UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement
   
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
   
Definitive Proxy Statement
   
Definitive Additional Materials
   
Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12

 

Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

No fee required.
   
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
   
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALPHA STAR ACQUISITION CORPORATION
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004

(212) 837-7977

 

NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2024

 

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF ALPHA STAR ACQUISITION CORPORATION:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders of Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation (“Alpha Star,” “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on January 10, 2024 (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held in the offices of the Company’s counsel, Becker & Poliakoff P.A., at 45 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10006.

 

As an extraordinary general meeting of the Company’s shareholders, the Extraordinary General Meeting is being held for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following proposals:

 

  1. a proposal to amend Alpha Star’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association”) to extend the date by which Alpha Star must consummate a business combination (the “Extension”) to September 15, 2024 (the “Extended Date”) and reduce the amount of the fee to extend such time period, by amending the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to delete the existing Section 36.2 thereof and replacing it with the new Section 36.2 in the form provided in the first resolution set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proposal 1” or “Extension Proposal”);
     
  2. a proposal to amend the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as provided by the second resolution set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement, to allow the Company to undertake an initial business combination with an entity or business (“Target Business”), with a physical presence, operation, or other significant ties to China or which may subject the post-business combination business to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao), or entity or business that conducts operations in China through variable interest entities, or VIEs, pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements (the “VIE Agreements”) with the VIE and its shareholders on one side, and a China-based subsidiary of the China-based Target (the “WFOE”), on the other side (a “China-based Target”) (the “Proposal 2” or “Target Limitation Amendment Proposal”);
     
  3. a proposal to amend the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as provided by the second resolution set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement, to eliminate (i) the limitation that the Company shall not redeem its public shares to the extent that such redemption would result in the ordinary shares, or the securities of any entity that succeeds the Company as a public company, becoming “penny stock” (as defined in accordance with Rule 3a51-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), or cause the Company to not meet any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to a Business Combination (the “Redemption Limitation”) and (ii) the limitation that the Company shall not consummate a Business Combination if the Redemption Limitation is exceeded (the “Proposal 3” or “Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal”); and
     
  4. a proposal to direct the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting, there are not sufficient votes to approve any of the foregoing proposals (the “Proposal 4” or “Adjournment Proposal”).

 

 

 

 

The purpose of the Extension Proposal is to allow Alpha Star more time to complete an initial business combination. Currently, our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that Alpha Star has 27 months from the consummation of the IPO to complete a business combination. The Company’s charter was most recently amended and restated on July 13, 2023 to extend the time period within which the Company must consummate its initial business combination to March 15, 2024. The purpose of the Extension Proposal is to allow the Company the option to further extend the time to complete a business combination. Our board of directors has determined that it is in the best interests of our shareholders to allow the Company to extend the time to complete a business combination for an additional six (6) one-month periods, beginning on March 15, 2024 to September 15, 2024 (the “Extended Date”) and provide that the date for cessation of operations of the Company if the Company has not completed a business combination would similarly be extended to the Extended Date.

 

If the shareholders approve the Extension Proposal, the Company, without another shareholder vote, may elect to extend the time period within which the Company must consummate its initial business combination for up to six (6) additional one-month periods (each a “Monthly Extension”), to September 15, 2024, by depositing the Monthly Extension Fee (as defined below) into the Company’s trust account (the “Trust Account”). In addition, if the shareholders approve the Extension Proposal, the Company will amend the Investment Management Trust Account, dated December 9, 2021 entered into by the Company and Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee (the “Trust Agreement”) to reduce the amount that the Sponsor or its designee must deposit into the Trust Account in connection with each monthly extension such that it would be equal to the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share for each Monthly Extension (the “Monthly Extension Fee”). 

 

To effectuate each Monthly Extension, if the Extension Proposal is adopted, the Sponsor and/or its designee will deposit the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share into the Trust Account. The first Monthly Extension Fee after the approval of the Extension Proposal must be made by January 15, 2024, while the subsequent Monthly Extension Fees must be deposited into the Trust Account by the 15th of each succeeding month until September 15, 2024. In the event that the Company does not consummate its initial business combination before March 15, 2024 (or up to September 15, 2024, if extended), such failure shall trigger an automatic redemption of the public shares of the Company (an “Automatic Redemption Event”) and the directors of the Company shall take all such action necessary to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten (10) 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 earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then issued and outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining shareholders and the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law. In the event of an Automatic Redemption Event, only the holders of public shares shall be entitled to receive pro rata redeeming distributions from the Trust Account with respect to their public shares. Further, the IPO Prospectus and the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that the Company may amend the timeline that the Company must complete its business combination (the “Prescribed Timeline”) by special resolution provided that the holders of the public shares are provided with the opportunity to redeem their public shares upon the approval or effectiveness of any such amendment.

 

The purpose of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is to afford the Company with flexibility to enter into (a) businesses or entities with a physical presence, operation or other significant ties to China or which may subject the post-business combination entity or business to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao). If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company will be allowed to undertake an initial business combination with a China-based Target, which will allow the Company to access a larger pool of target candidates and provide additional flexibility for the Company to consummate an initial business combination before the final extension date permitted under the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “Combination Period”). The Board has determined that, given the Company’s expenditure of time, effort and money on identifying a suitable target business and completion of a business combination, and the market opportunity the Company has observed in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), it is in the best interests of its shareholders to approve the Target Limitation Amendment to allow the Company to undertake a business combination with a China-based Target.

 

 

 

 

The purpose of the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is to eliminate the Redemption Limitation from the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we will not proceed with the Amendment of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association if Redemptions made in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting would cause the Ordinary shares to become “penny stock” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act. Further, if the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and there are significant requests for Redemptions such that the Redemption Limitation would be exceeded, the Redemption Limitation would prevent the Company from being able to consummate a Business Combination even if all other conditions to closing are met. The Company believes that the Redemption Limitation is not necessary. The purpose of such limitation was initially to ensure that the Company did not become subject to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s “penny stock” rules. The Company is presenting the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal to facilitate the consummation of a Business Combination.

 

Each of the Extension Proposals, Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal are more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement. Please take the time to read carefully each of the proposals in the accompanying proxy statement before you vote.

 

Holders (“public shareholders”) of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares (“Public Shares”) sold in its initial public offering (“IPO”) may elect to redeem their Public Shares for their pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account in connection with the Extension Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Proposal (the “Election”) regardless of how such public shareholders vote in regard to those amendments, or whether they were holders of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares on the Record Date or acquired such shares after such date. This right of redemption is provided for and is required by Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and Alpha Star also believes that such redemption right protects Alpha Star’s public shareholders from having to sustain their investments for an unreasonably long period if Alpha Star fails to find a suitable acquisition in the timeframe initially contemplated by its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. If the Extension Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Proposal are approved by the requisite vote of shareholders (and not abandoned), the remaining holders of Public Shares will retain their right to redeem their Public Shares for their pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account upon consummation of a business combination.

 

To exercise your redemption rights, you must tender your shares to the Company’s transfer agent at least two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting. You may tender your shares by either delivering your share certificates to the transfer agent or by delivering your shares electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) system. If you hold your shares in street name, you will need to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee to withdraw the shares from your account in order to exercise your redemption rights.

 

The per-share pro rata portion of the trust account was approximately $11.16 as of December 12, 2023. The closing price of Alpha Star’s shares on December 12, 2023 was $11.18. Alpha Star cannot assure shareholders that they will be able to sell their shares of Alpha Star in the open market, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in its securities when shareholders wish to sell their shares.

 

If the Extension Proposal is not approved and we do not consummate a business combination by March 15, 2024, in accordance with our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, or if the Extension Proposal is approved and we do not consummate a business combination by the Extended Date, we will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares with the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account.

 

The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, and the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal will be required to approve the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Adjournment Proposal will be required to approve such proposal.

 

 

 

 

Our Board has fixed the close of business on December 12, 2023 (the “Record Date”) as the Record Date for determining Alpha Star shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting and any adjournment thereof. Only holders of record of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares on that date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

After careful consideration of all relevant factors, our Board has determined that the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal are fair to and in the best interests of Alpha Star and its shareholders, has declared them advisable and recommends that you vote or give instruction to vote “FOR” all the foregoing proposals.

 

Enclosed is the proxy statement containing detailed information concerning the proposals and Extraordinary General Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, we urge you to read this material carefully and vote your shares.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

Dated: December 21, 2023

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors
   
  /s/ Zhe Zhang
  Zhe Zhang
  Chief Executive Officer

 

Your vote is important. Please sign, date and return your proxy card as soon as possible to make sure that your shares are represented at the Extraordinary General Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may also cast your vote in person at the Extraordinary General Meeting. If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm or bank, you must instruct your broker or bank how to vote your shares, or you may cast your vote online at the Extraordinary General Meeting by obtaining a proxy from your brokerage firm or bank.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 10, 2024: This Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting and the accompanying proxy statement are available at the website of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

 

 

 

 

ALPHA STAR ACQUISITION CORPORATION
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004

 

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2024

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

The Extraordinary General Meeting (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”) of shareholders of Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation (“Alpha Star,” “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on January 10, 2024. The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held in the offices of the Company’s counsel, Becker & Poliakoff P.A., at 45 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10006.

 

The Extraordinary General Meeting is being held for the sole purpose of considering and voting upon the following proposals:

 

  1. a proposal to amend Alpha Star’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association”) to extend the date by which Alpha Star must consummate a business combination (the “Extension”) to September 15, 2024 (the “Extended Date”) and reduce the amount of the fee to extend such time period, by amending the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to delete the existing Section 36.2 thereof and replacing it with the new Section 36.2 in the form provided in the first resolution set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proposal 1” or “Extension Proposal”);
     
  2. a proposal to amend the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as provided by the second resolution set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement, to allow the Company to undertake an initial business combination with an entity or business (“Target Business”), with a physical presence, operation, or other significant ties to China or which may subject the post-business combination business to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao), or entity or business that conducts operations in China through variable interest entities, or VIEs, pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements (the “VIE Agreements”) with the VIE and its shareholders on one side, and a China-based subsidiary of the China-based Target (the “WFOE”), on the other side (a “China-based Target”) (the “Proposal 2” or “Target Limitation Amendment Proposal”);
     
  3. a proposal to amend the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as provided by the third resolution set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement, to eliminate (i) the limitation that the Company shall not redeem its public shares to the extent that such redemption would result in the ordinary shares, or the securities of any entity that succeeds the Company as a public company, becoming “penny stock” (as defined in accordance with Rule 3a51-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), or cause the Company to not meet any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to a Business Combination (the “Redemption Limitation”) and (ii) the limitation that the Company shall not consummate a Business Combination if the Redemption Limitation is exceeded (the “Proposal 3” or “Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal”); and
     
  4. a proposal to direct the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting, there are not sufficient votes to approve any of the foregoing proposals (the “Proposal 4” or “Adjournment Proposal”).

 

The Extension Proposal is essential to the overall implementation of the Board’s plan to extend the date by which Alpha Star must complete an initial business combination. The purpose of the Extension Proposal is to allow Alpha Star more time to complete an initial business combination and to enable the Company to reduce the amount of the Monthly Extension Fee (as described below).

 

 

 

 

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present for the Extraordinary General Meeting if there is present in person or by proxy not less than a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares present at the Meeting in person or by proxy. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal will be required to approve such proposals. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Adjournment Proposal will be required to approve such proposals.

 

If the shareholders approve the Extension Proposal, the Company, without another shareholder vote, may elect to extend the time period within which the Company must consummate its initial business combination for up to six (6) additional one-month periods (each a “Monthly Extension”), to September 15, 2024, by depositing the Monthly Extension Fee (as defined below) into the Company’s trust account (the “Trust Account”). In addition, if the shareholders approve the Extension Proposal, the Company will amend the Investment Management Trust Account, dated December 9, 2021 entered into by the Company and Wilmington Trust, N.A., as trustee (the “Trust Agreement”) to reduce the amount that the Sponsor or its designee must deposit into the Trust Account in connection with each monthly extension such that it would be equal to the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share for each Monthly Extension (the “Monthly Extension Fee”). 

