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Board addition: Factorial (NYSE: CGCT) appoints Dr. Dieter Zetsche

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
425

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Factorial Inc. announced the appointment of Dr. Dieter Zetsche to the Board of Directors upon closing of its previously announced business combination with Cartesian Growth Corporation III. The filing states Dr. Zetsche has been an early investor and advisor since 2021 and will support the company’s commercial scaling and public market transition.

The release highlights Dr. Zetsche’s leadership experience at Daimler AG and Chrysler, and notes Factorial’s partnerships and technical milestones, including Mercedes‑Benz road testing exceeding 1,200 km on a single charge and Stellantis lab validation of 77 Ah cells.

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Insights

Appointment signals governance strengthening ahead of the business combination.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche’s addition to the board brings long-tenured automotive executive experience and investor familiarity with the company. The filing ties his appointment to the closing of the proposed business combination with Cartesian Growth Corporation III and frames it as part of public-company readiness.

Material impact depends on execution of the business combination and subsequent operational milestones; timing is linked to the transaction closing and proxy/prospectus disclosures described in the filing.

The filing reiterates partnership validation and technical milestones.

Factorial cites Mercedes‑Benz road testing with > 1,200 km range and Stellantis lab testing of 77 Ah cells, underscoring customer testing activity. These are presented as performance signals but are descriptive; the filing does not quantify commercial production timelines or revenues.

Investors should read the Form S‑4 proxy/prospectus for transaction details and any forward-looking manufacturing or commercialization milestones.

Road test range 1,200 km Mercedes‑Benz real‑world road testing on a lightly modified test vehicle
Cell capacity 77 Ah Stellantis lab testing verified 77 Ah cells
Business Combination Agreement date December 17, 2025 Date of the Business Combination Agreement referenced in the filing
Press release date April 23, 2026 Date of the announcement included at the top of the filing
solid-state battery technical
"Factorial operates at the forefront of solid-state battery development"
A solid-state battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses a solid material instead of liquid or gel-like substances to store and transfer energy. This design can make batteries safer, more durable, and capable of holding more power in a smaller space. For investors, advancements in solid-state batteries could lead to better-performing electric vehicles and portable electronics, potentially transforming markets and creating new opportunities.
FEST® and Solstice™ platforms technical
"Its proprietary FEST® and Solstice™ platforms deliver industry leading performance"
business combination regulatory
"proposed business combination between Cartesian Growth Corporation III and Factorial"
A business combination happens when two or more companies join together to operate as one, like two friends merging their teams into a single group. This is important because it can change how companies grow, compete, and make money, often making them bigger and more powerful in the market.
proxy statement/prospectus regulatory
"registration statement on Form S-4 which includes a preliminary and definitive proxy statement"
A proxy statement or prospectus is a document that companies send to shareholders to provide important information about upcoming decisions or investments, such as voting on company issues or offering new shares to the public. It helps investors understand the details and risks involved, enabling them to make informed choices about their ownership or involvement with the company.

Filed by Factorial Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 425

under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended

and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

Subject Company: Cartesian Growth Corporation III

(Commission File No. 001-42629)

 

Factorial Names Dr. Dieter Zetsche to Board of Directors, Bringing World-Class Leadership to Its Commercial Scale and Public Market
Journey

 

Board appointment will add deep mobility and public company expertise to guide execution at scale

 

Boston, MASS. – April 23, 2026 Factorial Inc. (“Factorial”), a leader in solid-state battery technology, today announced that, upon the closing of the previously announced business combination with Cartesian Growth Corporation III, Dr. Dieter Zetsche will be appointed to the Board of Directors of the combined company (the “Board”). Having served as an early investor and trusted advisor to the company since 2021, Dr. Zetsche's transition to the Board marks a natural and significant step in the company's progression toward public company readiness. It further reinforces Factorial's focus on strong governance and operational discipline as it continues to scale.

 

"Working alongside Dr. Zetsche as an early investor and advisor has been one of the most valuable experiences in Factorial's journey. His vision for what Factorial can become has always pushed us to think bigger," said Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial. "His extraordinary product vision and business acumen have shaped how we think about building a company that endures. His decision to join our Board, as we transition from technical milestones to disciplined commercial execution, reflects our shared commitment to bringing solid-state battery technology to the world.”

 

Dr. Zetsche led Mercedes-Benz to the pinnacle of global industry - building a legacy defined by trust, innovation, and an uncompromising standard of excellence. Dr. Zetsche has witnessed firsthand how thoughtfully developed technology, built with patience and precision, can truly transform the way the world moves. Joining the Board, he brings that same proven playbook for scaling world-class technology into a global business at a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution.

 

"What has always set Factorial apart, and what continues to energize me, is the team's exceptional combination of scientific rigor and commercial discipline,” said Dr. Zetsche. "The breadth of applications ahead, spanning mobility, drones, and industrial markets, only adds to my conviction. I am truly delighted to join the Board, and I believe the best chapters of this story are still to be written.”

