EX-99.1 2 ex99-1.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

CETUS CAPITAL Acquisition Corp.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT

 

    Page(s)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 206)   F-2
Financial Statement:    
Balance Sheet as of February 3, 2023   F-3
Notes to the Financial Statement   F-4

 

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Cetus Capital Acquisition Corp.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Cetus Capital Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) as of February 3, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 3, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Going Concern Matter

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company’s business plan is dependent on the completion of a business combination within a prescribed period of time and if not completed will cease all operations except for the purpose of liquidating. The date for mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP  
www.malonebailey.com  
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.  
Houston, Texas  
February 9, 2023  

 

F-2

 

 

CETUS CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.

BALANCE SHEET

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

 

Assets    
Cash  $468,444 
Cash held in Trust Account   58,506,250 
Total Current Assets   58,974,694 
Total Assets  $58,974,694 
      
Liabilities, Temporary Equity, and Stockholders’ Equity     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable  $998 
Accrued offering costs   70,000 
Franchise tax payable   2,318 
Total Current Liabilities   73,316 
      
Deferred underwriting fee payable   1,725,000 
Total Liabilities   1,798,316 
      
Commitments and Contingencies     
      
Class A Common stock subject to possible redemption, $0.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 5,750,000 shares issued and outstanding at redemption value   51,778,534 
      
Stockholders’ Equity     
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding    
Class A Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 1,781,875 shares (including 57,500 representative shares) issued and outstanding (excluding 5,750,000 shares subject to possible redemption)   179 
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 4,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding    
Additional paid-in capital   5,405,635 
Accumulated deficit   (7,970)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   5,397,844 
Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity, and Stockholders’ Equity  $58,974,694 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statement.

 

F-3

 

 

CETUS CAPITAL ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT

 

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations

 

Cetus Capital Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated in Delaware on June 7, 2022. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”). The Company is an emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with emerging growth companies.

 

As of February 3, 2023, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activities through February 3, 2023, are related to the Company’s formation and the initial public offering (“IPO” as defined below in Note 3). The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of a Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income from the proceeds derived from the IPO.

 

The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end. The Company’s sponsor is Cetus Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”).

 

The registration statement for the Company’s IPO was declared effective on January 31, 2023. On February 3, 2023, the Company consummated the IPO of 5,750,000 units (the “Public Units’), including the full exercise of the over-allotment option of 750,000 Units granted to the underwriters. The Public Units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit generating gross proceeds of $57,500,000. Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, the Company consummated the private placement (“Private Placement”) with the Sponsor of 286,875 units (the “Private Units” as described in Note 4), generating total proceeds of $2,868,750, including the conversion of the outstanding promissory note to the Private Units at $10.00 per Unit in the total principal amount of $216,837. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), one redeemable warrant entitling its holder to purchase one Share at a price of $11.50 per Share, and one right to receive one-sixth (1/6) of one share upon the consummation of the Company’s initial business combination.

 

Transaction costs amounted to $3,346,850, consisting of $862,500 of underwriting fees, $1,725,000 of deferred underwriting fees that will be payable only upon completion of a Business Combination, $137,448 representing the fair value of the Representative Shares (defined below), and $621,902 of other offering costs. As of February 3, 2023, cash of $468,444 was held outside of the Trust Account (as defined below) and is available for the payment of offering costs and for working capital purposes.

 

In addition, in conjunction with this Initial Public Offering, the Company issued to the underwriter 57,500 shares of Class A common stock for nominal consideration (the “Representative Shares”). The fair value of the Representative Shares accounted for as compensation under ASC 718, Stock compensation, is included in the offering costs. The estimated fair value of the Representative Shares as of the IPO date totalled $137,448.

 

Upon the closing of the IPO and the private placement on February 3, 2023, a total of $58,506,250 was placed in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as a trustee and will be invested only in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and that invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. These funds will not be released until the earlier of the completion of the initial Business Combination and the liquidation due to the Company’s failure to complete a Business Combination within the applicable period of time. The proceeds deposited in the Trust Account could become subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors, if any, which could have priority over the claims of the Company’s public stockholders. In addition, interest income earned on the funds in the Trust Account may be released to the Company to pay its income or other tax obligations. With these exceptions, expenses incurred by the Company may be paid prior to a business combination only from the net proceeds of the IPO and private placement not held in the Trust Account.