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved, to effectuate each Monthly Extension (as defined herein), the Sponsor and/or its designee will deposit the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share into the Trust Account. The first Monthly Extension Fee after the approval of the Extension Proposal must be made by January 15, 2024, while the subsequent Monthly Extension Fee must be deposited into the Trust Account by the 15th of each succeeding month until September 15, 2024 (the “Contributions”). The Contributions are conditioned upon the implementation of the Extension Proposal. The Contributions will not occur if the Extension Proposal is not approved or the Extension is abandoned. The amount of the Contributions will not bear interest and will be repayable by us to our sponsor or its designees upon consummation of an initial business combination. If our sponsor or its designee advises us that it does not intend to make the Contributions, then the Extension Proposal, will not be put before the shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting and, unless we can complete an initial business combination by March 15, 2024, we will dissolve and liquidate in accordance with the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Our sponsor or its designees will have the sole discretion whether to continue extending for additional calendar months until the Extended Date and if our sponsor determines not to continue extending for additional calendar months, its obligation to make additional Contributions will terminate.

 

Holders (“public shareholders”) of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares sold in its IPO (“Public Shares”) may elect to redeem their Public Shares for their pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account in connection with the Extension Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Proposal (the “Election”) regardless of how such public shareholder votes in regard to the Extension Proposal, Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal or Target Limitation Amendment Proposal or whether they were holders of Alpha Star ordinary shares on the Record Date or acquired such shares after such date. Alpha Star believes that such redemption right protects Alpha Star’s public shareholders from having to sustain their investments for an unreasonably long period if Alpha Star fails to find a suitable acquisition in the timeframe initially contemplated by its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. If the proposed proposals are approved and implemented, the remaining public shareholders will retain their right to redeem their Public Shares for their pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account upon consummation of a business combination.

 

However, unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company will not proceed with the Extension Proposal if the redemption of public shares in connection therewith would cause the Company to have net tangible assets of less than $5,000,001. In the event that the Extension Proposal is not implemented, the Company will be required to dissolve and liquidate its Trust Account by returning the then remaining funds in such Trust Account to the public stockholders. If the Extension Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Proposal are approved by the requisite vote of shareholders (and not abandoned), the remaining holders of public shares will retain their right to redeem their public shares for their pro rata portion of the funds available in the Trust Account upon consummation of an initial business combination when it is submitted to the shareholders, subject to any limitations set forth in the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the limitations contained in related agreements.

 

 

 

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved, such approval will constitute consent for the Company to (i) remove from the trust account an amount (the “Withdrawal Amount”) equal to the number of Public Shares properly redeemed in connection with the shareholder vote on the Extension Proposal multiplied by the per-share price equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting, including interest earned on the trust account deposits (which interest shall be net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares; and (ii) deliver to the holders of such redeemed Public Shares their portion of the Withdrawal Amount. The remainder of such funds shall remain in the trust account and be available for use by the Company to complete a business combination on or before the Extended Date. Holders of Public Shares who do not redeem their Public Shares now will retain their redemption rights and their ability to vote on a business combination through the Extended Date if the Extension Proposal is approved.

 

To exercise your redemption rights, you must tender your shares to the Company’s transfer agent at least two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting. You may tender your shares by either delivering your share certificates to the transfer agent or by delivering your shares electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) system. If you hold your shares in street name, you will need to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee to withdraw the shares from your account in order to exercise your redemption rights.

 

The removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account in connection with the Election will reduce the amount held in the trust account following the redemption, and the amount remaining in the trust account may be significantly reduced. In such event, the Company may need to obtain additional funds to complete a business combination and there can be no assurance that such funds will be available on terms acceptable to the parties or at all.

 

If the Extension Proposal is not approved and we are unable to consummate our initial business combination by March 15, 2024, we will distribute the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (less up to $100,000 of the net interest earned thereon to pay dissolution expenses), pro rata to our public shareholders by way of redemption and cease all operations except for the purposes of winding up of our affairs. Any redemption of public shareholders from the trust account shall be effected automatically by function of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association prior to any voluntary winding up. If we are required to windup, liquidate the trust account and distribute such amount therein, pro rata, to our public shareholders, as part of any liquidation process, such winding up, liquidation and distribution must comply with the applicable provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands. In that case, investors may be forced to wait beyond March 15, 2024 before the redemption proceeds of our trust account become available to them and they receive the return of their pro rata portion of the proceeds from our trust account. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to the date of our redemption or liquidation unless we consummate our initial business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors have sought to redeem their ordinary shares. Only upon our redemption or any liquidation will public shareholders be entitled to distributions if we are unable to complete our initial business combination.

 

Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have waived their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination prior to March 15, 2024 or the Extended Date if our shareholders approve the Extension Proposal. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our rights and warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination prior to March 15, 2024 or the Extended Date if our shareholders approve the Extension Proposal.

 

You are also being asked to direct the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting, there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposals.

 

The Record Date for the Extraordinary General Meeting is December 12, 2023. Record holders of Alpha Star ordinary shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 12,268,503 outstanding ordinary shares of Alpha Star, including 9,063,503 outstanding Public Shares. Alpha Star’s rights and warrants do not have voting rights.

 

This proxy statement contains important information about the Extraordinary General Meeting and the proposals. Please read it carefully and vote your shares.

 

This proxy statement is dated December 21, 2023 and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about that date.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page No.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING   1
     
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   11
     
BACKGROUND   11
     
RISK FACTORS   13
     
PROPOSAL 1 – THE EXTENSION PROPOSAL   32
     
PROPOSAL 2 – THE TARGET LIMITATION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL   37
     
PROPOSAL 3 – THE REDEMPTION LIMITATION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL   45
     
PROPOSAL 4 – THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL   47
     
MANAGEMENT   50
     
BENEFICIARY OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES   52
     
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS   53
     
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   53
     
ANNEX A: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF ALPHA STAR ACQUISITION CORPORATION   A-1

 

i

 

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING

 

These questions and answers are only summaries of the matters they discuss. They do not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read carefully this entire proxy statement.

 

Q. Why am I receiving this proxy statement?   A. This proxy statement and the accompanying materials are being sent to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board, for use at the Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on January 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, in the office of the Company’s counsel, Becker & Poliakoff P.A., at 45 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10006. This proxy statement summarizes the information that you need to make an informed decision on the proposals to be considered at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
       
Q. What is being voted on?   A. You are being asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:
       
        a proposal to amend Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to extend the date by which Alpha Star must consummate a business combination (the “Extension”) to September 15, 2024 (the “Extended Date”) and reduce the amount of the fee to extend such time period, by amending the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to delete the existing Section 36.2 thereof and replacing it with the new Section 36.2 in the form set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proposal 1” or the “Extension Proposal”);
           
        a proposal to amend the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to allow the Company to undertake an initial business combination with an entity or business (“Target Business”), with a physical presence, operation, or other significant ties to China or which may subject the post-business combination business to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao), or entity or business that conducts operations in China through variable interest entities, or VIEs, pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements (the “VIE Agreements”) with the VIE and its shareholders on one side, and a China-based subsidiary of the China-based Target (the “WFOE”), on the other side (a “China-based Target”) (the “Proposal 2” or “Target Limitation Amendment Proposal”);
           
        a proposal to amend the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to eliminate (i) the limitation that the Company shall not redeem its public shares to the extent that such redemption would result in the ordinary shares, or the securities of any entity that succeeds the Company as a public company, becoming “penny stock” (as defined in accordance with Rule 3a51-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), or cause the Company to not meet any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to a Business Combination (the “Redemption Limitation”) and (ii) the limitation that the Company shall not consummate a Business Combination if the Redemption Limitation is exceeded (the “Proposal 3” or “Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal”); and
           
        a proposal to direct the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting, there are not sufficient votes to approve the Extension Proposal (the “Proposal 4” or the “Adjournment Proposal”).

 

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Unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, in no event will the Company proceed with the Amendment of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association if the Redemptions (as defined below) would cause the public shares to become “penny stock” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act.

       
Q. How does the Board of Directors recommend I vote?   A. After careful consideration of all relevant factors, the Board recommends that you vote or give instruction to vote “FOR” the Extension Proposal, “FOR” the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, “FOR” the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal, and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

 

Q. Why is the Company proposing the Extension Proposal?   A.

Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association currently provides for the return of the IPO proceeds held in trust to public shareholders if there is no qualifying business combination consummated on or before March 15, 2024.

       
      Without the Extension Amendment, the Company believes that it will not be able to complete the Business Combination within the permitted time period. If that were to occur, the Company would be forced to liquidate.

 

     

If the Extension Proposal is approved, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the Trust Account in connection with the redemption will reduce the amount held in the Trust Account thereafter. We cannot predict the amount that will remain in the Trust Account if the Extension is approved and the amount remaining in the Trust Account may be substantially less than that was in the Trust Account as of December 12, 2023, which could impact our ability to consummate a business combination.

 

You are not being asked to vote on any proposed business combination at this time. If the Extension Proposal is approved and you do not elect to redeem your public shares in connection with such votes, you will retain the right to vote on any proposed business combination when and if one is submitted to shareholders and the right to redeem your public shares for a pro rata portion from the Trust Account in the event a proposed business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination by the Extended Date.

 

Q. Why should I vote for the Extension Proposal?   A.

The Board believes that given Alpha Star’s expenditure of time, effort and money on finding an initial business combination, circumstances warrant providing public shareholders an opportunity to consider an initial business combination. Accordingly, our Board is proposing the Extension Proposal to extend the date by which Alpha Star must complete an initial business combination until the Extended Date and to allow for the Election.

       
      Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares which are present (in person or by proxy) and which vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting in order to effect an amendment to certain of its provisions, including any amendment that would extend its corporate existence beyond March 15, 2024, except in connection with, and effective upon consummation of, an initial business combination. We believe that these Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provisions were included to protect Alpha Star shareholders from having to sustain their investments for an unreasonably long period if Alpha Star failed to find a suitable initial business combination in the timeframe contemplated by the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. We also believe, however, that given Alpha Star’s expenditure of time, effort and money on the potential business combinations with the targets it has identified, circumstances warrant providing those who would like to consider whether a potential business combination with one or more of such targets is an attractive investment with an opportunity to consider such transaction, inasmuch as Alpha Star is also affording shareholders who wish to redeem their Public Shares the opportunity to do so, as required under its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Accordingly, we believe the Extension is consistent with Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and IPO prospectus.

 

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Q. How do the Alpha Star insiders intend to vote their shares?   A. All of Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers, initial shareholders and their respective affiliates are expected to vote any ordinary shares over which they have voting control (including any Public Shares owned by them) in favor of the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal.
       
      Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers, initial shareholders and their respective affiliates are not entitled to redeem the founder shares which include 2,875,000 ordinary shares initially issued to the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. Public Shares purchased on the open market by Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their respective affiliates may be redeemed. On the Record Date, Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers, initial shareholders and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 2,875,000 founder shares and 330,000 private placement units, representing approximately 26.12% of Alpha Star’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares.
       
      Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers, initial shareholders and their affiliates may choose to buy Public Shares in the open market and/or through negotiated private purchases. In the event that purchases do occur, the purchasers may seek to purchase shares from shareholders who would otherwise have voted against the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal or the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal. Any Public Shares held by or subsequently purchased by affiliates of Alpha Star may be voted in favor of all of these proposals.

 

Q. What amount will holders receive upon consummation of a subsequent business combination or liquidation if the Extension Proposal is approved?   A. If the Extension Proposal is approved, then in accordance with the amendment to the Trust Agreement, our sponsor, or its designee, has agreed to contribute to us as a loan of the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public shares into the Trust Account (the “Monthly Extension Fee”). The Monthly Extension Fees must be deposited into the Trust Account by the 15th of each succeeding month until the Extended Date (the “Contributions”). Assuming the Extension Proposal is approved, the initial and any subsequent Contribution will be deposited in the trust account promptly following the Extraordinary General Meeting. Each additional Contribution will be deposited in the trust account established in connection with the IPO within thirty calendar days from the beginning of such calendar month (or portion thereof). The Contributions are conditioned upon the implementation of the Extension Proposal. The Contributions will not occur if the Extension Proposal is not approved or the Extension is abandoned. The amount of the Contributions will not bear interest and will be repayable by us to our sponsor or its designees upon consummation of an initial business combination.
       
