds invested exclusively in such securities, even prior to the 24-month anniversary, the greater the risk that HVII
may be considered an unregistered investment company, in which case HVII may be required to liquidate the Company. Accordingly, HVII
may determine, in its discretion, to liquidate the securities held in the trust account at any time, even prior to the 24-month anniversary,
and instead hold all funds in the trust account in cash or an interest-bearing account, which would further reduce the dollar amount
HVII’s public shareholders would receive upon any redemption or liquidation of the Company.
59
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination and it does not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer
rules, and if a shareholder or a “group” of shareholders are deemed to hold in excess of 15% of HVII’s Class A ordinary
shares, the shareholder will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares.
If
HVII seeks shareholder approval of its initial business combination and it does not conduct redemptions in connection with its initial
business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that
a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert
or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), is restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect
to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in HVII’s initial public offering without HVII’s prior consent, which
are referred to as the “Excess Shares.” However, HVII would not be restricting its shareholders’ ability to vote all
of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against its initial business combination. The inability to redeem the Excess Shares
will reduce the shareholder’s influence over HVII’s ability to complete its initial business combination and the shareholder
could suffer a material loss on their investment in HVII if they sell Excess Shares in open market transactions. Additionally, the shareholder
will not receive redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if HVII completes its initial business combination. As a
result, the shareholder will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 15% and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required
to sell their ordinary shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss. HVII may issue its shares to investors in connection
with its initial business combination at a price which is less than the prevailing market price of its shares at that time.
In
connection with its initial business combination, HVII may issue shares to investors in private placement transactions (so-called PIPE
transactions). The purpose of such issuances will be to enable HVII to provide sufficient liquidity to the post-business combination
entity. The price of the shares HVII issues may therefore be less, and potentially significantly less, than the market price for its
shares at such time. Any such issuances of equity securities could dilute the interests of HVII’s existing shareholders.
Nasdaq
may delist HVII’s securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in HVII’s
securities and subject HVII to additional trading restrictions.
HVII’s
units, Class A ordinary shares and share rights are listed on Nasdaq. HVII cannot assure investors that its securities will continue
to be listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to HVII’s initial business combination. In order to continue listing HVII’s
securities on Nasdaq prior to its initial business combination, HVII must maintain certain financial, distribution and share price levels.
Generally, HVII must maintain a minimum market value of listed securities (generally $50,000,000), a minimum number of publicly held
shares with a minimum market value (generally 1.1 million publicly held shares with a minimum of $15 million market value), a minimum
bid price (generally $1.00 per share) and a minimum number of holders of its securities (generally 400 public holders). Additionally,
in connection with its initial business combination, HVII will be required to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s initial listing
requirements, which are more rigorous than Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing
of its securities on Nasdaq. For instance, HVII’s share price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share, the market
value of its listed securities would generally be required to be at least $75 million, the number of unrestricted publicly held shares
must be at least 1.1 million with an aggregate market value of at least $20 million and HVII would be required to have a minimum of 400
round lot holders (with at least 50% of such round lot holders holding securities with a market value of at least $2,500) of its securities.
There is no assurance that HVII will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.
Additionally,
HVII’s units will not be traded after completion of its initial business combination and, in connection with its initial business
combination, HVII will be required to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than Nasdaq
continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of its securities on Nasdaq.
60
For
instance, in order for HVII’s shares to be listed upon the consummation of its business combination, at such time HVII’s
share price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share, HVII’s total market capitalization would be required to
be at least $200.0 million, the aggregate market value of publicly held shares would be required to be at least $100.0 million and HVII
would be required to have at least 400 round lot shareholders. There is no assurance that HVII will be able to meet those listing requirements
at that time.
If
Nasdaq delists HVII’s securities from trading on its exchange and HVII is not able to list its securities on another national securities
exchange, it is expected that HVII’s securities could be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, HVII could
face significant material adverse consequences, including:
● a
limited availability of market quotations for HVII’s securities;
● reduced
liquidity for HVII’s securities;
● a
determination that HVII’s Class A ordinary shares are “penny stock” which
will require brokers trading in HVII’s Class A ordinary shares to adhere to more stringent
rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading
market for HVII’s securities;
● a
limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and
● a
decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
The
National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the
sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because HVII’s units, Class A ordinary shares
and share rights are listed on Nasdaq, HVII’s securities are covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating
the sale of HVII’s securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud,
and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular
case. While HVII is not aware of a state having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by SPACs, other
than the State of Idaho, certain state securities regulators view SPACs unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these
powers, to hinder the sale of securities of SPACs in their states. Further, if HVII were no longer listed on Nasdaq, its securities would
not be covered securities and HVII would be subject to regulation in each state in which it offers its securities, including in connection
with its initial business combination.
The
grant of registration rights to HVII’s initial shareholders may make it more difficult to complete its initial business combination,
and the future exercise of such rights may adversely affect the market price of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares.