 

F-4

 

 

Pursuant to Nasdaq listing rules, the Company’s initial Business Combination must occur with one or more target businesses having an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 80% of the value of the funds in the Trust account (excluding any deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account), which the Company refers to as the 80% test, at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for its initial Business Combination, although the Company may structure a Business Combination with one or more target businesses whose fair market value significantly exceeds 80% of the trust account balance. If the Company is no longer listed on Nasdaq, it will not be required to satisfy the 80% test. The Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

 

The Company will provide its holders of the outstanding Public Shares (the “Public Stockholders”) with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether the Company will seek stockholder approval of a Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its discretion. The Public Stockholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (initially anticipated to be $10.175 per Public Share, plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its franchise and income tax obligations). The Public Shares subject to redemption will be recorded at a redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the IPO in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.”

 

The Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and, if the Company seeks stockholder approval, a majority of the shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination. If a stockholder vote is not required by law and the Company does not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”), conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination. If, however, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or the Company decides to obtain stockholder approval for business or legal reasons, the Company will offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. Additionally, each Public Stockholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. If the Company seeks stockholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the Company’s Sponsor and any of the Company’s officers or directors that may hold Founder Shares (as defined in Note 5) (the “Initial Stockholders”) and the underwriters have agreed (a) to vote their Founder Shares, Private Shares (as defined in Note 4), and any Public Shares purchased during or after the IPO in favor of approving a Business Combination and (b) not to convert any shares (including the Founder Shares) in connection with a stockholder vote to approve, or sell the shares to the Company in any tender offer in connection with, a proposed Business Combination.

 

The Initial Stockholders have agreed (a) to waive their redemption rights with respect to the Founder Shares, Private Shares, and Public Shares held by them in connection with the completion of a Business Combination and (b) not to propose, or vote in favor of, an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that would affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of its Public Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination, unless the Company provides the Public Stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in conjunction with any such amendment.

 

The Company will have until nine months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering to consummate a Business Combination (the “Combination Period”) (subject to three three-month extensions of time, as set forth in the Company’s registration statement). If the Company anticipates that it may not be able to consummate its initial Business Combination within nine months, it may, by resolution of our board of directors, if requested by our Sponsor, extend the period of time to consummate a business combination by three additional periods of three months each (for a total of up to 18 months to complete a business combination), by depositing into the trust account, with respect to each such three month extension, $575,000 ($0.10 per unit) on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each extension.

 

F-5

 

 

If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable, and less certain amount of interest to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

 

The Initial Stockholders have agreed to waive their liquidation rights with respect to the Founder Shares and Private Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the Initial Stockholders acquire Public Shares in or after the IPO, such Public Shares will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to their deferred underwriting commission (see Note 6) held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within in the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the other funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Public Shares. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the assets remaining available for distribution will be less than $10.175.

 

In order to protect the amounts held in the Trust Account, the Sponsor has agreed to be liable to the Company if and to the extent any claims by a third party (excluding the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm) for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of (i) $10.175 per Public Share and (ii) the actual amount per Public Share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account, if less than $10.175 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case less taxes payable, provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the Trust Account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable), nor will it apply to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the IPO against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the Sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third-party claims.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources and Going Concern Consideration

 

At February 3, 2023, the Company had $468,444 in cash and working capital of $395,128. The Company’s liquidity needs prior to the consummation of the IPO had been satisfied through a payment from the Sponsor of $25,000 for the Founder Shares and through up to $300,000 in loans available from our sponsor under an unsecured promissory note. On February 3, 2023, the total principal amount of $216,837 was converted into part of the subscription of $2,868,750 private placement at a price of $10.00 per unit. The promissory note was cancelled and no amounts were then owed under the note.