      If our sponsor or its designee advises us that it does not intend to make the Contributions, then the Extension Proposal will not be put before the shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting and we will dissolve and liquidate in accordance with our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Our sponsor or its designees will have the sole discretion whether to continue extending for additional calendar months until the Extended Date and if our sponsor determines not to continue extending for additional calendar months, its obligation to make additional Contributions will terminate.

 

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Q. Will you seek any further extensions to liquidate the trust account?   A. Other than the extension until the Extended Date as described in this proxy statement, Alpha Star does not anticipate, but is not prohibited from, seeking the requisite shareholder consent to any further extension to consummate a business combination. Alpha Star has provided that all holders of Public Shares, whether they vote for or against the Extension Proposal, or whether they were holders of Alpha Star ordinary shares on the Record Date or acquired such shares after such date, may elect to redeem their Public Shares into their pro rata portion of the trust account and should receive the funds shortly after the Extraordinary General Meeting. Those holders of Public Shares who elect not to redeem their shares now shall retain redemption rights with respect to the initial business combinations, or, if no future business combination is brought to a vote of the shareholders or if a business combination is not completed for any reason, such holders shall be entitled to the pro rata portion of the trust account on the Extended Date upon a liquidation of the Company.

 

Q. What happens if the Extension Proposal is not approved?   A. If the Extension Proposal is not approved and we have not consummated an initial business combination by March 15, 2024, or if the Extension Proposal is approved and we have not consummated an initial business combination by the Extended Date, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten (10) 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 up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of then issued and outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our Board of Directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our rights and warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination by March 15, 2024.
       
      Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have waived their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to their founder shares and private placement shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination by March 15, 2024.
       
Q. If the Extension Proposal is approved, what happens next?   A. If the Extension Proposal is approved, the Company has until the Extended Date to complete its initial business combination. If the shareholders approve the Extension Proposal, the Company, without another shareholder vote, may elect to extend the time period within which the Company must consummate its initial business combination for up to six (6) additional one-month periods to the Extended Date, by depositing the Monthly Extension Fee into the Trust Account. The Company will also amend the Trust Agreement to reduce the amount of the fee that the sponsor (or its designee must deposit) to the Monthly Extension Fee as defined above.
     
    If the Extension Proposal is approved, we will remove the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account, deliver to the holders of redeemed Public Shares their portion of the Withdrawal Amount and retain the remainder of the funds in the trust account for our use in connection with consummating a business combination on or before the Extended Date.
     
      If the Extension Proposal is approved and the Extension is implemented, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account in connection with the Election will reduce the amount held in the trust account following the Election. We cannot predict the amount that will remain in the trust account if the Extension Proposal is approved and the amount remaining in the trust account may be only a small fraction of the current amount that was in the trust account as of the Record Date. In such event, we may need to obtain additional funds to complete an initial business combination, and there can be no assurance that such funds will be available on terms acceptable to the parties or at all.

 

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However, the Company will not proceed with the Extension Proposal if the redemption of public shares in connection therewith would cause the Company to have net tangible assets of less than $5,000,001 unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved. In the event that the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and the redemption of public shares causes the net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 and the Extension Proposal is not implemented, the Company will be required to dissolve and liquidate its Trust Account by returning the then remaining funds in such Trust Account to the public shareholders. If the Extension Proposal is approved by the requisite vote of shareholders (and not abandoned), the remaining holders of public shares will retain their right to redeem their public shares for their pro rata portion of the funds available in the Trust Account upon consummation of an initial business combination when it is submitted to the shareholders, subject to any limitations set forth in the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the limitations contained in related agreements.

 

The Company will remain a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and its units, ordinary shares, rights and warrants will remain publicly traded.

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved and public shareholders elect to redeem their Public Shares, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account will reduce the amount remaining in the trust account and increase the percentage interest of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares held by Alpha Star’s officers, directors, initial shareholders and their affiliates.

 

Q. Why is the Company proposing the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal?   A. The purpose of the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is to eliminate the Redemption Limitation from the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we will not proceed with the Extension Proposal if Redemptions made in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting would cause the Ordinary shares to become “penny stock” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act. Further, if the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and there are significant requests for Redemptions such that the Redemption Limitation would be exceeded, the Redemption Limitation would prevent the Company from being able to consummate a Business Combination even if all other conditions to closing are met. The Company believes that the Redemption Limitation is not necessary. The purpose of such limitation was initially to ensure that the Company did not become subject to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s “penny stock” rules. The Company is presenting the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal to facilitate the Charter Amendment and the consummation of a Business Combination.
       
Q. Why should I vote “FOR” the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal?   A.

The Company believes that by eliminating the Redemption Limitation from the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Article of Association, the Company would be permitted to redeem Public Shares, irrespective of whether such redemption would exceed the Redemption Limitation.

       
      The purpose of such limitation was initially to ensure that the Company did not become subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules. The Company is presenting the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal to facilitate the implementation of the Charter Amendment and the consummation of a Business Combination.

 

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Q. What happens if the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved?   A. If the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved at the Shareholder Meeting or at any adjournment thereof and there are significant requests for Redemption such that the Redemption Limitation would be exceeded, the Redemption Limitation would prevent the Company from being able to consummate a Business Combination. If the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved, we will not redeem Public Shares to the extent that accepting all properly submitted redemption requests would exceed the Redemption Limitation. In the event that the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and we receive notice of Redemptions approaching or in excess of the Redemption Limitation, we and/or the Sponsor may take action to increase the Company’s net tangible assets to avoid exceeding the Redemption Limitation.
       
Q. Why is the Company proposing the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal?   A. The purpose of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is to afford the Company with flexibility to enter into an initial business combination with a China-based Target that conducts its operations through the use of the VIE structure to manage and control its operations in China. The Company’s IPO prospectus provides that the Company will not conduct an initial business combination with any target company that conducts its operations through variable interest entities, or VIEs (the “Target Limitation”). If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company will be allowed to undertake an initial business combination with a China-based Target that operates through a VIE, which will allow the Company to access a larger pool of target candidates and provide additional flexibility for the Company to consummate an initial business combination before the final extension date permitted under the Company’s charter. The Board has determined that, given the Company’s expenditure of time, effort and money on identifying a suitable target business and completion of a business combination, and the market opportunity the Company has observed in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), it is in the best interests of its shareholders to approve the Target Limitation Amendment to allow the Company to undertake a business combination with a China-based Target that conducts its operations through a VIE.
       
Q. Why should I vote “FOR” the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal?   A. The Company believes shareholders will benefit from the Company consummating a Business Combination and is proposing the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal to afford the Company with flexibility in its search for a target with which to consummate a Business Combination. The approval of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is essential to the implementation of the Board’s plan to consummate a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The Board believes that the Company may need more flexibility in its search for a potential target in order to complete a Business Combination on or before the end date of the Combination Period. If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved, and we are unable to consummate a Business Combination by the Original Deadline Date, the Company would be forced to liquidate.
       
Q. What happens if the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved?   A. If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved, the Company will not conduct an initial business combination with an entity or business with it principal or a majority of its business operations (either directly or through any subsidiaries) in the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau).
       
Q. Why is the Company proposing the Adjournment Proposal?   A. To allow the Company more time to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Election of Directors Proposal, the Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditor Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, in the event the Company does not receive the requisite shareholder vote to approve the aforesaid Proposals.

 

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Q. Why should I vote “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal?   A. If the Adjournment Proposal is not approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Board may not be able to adjourn the Shareholder Meeting to a later date or dates to approve the Election of Directors Proposal, the Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditor Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal or to allow public shareholders time to reverse their redemption requests.
       

Q. What if I do not want to vote “FOR” the Extension Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal?

 

  A. If you do not want the Extension Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal to be approved, you may “ABSTAIN,” not vote, or vote “AGAINST” such proposal.
     
    If you attend the Extraordinary General Meeting in person or by proxy, you may vote “AGAINST” any of the Proposals, and your ordinary shares will be counted for the purposes of determining whether the Proposals are approved.
     
    However, if you fail to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting in person or by proxy, or if you do attend the Extraordinary General Meeting in person or by proxy but you “ABSTAIN” or otherwise fail to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting, your ordinary shares will not be counted for the purposes of determining whether the Adjournment Proposal is approved, and your ordinary shares which are not voted at the Extraordinary General Meeting will have no effect on the outcome of such vote. If you “ABSTAIN” or otherwise fail to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting, this will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Proposals.
       
Q. Who bears the cost of soliciting proxies?   A. The Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies and will reimburse brokerage firms and others for expenses involved in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners or soliciting their execution. In addition to solicitations by mail, the Company, through their respective directors and officers, may solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by electronic means. Such directors and officers will not receive any Extraordinary General remuneration for these efforts. We have retained Advantage Proxy, Inc. (“Advantage Proxy”) to assist us in soliciting proxies. If you have questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your shares, you may contact Advantage Proxy at (877) 870-8565 (toll free) or by email at ksmith@advantageproxy.com. The Company has agreed to pay Advantage Proxy a fee and expenses, for its services in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting.
       
Q. How do I change my vote?   A. If you have submitted a proxy to vote your shares and wish to change your vote, you may do so by delivering a later-dated, signed proxy card to Alpha Star’s Secretary prior to the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting or by voting online at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Attendance at the Extraordinary General Meeting alone will not change your vote. You also may revoke your proxy by sending a notice of revocation to 80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004, Attention - Secretary.

 

Q. If my shares are held in “street name,” will my broker automatically vote them for me?   A.

No. If you do not give instructions to your broker, your broker can vote your shares with respect to “discretionary” items, but not with respect to “non-discretionary” items. We believe that Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4 are “non-discretionary” items.

 

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      Your broker can vote your shares with respect to “non-discretionary items” only if you provide instructions on how to vote. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares. Your broker can tell you how to provide these instructions. If you do not give your broker instructions, your shares will be treated as broker non-votes and will have no effect on the proposals.

 

Q. What is a quorum requirement?   A.

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid Meeting. A quorum will be present for the Extraordinary General Meeting if there is present in person or by proxy not less than a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares present at the Meeting in person or by proxy.

 

Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee), vote online, or if you attend the Extraordinary General Meeting. Abstentions will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting may adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to another date.

       
Q. How are votes counted?    

The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Extension Proposal, Target Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal will be required to approve such Proposals.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Adjournment Proposal will be required to approve such proposal. The Adjournment Proposal will only be put forth for a vote if there are not sufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the approval of the other proposals at the special meeting.

 

For purposes of the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and Adjournment Proposal, abstentions (but not broker non-votes), while considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum, will not count as a vote cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting and will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on such proposals.

       
Q. Who can vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting?   A.

Only holders of record of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares at the close of business on December 12, 2023 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to have their vote counted at the Extraordinary General Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. On the Record Date, 12,268,503 ordinary shares were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.

 

Shareholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name. If on the Record Date your shares were registered directly in your name with Alpha Star’s transfer agent, Vstock Transfer LLC, then you are a shareholder of record. As a shareholder of record, you may vote in person or online at the Extraordinary General Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, we urge you to fill out and return the enclosed proxy card to ensure your vote is counted.

 

      Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank. If on the Record Date your shares were held, not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting. However, since you are not the shareholder of record, you may not vote your shares online at the Extraordinary General Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent.

 

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Q. Does the Board recommend voting for the approval of the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal?   A. Yes. After careful consideration of the terms and conditions of these proposals, the Board has determined that the Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4 are fair to and in the best interests of Alpha Star and its shareholders. The Board recommends that Alpha Star’s shareholders vote “FOR” for the Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4.
       
Q. What interests do the Company’s sponsor, directors and officers have in the approval of the proposals?   A. Alpha Star’s directors, officers, initial shareholders and their affiliates have interests in the proposals that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. These interests include ownership of certain securities of the Company. See the section entitled “The Extension Proposal — Interests of Alpha Star’s Sponsor, Directors and Officers.”
       
Q. What happens to the Alpha Star rights and warrants if the Extension Proposal is not approved?   A. If the Extension Proposal is not approved, we will automatically wind up, liquidate and dissolve effective starting on March 15, 2024. In such event, your rights and warrants will become worthless.
       
Q. What happens to the Alpha Star right and warrants if the Extension Proposal is approved?   A. If the Extension Proposal is approved, Alpha Star will continue to attempt to consummate an initial business combination with potential targets until the Extended Date, and will retain the blank check company restrictions previously applicable to it. The rights and warrants will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
       
Q. What do I need to do now?   A. Alpha Star urges you to read carefully and consider the information contained in this proxy statement, including Annex A, and to consider how the proposals will affect you as an Alpha Star shareholder. You should then vote as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions provided in this proxy statement and on the enclosed proxy card.