Pursuant
to an agreement to be entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in HVII’s initial pubic offering,
HVII’s initial shareholders and their permitted transferees can demand that HVII register the private placement units and the Class
A ordinary shares underlying such private placement units and the private placement rights included in such private placement units,
the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the founder shares, the private placement units that may be issued upon conversion
of working capital loans and the Class A ordinary shares underlying such private placement units and the private placement rights included
in such private placement units. HVII will bear the cost of registering these securities. The registration and availability of such a
significant number of securities for trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of HVII’s Class
A ordinary shares. In addition, the existence of the registration rights may make HVII’s initial business combination more costly
or difficult to conclude. This is because the shareholders of the target business may increase the equity stake they seek in the combined
entity or ask for more cash consideration to offset the negative impact on the market price of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares that
is expected when the securities owned by HVII’s initial shareholders or holders of working capital loans or their respective permitted
transferees are registered.
61
HVII
may issue additional ordinary shares or preference shares to complete its initial business combination or under an employee incentive
plan after completion of its initial business combination. HVII may also issue Class A ordinary shares upon the conversion of the Class
B ordinary shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of its initial business combination as a result of the anti-dilution
provisions contained in its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Any such issuances would dilute the interest
of HVII’s shareholders and likely present other risks.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorizes the issuance of up to 200,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, par
value $0.0001 per share, 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share and 1,000,000 preference shares, par value $0.0001
per share. There are 180,310,000 and 13,291,667 authorized but unissued Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, respectively,
available for issuance, which amount does not take into account the Class A ordinary shares underlying the share rights and the private
placement share rights reserved for issuance or the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of Class B ordinary shares. There
are no preference shares issued and outstanding. Class B ordinary shares are convertible into Class A ordinary shares initially at a
one-for-one ratio but subject to adjustment as set forth herein, including in certain circumstances in which HVII issues Class A ordinary
shares or equity-linked securities related to its initial business combination.
HVII
may issue a substantial number of additional ordinary shares or preference shares to complete its initial business combination or under
an employee incentive plan after completion of its initial business combination (although its amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association provides that HVII may not issue securities that can vote with public shareholders on matters related to its pre-initial
business combination activity). HVII may also issue Class A ordinary shares upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares at a ratio
greater than one-to-one at the time of its initial business combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained in its
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. However, its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
provides, among other things, that prior to its initial business combination, HVII may not issue additional ordinary shares that would
entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote on any initial business combination. These provisions
of its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, like all provisions of its amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association, may be amended with the approval of its shareholders. However, its initial shareholders, officers and directors have
agreed, pursuant to a letter agreement with HVII, that they will not propose any amendment to its amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of its obligation to provide for the redemption of its public shares in
connection with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of its public shares if HVII has not consummated its initial business
combination within the completion window or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial
business combination activity, unless HVII provides its public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their ordinary shares upon
approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account,
including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account (which interest shall be net of permitted withdrawals and taxes payable),
divided by the number of then outstanding public shares.
The
issuance of additional ordinary shares or preference shares:
● may
significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in the initial public offering, which
dilution would increase if the anti-dilution provisions in the Class B ordinary shares resulted
in the issuance of Class A ordinary shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion
of the Class B ordinary shares;
● may
subordinate the rights of holders of ordinary shares if preference shares are issued with
rights senior to those afforded HVII’s ordinary shares;
● could
cause a change of control if a substantial number of HVII’s ordinary shares are issued,
which may affect, among other things, HVII’s ability to use its net operating loss
carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of its present officers
and directors;
● may
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of HVII by diluting the share
ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of HVII; and
● may
adversely affect prevailing market prices for HVII’s units, Class A ordinary shares
and/or share rights.
62
Holders
of HVII’s founder shares will control the appointment of its board of directors until consummation of its initial business combination
and will hold a substantial interest in HVII. As a result, they will appoint all of HVII’s directors prior to its initial business
combination and may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that investors do not
support.
HVII’s
initial shareholders beneficially own 24% of its issued and outstanding ordinary shares (excluding the private placement shares). In
addition, prior to its initial business combination, holders of the founder shares will have the right to appoint all of HVII’s
directors and may remove members of the board of directors for any reason. Holders of HVII’s public shares will have no right to
vote on the appointment of directors during such time. These provisions of its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
may only be amended by a special resolution passed by at least 90% of holders of HVII’s ordinary shares who, being eligible, attend
(in person or by proxy) and vote at a general meeting of the company. As a result, investors will not have any influence over the appointment
of directors prior to HVII’s initial business combination.
Neither
HVII’s initial shareholders nor, to HVII’s knowledge, any of its directors or officers, have any current intention to purchase
additional securities, other than as disclosed in this Report. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would
include consideration of the current trading price of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares. In addition, as a result of their substantial
ownership in HVII, its initial shareholders may exert a substantial influence on other actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially
in a manner that investors do not support, including amendments to its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and
approval of major corporate transactions. If HVII’s initial shareholders purchase any Class A ordinary shares in the aftermarket
or in privately negotiated transactions, this would increase their influence over these actions.