 

The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant professional costs to remain as a publicly traded company and to incur significant transaction costs in pursuit of the consummation of a Business Combination. In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” management has determined that these conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, if the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company’s board of directors would proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution of the Company. There is no assurance that the Company’s plans to consummate a Business Combination will be successful within the Combination Period. As a result, management has determined that such additional condition also raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statement does not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

F-6

 

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

Management is currently evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any variants thereof, on the industry and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results of its operations, and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Additionally, as a result of the military action commenced in February 2022 by the Russian Federation and Belarus in the country of Ukraine and related economic sanctions, the Company’s ability to consummate a Business Combination, or the operations of a target business with which the Company ultimately consummates a Business Combination, may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the Company’s ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing which may be impacted by these events, including as a result of increased market volatility, or decreased market liquidity in third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. The impact of this action and related sanctions on the world economy and the specific impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and/or ability to consummate a Business Combination are not yet determinable. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

 

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IR Act”) was signed into federal law. The IR Act provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases (including redemptions) of stock by publicly traded domestic (i.e., U.S.) corporations and certain domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax. The IR Act applies only to repurchases that occur after December 31, 2022.

 

Any redemption or other repurchase that occurs after December 31, 2022, in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise, may be subject to the excise tax. Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the excise tax in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise would depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with the Business Combination, extension or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a Business Combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances in connection with a Business Combination (or otherwise issued not in connection with a Business Combination but issued within the same taxable year of a Business Combination) and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. In addition, because the excise tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the excise tax have not been determined. The foregoing could cause a reduction in the cash available on hand to complete a Business Combination and in the Company’s ability to complete a Business Combination.

 

At this time, it has been determined that none of the IR Act tax provisions have an impact to the Company’s fiscal 2022 tax provision. The Company will continue to monitor for updates to the Company’s business along with guidance issued with respect to the IR Act to determine whether any adjustments are needed to the Company’s tax provision in future periods.

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

F-7

 

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had cash of $468,444 as of February 3, 2023. The Company did not have any cash equivalents as of February 3, 2023.

 

Cash Held in Trust Account

 

As of February 3, 2023, $58,506,250 of the assets in the Trust Account were held in cash.

 

Offering Costs Associated with the IPO

 

Offering costs consist of underwriting, legal, accounting and other expenses incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to the IPO. As of February 3, 2023, offering costs totalled $3,346,850. This amount was consisted of $862,500 of underwriting commissions, $1,725,000 of deferred underwriting commissions (payable only upon completion of a Business Combination), and $759,350 of other offering costs (which includes $137,448 of representative shares, as described in Note 8. The Company complies with the requirements of the ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5A – “Expenses of Offering”. Offering costs were charged to shareholders’ equity upon the completion of the IPO. The Company allocates offering costs between public shares, public warrants and public rights based on the estimated fair values of them at the date of issuance. Accordingly, $3,200,091 was allocated to public shares and was charged to temporary equity, and a sum of $146,759 was allocated to public warrants and public rights, and was charged to shareholders’ equity.

 

F-8

 

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s management determined the United States is the Company’s only major tax jurisdiction. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties for the period from June 7, 2022 (inception) to February 3, 2023. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

 

The provision for income taxes was deemed to be immaterial the periods from June 7, 2022 (inception) to February 3, 2023.

 

Dividends

 

The Board may from time to time declare, and the Company may pay, dividends (payable in cash, property or shares of the Company’s capital stock) on the Company’s outstanding shares of capital stock, subject to applicable law and the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Concentration of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. As of February 3, 2023, the Company had not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet, primarily due to their short-term nature.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common shares and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

 

F-9

 

 

The Public Warrants and Rights (see Note 3) and Placement Warrants (see Note 4) were accounted for as equity instruments as they meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

 

  Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;

 

  Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

 

  Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The Representative Shares were valued using the fair value of the Class A common stock, adjusted for the probability of consummation of the Business Combination. As such, these are considered to be non-recurring Level 3 fair value measurements.

 

Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption

 

The Company accounts for its common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory redemption is classified as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that feature redemption rights that is either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity. The Company’s common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, common stock subject to possible redemption is presented at redemption value as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ equity section of the Company’s balance sheet.

 

The Company has made a policy election in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A and recognizes changes in redemption value in additional paid-in capital (or accumulated deficit in the absence of additional paid-in capital) over an expected 9-month period leading up to a Business Combination. As of February 3, 2023, the Company had not recorded any accretion.