 

Q. How do I vote?   A.

If you are a holder of record of Alpha Star Public Shares, you may vote online at the Extraordinary General Meeting or by submitting a proxy for the Extraordinary General Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may submit your proxy by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying pre-addressed postage paid envelope. You may still attend the Extraordinary General Meeting and vote online if you have already voted by proxy.

 

Voting by Mail. By signing the proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your shares at the Extraordinary General Meeting in the manner you indicate. You are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting so that your shares will be voted if you are unable to attend.

       
      Voting by Internet. Shareholders who have received a copy of the proxy card by mail may be able to vote over the Internet by visiting the web address on the proxy card and entering the voter control number included on your proxy card.

 

     

Voting by email or fax. If available, you may vote by email or fax by following the instructions provided on the proxy card.

 

If your shares of Alpha Star are held in “street name” by a broker or other agent, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting. However, since you are not the shareholder of record, you may not vote your shares online at the Extraordinary General Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent.

 

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Q. How do I exercise my redemption rights?   A.

If the Extension is implemented, each public shareholder may seek to redeem such shareholder’s Public Shares for its pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account, less any income taxes owed on such funds but not yet paid. You will also be able to redeem your Public Shares in connection with any shareholder vote to approve a proposed business combination, or if the Company has not consummated an initial business combination by the Extended Date.

 

To demand redemption of your Public Shares, you must ensure your bank or broker complies with the requirements identified elsewhere herein.

 

In connection with tendering your shares for redemption, you must elect either to physically tender your share certificates to Vstock Transfer LLC, the Company’s transfer agent, at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598, at least two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting or to deliver your shares to the transfer agent electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, which election would likely be determined based on the manner in which you hold your shares.

       
      Certificates that have not been tendered in accordance with these procedures at least two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting will not be redeemed for cash. In the event that a public shareholder tenders its shares and decides prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting that it does not want to redeem its shares, the shareholder may withdraw the tender. If you delivered your shares for redemption to our transfer agent and decide prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting not to redeem your shares, you may request that our transfer agent return the shares (physically or electronically). You may make such request by contacting our transfer agent at the address listed above.
       
Q. What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?   A. You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards, if your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive in order to cast a vote with respect to all of your Alpha Star shares.

 

Q. Who can help answer my questions?   A.

If you have questions about the proposals or if you need additional copies of the proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact:

 

Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation

80 Broad Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10004

(212) 837-7977

 

Or

 

Advantage Proxy, Inc.

P.O. Box 13581

Des Moines, WA 98198

Toll Free: (877) 870-8565

Collect: (206) 870-8565

 

You may also obtain additional information about the Company from documents filed with the SEC by following the instructions in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

We believe that some of the information in this proxy statement constitutes forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intends,” and “continue” or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they:

 

  discuss future expectations;
     
  contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition; or
     
  state other “forward-looking” information.

 

We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our shareholders. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or over which we have no control. The cautionary language discussed in this proxy statement provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described by us in such forward-looking statements, including, among other things, claims by third parties against the trust account, unanticipated delays in the distribution of the funds from the trust account and Alpha Star’s ability to finance and consummate any proposed business combination. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy statement.

 

All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to Alpha Star or any person acting on Alpha Star’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, Alpha Star undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this proxy statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

BACKGROUND

 

We are a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company and incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

 

On December 15, 2021, we consummated the Initial Public Offering of 11,500,000 units (each, a “Unit” and collectively, the “Units”). Each Unit consists of one ordinary share, one right to receive one-seventh (1/7) of an ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination and one redeemable warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one-half of one ordinary share for $11.50 per share. The units were sold at a price of $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $115,000,000.

 

April 6, 2021, our sponsor purchased 2,875,000 founder shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.01 per share. Our sponsor purchased an aggregate of 330,000 private placement units at a price of $10.00 per unit in a private placement that was completed simultaneously with the closing of our initial public offering. Each unit consists of one private placement share, one private placement warrant and one private placement right. Each private placement warrant entitles the holder upon exercise to purchase one-half of one ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per whole share, subject to adjustment as provided herein. Each private placement right will be converted to one seventh (1/7) of one ordinary shares upon the completion of its initial business combination. The private placement units (including the underlying securities) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by it until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination.

 

On December 13, 2021, our units commenced trading on the NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “ALSAU”. Commencing January 18, 2022, the ordinary shares, rights and warrants are separately traded on NASDAQ under the symbols “ALSA” “ALSAR” and “ALSAW,” respectively.

 

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Our sponsor owns approximately 26.12% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares as of December 12, 2023. The net proceeds of the IPO plus the proceeds of the sale of the private placement units were deposited in the trust account.

 

On July 13, 2023, the Company held an Extraordinary General Meeting of its shareholders and approved a proposal to amend the Company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to extend the date by which the Company has to consummate a business combination six (6) times for an additional one (1) month each time to March 15, 2024. In connection with this vote on the proposal to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, holders of our public shares were entitled to exercise their redemption rights and public shareholders tendered an aggregate of 2,436,497 public shares for redemption.

 

Alpha Star is currently in discussions to complete a business combination that will qualify as an initial business combination under its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. In the event that Alpha Star enters into a definitive agreement for a business combination prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting, Alpha Star will issue a press release and file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC announcing the definitive agreement for the proposed business combination.

 

As previously reported, we have entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) for a business combination with Cyclebit Group (the “Cyclebit”). Founded in 2012, Cyclebit is a global payments and SaaS provider. Its core products include card acquiring, point-of-sale (POS) services and marketplace solutions. While we have entered into the LOI, we have not entered into a definitive agreement for a transaction and no assurances can be made that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement, or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. Any transaction would be subject to board and equityholder approval of both companies, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, our board of directors (the “Board”) believes that there may not be sufficient time before March 15, 2024 (the current expiration date if we elect to extend) to complete a business combination. Accordingly, our Board believes that in order to be able to consummate an initial business combination, we need to obtain the Extension. Therefore, our Board has determined that it is in the best interests of our shareholders to extend the date by which Alpha Star must consummate a business combination to the Extended Date in order to provide our shareholders with the opportunity to participate in this prospective transaction. In the event that Alpha Star enters into a definitive agreement for a business combination prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting, Alpha Star will issue a press release and file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announcing the definitive agreement for the proposed business combination.

 

 

The mailing address of Alpha Star’s principal executive office is 80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004, and its telephone number is (212) 837-7977.

 

You are not being asked to vote on a business combination at this time. If the Extension is implemented and you do not elect to redeem your Public Shares, you will retain the right to vote on any proposed business combination if and when it is submitted to shareholders and the right to redeem your Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the trust account in the event such business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination by the Extended Date.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Shareholders should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with other risk factors disclosed in Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2023 and all of the other information included in this proxy statement before they decide whether to vote or instruct their vote to be cast to approve the Proposals described in this proxy statement. These risks could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial conditioning and results of operations of the Company.

 

The fact that our sponsor is, is controlled by, and has substantial ties with a non-U.S. person could impact our ability to complete our initial business combination.

 

Our sponsor, A-Star Management Corporation, is controlled by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Zhe Zhang, who is a Chinese citizen. Our sponsor owns approximately 26.12% of the outstanding shares of the Company. Certain federally licensed businesses in the United States, such as broadcasters and airlines, may be subject to rules or regulations that limit foreign ownership. As a result, this may limit the pool of acquisition candidates we may acquire in the United States, in particular, relative to other special purpose acquisition companies that are not subject to such restrictions, which could make it more difficult and costly for us to consummate a business combination with a target business operating in the United States relative to such other companies.

 

In addition, CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized to review certain transactions involving foreign investment in the United States by foreign persons in order to determine the effect of such transactions on the national security of the United States. Because we may be considered a “foreign person” under such rules and regulations, any proposed business combination between us and a U.S. business engaged in a regulated industry or which may affect national security, we could be subject to such foreign ownership restrictions and/or CFIUS review. The scope of CFIUS review was expanded by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (“FIRRMA”) to include certain non-passive, non-controlling investments in sensitive U.S. businesses and certain acquisitions of real estate even with no underlying U.S. business. FIRRMA, and subsequent implementing regulations that are now in force, also subject certain categories of investments to mandatory filings. If our initial business combination with any potential target company falls within the scope of foreign ownership restrictions, we may be unable to consummate a business combination with such business. In addition, if our business combination falls within CFIUS’s jurisdiction, we may be required to make a mandatory filing or determine to submit a voluntary notice to CFIUS, or to proceed with the initial business combination without notifying CFIUS and risk CFIUS intervention, before or after closing the initial business combination. CFIUS may decide to block or delay our initial business combination, impose conditions to mitigate national security concerns with respect to such initial business combination or order us to divest all or a portion of a U.S. business of the combined company if we had proceeded without first obtaining CFIUS clearance.

 

Moreover, the process of government review, whether by CFIUS or otherwise, could be lengthy. Because we have only a limited time to complete its initial business combination, our failure to obtain any required approvals within the requisite time period may require us to liquidate. If we liquidate, our public shareholders may only receive the cash held in the trust account, and our warrants and rights will expire worthless. This will also cause you to lose any potential investment opportunity in a target company and the chance of realizing future gains on your investment through any price appreciation in the combined company.

 

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination.

 

A company that, among other things, is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, trading or holding certain types of securities would be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Since we currently invest the proceeds held in the trust account, it is possible the SEC could deem the Company to currently be an inadvertent investment company.

 

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If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, our activities may be restricted, including:

 

  restrictions on the nature of our investments; and
     
  restrictions on the issuance of securities, each of which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination.

 

In addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements, including:

 

  registration as an investment company;
     
  adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and
     
  reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.

 

In order not to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Our business is to identify and complete an initial business combination and thereafter to operate the post-transaction business or assets for the long term. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We do not plan to buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor.

 

We do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in the trust account may only be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee is not permitted to invest in other securities or assets. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring and growing businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund), we have intended from completion of our initial public offering and continue to intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. Our initial public offering was not intended for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government securities or investment securities. The trust account set up in connection with the closing of our initial public offering was and is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of our initial business combination; (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our amended and restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 12 months (or if extended, 21 months) from the closing of our initial public offering, or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent an initial business combination within 21 months from the closing of our initial public offering, our return of the funds held in the trust account to our public shareholders as part of our redemption of the public shares. We are now requesting our shareholders to approve the extension of time from March 15, 2024 to September 15, 2024. Shareholders who do not exercise their redemption rights in connection with an amendment to our amended and restated Memorandum and Articles of Association would still be able to exercise their redemption rights in connection with a subsequent business combination. If we do not invest the proceeds as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expenses for which we have not allotted funds and may hinder our ability to complete an initial business combination or may result in our liquidation. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may receive only approximately $11.16 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our rights and warrants will expire worthless. There can be, however, no assurance that the foregoing redemption price per share will be paid and as a result of expenses related to compliance with the Investment Company Act, such redemption price may be lower.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, as indicated above, on December 9, 2021, the SEC issued proposed rules relating to, among other items, the extent to which SPACs could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The SEC’s proposed rules would provide a safe harbor for companies from the definition of “investment company” under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act, provided that they satisfy certain conditions that limit a company’s duration, asset composition, business purpose and activities. The duration component of the proposed safe harbor rule would require company to file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC announcing that it has entered into an agreement with the target company (or companies) to engage in an initial business combination no later than 18 months after the effective date of the Company’s registration statement for its initial public offering. A company would then be required to complete its initial business combination no later than 24 months after the effective date of its registration statement for its initial public offering. These rules, if adopted, whether in the form proposed or in revised form, may materially adversely affect our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination and may increase the costs and time related thereto. Unfortunately, our Company may not qualify for the safe harbor because an initial business combination will not be completed within the foregoing 18-month and 24-month time requirements and will require additional months to complete. Accordingly, our Company may already be deemed an unregistered investment company and subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act as well as further expenses and possible penalties.