In
addition, HVII’s board of directors, whose members were appointed by Sponsor, is and will be divided into three classes, each of
which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being appointed in each year. HVII may not hold
an annual general meeting to appoint new directors prior to the completion of its initial business combination, in which case all of
the current directors will continue in office until at least the completion of the business combination. If there is an annual general
meeting, as a consequence of HVII’s “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will
be considered for appointment and HVII’s sponsor, because of their ownership position and control of Sponsor, will control the
outcome, as only holders of HVII’s Class B ordinary shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors and to remove
directors prior to its initial business combination.
Accordingly,
holders of HVII’s founder shares will exert significant influence over actions requiring a shareholder vote at least until the
completion of its initial business combination.
Unlike
many other similarly structured SPACs, HVII’s initial shareholders will receive additional Class A ordinary shares if HVII issues
shares to consummate an initial business combination.
The
founder shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of HVII’s initial business combination, or at
any time prior thereto at the option of the holder thereof, on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as provided herein. In the
case that additional Class A ordinary shares, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts sold
in HVII’s initial public offering and related to the closing of HVII’s initial business combination, the ratio at which Class
B ordinary shares shall convert into Class A ordinary shares will be adjusted (unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class
B ordinary shares agree to waive such anti-dilution adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance) so that the number
of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all Class B ordinary shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis,
24% of the total number of all ordinary shares outstanding upon completion of HVII’s initial public offering plus all Class A ordinary
shares and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued in connection with HVII’s initial business combination (excluding any
shares or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination or any private placement-equivalent
units issued to HVII’s sponsor or its affiliates upon conversion of loans made to HVII). This is different from some other similarly
structured SPACs in which the initial shareholder will only be issued an aggregate of 20% of the total number of shares to be outstanding
prior to the initial business combination. Additionally, the aforementioned adjustment will not take into account any Class A ordinary
shares redeemed in connection with the business combination. Accordingly, the holders of the founder shares could receive additional
Class A ordinary shares even if the additional Class A ordinary shares, or equity-linked securities convertible or exercisable for Class
A ordinary shares, are issued or deemed issued solely to replace those shares that were redeemed in connection with the business combination.
The foregoing may make it more difficult and expensive for HVII to consummate an initial business combination. Further, HVII’s
public shareholders may incur material dilution due to such anti-dilution adjustments that result in the issuance of Class A ordinary
shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion.
63
HVII
may amend the terms of the share rights in a manner that may be adverse to holders of public share rights with the approval by the holders
of at least a majority of then outstanding public share rights. As a result, the exercise price of share rights could be increased, the
exercise period could be shortened and the number of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon exercise of a share right
could be decreased, all without the approval of the holders.
HVII’s
share rights will be issued in registered form under a share right agreement between Odyssey Transfer and Trust Company, as share right
agent, and HVII. The share right agreement provides that the terms of the share rights may be amended without the consent of any holder
for the purpose of (i) curing any ambiguity or correct any mistake, including to conform the provisions of the share right agreement
to the description of the terms of the share rights and the share right agreement attached as an exhibit to HVII’s registration
statement filed in connection with its initial public offering, or defective provision or (ii) adding or changing any provisions with
respect to matters or questions arising under the share right agreement as the parties to the share right agreement may deem necessary
or desirable and that the parties deem to not adversely affect the rights of the registered holders of the share rights, provided that
the approval by the holders of at least a majority of then-outstanding public share rights is required to make any change that adversely
affects the interests of the registered holders of public share rights. Accordingly, HVII may amend the terms of the public share rights
in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least a majority of then-outstanding public share rights approve of such amendment and,
solely with respect to any amendment to the terms of the private placement share rights or any provision of the share right agreement
with respect to the private placement units, a majority of the number of then outstanding private placement units. Although HVII’s
ability to amend the terms of the public share rights with the consent of at least a majority of then outstanding public share rights
is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, convert the share rights into cash or another security,
shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares exchangeable upon conversion of a share right.
HVII’s
share right 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 HVII’s
share rights, which could limit the ability of share right holders to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with HVII.
HVII’s
share right agreement provides that, subject to applicable law, (i) any action, proceeding or claim against HVII arising out of or relating
in any way to the share right 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 (ii) that HVII irrevocably submits to such
jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be the exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. HVII will waive any objection
to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, these provisions of the share right agreement do 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 HVII’s share rights shall be deemed to have
notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in HVII’s share right agreement. If any action, the subject matter of which
is within the scope the forum provisions of the share right 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 HVII’s share rights, such holder shall be deemed to have consented to: (A) 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 (B) having service of process made upon such share right holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such
share right holder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such share right holder.
64
This
choice-of-forum provision may limit a share right holder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable
for disputes with HVII, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of HVII’s share
right agreement inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, HVII may
incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially and adversely affect HVII’s
business, financial condition and results of operations and result in a diversion of the time and resources of HVII’s management
and board of directors.
Because
each unit contains one right to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of one Class A ordinary share upon the consummation of HVII’s initial
business combination, and only whole shares will be issued in exchange for share rights, the units may be worth less than units of other
SPACs.