 

F-10

 

 

For issued warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations.

 

At February 3, 2023, the amount of common stock subject to possible redemption reflected in the balance sheet are reconciled in the following table:

 

Gross proceeds  $57,500,000 
Less:     
Proceeds allocated to public warrants   (230,575)
Proceeds allocated to public rights   (2,290,800)
Allocation of offering costs related to redeemable shares   (3,200,091)
Plus:     
Accretion of carrying value to redemption value    
Common stock subject to possible redemption  $51,778,534 

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-06, Debt —Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) (“ASU 2020-06”) to simplify accounting for certain financial instruments. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the current models that require separation of beneficial conversion and cash conversion features from convertible instruments and simplifies the derivative scope exception guidance pertaining to equity classification of contracts in an entity’s own equity. The new standard also introduces additional disclosures for convertible debt and free-standing instruments that are indexed to and settled in an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 amends the diluted earnings per share guidance, including the requirement to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 is effective January 1, 2024 and should be applied on a full or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted beginning on January 1, 2021. The Company adopted as of inception of the Company. Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Note 3 — Initial Public Offering

 

On February 3, 2023, the Company sold 5,750,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Units (including the full exercise of the over-allotment option of 750,000 Units granted to the underwriters), generating gross proceeds of $57,500,000. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock, one right (“Public Right”), and one redeemable warrant (“Public Warrant”). Each Public Right will convert into one-sixth (1/6) of a share of common stock upon the consummation of an initial Business Combination. Each Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment, and each six rights entitle the holder thereof to receive one share of common stock at the closing of an initial Business Combination. The Company will not issue fractional shares. As a result, Public Rights may only be converted in multiples of six. The Warrants will become exercisable on the later of the 30 days after completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination or 12 months from the closing of the IPO, and will expire five years after the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

Note 4 — Private Placement

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 286,875 Private Units at a price of $10.00 per Private Unit for an aggregate purchase price of $2,868,750 in a private placement, including the conversion of the outstanding promissory note to the Private Units at $10.00 per Unit in the total principal amount of $216,837. The Private Units are identical to the Public Units except with respect to certain registration rights and transfer restrictions. The Placement Warrants will be identical to the Public Warrants, except that the Placement Warrants will be entitled to registration rights, and the Placement Warrants (including the common shares issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Warrants) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of a Business Combination, except to permitted transferees. The proceeds from the Private Units were added to the proceeds from the IPO to be held in the Trust Account. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within nine months (or up to 18 months, as described in more detail in the Company’s registration statement), the proceeds from the sale of the Private Units will be used to fund the redemption of the Public Shares (subject to the requirements of applicable law), and the Private Units and all underlying securities will expire worthless.

 

F-11

 

 

Note 5 — Related Party Transactions

 

Founder Shares

 

On June 10, 2022, the Company approved the acquisition by transfer of an aggregate of 1,725,000 shares of Class B common stock (the “Founder Shares”) to the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 in cash, or approximately $0.014 per share. Such Class B common stock included an aggregate of up to 225,000 shares subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment was not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsor will collectively own approximately 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Initial Public Offering (assuming the initial stockholders do not purchase any Public Shares in the Initial Public Offering and excluding the Placement Units and underlying securities and issuance of representative shares). On August 31, 2022, the Sponsor converted all of its shares of Class B common stock into 1,725,000 shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (up to 225,000 shares of which were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option was not exercised in full or in part). On December 30, 2022, the Sponsor surrendered to the Company for cancellation 287,500 shares of Class A common stock for no consideration, resulting in the Sponsor owning 1,437,500 shares of Class A common stock (up to 187,500 shares of which were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part). The surrender was effective retroactively.

 

The initial stockholders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the Class A common stock (except to certain permitted transferees as disclosed herein) until, with respect to any of the Class A common stock, the earlier of (i) six months after the date of the consummation of a Business Combination, or (ii) the date on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after a Business Combination, or earlier, if, subsequent to a Business Combination, the Company consummates a subsequent liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their common stock for cash, securities or other property.

