299 IPOs Raise $21.5 Billion in Global Markets in Q1-2023

The global markets witnessed as many as 299 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) raising $21.5 billion in Q1-2023 owing to interest rate rises, a lukewarm stock market, entrenched inflation, and unexpected global banking industry turbulence.
With IPOs on ice, banks’ stock offering fees plummet

Recession fears and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent a chill through equity capital markets (ECM) in the second quarter, depriving bankers of lucrative fees for arranging stock sales such as initial public offerings (IPOs).
Analysis: SPACs splash the cash to salvage deals as market unravels

SPACs are turning to costly new tactics to keep investors from jumping ship as market confidence wanes in the once red-hot alternative to IPOs.
Singapore hosts third SPAC listing; Novo Tellus-backed firm makes debut

Southeast Asian industrial technology buyout fund Novo Tellus Capital Partners listed its special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in Singapore on Thursday, marking the third such IPO this month as the city-state seeks to become a hub for SPAC listings.
U.S. investors lean on blank-check firms in search for energy transition targets

Former U.S. oil investment bankers, portfolio managers and executives have formed over 20 listed blank-check companies to take renewable energy companies public, with more listings expected.
EXCLUSIVE China’s tech crackdown thwarts Pony.ai’s U.S. listing plans -sources

Autonomous driving startup Pony.ai has put on hold plans to go public in New York through a merger with a blank-check firm at a $12 billion valuation, after it failed to gain assurances from Beijing that it would not become a target of a crackdown against Chinese technology companies, people familiar with the matter said.
Analysis: Cash-hungry emerging markets arrive late to the SPAC party

Emerging markets have so far been on the fringes of a fundraising boom using so-called SPACs or special-purpose acquisition companies, which could potentially unlock a vital new source of cash for entrepreneurs in developing regions.
Bill Ackman rejigs Universal deal after regulators probe SPAC plan

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman will buy up to 10% of Vivendi’s (VIV.PA) Universal Music Group through his main hedge fund, rather than a special purpose acquisition company, after investors and regulators questioned his use of a SPAC.
EXCLUSIVE U.S. SEC focuses on bank fee conflicts as it steps-up SPAC inquiry -sources

The U.S. securities regulator has ramped-up its inquiry on Wall Street’s blank check acquisition frenzy, homing in on potential conflicts of interest created when banks act as underwriters and advisers on the same deal, three people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
Ackman sees path to possible U.S. listing for Universal, working on next deal

William Ackman, whose blank check acquisition company struck a deal to buy 10% of Universal Music Group (UMG) last week, is exploring options to increase his stake in the music label and already pushing ahead with his next deal, he told investors on Wednesday.