Except
in cases where HVII is not the surviving company in a business combination, each holder of a share right will automatically receive one-twelfth
(1/12) of one Class A ordinary share upon consummation of HVII’s initial business combination. In the event HVII will not be the
surviving company upon completion of HVII’s initial business combination, each holder of a share right will be required to affirmatively
convert its share rights in order to receive the one-twelfth (1/12) of one Class A ordinary share underlying each share right upon consummation
of the business combination. HVII will not issue fractional shares in connection with an exchange of share rights. As a result, holders
must hold share rights in multiples of 12 in order to receive Class A ordinary shares for all of their share rights upon closing of a
business combination. If HVII is unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period and HVII redeems
the public shares for the funds held in the trust account, holders of share rights will not receive any of such funds for their share
rights and the share rights will expire worthless.
The
determination of the offering price of HVII’s units and the size of its initial public offering is more arbitrary than the pricing
of securities and size of an offering of an operating company in a particular industry. Investors may have less assurance, therefore,
that the offering price of HVII’s units properly reflects the value of such units than they would have in a typical offering of
an operating company.
Prior
to HVII’s initial public offering, there was no public market for any of HVII’s securities. The public offering price of
the units and the terms of the share rights were determined through discussions between HVII and the underwriters. In determining the
size of HVII’s initial public offering, management held customary organizational meetings with representatives of the underwriters,
both prior to HVII’s inception and thereafter, with respect to the state of capital markets, generally, and the amount the underwriters
believed they reasonably could raise on HVII’s behalf. Factors considered in determining the size of HVII’s offering, prices
and terms of the units, including the Class A ordinary shares and share rights underlying the units, include:
● the
history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies;
● prior
offerings of those companies;
● HVII’s
prospects for acquiring an operating business;
● HVII’s
capital structure;
● an
assessment of HVII’s management and their experience in identifying operating companies;
● general
conditions of the securities markets at the time of HVII’s initial public offering;
and
● other
factors as were deemed relevant.
Although
these factors were considered, the determination of HVII’s offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities of an
operating company in a particular industry since HVII has no historical operations or financial results.
65
A
market for HVII’s securities may not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of HVII’s securities.
The
price of HVII’s securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations and general market or economic
conditions. Furthermore, an active trading market for HVII’s securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained.
Investors may be unable to sell their securities unless a market can be established and sustained.
Provisions
in HVII’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may inhibit a takeover of HVII, which could limit the price
investors might be willing to pay in the future for HVII’s Class A ordinary shares and could entrench management.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that
shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include the ability of the board of directors to designate
the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions
that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for HVII’s securities.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that the courts of the Cayman Islands will be the exclusive forums
for certain disputes between HVII and its shareholders, which could limit the shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial
forum for complaints against HVII or its directors, officers or employees.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that unless HVII consents in writing to the selection of an alternative
forum, the courts of the Cayman Islands shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim or dispute arising out of or in connection with
the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or otherwise related in any way to each shareholder’s shareholding
in HVII, including but not limited to: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of HVII; (ii) any action asserting a
claim of breach of any fiduciary or other duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee to HVII or its shareholders;
(iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Companies Act or the amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against HVII governed by the internal affairs doctrine (as such concept
is recognized under the laws of the United States) and that each shareholder irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
courts of the Cayman Islands over all such claims or disputes. The forum selection provision in the amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association does not apply to actions or suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act, Exchange
Act, or any claim for which the federal district courts of the United States are, as a matter of the laws of the United States, the sole
and exclusive forum for determination of such a claim.
HVII’s
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association also provide that, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies that
HVII may have, each of its shareholders acknowledges that damages alone would not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the selection
of the courts of the Cayman Islands as exclusive forum and that accordingly HVII shall be entitled, without proof of special damages,
to the remedies of injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief for any threatened or actual breach of the selection of
the courts of the Cayman Islands as exclusive forum.
This
choice of forum provision may increase a shareholder’s cost and limit the shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial
forum that it finds favorable for disputes with HVII or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against
HVII and its directors, officers and other employees. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any of HVII’s shares
or other securities, whether by transfer, sale, operation of law or otherwise, shall be deemed to have notice of and have irrevocably
agreed and consented to these provisions. There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such provisions, and the enforceability
of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ charter documents has been challenged in legal proceedings. It is possible
that a court could find this type of provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable, and if a court were to find this provision in the
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, HVII may incur additional
costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could have an adverse effect on its business and financial
performance.
66
The
securities in which HVII invests the funds held in the trust account could bear a negative rate of interest, which could reduce the aggregate
value of the assets held in the trust account such that the per share redemption amount received by public shareholders may be less than
their anticipated per share redemption amount.
The
funds in the trust account may be invested only in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market
funds that meet certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act and that invest only in direct U.S. government obligations.
While short-term U.S. government treasury bills currently yield a positive rate of interest, they have briefly yielded negative interest
rates in recent years. Central banks in Europe and Japan pursued interest rates below zero in recent years, and the Open Market Committee
of the Federal Reserve has not ruled out the possibility that it may in the future adopt similar policies in the United States. In the
event that HVII is unable to complete its initial business combination or make certain amendments to its amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association, public shareholders are entitled to receive their pro-rata share of the proceeds held in the trust account,
plus any interest income not released to HVII, net of taxes payable. Negative interest rates could impact the per share redemption amount
that may be received by public shareholders.
