Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) activity has grown exponentially over the past few years, driven largely by activity in the US. Hand in hand with this is the follow-on growth in de-SPAC transactions, as publicly listed SPACs move through the transaction life cycle to merge with an acquisition target.

While the US has historically been the main market for SPAC and de-SPAC activity, we are beginning to see a growing global interest in non-US SPAC listing venues and acquisition targets.

Baker McKenzie represents SPAC sponsors in structuring SPACs and conducting SPAC IPOs, SPACs and target companies in de-SPAC business combination transactions and simultaneous PIPE transactions, and PIPE investors in SPACs. We regularly guide boards of directors with respect to fiduciary duties, corporate governance matters and material corporate transactions. We also represent management teams in connection with SPAC matters. We give you the head start you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities that SPACs present.

As the leading cross-border transactional law firm, we, through our 74 offices in 45 countries, address issues arising in various jurisdictions with a single voice. Few, if any, law firms can deliver the scope of services, across a truly global footprint, in such a rapid and coordinated fashion as our team at Baker McKenzie can.

SPACs deals

Global SPACS Guide
Our Global SPACs Guide sets out a comparison of some of the features and requirements applicable to SPACs and de-SPACs in a number of jurisdictions across the regions.

SPACs: Challenges and Opportunities
This mini-guide takes a look at the various stages of the SPAC process and offers tips and insights on the various challenges and opportunities that may be presented during that journey.

De-SPAC Transactions: Considerations and Risks
This mini-guide takes a look at the key factors to consider in, and the risks relate to, a de-SPAC transaction.

SPACs Cross the Atlantic
SPACs have tended to search for national targets, but in this article, we look at the issues European boards and investors should consider as this asset class looks to Europe to satisfy its insatiable appetite.

SEC Proposes Rules for Further Disclosure and Enhanced Investor Protections Regarding SPACs
On 30 March 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved proposed rules relating to special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and released an accompanying fact sheet.