 

As of February 3, 2023, 1,437,500 Founder Shares were issued and outstanding and none of the Founder Shares are subject to forfeiture as a result of the underwriters’ full exercise of the over-allotment option on February 1, 2023.

 

Promissory Note — Related Party

 

On June 10, 2022, the Sponsor issued an unsecured promissory note to the Company, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $300,000 to be used for payment of the Company’s formation costs together with costs related to the Initial Public Offering. The note is non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) May 31, 2023, or (ii) or the closing of the Initial Public Offering.

 

As of February 3, 2023, the $216,837 that had been borrowed under the promissory note with our sponsor was converted into part of the subscription of $2,868,750 private placement at a price of $10.00 per unit. The promissory note was cancelled and no amounts were owed under the note.

 

Working Capital Loans

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor, initial stockholders, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). Additionally, if we extend the time available to us to complete our initial business combination, our sponsor, its affiliates or designee will deposit $500,000, or $575,000 if the over-allotment is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), for each such three-month extension, into the trust. If the Company consummates a Business Combination, the Company will repay such working capital loans and extension loan amounts, provided that up to $1,500,000 of such working capital loans and up to $1,500,000 of such extension loans may be convertible into units of the post Business Combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender. The units would be identical to the placement units. In the event that the Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from the trust account would be used for such repayment.

 

As of February 3, 2023, the Company had no borrowings under the working capital loans.

 

F-12

 

 

Note 6 — Commitments and Contingency

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the Founder Shares issued and outstanding, as well as the holders of the Placement Units and any units our sponsor, officers, directors, initial stockholders or their affiliates may be issued in payment of working capital loans or extension loans made to the Company (and all underlying securities), will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of the Initial Public offering requiring the Company to register such securities for resale (in the case of the Founder Shares, only after conversion to our Class A common stock). The holders of these securities will be entitled to make up to two demands that the Company register such securities. The holders of the majority of the Founder Shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which the Founder Shares are to be released from escrow. The holders of a majority of the Placement Units and units issued to our sponsor, officers, directors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans and extension loans made to the Company (or underlying securities) can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after the company consummates a Business Combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the completion of a Business Combination and rights to require the Company to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. However, the registration rights agreement will provide that the Company will not be required to effect or permit any registration or cause any registration statement to become effective until termination of the applicable lock-up period. The registration rights agreement does not contain liquidated damages or other cash settlement provisions resulting from delays in registering the Company’s securities. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

At the IPO date, the Company granted EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, the representative of the underwriters a 45-day option from the date of this offering to purchase up to 750,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the IPO price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. On February 1, 2023, the underwriters fully exercised the over-allotment option to purchase 750,000 units, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $7,500,000 (see Note 3), and the closing occurred simultaneously with the Initial Public Offering on February 3, 2023.

 

The underwriters received a cash underwriting discount of: (i) one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the gross proceeds of the Initial Public Offering, or $862,500. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of three percent (3.0%) of the gross proceeds of the Initial Public Offering, or $1,725,000 upon closing of the Business Combination. The deferred fee will be paid in cash upon the closing of a Business Combination from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

In addition, in conjunction with the Initial Public Offering, the Company issued to the underwriter 57,500 shares of Class A common stock (the “Representative Shares”) upon the closing of the IPO on February 3, 2023. The Company estimates the fair value of Representative Shares to be $137,448 in total, or $2.39 per Representative Share. The Company accounted for the estimated fair value of the Representative Shares as an offering cost of the IPO and allocated such cost against temporary equity for the amount allocated to the redeemable shares and to equity for the allocable portion relating to the warrants and rights.

 

F-13

 

 

The holders of the Representative Shares agreed (a) that they will not transfer, assign or sell any such shares without the Company’s prior consent until the completion of the initial Business Combination, (ii) to waive their redemption rights (or right to participate in any tender offer) with respect to such shares in connection with the completion of the initial Business Combination and (iii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to such shares if the Company fails to complete the initial Business Combination within the Combination Period.

