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SPACs: An alternative to traditional IPOs

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Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) exist for the sole purpose of acquiring a private company and taking it public. As an alternative to a traditional initial public offering (IPO), business owners and management teams may consider a transaction with a SPAC as an option to access public capital. SPACs have raised more than $60 billion in 2020, and they need to find acquisition targets to put that money to work. Explore our resources, insights, and guidance on what to know, do, and decide before, during, and after a SPAC transaction.

Featured resources

Insight

SPACs for clean energy IPO: Better option or bubble?

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) exploded in popularity in 2020 as an alternative pathway to the traditional IPO to access public markets. An increasing number of SPACs targeting energy transition industries have emerged, creating new opportunities for clean energy companies to fuel their growth by going public.

6/1/2021

Case Study

CASE STUDY: Helping private companies in the renewable energy sector get IPO-ready

Read how CohnReznick helped a company prepare for the initial and subsequent filing requirements that would come with going public through a SPAC transaction.

6/1/2021

Solution

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) Services

CohnReznick provides industry-leading due diligence and compliance expertise supporting SPAC transactions: target analysis, tax structuring, de-SPACing, integration. Learn More.

Insight

SPACs must comply with SEC accounting rules for warrants

The SEC’s new interpretation for special purpose acquisition companies may necessitate restatements of previously filed financial statements. Learn more.

4/15/2021

Insight

Sound program and project management are key to SPAC success

Special purpose acquisition companies create a surge of responsibilities for CFOs, from IPO readiness to reporting. Learn what to plan for and how CohnReznick can help.

4/1/2021

What potential investors and target companies should know about SPACs

Learn more about what is behind the uptick in Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, commonly referred to as SPAC’s or blank check companies and how CohnReznick can help.

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Our private company clients have seen growing interest from SPACs who are searching for a target. Historically, SPACs focused on emerging industries like technology and biotech, but recently we’ve seen them approaching hospitality, consumer and manufacturing companies as well.

Going public: SPACs offer a capital raising alternative for private companies

11/10/2020

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACS) have been increasingly popular among private companies. Read how they work and what advantages they may offer.

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Going public as a SPAC target company: What to consider and how to prepare

11/13/2020

Being bought by a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) and then becoming a public company can be tricky. Read what to know and how to prepare.

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The roadmap to becoming a public company through a transaction with a SPAC is different when compared to a traditional IPO. What is not different is the level of preparedness required by the target company’s CFO. From accounting and reporting to risk and compliance, the CFO will need to plan adequate resources to transition from a private to a public entity.

Phases in the lifecycle of a SPAC

11/11/2020

Knowing the phases of SPAC formation and acquisitions can help target companies understand the complexities and timing of SPAC transactions. Read more.

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Post-SPAC transaction: Challenges and benefits of operating as a public company

11/11/2020

Going public brings new visibility and growth potential, but also new obligations related to IT, governance, reporting, and more. Learn what to plan for.

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Meet the team

Jarrett Bluth

CPA, MST, CGMA, Partner, Tax Practice Leader – NY

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Vikram Devanga

Principal, Transaction Advisory Services

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Marisa Garcia

CPA, Partner, CohnReznick Advisory

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Robert G. Hilbert

CPA, Managing Partner - Assurance

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Cindy McLoughlin

CPA, Managing Partner, Consumer, Hospitality, and Manufacturing Practice

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Jeremy Swan

Managing Principal - Financial Sponsors & Financial Services Industry

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Swami Venkat

CPA, CISA, CFE, ACA, Partner, CFO Advisory Leader

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Related services

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) Services

Attest & Audit

Transactions

Risk Advisory

Valuation

Management Consulting

Financial Sponsors & Financial Services

Accounting Advisory

CFO Advisory

This has been prepared for information purposes and general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and CohnReznick LLP, its partners, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.