In the space of one and a half year’s time, special purpose acquisition companies – also known as SPACs – have evolved from being a relatively vague and overlooked niche structure to the hottest trend on Wall Street. Although the trend has cooled off, Professor Winnie PENG, Director of the Tanoto Center for Asian Family Business and Entrepreneurship Studies at HKUST, believes now is the right time to conduct an in-depth study and discussion about SPACs.
Last month, the Center invited Mr Stephen KING, a longtime investor and participant in the public and private markets, to share his views on SPACs from an investor’s standpoint. The seminar explored what these companies were, whether SPACs were a fad or a bubble that will become prominent features of the fundraising landscap, and whether these companies represent good investment opportunities or were thrust into the retail market.
The event was well received by participants joining online and physically at the China Club in Central, Hong Kong. Most of the participants were owners and professional managers from family offices as well as academics from Hong Kong and abroad. One participant said the seminar “is the most comprehensive with detailed sharing that I have ever attended.”
The Tanoto Center for Asian Family Business and Entrepreneurship Studies is dedicated to researching and teaching the subjects of Asian family business and family office. Visit the website www.afbes.ust.hk and follow the Center’ official wechat account HKUST_CFB or Linkedin account for more information about their work.
