US SPACs give attractive returns to Malaysian companies - ARC Group

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) presents a compelling market for Malaysian firms interested in special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) due to its attractive returns, said ARC Group.

President Sergio Camarero said the group is mandated by various companies, including those in logistics, healthcare, and financial services to acquire local Malaysian companies as a way to invest and enter the market.

"While SPAC activity in Malaysia's exchange has been lacklustre, Malaysian companies that have ventured into the US market have achieved success," he told Bernama.

There were 15 Malaysian-sponsored SPAC initial public offerings (IPOs) on Nasdaq between 2021 and 2023.

These companies included Canna-Global Acquisition Corp with a SPAC size of US$230 million - making it the largest Malaysian SPAC, Data Knights Acquisition Corp (US$115 million), Energem Corp (US$115 million), Liberty Resources Acquisition Corp (US$115 million), and PHP Ventures Acquisition Corp (US$57.5 million).

Camarero also revealed that Malaysian companies have received the same interest as US companies because investors are looking at emerging markets to find more attractive returns.

Therefore, he added, local companies should seize the opportunity to access US capital markets.

Camarero also highlighted the potential benefits for Malaysian companies amid the growing divide between the US and China.

"With the geopolitical trade war between the US and China, more US companies and investors are looking for alternative markets and Malaysia is well positioned," he said.

Malaysia is currently the second largest market for the group, accounting for 30 per cent of its business.

In 2021, the Securities Commission (SC) revised the equity guidelines in the enhanced SPAC framework to facilitate greater access to fundraising in Malaysia as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the development of the Malaysian capital market.

-- BERNAMA

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