VivoPower announces binding heads of agreement to merge Tembo into NASDAQ listed CCTS at an indicative US$838m Equity Value
- Merger between Tembo E-LV and CCTS with Tembo as the surviving entity and name change to Tembo Group.
- VivoPower shareholders to receive 5 Tembo Group shares for each 1 VivoPower share.
- CCTS has $25m cash on its balance sheet.
- Agreement to be finalized by early May 2024, with the merger targeted for completion by August 2024.
- None.
The proposed merger between Tembo E-LV and Cactus Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (CCTS) is a strategic move that could potentially reshape the competitive landscape for utility vehicle electrification. The indicative pre-money equity valuation of Tembo at $838 million suggests a substantial size for the deal, which will likely influence investor sentiment and stock prices. The issuance of 83.8 million shares at $10 per CCTS share represents a significant capital structure change and the distribution of Tembo Dividend Shares to VivoPower shareholders enhances shareholder value, albeit with a lock-up period that may temper immediate market liquidity.
From a financial perspective, the $25 million of cash on CCTS's balance sheet is a important liquidity injection for Tembo Group post-merger. This capital could be leveraged for further research and development, expansion of market presence, or scaling of production capabilities. Investors should monitor the final terms of the Business Combination Agreement and the independent fairness opinion, as these will provide further clarity on the transaction's financial soundness.
The electric vehicle (EV) sector is experiencing rapid growth and utility vehicle electrification is a niche yet expanding segment. Tembo's merger with CCTS positions the company to capitalize on this momentum. The lock-up period for the Tembo Dividend Shares may stabilize the stock price post-listing by preventing a flood of shares into the market. However, investors should be aware of the potential dilution caused by the new share issuance. The impact on VivoPower's stock will need to be assessed, considering the 5-for-1 Tembo Group share exchange ratio for existing shareholders.
Long-term, the merger could provide Tembo Group with access to CCTS's SPAC expertise and capital, which can be pivotal for accelerating growth and capturing market share. The EV market's dynamics, including regulatory changes and technology advancements, must be considered when evaluating the potential success of the merger. Stakeholders should also consider the synergies that may arise from the combination, such as operational efficiencies and expanded product offerings.
The legal intricacies of the merger, including the finalization of the Business Combination Agreement and the independent fairness opinion, are fundamental to ensuring compliance with NASDAQ listing requirements and protecting shareholder interests. The fairness opinion will provide an external validation of the transaction's equity terms, which is an important safeguard for minority shareholders. The lock-up period is a standard practice in such transactions to prevent excessive volatility, but it also means that shareholders will need to be patient before they can realize potential gains from the free trading of their shares.
Legal due diligence is paramount to uncover any potential liabilities or regulatory hurdles that could affect the merger timeline or conditions. Investors should pay close attention to the F-4 filing, which will disclose more detailed information about the transaction and the combined entity's future plans. Understanding the legal framework and potential risks associated with the merger is critical for stakeholders to make informed decisions.
- Tembo E-LV (“Tembo”), a subsidiary of VivoPower International PLC (“VivoPower”), will merge with CCTS (“Cactus Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited”), a NASDAQ-listed company.
- Tembo will be the surviving entity and upon closing, will change its name to Tembo Group.
- CCTS has
$25m of cash on its balance sheet, as of its last quarterly filing.
- VivoPower shareholders on the final record date will receive 5 Tembo Group shares for each 1 VivoPower share held.
- Final Business Combination Agreement, an independent fairness opinion to be finalised by early May 2024 with the merger targeted for completion by August 2024
LONDON, April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tembo, a global leader in utility vehicle electrification (“Tembo”), and a subsidiary of VivoPower International PLC (NASDAQ: VVPR, “VivoPower”), today announced it has entered into a binding heads of agreement (“Agreement”) whereby it will exclusively negotiate to consummate a business combination agreement to merge with Cactus Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited (NASDAQ: CCTS, CCTSW, CCTSU, “CCTS”), a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”). Upon closing of a business combination, the combined company is expected to remain NASDAQ-listed under the name “Tembo Group”.