 

The longer it takes our Company the longer to complete its initial business combination the greater will be the risk to our Company and its shareholders that Alpha Star may be deemed to be an unregistered investment company. The risk of our Company being determined to be an unregistered investment company may be mitigated if our Company shifts the assets in its trust account from securities into cash only.

 

Nasdaq may delist Alpha Star’s securities from trading on its exchange prior to the Business Combination, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in Alpha Star’s securities and subject it to additional trading restrictions.

 

We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future and prior to the Business Combination. In order to continue listing our securities on Nasdaq prior to an initial Business Combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and share price levels. Generally, we must maintain a minimum of 400 public holders of our securities.

 

On October 12, 2023, we received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company was not in compliance with Listing Rule 5450(a)(2) (the “Minimum Public Holders Rule”), which requires the Company to have at least 400 public holders for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Market. The Notice is only a notification of deficiency, not of imminent delisting, and has no current effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s securities on the Nasdaq Global Market.

 

The deficiency letter states that the Company has 45 calendar days to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Minimum Public Holders Rule. The Company intends to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Minimum Public Holders Rule within the required timeframe. If Nasdaq accepts Company’s plan, Nasdaq may grant the Company an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice to evidence compliance with the Minimum Public Holders Rule. If Nasdaq does not accept the Company’s plan, the Company will have the opportunity to appeal the decision in front of a Nasdaq Hearings Panel.

 

On October 20, 2023, we submitted a compliance plan to the Nasdaq outlining how we intend to cure the deficiency and comply with the Nasdaq continued listing requirement. We can avoid delisting if, within 180 calendar days following receipt of the Nasdaq notice, our securities are owned by at least 400 public holders. Our Nasdaq compliance plan is still under review.

 

If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect our securities could be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

 

  our ability to complete an initial Business Combination with a target company contemplating a Nasdaq listing;
     
  a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
     
  reduced liquidity for our securities;

 

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  a determination that our ordinary shares is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our ordinary shares to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;
     
  a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and
     
  a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because our units, ordinary shares, warrants and rights are currently listed on Nasdaq, our units, ordinary shares, warrants and rights are covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While we are not aware of a state having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, other than the state of Idaho, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if we were no longer listed on Nasdaq, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

 

Risks Related to Our Possible Business Combination With a China-Based Target or Operating Businesses in the PRC

 

The PRC government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of the post-combination entity’s business and may intervene in or influence its operations at any time, which could result in a material change in its operations and/or the value of our securities. We are also currently not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, however, if the China-based Target and the VIE were required to obtain approval in the future and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on a U.S. exchange, which would materially affect the interest of our investors.

 

The PRC government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our post-combination entity’s ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.

 

For example, the Chinese cybersecurity regulator announced on July 2, 2021, that it had begun an investigation of Didi Global Inc. (OTCMKTS: DIDI) and two (2) days later ordered that the company’s app be removed from smartphone app stores. On July 24, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly released the Guidelines for Further Easing the Burden of Excessive Homework and Off-campus Tutoring for Students at the Stage of Compulsory Education, pursuant to which foreign investment in such firms via mergers and acquisitions, franchise development, and variable interest entities are banned from this sector.

 

As such, the post-combination entity’s business segments may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. The post-combination entity could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. We and our post-combination entity may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply, and such compliance or any associated inquiries or investigations or any other government actions may:

 

  delay or impede the post-combination entity’s development;

 

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  result in negative publicity or increase the post-combination entity’s operating costs;

 

  require significant management time and attention; and

 

  subject the post-combination entity to remedies, administrative penalties and even criminal liabilities that may harm the post-combination entity’s business, including fines assessed for its current or historical operations that it modifies or even ceases its business practices.

 

As we do not have any operations in China, given that (a) the CSRC, currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning our IPO and listing on Nasdaq are subject to the M&A Rules; and (b) our Company is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands rather than in China and currently our Company does not own or control any equity interest in any PRC company or operate any business in China, we believe that we are not required to obtain any licenses or approvals, under applicable PRC laws and regulations, for our operation or listing on Nasdaq and while seeking a target for the initial business combination. Further, according to the Measures for Cybersecurity Review, which was promulgated on December 28, 2021 and became effective on February 15, 2022, online platform operators holding more than one million users’ individual information shall be subject to cybersecurity review before listing abroad. As we are a blank check company and are not involved in the collection of personal data of at least one million users or implicate cybersecurity, we do not believe that we are a “network platform operator(s)”, or subject to the cybersecurity review of the CAC.

 

Furthermore, we do not consider ourselves a China-based issuer, in particular, as specified in the Trial Administrative Measures of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Administrative Measures, and five supporting guidelines promulgated by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, which became effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Trial Administrative Measures, an issuer is a “domestic [Chinese] company” if the issuer meets both of the following conditions and thus, subject to the requirements for domestic [Chinese] companies seeking to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, thereunder: (i) any of the total assets, net assets, revenues or profits of the domestic operating entities of the issuer in the most recent accounting year accounts for more than 50% of the corresponding figure in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statements for the same period; and (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of operation and management of the issuer are mostly Chinese citizens or are domiciled in China. We are a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with no operation of our own except searching for a non-China-based target for our initial business combination. Furthermore, we do not own or control any equity interest in any PRC company or operate any business in China, and during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, we do not have 50% or more of our total assets, net assets, revenues or profits located or generated in China.

 

However, applicable PRC laws, regulations, or interpretations may change, and the relevant PRC government agencies could reach a different conclusion. There is also possibility that we may not be able to obtain or maintain such approval or that we inadvertently concluded that such approval was not required. If prior approval was required while we inadvertently concluded that such approval was not required or if applicable laws and regulations or the interpretation of such were modified to require us to obtain the approval in the future, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from relevant Chinese regulatory authorities.

 

Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.

 

If we consummate an initial business combination with a China-based Target, it will be governed by PRC laws and regulations. PRC companies and VIEs are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws and regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.

 

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Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their nonbinding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Furthermore, the promulgation of new laws or regulations, or the new interpretation of existing laws and regulations, in each case that restrict or otherwise may unfavorably impact the ability or way the post-combination entity may conduct its business and could require it to change certain aspects of its business to ensure compliance, which could decrease demand for its products or services, reduce revenues, increase costs, require us to obtain more licenses, permits, approvals or certificates, or subject it to additional liabilities. As such, the post-combination entity’s operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future PRC laws and regulations relating to its business or industry, which could result in a material and adverse change in the value of the post-combination entity’s securities, potentially rendering it worthless. As a result, both you and the post-combination entity face uncertainty about future actions by the PRC government that could significantly affect our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent the post-combination entity from using the proceeds from the business combination to make loans or additional capital contributions to its PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect the post-combination entity’s liquidity and its ability to fund and expand its business.

 

Any loans from the post-combination entity to its PRC subsidiaries are subject to PRC regulations. For example, loans by the post-combination entity to its subsidiaries in China, which are foreign invested entities (“FIEs”), to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”). On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated Hui Fa [2015] No.19, a notice regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested company of foreign currency into RMB. The foreign exchange capital, for which the monetary contribution has been confirmed by the foreign exchange authorities (or for which the monetary contribution has been registered for account entry by the banks) in the capital account of a foreign-invested enterprise may be settled at a bank as required by the enterprise’s actual operation needs. Foreign-invested enterprises with investment as their main business (including foreign-invested companies, foreign-invested venture capital enterprises and foreign-invested equity investment enterprises) are allowed to, under the premise of authenticity and compliance of their domestic investment projects, carry out based on their actual investment scales direct settlement of foreign exchange capital or transfer the RMB funds in the foreign exchange settlement account for pending payment to the invested enterprises’ accounts.

 

On May 10, 2013, SAFE released Circular 21, which came into effect on May 13, 2013. According to Circular 21, SAFE has simplified the foreign exchange administration procedures with respect to the registration, account openings and conversions, settlements of FDI-related foreign exchange, as well as fund remittances.

 

Circular 21 may significantly limit our ability to convert, transfer and use the net proceeds from the IPO and any offering of additional equity securities in China, which may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business in the PRC.

 

On February 13, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under Circular 21, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.

 

The post-combination entity may also decide to finance its PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions. These capital contributions must be approved by MOFCOM or its local counterpart, which usually takes no more than thirty (30) business days to complete. We may not be able to obtain these government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions by us to the VIE or its subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals, we will not be able to capitalize our PRC operations, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

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Recent regulatory actions by the government of the People’s Republic of China with respect to foreign capital efforts and activities, including Business Combinations with offshore shell companies such as SPACs, may adversely impact our ability to consummate a business combination with a China-based entity or business, or materially impact the value of our securities following any such business combination.

 

Although we have not identified any potential business combination target or any country in which we may source any target business, we may eventually identify and submit for shareholder approval a business combination with a target business located or based in China. On July 30, 2021, the Chairman of the SEC issued a statement highlighting potential issues resulting from recent China regulatory changes and guidance that may impact investors’ investments in China-based entities. According to the SEC’s Chairman, the People’s Republic of China provided new guidance to and placed restrictions on China-based companies raising capital offshore, including through associated offshore shell companies. These developments include China government-led cybersecurity reviews of certain companies raising capital through offshore entities. This is relevant to U.S. investors. In a number of sectors in China, companies are not allowed to have foreign ownership and cannot directly list on exchanges outside of China. To raise money on such exchanges, many China-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (VIEs). In such an arrangement, a China-based operating company typically establishes an offshore shell company in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands, to issue stock to public shareholders. For U.S. investors, this arrangement creates “exposure” to the China-based operating company, though only through a series of service contracts and other contracts. To be clear, though, neither the investors in the shell company’s stock, nor the offshore shell company itself, has stock ownership in the China-based operating company.

 

On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced three existing laws on foreign investments in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC Cooperative Joint Venture Law and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic invested enterprises in China. The Foreign Investment Law establishes the basic framework for the access to, and the promotion, protection and administration of foreign investments in view of investment protection and fair competition.

 

According to the China Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business entities, or otherwise organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investor”) within China, and the investment activities include the following situations: (i) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, establishes a foreign-invested enterprise within China; (ii) a foreign investor acquires stock shares, equity shares, shares in assets, or other like rights and interests of an enterprise within China; (iii) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, invests in a new project within China; and (iv) investments in other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations, or the State Council. The “variable interest entity” structure, or VIE structure, has been adopted by many PRC-based companies to obtain necessary licenses and permits in the industries that are currently subject to foreign investment restrictions in China. Under the Foreign Investment Law, variable interest entities that are controlled via contractual arrangement would also be deemed as equivalent to VIEs, if they are ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors. Therefore, for any companies with a VIE structure in an industry category that is included in the “negative list” as a restricted industry, the VIE structure may be deemed legitimate only if the ultimate controlling person(s) is/are of PRC nationality (either PRC companies or PRC citizens). Conversely, if the actual controlling person(s) is/are of foreign nationalities, then the variable interest entities will be treated as VIEs and any operation in the industry category on the “negative list” without market entry clearance may be considered as illegal.

 

The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership.

 

If we were to undertake a business combination with a China-based business, our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, cyber security, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of jurisdictions such as China may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.

 

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There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations. The laws and regulations are sometimes vague and new laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our business. In connection with any business combination with a China-based entity, we will be required to provide additional risk disclosure related to any such possible transaction and would be expected to incur additional costs related to compliance with such laws and regulations, if such compliance can be obtained.

 

PRC regulations regarding acquisitions impose significant regulatory approval and review requirements, which could make it more difficult for us to timely complete such acquisitions, or complete them at all.

 

Under the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law, companies undertaking acquisitions relating to businesses in China must notify the State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR, in advance of any transaction where the parties’ revenues in the China market exceed certain thresholds and the buyer would obtain control of, or decisive influence over, the target, while under the M&A Rules, the approval of MOFCOM must be obtained in circumstances where overseas companies established or controlled by PRC enterprises or residents acquire domestic companies affiliated with such PRC enterprises or residents. Applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations also require certain merger and acquisition transactions to be subject to security review. Complying with the requirements of the relevant regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including approval from SAMR, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to timely complete an initial business combination within either the initial 15-month period or within 21 months if extended or at all.

