Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. Files for a $150M SPAC

The SPAC decks were recently cleared with three pricings last week and have immediately been replenished with three new filings.  The first was CF Finance, then on Monday we had Monocle for $150 million, and now on Tuesday evening, Schultze Special Purpose Acquisiton Corp (SAMAU), also filed for a $150 million SPAC.  Schultze (SAMAU), which is focusing on companies that have been financially restructured, is being sponsored by Schultze Asset Management, LP, an alternative investment management firm who’s strategy is based on the belief that distressed securities can often be purchased at discounts to intrinsic value given the complexities surrounding their restructuring.

Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. is being led by the eponymous George Schultze, as Chairman, CEO and President and is a well known figure in the distressed and bankruptcy investment industry having authored “The Art of Vulture Investing: Adventures in Distressed Securities Management“, and is also the founder of Schultze Asset Management, LP.

Looking at this SPAC’s structure, once again we see a 100% in trust, one share + one warrant deal, but with 18 months to find an acquisition. Further details below.

These terms feel to be the standard lately and reflect the current climate. The market is tight and there’s not a lot of wiggle room for SPACs so these terms feel appropriate. Plus, given that Schultze is focusing on companies that are post-restructuring, the Hostess deal with Gores-I immediately comes to mind. If you recall, the Gores team acquired Hostess four years post-bankruptcy when the company’s financial condition was in much better shape. That was a great deal.  Since Schultze has made a career out of finding companies such as Hostess, a SPAC seems like a good fit.

One other quick note – this is the second time this week we’ve seen BTIG make an appearance on a SPAC – first on the CF Finance deal as qualified independent underwriter and now as one of the lead underwriters of Schultze. Keep an eye on them for the 2019 League Tables.  They are part of a new crop of underwriters, such as BAML, Jefferies and Macquarie, that are making moves.

EarlyBirdCapital and BTIG are joint lead underwriting managers.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Graubard Miller are issuer’s counsel and underwriter’s counsel, respectively.