Key Terms of the Agreement
- A business combination between CCTS and Tembo will be effected through the merger of CCTS with and into Tembo, with Tembo surviving the merger. Upon the closing of the acquisition, Tembo will change its name to “Tembo Group”.
- CCTS will issue 83.8 million shares in exchange for Tembo shares at
$10 per CCTS share. This corresponds to a pre-money indicative equity valuation of Tembo of$838 million .
Contemporaneously with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the BCA, VVPR will issue a dividend on a pro rata basis to VVPR stockholders as follows:
- An amount equal to ten percent (
10% ) of the aggregate Merger Consideration Shares (the “Tembo Dividend Shares”) to VivoPower shareholders as at a record date of 30 April 2024 (First Record Date); and - An additional amount equal to another ten percent (
10% ) of the aggregate Tembo Dividend Shares to VivoPower shareholders who were registered on the record date of 30 April 2024 and still hold their VVPR shares as at 30 June 2024 (Second Record Date); and - The Tembo Dividend Shares will be subject to a lock up period of 6 months post listing of Tembo Group.
- An amount equal to ten percent (
A total of 16.76 million Tembo Dividend Shares, representing
- The transaction is subject to final execution of a Business Combination Agreement.
An independent fairness opinion will also be completed and filed together with the F-4. - All cash remaining in CCTS’s Trust account immediately after the closing of the business combination will be available to the surviving entity for working capital, growth, and other general corporate purposes.
- The Business Combination Agreement incorporating a fairness opinion is expected to be completed in May 2024, whilst the transaction is targeted to close in August 2024.
Additional information about the proposed merger, including a copy of the merger agreement and other material documentation will be filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. An S-4 registration statement will also be filed with the SEC, which will contain a proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the business combination.
Chardan Capital Markets LLC is acting as financial advisor to VivoPower and Tembo on this transaction.
About Cactus Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited
Cactus Acquisition Corp. 1 Limited is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination. For more information, visit https://cactusac1.com
About Tembo
Tembo electric utility vehicles (EUVs) are the premier
About VivoPower
VivoPower is an award-winning global sustainable energy solutions B Corporation company focused on electric solutions for off-road and on-road customised and ruggedised fleet applications, battery and microgrids, solar and critical power technology and services. The Company’s core purpose is to provide its customers with turnkey decarbonisation solutions that enable them to move toward net-zero carbon status. VivoPower has operations and personnel in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
Important Information About the Merger and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed Merger, CCTS intends to file preliminary and definitive proxy statements with the SEC. The preliminary and definitive proxy statements and other relevant documents will be sent or given to the stockholders of CCTS as of the record date established for voting on the proposed Merger and will contain important information about the proposed Merger and related matters. Stockholders of CCTS and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement and any amendments thereto and, once available, the definitive proxy statement, in connection with CCTS’s solicitation of proxies for the meeting of stockholders to be held to approve, among other things, the proposed Merger because the proxy statement will contain important information about CCTS and the proposed Merger. When available, the definitive proxy statement will be mailed to CCTS’s stockholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed Merger. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Cactus Acquisition Corp. 1 Ltd, 4B Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, telephone: (609) 495-2222.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterisations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include, for example, statements about the achievement of performance hurdles, or the benefits of the events or transactions described in this communication and the expected returns therefrom. These statements are based on VivoPower’s management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to risk, uncertainty, and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of VivoPower’s business. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include changes in business conditions, fluctuations in customer demand, changes in accounting interpretations, management of rapid growth, intensity of competition from other providers of products and services, changes in general economic conditions, geopolitical events and regulatory changes, and other factors set forth in VivoPower’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. VivoPower is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
Contact
Shareholder Enquiries
shareholders@vivopower.com
FAQ
What is the merger about involving Tembo E-LV and CCTS?
How many Tembo Group shares will VivoPower shareholders receive for each 1 VivoPower share?
What is the expected completion timeline for the merger?
How much cash does CCTS have on its balance sheet?
When will the Agreement be finalized?