HVII’s
share rights and private placement units may have an adverse effect on the market price of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares and make
it more difficult to effectuate its initial business combination.
HVII
issued share rights that convert into 1,583,333 shares of Class A ordinary shares as part of the units offered in HVII’s initial
public offering and, simultaneously with the closing of its initial public offering, HVII issued an aggregate of 690,000 private placement
units at a price of $10.00 per unit in a private placement to HVII’s sponsor and underwriters. In addition, if HVII’s sponsor
makes any working capital loans, up to $2,500,000 of such loans may be convertible, at the option of the lender, into private placement
units at a price of $10.00 per unit of the post business combination entity. To the extent HVII issues Class A ordinary shares to effectuate
a business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares of Class A ordinary shares upon exercise
of these share rights and private placement rights could make HVII a less attractive acquisition vehicle to a target business. Such share
rights would increase the number of issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and reduce the value of the Class A ordinary shares
issued to complete the business combination. Therefore, HVII’s share rights and private placement rights may make it more difficult
to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.
General
Risk Factors
HVII
is subject to changing law and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance and public disclosure that have increased
both its costs and the risk of non-compliance.
HVII
is subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which
are charged with the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and to new and evolving
regulatory measures under applicable law. HVII’s efforts to comply with new and changing laws and regulations have resulted in
and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention
from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
Moreover,
because these laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, their application in practice may evolve over time
as new guidance becomes available. This evolution may result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs
necessitated by ongoing revisions to HVII’s disclosure and governance practices. If HVII fails to address and comply with these
regulations and any subsequent changes, HVII may be subject to penalty and its business may be harmed.
HVII
is a newly incorporated company with no operating history and no revenues, and investors have no basis on which to evaluate its ability
to achieve its business objective.
HVII
is a newly incorporated Cayman Islands exempted company with no operating results, and it did not commence operations until obtaining
funding through HVII’s initial public offering. Because HVII lacks an operating history, investors have no basis upon which to
evaluate its ability to achieve its business objective of completing its initial business combination with one or more target businesses.
HVII has no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective target business concerning an initial business combination and
may be unable to complete its initial business combination. If HVII fails to complete its initial business combination, it will never
generate any operating revenues.
67
Past
performance by HVII’s management team and their respective affiliates may not be indicative of future performance of an investment
in HVII.
With
respect to the experiences of HVII’s management team and their respective affiliates, past performance is not a guarantee (i) that
HVII will be able to identify a suitable candidate for its initial business combination or (ii) of success with respect to any business
combination HVII may consummate. Investors should not rely on the historical performance of HVII’s management team and their respective
affiliates (either individually or collectively) as indicative of HVII’s future performance of an investment in the company or
the returns the company will, or is likely to, generate going forward. Additionally, in the course of their respective careers, members
of HVII’s management team have been involved in businesses and deals that were unsuccessful.
HVII
may reincorporate in another jurisdiction in connection with its initial business combination and such reincorporation may result in
taxes imposed on shareholders or share right holders.
HVII
may, in connection with its initial business combination and subject to requisite shareholder approval under the Companies Act (with
respect to which only holders of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to vote prior to HVII’s initial business combination),
reincorporate in the jurisdiction in which the target company or business is located or in another jurisdiction. The transaction may
require a shareholder or share right holder to recognize taxable income, or otherwise subject it to adverse tax consequences, in the
jurisdiction in which the shareholder or share right holder is a tax resident or in which its members are resident if it is a tax transparent
entity. HVII does not intend to make any cash distributions to shareholders or share right holders to pay such taxes. Shareholder or
share right holders may be subject to withholding taxes or other taxes, or other adverse tax consequences, with respect to their ownership
of HVII after the reincorporation.
HVII
may reincorporate in or transfer by way of continuation to another jurisdiction in connection with its initial business combination,
and the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or all of its future material agreements, and it may not be able to enforce its legal
rights.
In
connection with its initial business combination, HVII may relocate the home jurisdiction of its business from the Cayman Islands to
another jurisdiction. If HVII determines to do this, the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or all of its future material agreements.
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 its future agreements could result in a significant
loss of business, business opportunities or capital.
An
investment in HVII’s securities may result in uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences.
An
investment in HVII’s securities may result in uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences. For instance, because there are no
authorities that directly address instruments similar to the units HVII issued in its initial public offering, the allocation an investor
makes with respect to the purchase price of a unit among the Class A ordinary share and the share right included in each unit could be
challenged by the IRS or courts. Furthermore, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of a cashless exercise of share rights are unclear
under current law. It is also unclear whether the redemption rights with respect to HVII’s Class A ordinary shares suspend the
running of the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined in the section of HVII’s final prospectus filed in connection with its
initial public offering entitled “Taxation — Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — General”)
for purposes of determining whether any gain or loss realized by such U.S. Holder on the sale or exchange of Class A ordinary shares
is long-term capital gain or loss and for purposes of determining whether any dividends HVII pays would be considered “qualified
dividends” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See the section of HVII’s final prospectus filed in connection with its
initial public offering entitled “Taxation — Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations” for a summary
of the U.S. federal income tax considerations of an investment in HVII’s securities. Prospective investors are urged to consult
their tax advisors with respect to these and other tax consequences related to purchasing, holding or disposing of HVII’s securities.