 

 

 

 

Dr. Dieter Zetsche served as Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG from 2006 to 2019, leading Mercedes-Benz through a period of substantial global growth and strategic transformation. During his tenure, he strengthened Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leading premium automotive brand, expanded global production and international market presence, initiated early investments in electrification, autonomous driving, and digital mobility and drove sustained revenue growth and improved operational performance. Previously, Dr. Zetsche served as President and CEO of Chrysler Group, where he led a successful restructuring and operational turnaround. Dr. Zetsche holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Karlsruhe.

 

About Factorial

 

Founded and headquartered in the greater Boston area, Factorial operates at the forefront of solid-state battery development. Its proprietary FEST® and Solstice™ platforms deliver industry leading performance with scalable manufacturing, developed in close collaborations with strategic customers. Mercedes-Benz’ real-world road testing in a lightly modified test vehicle achieved over 1,200 km of range on a single charge, while Stellantis-lab testing verified 77 Ah cells demonstrating high energy density, fast-charging, and robust use for energy and power performance across temperature extremes. Factorial’s commercial partnerships include global automotive leaders such as Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation. For more information, visit www.factorialenergy.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements herein generally relate to future events or the future financial or operating performance of Factorial. For example, Factorial’s expectations regarding consummation of the business combination, future financial performance, manufacturing capabilities and operations, Factorial’s business plans, and other projections concerning key performance metrics or milestones are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” or “potentially” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. While Factorial may elect to update such forward-looking statements in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so.

 

 

 

 

Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It

 

This communication relates to the proposed business combination between Cartesian Growth Corporation III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Cartesian III”) and Factorial (“Business Combination”) pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2025, by and among Cartesian III, Fenway MS, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Factorial, as amended. The proposed Business Combination will be submitted to shareholders of Cartesian III for their consideration. Cartesian III and Factorial have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which includes and will include a preliminary and definitive proxy statement to be distributed to Cartesian III’s shareholders in connection with Cartesian III’s solicitations of proxies from its shareholders with respect to the proposed business combination and other matters described in the Form S-4, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to the stockholders of Factorial in connection with the completion of the proposed Business Combination. After that registration statement has been filed and declared effective, Cartesian III will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents relating to the proposed Business Combination and other matters to be described in the registration statement to Factorial stockholders and Cartesian III shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed Business Combination. Before making any voting or investment decision, Cartesian III shareholders, Factorial stockholders, and other interested persons are urged to read these documents and any amendments thereto, as well as any other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Cartesian III in connection with the proposed Business Combination and other matters to be described in those documents when they become available, because they will contain important information about Cartesian III, Factorial and the proposed Business Combination. Shareholders will also be able to obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Cartesian III with the SEC, once available, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov, or by directing a written request to Cartesian Growth Corporation III, 505 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

Cartesian III, Factorial, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from Cartesian III’s shareholders with respect to the proposed Business Combination and the other matters set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus. Information regarding Cartesian III’s directors and executive officers, and a description of their interests in Cartesian III is contained in Cartesian III’s final prospectus for its initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 5, 2025, which is available free of charge at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Cartesian Growth Corporation III, 505 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed Business Combination when it becomes available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.

 

 

 

 

This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement filed by Cartesian III or for any other document that Cartesian III and Factorial may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed Business Combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of other documents filed with the SEC by Cartesian III, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov.

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, in any jurisdiction, or the solicitation of any vote, consent or approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the proposed Business Combination or any related transactions, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This communication is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

 

FAQ

Who is Dr. Dieter Zetsche and why did Factorial (CGCT) appoint him?

Dr. Dieter Zetsche is the former Chairman of Daimler AG and ex‑CEO of Chrysler. Factorial states he joined as an early investor and advisor since 2021 and will join the combined company’s Board to support commercial scaling and public‑company readiness.

When will Dr. Zetsche officially join Factorial’s Board?

Dr. Zetsche’s appointment is stated to occur upon closing of the proposed business combination with Cartesian Growth Corporation III. The filing ties the appointment to the transaction closing and related proxy/prospectus processes outlined in the Form S‑4.

What technical milestones does the filing cite for Factorial?

The release cites Mercedes‑Benz road testing achieving over 1,200 km range on a single charge and Stellantis lab testing of 77 Ah cells showing high energy density, fast charging, and performance across temperatures, as described in the company’s statement.

How is the business combination described and where can I find details?

The filing describes a proposed business combination with Cartesian Growth Corporation III under a Business Combination Agreement dated December 17, 2025. Detailed information will be available in the Form S‑4 proxy/prospectus filed with the SEC when distributed to shareholders.

Does this filing provide financial guidance or timelines for commercialization?

No. The communication contains forward‑looking statements but does not provide quantified financial guidance or specific commercialization timelines; it urges readers to consult the Form S‑4 and subsequent proxy/prospectus for transaction and operating details.