 

Right of First Refusal

 

For a period beginning on the closing of this offering and ending 24 months from the closing of a business combination, we have granted EF Hutton a right of first refusal to act as lead-left book running manager and lead left manager for any and all future private or public equity, convertible and debt offerings during such period. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(3)(A)(i), such right of first refusal shall not have a duration of more than three years from the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity

 

Class A Common Stock — Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the Company to issue 50,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. On June 10, 2022, our sponsor subscribed to purchase 1,725,000 shares of our Class A common stock (up to 225,000 shares of which were subject to forfeiture) for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, (the “founder shares”). The founder shares that were issued to our sponsor were originally issued as shares of our Class B common stock, but on August 31, 2022 such shares were converted at the election of our sponsor into shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. On December 30, 2022, our sponsor surrendered to us for cancellation 287,500 shares of our Class A common stock for no consideration, resulting in our sponsor owning 1,437,500 shares of our Class A common stock, of which up to 187,500 of which were subject to forfeiture depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised). As the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on February 1, 2023, the forfeiture provisions lapsed for 187,500 founder shares.

 

As of February 3, 2023, there were 1,781,875 shares of Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding, including 57,500 Representative Shares issued to the underwriter, and excluding 5,750,000 shares subject to possible redemption.

 

Class B Common Stock — Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the Company to issue 4,000,000 shares of Class B common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. The Company issued an aggregate of 1,725,000 shares of Class B common stock (the “Founder Shares”) to the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 in cash. Class B common stock is convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis (A) at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder thereof and (B) automatically at the time of our initial business combination. On August 31, 2022, the Sponsors converted their shares of Class B common stock into 1,725,000 shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. As of February 3, 2023, there were no shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding.

 

Preferred Stock — Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the Company to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors. As of February 3, 2023, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

 

Warrants — The Public Warrants will become exercisable commencing on the later of 12 months from the effective date of the Company’s registration statement or the date of the consummation of a Business Combination. The Public Warrants will expire five years from the consummation of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

F-14

 

 

The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of a Public Warrant and will have no obligation to settle such Public Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company satisfying its obligations with respect to registration. No warrant will be exercisable and the Company will not be obligated to issue Class A common stock upon exercise of a warrant unless the Class A common stock issuable upon such warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the warrants.

 

Once the warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

  in whole and not in part;
     
  at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
     
  at any time after the warrants become exercisable,
     
  upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder;
     
  if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share dividends, reorganizations, and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period commencing at any time after the warrants become exercisable and ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders; and
     
  if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the Class A common stock underlying such warrants.

 

If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement. The exercise price and number of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a share dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, except as described below, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuance of Class A common stock at a price below its exercise price. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the warrants. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants will not receive any of such funds with respect to their warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with the respect to such warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.

 

In addition, if (x) the Company issues additional Class A common stock or equity-linked securities, for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of a Business Combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of Class A common stock (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors, and, in the case of any such issuance to the Sponsor or its affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the Sponsor or its affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “Newly Issued Price”), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of a Business Combination on the date of the completion of a Business Combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s Class A common stock during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day after the day on which the Company completes a Business Combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the greater of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $18.00 per share redemption trigger price will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the greater of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price.

 

The Placement Warrants, as well as any warrants underlying additional units the Company issues to the Sponsor, officers, directors, initial stockholders or their affiliates in payment of Working Capital Loans made to the Company, will be identical to the Public Warrants, except that the Placement Warrants will be entitled to registration rights, and the Placement Warrants (including the common shares issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Warrants) will not be transferable, assignable or saleable until after the completion of a Business Combination, except to permitted transferees

 

Rights —  Each holder of a Right will automatically receive one-sixth (1/6) of one share of Class A common stock upon consummation of the initial Business Combination. No additional consideration will be required to be paid by a holder of Rights in order to receive his, her, or its additional Class A common stock upon consummation of an initial business combination. The Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of the Rights will be freely tradable (except to the extent held by affiliates of the Company).

 

If the Company is unable to complete the initial Business Combination within the Combination Period, and the Company liquidates the funds held in the trust account, holders of Rights will not receive any of such funds for their rights, nor will they receive any distribution from our assets held outside of the trust account with respect to such rights, and the rights will expire worthless.

 

Note 9 — Subsequent Events

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 855, “Subsequent Events”, which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued, the Company has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred up to the date of filing. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statement.

 

F-15