68
Cyber
incidents or attacks directed at HVII could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
HVII
depends on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of
third parties with which it may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, HVII’s systems or infrastructure,
or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of HVII’s assets,
proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security
protection, HVII may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. HVII 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 HVII’s business and lead to financial loss.
Changes
in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect HVII’s business, including its
ability to negotiate and complete its initial business combination and results of operations.
HVII
is subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, HVII will be required to comply
with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult,
time consuming and costly.
Those
laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material
adverse effect on HVII’s business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws
or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on HVII’s business, including its ability to negotiate
and complete its initial business combination and results of operations.
Effective
July 1, 2024, the SEC issued 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; and increasing
the potential liability of certain participants in proposed business combination transactions. These rules may materially adversely affect
HVII’s ability to engage financial and capital market advisors, negotiate and complete its initial business combination and may
increase the costs and time related thereto.
Because
HVII is incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, shareholders may face difficulties in protecting their interests, and shareholders’
ability to protect their rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited.
HVII
is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service
of process within the United States upon HVII’s directors or executive officers, or enforce judgments obtained in the United States
courts against HVII’s directors or officers.
HVII’s
corporate affairs and the rights of shareholders will be governed by HVII’s 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. HVII will
also be subject to the federal securities laws of the United States. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors,
actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of HVII’s directors to HVII under Cayman Islands law are to
a large extent governed by the 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, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive
authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of HVII’s shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities
of HVII’s directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some
jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United
States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition,
Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative action in a Federal court of the United States.
For a more detailed discussion of the principal differences between the provisions of the Companies Act applicable to HVII and, for example,
the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see the section of HVII’s final prospectus
on filed in connection with its initial public offering entitled “Description of Securities — Certain Differences in Corporate
Law.”
69
Shareholders
of Cayman Islands exempted companies like HVII have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain
copies of the register of members of these companies. HVII’s directors have discretion under HVII’s amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, HVII’s corporate records may be
inspected by HVII’s shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to HVII’s shareholders. This may make it more
difficult for shareholders to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies
from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
HVII
has been advised by Appleby (Cayman) Ltd., HVII’s Cayman Islands legal counsel, that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely
(i) to recognize or enforce against HVII judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the
federal securities laws of the United States or any state; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities
against HVII predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, so far
as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement
in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign
money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a
competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain
conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive and for a
liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the
same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural
justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public
policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
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 HVII’s management team or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a United States company.
Holders
of Class A ordinary shares will not be entitled to vote on any appointment or removal of directors and to continue HVII in a jurisdiction
outside the Cayman Islands prior to HVII’s initial business combination.
Prior
to HVII’s initial business combination, only holders of HVII’s founder shares will have the right to vote on the appointment
of directors and to continue HVII in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands. Holders of HVII’s public shares will not be entitled
to vote on the appointment of directors or to continue HVII in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands during such time. In addition,
prior to HVII’s initial business combination, holders of a majority of HVII’s founder shares may remove a member of the board
of directors for any reason. Accordingly, public shareholders will not have any say in the management of HVII prior to the consummation
of an initial business combination.
70
HVII
is an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and if HVII takes advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies and
smaller reporting companies, this could make HVII’s securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare
HVII’s performance with other public companies.
HVII
is an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as modified
by the JOBS Act, and HVII may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public
companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in HVII’s
periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation
and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, HVII’s shareholders may not have
access to certain information they may deem important. HVII could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances
could cause HVII to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates
exceeds $700.0 million as of any June 30 before that time, in which case HVII would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the
following December 31. HVII cannot predict whether investors will find HVII’s securities less attractive because HVII will rely
on these exemptions. If some investors find HVII’s securities less attractive as a result of HVII’s reliance on these exemptions,
the trading prices of HVII’s securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for
HVII’s securities and the trading prices of HVII’s securities may be more volatile. 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. HVII has 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, HVII, as an emerging
growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make
comparison of HVII’s 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.
Additionally,
HVII is 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.
HVII will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the aggregate worldwide market value
of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates equaled or exceeded $250.0 million as of the end of the prior June 30th,
and (ii) HVII’s annual revenues equaled or exceeded $100.0 million during such completed fiscal year or the aggregate worldwide
market value of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates equaled or exceeded $700.0 million as of the prior June 30th.
Item
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item
1C. Cybersecurity.
HVII
is a SPAC with no business operations. Since its initial public offering, its sole business activity has been identifying and evaluating
suitable acquisition transaction candidates. Therefore, HVII does not consider that it faces significant cybersecurity risk and has not
adopted any cybersecurity risk management program or formal processes for assessing cybersecurity risk.