 

China Securities Regulatory Commission and other Chinese government agencies may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers. It is possible that we may need to obtain approvals or permissions from the CSRC or another PRC regulatory body if we undertake a business combination with a China-based entity. If the CSRC or another PRC regulatory body subsequently determines that its approval is needed for an offering, we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval. As a result, we may have to spend additional resources and incur additional time delays to complete any such business combination or be prevented from pursuing certain investment opportunities, or even could significantly affect our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

Our initial business combination may be subject to PRC laws relating to the collection, use, sharing, retention, security, and transfer of confidential and private information, such as personal information and other data. These laws continue to develop, and the PRC government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers in the future by adopting other rules and restrictions. Non-compliance could result in penalties or other significant legal liabilities.

 

Pursuant to the PRC Cybersecurity Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on November 7, 2016 and took effect on June 1, 2017, personal information and important data collected and generated by a critical information infrastructure operator in the course of its operations in China must be stored in China, and if a critical information infrastructure operator purchases internet products and services that affects or may affect national security, it should be subject to cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”). In April 2020, the CAC and certain other PRC regulatory authorities promulgated the Measures for Cybersecurity Review, which requires that operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security. On January 4, 2022, the CAC, in conjunction with 12 other government departments issued the New Measures for Cybersecurity Review (the “New Measures”). The New Measures amends the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Draft Revision for Comments) (the “Draft Measures”) released on July 10, 2021 and came into effect on February 15, 2022. The New Measures include data processing activities of network platform operators that affect or may affect national security into cybersecurity review, and make it clear that network platform operators with personal information of more than one million users must apply for cybersecurity review to the Cybersecurity Review Office when they go public abroad. The PRC Data Security Law, which took effect on September 1, 2021, imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals that carry out data activities, provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information. On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law (the “PIPL”), which is to take effect on November 1, 2021. The PIPL sets out the regulatory framework for the handling and protection of personal information and the transmission of personal information overseas. If our potential future target business in China involves collecting and retaining internal or customer data, such target might be subject to the relevant cybersecurity laws and regulations, including the PRC Cybersecurity Law and the PIPL, and the cybersecurity review before effecting a business combination.

 

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In addition, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities. According to Law (the “Opinions”), which were available to the public on July 6, 2021, these Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies. These Opinions proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems, to deal with the risks and incidents facing China-based overseas-listed companies and the demand for cybersecurity and data privacy protection. As of the date of this proxy statement, no official guidance and related implementation rules have been issued in relation to these recently issued Opinions and the interpretation and implementation of the Opinions remain unclear at this stage. We cannot assure you that we will not be required to obtain the pre-approval of the CSRC and potentially other PRC governmental authorities to pursue any business combination with a China-based company.

 

If, for example, our potential initial business combination is with a target business operating in the PRC and if the New Measures mandate clearance of cybersecurity review and other specific actions to be completed by the target business, we may face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all, and incur additional time delays to complete any such acquisition. Cybersecurity review could also result in negative publicity with respect to our initial business combination and diversion of our managerial and financial resources. We may also be prevented from pursuing certain investment opportunities if the PRC government considers that the potential investments will result in a significant national security issue. In addition, due to limited business combination period that we have, we may avoid searching for a target and completing an initial business combination that will be subject to cybersecurity review. Therefore, we may avoid searching for a company which could be deemed as a network platform operator and possesses information of more than one million users.

 

Further, if the combined company, after business combination, is deemed to be a network platform operator which holds personal information of more than one million users, it will be subject to such cybersecurity review. The combined company could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future and may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. Additionally, any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any other non-compliance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties, including suspension of business, website closure, and revocation of prerequisite licenses, as well as reputational damage or legal proceedings or actions, which may have material adverse effect on the combined company’s business, financial condition or results of operations and any such action could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. As uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that the combined company following a business combination will comply with such regulations in all respects and it may be ordered to rectify or terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by regulatory authorities. As a result, both you and we face uncertainty about future actions by the PRC government that could significantly affect our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

Other PRC governmental authorities may take the view now or in the future that an approval from them is required for an overseas offering by a company affiliated with Chinese businesses or persons or a business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China.

 

The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors (the “M&A Rules”), adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006, and amended in 2009, require an offshore special purpose vehicle formed for the purpose of an overseas listing of securities in a PRC company to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. The scope of the M&A Rules covers two types of transactions: (a) equity deals where the acquisition by a foreign investor, i.e., the offshore special purpose vehicle, of equity in a “PRC domestic company,” and (b) asset deals where the acquisition by an offshore special purpose vehicle of the assets of a “PRC domestic company.” Neither the equity deals or the asset deals will be involved in our business combination process with a China-based target for the reason that the offshore special purpose vehicle of such China-based target directly holds shares through the wholly foreign owned enterprise(s) or WFOE, which are established by means of direct investment rather than by equity deals or asset deals under the M&A Rules. To date, the CSRC has not issued any definitive rules or interpretations concerning whether offerings such as the indirect listing of a China-based entity as part of the business combination are subject to the CSRC approval procedures under the M&A Rules. As a result, based on our management’s understanding of the current PRC laws, rules, regulations and the local market practices, the CSRC’s approval under the M&A Rules will not be required in the context of our business combination with a China-based target. However, substantial uncertainty remains regarding the scope and applicability of the M&A Rules to offshore special purpose vehicles and the above analysis are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementation and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. We cannot assure you that relevant PRC governmental agencies, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as we do. It is possible that we may need to obtain approvals or permissions from CSRC in order for us to complete a business combination with a China-based target pursuant to the M&A Rules. If we are required to obtain such approvals, we cannot assure we will be able to receive them in a timely manner, or at all.

 

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Moreover, except for emphasizing the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies, the Opinions, which was made available to the public on July 6, 2021, also provides that the State Council will revise provisions regarding the overseas issuance and listing of shares by companies limited by shares and will clarify the duties of domestic regulatory authorities.

 

On December 24, 2021, the CSRC released for public comments Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) and Administrative Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) (the “Draft Rules”). The Draft Rules, if declared into effect, will implement a new regulatory framework requiring Chinese businesses to file with CSRC when pursuing overseas listings. The Draft Rules propose a new filing system for all Chinese companies (including the VIE-structured companies) that are pursuing listings outside mainland China. An overseas listing is required to be filed with CSRC within three (3) business days (i) following the submission of IPO application in the case of an IPO (or similar application in the case of a dual listing on another market), or (ii) following the submission of offering/registration applications (or following the first announcement of the transaction, as applicable) in the case of a SPAC listing or “back-door” listing. The requested filing documents include but are not limited to: (1) a filing report and related undertakings; (2) regulatory opinions, filing or approval documents issued by the relevant authorities (if applicable); (3) security review opinions issued by the relevant authorities, if applicable; (4) a PRC legal opinion; and (5) a prospectus.

 

On December 27, 2021, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for the Access of Foreign Investment (2021 Version), effective as of January 1, 2022 (the “Negative List”). Compared to the previous version, there are no specific industries added to the list but it for the first time declares China’s jurisdiction over (and detailed regulatory requirements on) overseas listings made by Chinese businesses in the so-called “Prohibited Industries.” According to Article 6 of the Negative List, domestic enterprises engaging in businesses in which foreign investment is prohibited shall obtain approval from the relevant authorities before offering and listing their shares on an overseas stock exchange. In addition, certain foreign investors shall not be involved in the operation or management of the relevant enterprise, and shareholding percentage restrictions under relevant domestic securities investment management regulations shall apply to such foreign investors. The intended scope of such jurisdiction was further clarified by NDRC officials on a press conference held on January 18, 2022.

 

Based on our understanding of the current PRC laws and regulations, no prior permission is required under the M&A Rules, the Opinions, the Draft Rules or the Negative List from any PRC governmental authorities (including the CSRC) for consummating offerings we may conduct outside of China, given that: (a) the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether such offerings are subject to the M&A Rules; (b) our Company is a blank check company newly incorporated in Cayman Islands rather than China and currently the company conducts no business in China and (c) our sponsor is a newly incorporated company in the British Virgin Islands, rather than China, has its principal offices in the British Virgin Islands and currently, the sponsor conducts no business in China. However, there remains some uncertainty as to how the M&A Rules, the Opinions, the Draft Rules or the Negative List will be interpreted or implemented in the context of an overseas offering or if we decide to consummate the business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China. If the CSRC or another PRC governmental authority subsequently determines that its approval is needed for such an offering, or a business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China, we may face approval delays, adverse actions or sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities. In any such event, these governmental authorities may delay a potential business combination, impose fines and penalties, limit our operations in China, or take other actions that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.

 

In the event that we were to determine to engage in an initial business combination with a China-based or operating business we would be subject to restrictions on the use of our cash obtained from our business combination with a China-based or operating business as describe under “PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds it receives from offshore financing activities to make loans to or make additional capital contributions to any PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and its ability to fund and expand business” and elsewhere in this proxy statement. However, as discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement, we do not believe we are currently subject to PRC law or regulation, including those PRC laws and regulation which affect our cash flow, including our ability to effect the redemption rights of our shareholders in connection with a business combination. We note that the funds held in trust to effect any such redemption are held outside of China and, in any event, we are not aware of any PRC law or regulation that would prevent us from making redemption payments to our shareholders.

 

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Our Company is a blank check company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We currently do not hold any equity interest in any PRC company or operate any business in China. Therefore, we are not required to obtain any permission from any PRC governmental authorities to operate our business as currently conducted. If we decide to consummate our business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China, the combined company’s business operations in China through its subsidiaries, as applicable, are subject to relevant requirements to obtain applicable licenses from PRC governmental authorities under relevant PRC laws and regulations.

 

Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us.

 

The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which legal cases have limited value as precedents. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The legislation over the past three decades has significantly increased the protection afforded to various forms of foreign or private-sector investment in China. Any future PRC subsidiary is subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, however, the interpretations of many laws, regulations, and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations, and rules involve uncertainties.

 

From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, however, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy in the PRC legal system than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies, internal rules, and regulations that may have retroactive effect and may change quickly with little advance notice. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property), and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.

 

You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments, or bringing actions in China against us or our management based on foreign laws. It may also be difficult for you or overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China.

 

Following completion of a business combination, we may remain a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and conduct most of our operations in China and most of our assets may be located in China. In addition, currently all our senior executive officers and directors either reside within China or Hong Kong, are physically there for a significant portion of each year, and are PRC nationals and this may also be the case following the completion of a business combination with a PRC-based or operated company. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process upon us or those persons inside mainland China. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us, or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws or those of any U.S. state.

 

The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other forms of written arrangement with the U.S. that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC laws or national sovereignty, security, or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the U.S.

 

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It may also be difficult for you or overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information needed for shareholder investigations or litigation outside China or otherwise with respect to foreign entities. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with its counterparts of another country or region to monitor and oversee cross-border securities activities, such regulatory cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the U.S. may not be efficient in the absence of a practical cooperation mechanism. Furthermore, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, or “Article 177,” which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigations or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. Article 177 further provides that Chinese entities and individuals are not allowed to provide documents or materials related to securities business activities to foreign agencies without prior consent from the securities regulatory authority of the PRC State Council and the competent departments of the PRC State Council. While detailed interpretation of or implementing rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseas securities regulator to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties faced by you in protecting your interests.

 

There is also uncertainty as to whether the courts of Hong Kong would (1) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States, or (2) entertain original actions brought in Hong Kong against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States.

 

In addition, judgments of United States courts will not be directly enforced in Hong Kong. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to when the judgment is for a definite sum of money in a civil matter and not in respect of taxes, fines, penalties or similar charges, the judgment is final and conclusive rendered by a court with jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter and has not been stayed or satisfied in full, the judgment is from a competent court, the judgment was not obtained by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake nor obtained in proceedings which contravenes the rules of natural justice and the enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy in Hong Kong, Hong Kong courts may accept such judgment obtained from a United States court as a debt due under the rules of common law. However, a separate legal action for debt must be commenced in Hong Kong in order to recover such debt from the judgment debtor.

 

Any actions by the Chinese government, including any decision to intervene or influence the operations of any future PRC subsidiary or to exert control over any offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, may cause us to make material changes to the operations of any future PRC subsidiary, may limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. The ability of any PRC-based or controlled business that we may acquire to operate in China may be impaired by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, foreign investment limitations, and other matters. The central or local governments of China may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our PRC-based or controlled subsidiary’s compliance with such regulations or interpretations. As such, any future PRC subsidiary may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. They could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. They may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply.

