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ADC shares start trading on ADX

Trading follows the conclusion of ADC’s public subscription to retail and professional investors, which started on May 12, 2022 and raised a total of Dh367 million through an initial public offering (IPO) of 36.7 million shares at an offer price of Dh10 per share.

Shares and warrants of the co-established special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) ADC Acquisition Corporation (ADC) by ADQ and Chimera Investment commenced trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) under ticker code ‘ADC’ (shares) and ‘ADCW’ (warrants) on Friday.

Trading follows the conclusion of ADC’s public subscription to retail and professional investors, which started on May 12, 2022 and raised a total of Dh367 million through an initial public offering (IPO) of 36.7 million shares at an offer price of Dh10 per share.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, managing director and CEO of ADQ and chairman of ADC, said: “The UAE’s first SPAC represents a major endorsement of Abu Dhabi as a financial centre anchored with strong market principles and capital raising potential. Not only will ADC strengthen Abu Dhabi’s capital markets, but private companies will also have the ability to capitalize on pursuing further transactions in an easier and much more efficient manner. Ultimately, we aim to enhance the business environment in Abu Dhabi and contribute to establishing the UAE’s capital as a leading hub for private companies seeking to go public.”

ADC was established by ADQ and Chimera Investment as a SPAC for the purpose of identifying and acquiring one or more businesses. In its search for acquisition opportunities, ADC intends to identify scalable businesses with strong management teams.

The listing of ADC offers target businesses the opportunity to access capital in Abu Dhabi’s capital markets using an alternative method to the conventional IPO process. Additionally, these companies will also benefit from ADQ and Chimera Investment’s vast multi-sector expertise and combined network.

Syed Basar Shueb, chairman of Chimera Investment and vice-chairman of ADC, added: “The successful listing of ADC on ADX is firmly in line with the UAE’s vision and strategy to develop new asset classes for investors and reaffirms our commitment to playing a leading role in the development of the country’s capital markets. Through ADC, we will be able to channel liquidity to regional businesses, provide swift and cheaper access to capital markets, and offer investors the ability to tap into this new and highly dynamic space in the UAE while enjoying greater transparency and world-class operational and market expertise.”

As the UAE’s first SPAC, ADC aims to focus on businesses that are based or have their main operations within the UAE and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. While ADC is open to pursuing an acquisition opportunity across industries and sectors, the SPAC will particularly look for scalable businesses with revenue streams that are underpinned by numerous growth drivers with solid long-term fundamentals, transformational technologies, experienced management teams and attractive pricing which would provide upside potential and benefit from public market access.

ADX was the first market in the region to introduce comprehensive listing rules under the regulatory framework for SPAC, which was issued by the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in February 2022.

Saeed Hamad Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive officer of ADX, said: “The listing of ADC on the ADX highlights the pioneering role our exchange has taken in creating an environment that supports the evolving needs of issuers and investors. Harnessing global best practices, the UAE’s SPAC regulatory framework will provide international investors with unique growth opportunities in a stable economic environment. Our pipeline of new listings and IPOs remains robust and in the coming months we will be introducing more innovative products and services to enhance market liquidity.” — business@khaleejtimes.com