HVII
depends on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of
third parties with which it may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, its information systems or infrastructure,
or the information systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of its assets,
proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. Because of its reliance on the technologies of third parties, HVII also depends
upon the personnel and the processes of third parties to protect against cybersecurity threats. In the event of a cybersecurity incident
impacting HVII, the management team will report to the board of directors and provide updates on the management team’s incident
response plan for addressing and mitigating any risks associated with the cybersecurity incident. As an early-stage company without significant
investments in data security protection, there can be no assurance that HVII will 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 its business and lead to financial loss.
71
As
of the date of this Report, HVII has not identified any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity
incidents, that it believes have, or are likely to, materially affect it since its initial public offering.
Item
2. Properties.
HVII
does not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to its operation. It currently maintains its principal
executive offices at 195 US Hwy 50, Suite 309 Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448. The cost for this space is included in the $15,000 per-month
aggregate fee HVII’s sponsor charges it for general and administrative services. HVII considers its current office space, combined
with the other office space otherwise available to its executive officers, adequate for its current operations.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings.
To
the knowledge of HVII’s management, there is no litigation currently pending against HVII, any of its officers or directors in
their capacity as such, or against any of its property.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not
applicable.
PART
II
Item
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market
Information
HVII’s
units, Class A ordinary shares and share rights are each traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “HVIIU,” “HVII”
and “HVIIR,” respectively. HVII’s units commenced public trading on January 17, 2025 and its Class A ordinary shares
and share rights commenced separate public trading on February 6, 2025.
Holders
On
March 28, 2025, there were five holders of record of HVII’s units, one holder of record of HVII’s Class A ordinary shares,
eight holders of record of HVII’s Class B ordinary shares and one holder of record of HVII’s share rights.
Securities
Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
None.
Dividends
HVII
has not paid any cash dividends on its ordinary shares to date and does not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of its
initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon HVII’s revenues and earnings,
if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of HVII’s initial business combination. The
payment of any cash dividends subsequent to HVII’s initial business combination will be within the discretion of its board of directors
at such time and HVII will only pay such dividend out of its profits or share premium (subject to solvency requirements) as permitted
under Cayman Islands law. In addition, HVII’s board of directors is not currently contemplating and does not anticipate declaring
any share dividends in the foreseeable future. Further, if HVII incurs any indebtedness in connection with its initial business combination,
HVII’s ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants it may agree to in connection therewith.
72
Performance
Graph
The
performance graph has been omitted as permitted under rules applicable to smaller reporting companies.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities
On
October 8, 2024, HVII’s sponsor purchased an aggregate of 5,750,000 Class B ordinary for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000,
or approximately $0.004 per share. On January 10, 2025, the Company issued to the sponsor an additional 958,333 founder shares for no
additional consideration, resulting in the sponsor holding a total of 6,708,333 founder shares. The number of founder shares issued was
determined based on the expectation that the founder shares would represent 25% of the outstanding ordinary shares upon completion of
HVII’s initial public offering. In December 2024, HVII’s sponsor transferred 250,000 founder shares to Nicholas Geeza, HVII’s
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and an aggregate of 130,000 founder shares to its independent directors.
In January 2025, HVII’s sponsor transferred 750,000 founder shares to Thomas D. Hennessy, HVII’s President and Chief Operating
Officer.
On
January 21, 2025, HVII consummated the initial public offering of 19,000,000 units, which includes the partial exercise by the underwriters
of their over-allotment option in the amount of 1,500,000 units, at $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $190,000,000. Each
unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one right to receive one-twelfth (1/12) of one Class A ordinary share upon the consummation
of an initial business combination.
Simultaneously
with the closing of HVII’s initial public offering, HVII consummated the private placement and sale of an aggregate of 690,000
private placement units at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit, generating gross proceeds to HVII of $6,900,000. Of the 690,000
private placement units, 500,000 private placement units were purchased by HVII’s sponsor and 190,000 private placement units were
purchased by the underwriters. The private placement units are identical to the units sold in HVII’s initial public offering, except
that (i) the private placement units (and the Class A ordinary shares and share rights underlying the private placement units and the
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the share rights) may not be transferred, assigned or sold, subject to certain limited
exceptions set forth in the letter agreement and as described in the registration statement filed in connection with HVII’s initial
public offering, until 30 days after the completion of the HVII’s initial business combination, and (ii) the holders of the private
placement units are entitled to certain registration rights in respect thereof (and with respect to the Class A ordinary shares and share
rights underlying such private placement units and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the share rights). The issuance
of the private placement units was made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
The
underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering were entitled to a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit, or $3,800,000 in
the aggregate, which were paid to the underwriters in cash at the closing of the initial public offering. Additionally, the underwriters
are entitled to a deferred underwriting discount of up to $0.40 per unit, or up to $7,600,000 in the aggregate (subject to reduction
based on the funds remaining in the trust account after giving effect to the public shares that are redeemed in connection with an initial
business combination), payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions on amounts remaining in the trust account after
all redemptions by public shareholders have been met. The deferred underwriting discount will become payable to the underwriters from
the amounts held in the trust account solely in the event HVII completes its initial business combination.