 

Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether we will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Our operations following a business combination with a PRC entity could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to our business or industry, particularly in the event permission to list on U.S. exchanges may be later required, or withheld or rescinded once given.

 

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Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision to intervene or influence the operations of any future PRC subsidiary at any time or to exert control over an offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, may cause us to make material changes to the operations of any future PRC subsidiary, may limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and/or may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

 

PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit any future PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose any PRC subsidiaries to liability and penalties under PRC law.

 

SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to PRC Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014 that requires PRC residents or entities to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents or entities, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions.

 

SAFE Circular 37 is issued to replace the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip Investments through Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles. If our shareholders who are PRC residents or entities do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, any of our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to affiliated entities in our corporate structure. Moreover, failure to comply with SAFE registration described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.

 

However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest of us, nor can we compel our shareholders to comply with the requirements of SAFE Circular 37. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of its shareholders who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE Circular 37. Failure by such shareholders to comply with SAFE Circular 37, or failure by us or any PRC subsidiaries to amend the foreign exchange registrations could subject such subsidiaries to fines or legal sanctions, restrict any overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our post business combination ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds it receives from offshore financing activities to make loans to or make additional capital contributions to any PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and its ability to fund and expand business.

 

Following a business combination with one or more PRC based entities, any transfer of funds by us to any PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to approval by or registration or filing with relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises in China, capital contributions to PRC subsidiaries are subject to the approval of or filing with the Ministry of Commerce in its local branches and registration with a local bank authorized by SAFE. In addition, (i) any foreign loan procured by PRC subsidiaries is required to be registered with SAFE or its local branches or filed with SAFE in its information system; and (ii) PRC subsidiaries may not procure loans which exceed the difference between their total investment amount and registered capital or, as an alternative, only procure loans subject to the calculation approach and limitation as provided in the People’s Bank of China Notice No. 9 (the “PBOC Notice No. 9”). Any medium- or long-term loan to be provided by us or our affiliated entities, if any, to our PRC subsidiary must be registered with the National Development and Reform Commission and SAFE or its local branches. We may not be able to obtain these government approvals or complete such registrations on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions or foreign loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals or complete such registration or filing, our ability to capitalize on PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and ability to fund and expand our businesses.

 

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The Circular on Reforming the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, effective as of June 1, 2015, as amended by Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement under the Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016, allows certain entities to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit them from using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond their business scopes, and also prohibit such PRC based entities from using such Renminbi fund to provide loans to persons other than affiliates unless otherwise permitted under its business scope. As a result, SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantly limit our future ability to use Renminbi converted from the net proceeds from our offshore financing activities to fund the establishment of new entities in China by us or their subsidiaries, to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies through any future PRC subsidiaries in China, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

PRC governmental control of currency conversion may limit the ability of our operating companies in China to utilize their revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.

 

The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. Under the expected corporate structure, the combined company, a British Virgin Islands holding company, may rely on dividend payments from its PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements it may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments in foreign currencies of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made without prior approvals of the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approvals of the SAFE, cash generated from the operations of PRC operating companies in China may be used to pay dividends. However, approvals from or registration with appropriate government authorities are required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currencies and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies.

 

As a result, the PRC subsidiaries of the combined company will need to obtain the SAFE approval to pay off their debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to any entities outside China or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi.

 

In light of the flood of capital outflows of China in 2016 due to the weakening Renminbi, the PRC government has imposed more restrictive foreign exchange policies and stepped-up scrutiny over major outbound capital movements including overseas direct investment. More restrictions and substantial vetting processes have been put in place by the SAFE to regulate cross-border transactions that fall under the capital account transactions. The PRC government may in the future at its discretion further restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control regulations prevent the combined company from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies from its PRC subsidiaries to satisfy its capital demands, the combined company may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to its shareholders.

 

Dividends payable to our foreign investors and gains on the sale of our ordinary shares by our foreign investors may be subject to PRC tax.

 

We may consummate a business combination with a target business based in and primarily operating in China through subsidiaries in China. After such business combination, the combined company may rely on dividends and other distributions from the PRC subsidiaries of the combined company to provide it with cash flow and to meet its other obligations. Current regulations in China would permit the combined company’s PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends only out of their accumulated distributable profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the combined company’s PRC subsidiaries in China will be required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits each year to fund their respective statutory reserves (up to an aggregate amount equal to half of their respective registered capital). Such cash reserve may not be distributed as cash dividends.

 

In addition, if the combined company’s PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make payments to the combined company or its PRC subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

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Enhanced scrutiny over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions we may pursue in the future.

 

The PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer of certain taxable assets, including, in particular, equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, by a non-resident enterprise by promulgating and implementing SAT Circular 59 and Circular 698, which became effective in January 2008, and a Circular 7 in replacement of some of the existing rules in Circular 698, which became effective in February 2015.

 

Under Circular 698, where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the equity interests of a PRC “resident enterprise” indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, may be subject to PRC corporate income tax, if the indirect transfer is considered to be an abusive use of company structure without reasonable commercial purposes. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of up to 10%. Circular 698 also provides that, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price lower than the fair market value, the relevant tax authority has the power to make a reasonable adjustment to the taxable income of the transaction.

 

In February 2015, the SAT issued Circular 7 to replace the rules relating to indirect transfers in Circular 698. Circular 7 has introduced a new tax regime that is significantly different from that under Circular 698. Circular 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only indirect transfers set forth under Circular 698 but also transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets, through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, Circular 7 provides clearer criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. Circular 7 also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of the taxable assets. Where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise being the transferor, or the transferee, or the PRC entity which directly owned the taxable assets may report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC corporate income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise.

 

We face uncertainties on the reporting and consequences on future private equity financing transactions, share exchange or other transactions involving the transfer of shares in our Company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises. The PRC tax authorities may pursue such non-resident enterprises with respect to a filing or the transferees with respect to withholding obligation, and request our PRC subsidiaries to assist in the filing. As a result, we and non-resident enterprises in such transactions may become at risk of being subject to filing obligations or being taxed, under Circular 59 or Circular 698 and Circular 7, and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular 59, Circular 698 and Circular 7 or to establish that we and our non-resident enterprises should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Circular 698 and Circular 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the taxable assets transferred and the cost of investment. Although we currently have no plans to pursue any acquisitions in China or elsewhere in the world, we may pursue acquisitions in the future that may involve complex corporate structures. If we are considered a non-resident enterprise under the PRC corporate income tax law and if the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of the transactions under SAT Circular 59 or Circular 698 and Circular 7, our income tax costs associated with such potential acquisitions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Recent greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could adversely impact our future business and any future offering of securities.

 

On July 10, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China or CAC published the Circular on Seeking Comments on Cybersecurity Review Measures (Revised Draft for Comments) (the “Review Measures Draft”), which provides that, in addition to critical information infrastructure operators (“CIIOs”) that intend to purchase Internet products and services, data processing operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office of the PRC. According to the Review Measures Draft, a cybersecurity review assesses potential national security risks that may be brought about by any procurement, data processing, or overseas listing (“Cybersecurity Review Measures”). The Review Measures Draft further requires that CIIOs and data processing operators that possess personal data of at least one million users must apply for a review by the Cybersecurity Review Office of the PRC before conducting listings in foreign countries. The deadline for public comments on the Review Measures Draft was July 25, 2021. There remains uncertainty, however, as to how the final Cybersecurity Review Measures will be interpreted or implemented and whether the PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, may adopt new laws, regulations, rules, or detailed implementation and interpretation related to the Cybersecurity Review Measures.

 

We may be required to obtain permission from Chinese authorities, including the Cyberspace Administration of China to acquire and operate certain PRC-based or controlled businesses, and the ownership or operation of certain China-based businesses may be limited or prohibited to foreign investors.

 

Compliance with the Cybersecurity Review Measures, if applicable to a potential business combination, would likely be time consuming and costly and may not be able to be completed timely to comply with our time constraints in completing a business combination.

 

If we inadvertently conclude that the Cybersecurity Review Measures do not apply to a potential business combination, or if applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and it is determined in the future that the Cybersecurity Review Measures become applicable to us, we may be subject to review when conducting data processing activities, and may face challenges in addressing its requirements and make necessary changes to our internal policies and practices. We may incur substantial costs in complying with the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which could result in material adverse changes in our business operations and financial position. If we are not able to fully comply with the Cybersecurity Review Measures, our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors may be significantly limited or completely hindered, and our securities may significantly decline in value or become worthless.

 

If any such new laws, regulations, rules, or implementation and interpretation come into effect, we will take all reasonable measures and actions to comply and to minimize the adverse effect of such laws on us. We cannot guarantee, however, that we will not be subject to cybersecurity review in the future. During such review, we may be required to suspend our operation or experience other disruptions to our operations. Cybersecurity review could also result in negative publicity with respect to our Company and diversion of our managerial and financial resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.

 

If the government of the PRC finds that the VIE Agreements that a China-based Target entered into to allow the post-combination entity to consolidate the financial results of such China-based Target do not comply with local governmental restrictions on foreign investment, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, the post-combination entity could be subject to significant penalties or be forced to relinquish its interests in those operations or the post-combination entity could be unable to consolidate the financial results of the VIE, which could cause the value of our securities depreciate significantly or become worthless.

 

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company with no operations of our own and no subsidiaries except searching for a suitable target to consummate an initial business combination. We currently do not have any PRC subsidiaries or China operations, do not have any specific business combination under consideration and have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction. However, because of our significant ties to China, we may pursue a business combination with a China-based Target which might require a VIE structure. The post-combination entity, through VIE Agreements, can consolidate the financial results of the VIE in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS as primary beneficial for accounting purposes. In that case, following the consummation of a business combination with a China-based Target, the securities of the post-combination entity would be securities of an offshore holding company instead of shares of the VIE in China. For a summary of the VIE structure and VIE Agreements, see “The Target Limitation Amendment Proposal — If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is Approved — Risks Related to Our Possible Business Combination with a China-based Target utilizing the VIE Structure.”

 

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The post-combination entity may rely on VIE Agreements with the VIE and its shareholders, to consolidate the financial results of the VIE. These VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership. Under the VIE Agreements, as a legal matter, if the VIE or any of its shareholders executing the VIE Agreements fails to perform its, his or her respective obligations under the VIE Agreements, the post-combination entity may have to incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies available under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective. For example, if shareholders of the VIE were to refuse to transfer their equity interests in such VIE to the post-combination entity or its designated persons when the post-combination entity exercises the purchase option pursuant to the VIE Agreements, the post-combination entity may have to take a legal action to compel them to fulfill their contractual obligations.

 

If (i) the applicable PRC authorities invalidate the VIE Agreements for violation of PRC laws, rules and regulations, (ii) any VIE or its shareholders terminate the VIE Agreements, (iii) any VIE or its shareholders fail to perform its/his/her obligations under the VIE Agreements, or (iv) if these regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, the China-based Target’s business operations in China would be materially and adversely affected, and the value of your securities would substantially decrease or even become worthless. Further, if the post-combination entity fails to renew the VIE Agreements upon their expiration, the post-combination entity would not be able to continue the business operations unless the then current PRC law allows it to directly operate businesses in China.

 

In addition, if any VIE or all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue to consolidate the financial results of the VIE, which could materially and adversely affect the post-combination entity’s business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of the VIEs undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby materially and adversely affecting the financial results of the post-combination entity.

 

All of the VIE Agreements will be governed by PRC law and provided for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts will be interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes will be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce the VIE Agreements. In the event the post-combination entity is unable to enforce the VIE Agreements, the post-combination entity may not be able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS and the post-combination entity may be precluded from operating its business, which would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

Although based on industry practices, VIE Agreements among the WFOE, the VIE and its shareholders governed by PRC laws are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect, however, the VIE Agreements may not have been widely tested in a court of law in China and there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may ultimately take a view that is contrary to the accepted industry practices with respect to the VIE Agreements. In addition, it is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to the VIE structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. PRC government authorities may deem that foreign ownership is directly or indirectly involved in the VIE’s shareholding structure. If our potential corporate structure and VIE Agreements are deemed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, or the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, or other regulators having competent authority to be illegal, either in whole or in part, the post-combined company may lose the ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE through the VIE Agreements and have to modify such structure to comply with regulatory requirements. However, there can be no assurance that we can achieve this without material disruption to the China-based Target’s business. Furthermore, if the post-combined company or the VIE is found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures, including, without limitation:

 

  revoking the business license and/or operating licenses of the WFOE or the VIE;

 

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  discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operations through any transactions under the VIE Agreements;

 

  imposing fines, confiscating the income from the post-combination entity, the VIE or its subsidiaries, or imposing other requirements with which the WFOE or the VIE may not be able to comply;

 

  placing restrictions on our right to collect revenues;

 

  requiring the post-combination entity to restructure its ownership structure or operations, including terminating the VIE Agreements with the VIE and deregistering the equity pledges of the VIE, which in turn would affect the post-combined company’s ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE through the VIE Agreements; or

 

  taking other regulatory or enforcement actions against the post-combination entity that could be harmful to the post-combination entity business.