For
a description of the use of the proceeds generated in HVII’s initial public offering, please see the section of this Report entitled
“ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. ”
Purchases
of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
Item
6. [Reserved.]
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Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The
following discussion and analysis of HVII’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with its
audited financial statements and the notes related thereto which are included in “ Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data ” of this Report, as well as the sections of this Report entitled “ Item 1. Business ” and “ Item
1A. Risk Factors .” Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements.
HVII’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors,
including those set forth under “ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ,” “ Item 1A. Risk Factors ”
and elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
HVII
is a SPAC incorporated in the Cayman Islands on September 27, 2024, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share
exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. HVII intends
to effectuate its business combination using cash derived from the proceeds of its initial public offering and the sale of the private
placement units and any sale of securities in connection with its initial business combination, its shares, debt or a combination of
cash, shares and debt.
The
issuance of additional ordinary shares in an initial business combination:
● may
significantly dilute the equity interest of HVII’s public shareholders, which dilution
would increase if the anti-dilution provisions in the Class B ordinary shares resulted in
the issuance of Class A shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the
Class B ordinary shares;
● may
subordinate the rights of holders of ordinary shares if preference shares is issued with
rights senior to those afforded to ordinary shares;
● could
cause a change of control if a substantial number of ordinary shares are issued, which may
affect, among other things, HVII’s ability to use its net operating loss carry forwards,
if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of HVII’s present officers and
directors;
● may
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of HVII by diluting the equity
ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of HVII; and
● may
adversely affect prevailing market prices for Class A ordinary shares and/or share rights.
Similarly,
if HVII issues debt securities or otherwise incur significant indebtedness, it could result in:
● default
and foreclosure on HVII’s assets if its operating revenues after an initial business
combination are insufficient to repay its debt obligations;
● acceleration
of HVII’s obligations to repay the indebtedness even if it makes all principal and
interest payments when due if HVII breaches certain covenants that require the maintenance
of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
● HVII’s
immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt is payable on
demand;
● HVII’s
inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt contains covenants restricting
its ability to obtain such financing while the debt is outstanding;
● HVII’s
inability to pay dividends on ordinary shares;
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●
using
a substantial portion of HVII’s cash flow to pay principal and interest on its debt, which will reduce the funds available
for dividends on ordinary shares, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
●
limitations
on HVII’s flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in its business and in the industry in which it operates;
●
increased
vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation;
●
limitations
on HVII’s ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements,
execution of its strategy and other purposes; and
●
other
disadvantages compared to its competitors who have less debt.
HVII
expects to continue to incur significant costs in the pursuit of its acquisition plans. It cannot assure that its plans to complete a
business combination will be successful.
Results
of Operations
HVII
has neither engaged in any operations nor generated any operating revenues to date. The only activities from inception through December
31, 2024, were organizational activities and those necessary to prepare for HVII’s initial public offering, described below. HVII
does not expect to generate any operating revenues until after the completion of its initial business combination. It expects to generate
non-operating income in the form of interest income from funds held after the initial public offering. Subsequent to its initial public
offering, HVII has incurred increased expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and
auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses in connection with searching for, and completing, an initial business combination.
For
the period from September 27, 2024 (inception) through December 31, 2024, HVII had a net loss of $47,952, which consisted of formation
and general and administrative costs.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Until
the consummation of the initial public offering, HVII’s only source of liquidity was an initial purchase of Class B ordinary shares,
par value $0.0001 per share, by the Sponsor for $25,000 and loans from the Sponsor, which were repaid at the closing of the initial public
offering.
Subsequent
to the period covered by this Report, on January 21, 2025, HVII consummated the initial public offering of 19,000,000 units, which includes
the partial exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option in the amount of 1,500,000 units, at $10.00 per unit, generating
gross proceeds of $190,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of the initial public offering, HVII consummated the sale of an aggregate
of 690,000 private placement units at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit, generating gross proceeds of $6,900,000. Of the 690,000
private placement units, 500,000 private placement units were purchased by the HVII’s sponsor, and an aggregate of 190,000 private
placement units were purchased by the underwriters of HVII’s initial public offering: Cohen & Company Capital Markets (133,000);
Clear Street LLC (28,500); and Loop Capital Markets LLC (28,500).
Following
the closing of the initial public offering and the sale of the private placement units, a total of $190,000,000 was placed in the trust
account. HVII incurred $12,656,782 of transaction costs consisting of $3,800,000 of cash underwriting fee, $7,600,000 of deferred underwriting
fee and $1,256,782 of other offering costs.
HVII
intends to use substantially all of the funds held in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust
account (which interest shall be net of permitted withdrawals and excluding deferred underwriting commissions), to complete its initial
business combination. To the extent that HVII’s share capital or debt is used, in whole or in part, as consideration to complete
its initial business combination, the remaining proceeds held in the trust account will be used as working capital to finance the operations
of the target business or businesses, make other acquisitions and pursue its growth strategies.
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HVII
intends to use the funds held outside the trust account primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence
on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their
representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective
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