 

The imposition of any of these penalties will result in a material and adverse effect on our potential ability to conduct the business. In addition, it is unclear what impact the PRC government actions will have on the post-combined company and on the post-combination entity’s ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements, if the PRC government authorities were to find our potential corporate structure and VIE Agreements to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations. If the imposition of any of these government actions causes the post-combination entity to lose the right to direct the activities of the VIE or the right to receive substantially all the economic benefits and residual returns from the VIE and the post-combination entity is not able to restructure the ownership structure and operations in a timely and satisfactory manner, the post-combination entity will no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements. Either of these results, or any other significant penalties that might be imposed on the post-combination entity in this event, it will have a material adverse effect on the post-combination entity’s financial condition, results of operations and our securities shares may decline in value or be worthless.

 

The VIE Agreements under a VIE structure may not be as effective as direct ownership in respect of the relationship of the post-combination entity with the VIE, and thus, the post-combination entity may incur substantial costs to enforce the terms of the VIE Agreements, which the post-combination entity may not be able to enforce at all.

 

The VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership in respect of the relationship of the post-combination entity with the VIE. For example, the VIE and its shareholders could breach the VIE Agreements by, among other things, failing to conduct their operations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to the interests of the post-combination entity. If the post-combination entity had direct ownership of the VIE, the post-combination entity would be able to exercise its rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of the VIE, which in turn could implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the VIE Agreements, the post-combination entity rely on the performance by the VIE and its shareholders of their obligations under the contracts to consolidate the financial results of the VIE as primary beneficiary. The shareholders of the VIE may not act in the best interests of the post-combination entity or may not perform their obligations under these VIE Agreements. Such risks exist throughout the period in which the post-combination entity intends to consolidate the financial results of the VIE through the VIE Agreements.

 

If the VIE or its shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the post-combination entity, the post-combination entity may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such VIE Agreements. For example, if the shareholders of the VIE refuse to transfer their equity interest in the VIE to the post-combination entity or its designee if the post-combination entity exercises the purchase option pursuant to the VIE Agreements, or if they otherwise act in bad faith toward the post-combination entity, then the post-combination entity may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their contractual obligations. In addition, if any third parties claim any interest in such shareholders’ equity interests in the VIE, the post-combination entity’s ability to foreclose the share pledge according to the VIE Agreements may be impaired. If these or other disputes between the shareholders of the VIE and third parties were to impair the post-combination entity’s relationship with the VIE, the post-combination entity’s ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE as primary beneficiary would be affected, which would in turn result in a material and adverse effect on the business, operations and financial condition.

 

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Any failure by the VIE or its shareholders to perform their obligations under the VIE Agreements would have a material and adverse effect on the post-combination entity’s business.

 

The shareholders of the VIE are referred as its nominee shareholders because although they remain the holders of equity interests on record in the VIE, pursuant to the terms of the relevant power of attorney, such shareholders have irrevocably authorized the individual appointed by the WFOE to exercise their rights as a shareholder of the relevant VIE. If the VIE, or its shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the VIE Agreements, the post-combination entity may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. The post-combination entity may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which the post-combination entity cannot assure you will be effective under PRC laws.

 

All of these VIE Agreements may be governed by and interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and disputes arising from these VIE Agreements may be resolved in court or through arbitration in China. Accordingly, these contracts will be interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes will be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the post-combination entity’s ability to enforce these VIE Agreements. See “RISK FACTORS”— Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.” Meanwhile, the VIE Agreements may not have been widely tested in a court of law in China and there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how VIE Agreements in the context of a VIE should be interpreted or enforced under PRC laws. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such adjudication or arbitration should legal action become necessary. In addition, under PRC laws, rulings by arbitrators are final and parties cannot appeal arbitration results in court unless such rulings are revoked or determined unenforceable by a competent court. If the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would require additional expenses and delay. In the event that the post-combination entity is unable to enforce these VIE Agreements, or if the post-combination entity suffers significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these VIE Agreements, the post-combination entity may not be able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS as primary beneficiary for accounting purposes, and the post-combination entity’s ability to conduct its business may be negatively affected.

 

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PROPOSAL 1 — THE EXTENSION PROPOSAL

 

Alpha Star is proposing to amend its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to extend the date by which Alpha Star must consummate an initial business combination from March 15, 2024 to September 15, 2024 and to enable the Company to reduce the amount of the Monthly Extension Fee.

 

The Extension Proposal is essential to the overall implementation of the Board’s plan to allow Alpha Star more time to complete its initial business combination. Approval of the Extension Proposal is a condition to the implementation of the Extension.

 

If the Extension Proposal is not approved and we have not consummated an initial business combination by March 15, 2024, or if the Extension Proposal is approved and we have not consummated an initial business combination by the Extended Date, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten (10) 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 up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of then issued and outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our Board of Directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our rights and warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination by March 15, 2024 or the Extended Date if the Extension Proposal is approved.

 

A copy of the proposed amendment to the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Alpha Star is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A.

 

Reasons for the Extension Proposal

 

The Company’s IPO prospectus and Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that the Company has until March 15, 2024 to effect a business combination under its terms. As previously reported, although we have entered into a non-binding LOI for a business combination with Cyclebit, we have not entered into a definitive agreement for a transaction and no assurances can be made that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement, or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. Further, any transaction would be subject to board and equityholder approval of both companies, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, the Board currently believes that there will not be sufficient time before March 15, 2024 to complete such initial business combination and that it is in the best interests of our shareholders to extend the date by which we must consummate a business combination to the Extended Date in order to provide our shareholders with the opportunity to participate in this prospective transaction.

 

The Company’s IPO prospectus and Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Extension Proposal is required to extend our corporate existence for an additional six (6) months to September 15, 2024, except in connection with, and effective upon, consummation of a business combination. Additionally, our IPO prospectus and Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide for all public shareholders to have an opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in the case our corporate existence is extended as described above. Because we continue to believe that a business combination would be in the best interests of our shareholders, and because we will not be able to conclude a business combination within the permitted time period, the Board has determined to seek shareholder approval to extend the date by which we must complete a business combination beyond March 15, 2024 to the Extended Date. In addition, we are also seeking to reduce the monthly amount that the Sponsor (or its designees) would be required to deposit into the Trust Account as a condition to exercising its ability to extend the date by which we must consummate a business combination in order to facilitate our ability to successfully consummate an initial business combination. Accordingly, if the Extension Proposal is approved, the Company and the trustee would amend the Trust Agreement to reduce the amount of the Monthly Extension Fee to be equal to the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share for each Monthly Extension. We intend to hold another shareholder meeting prior to the Extended Date in order to seek shareholder approval of a proposed initial business combination.

 

We believe that the foregoing Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provision was included to protect the Company’s public shareholders from having to sustain their investments for an unreasonably long period if the Company failed to complete the initial business combination in the timeframe contemplated by the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. We also believe, however, that given the Company’s expenditure of time, effort and money on finding an initial business combination thus far, circumstances warrant providing public shareholders an opportunity to consider an initial business combination.

 

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The Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders to approve the Extension Proposal, pursuant to which, once approved, the Company will have until September 15, 2024 to consummate its initial business combination, and the Company may, but is not obligated to, extend the period of time to consummate a business combination six times by an additional one month each time, for a total of up to six additional months until September 15, 2024 to complete a business combination, provided that the Sponsor or its designee must deposit into the Trust Account the Monthly Extension Fee in the amount of the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share for each Monthly Extension.

 

If the Extension Proposal is Not Approved

 

If the Extension Proposal is not approved and we do not consummate an initial business combination by March 15, 2024 in accordance with our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, we will automatically wind up, dissolve and liquidate starting on March 15, 2024.

 

The holders of the founder shares have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to such founder shares. There will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to Alpha Star’s rights and warrants, which will expire worthless in the event we wind up.

 

If the Extension Proposal is Approved

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved, Alpha Star will file an amended and restated Memorandum and Articles of Association in accordance with the Cayman Island law, incorporating the amendment set forth in Annex A hereto. Alpha Star will remain a reporting company under the Exchange Act and its Units, issued and outstanding Public Shares, rights and warrants will remain publicly traded. Alpha Star will then continue to work to execute a definitive agreement for an initial business combination and complete such a business combination by the Extended Date. In addition, if the Extension Proposal is approved, the Company and the trustee would amend the Trust Agreement to reduce the amount that the Sponsor or its designee must deposit into the Trust Account in connection with each monthly extension such that the Monthly Extension Fee would be equal to the lesser of (i) $70,000 for all remaining public shares and (ii) $0.033 for each remaining public share for each Monthly Extension. 

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved, but Alpha Star does not consummate an initial business combination by the Extended Date (September 15, 2024), we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten (10) 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 up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses) divided by the number of then issued and outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our Board of Directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our rights and warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination by the Extended Date.

 

Approval of the Extension Proposal will constitute consent for the Company to (i) remove from the trust account the Withdrawal Amount; and (ii) deliver to the holders of such redeemed Public Shares their portion of the Withdrawal Amount. The remainder of such funds shall remain in the trust account and be available for use by the Company to complete an initial business combination on or before the Extended Date. Holders of Public Shares who do not redeem their Public Shares now will retain their redemption rights and their ability to vote on a business combination through the Extended Date if the Extension Proposal is approved.

 

You are not being asked to vote on a business combination at this time. If the Extension is implemented and you do not elect to redeem your Public Shares, you will retain the right to vote on any proposed business combination when it is submitted to shareholders and the right to redeem your Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the trust account in the event such business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination by the Extended Date.

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved, and the Extension is implemented, the removal of the Withdrawal Amount from the trust account will reduce the amount held in the trust account and Alpha Star’s net asset value based on the number of shares that seek redemption. Alpha Star cannot predict the amount that will remain in the trust account if the Extension Proposal is approved.

 

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Redemption Rights

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved, the Company will provide the public shareholders making the Election, the opportunity to receive, at the time the Extension Proposal becomes effective, and in exchange for the surrender of their shares, a pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account, less any income taxes owed on such funds but not yet paid. Alpha Star has provided that all holders of Public Shares, whether they vote for or against the Extension Proposal, or whether they were holders of Alpha Star ordinary shares on the Record Date or acquired such shares after such date, may elect to redeem their Public Shares into their pro rata portion of the trust account and should receive the funds shortly after the Extraordinary General Meeting. You will also be able to redeem your Public Shares in connection with any shareholder vote to approve a proposed business combination, or if the Company has not consummated a business combination by the Extended Date.

 

TO DEMAND REDEMPTION, YOU MUST ENSURE YOUR BANK OR BROKER COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED ELSEWHERE HEREIN, INCLUDING DELIVERING YOUR SHARES TO THE TRANSFER AGENT PRIOR TO THE VOTE ON THE EXTENSION PROPOSAL.

 

You will only be entitled to receive cash in connection with a redemption of these shares if you continue to hold them until the effective date of the Extension Proposal.

 

In connection with tendering your shares for redemption, you must elect either to physically tender your share certificates to Vstock Transfer LLC, the Company’s transfer agent, at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598, at least two (2) business days prior to the vote for the Extension Proposal or to deliver your shares to the transfer agent electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, which election would likely be determined based on the manner in which you hold your shares. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting ensures that a redeeming holder’s election is irrevocable once the Extension Proposal are approved. In furtherance of such irrevocable election, shareholders making the Election will not be able to tender their shares after the vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

Through the DWAC system, this electronic delivery process can be accomplished by the shareholder, whether or not it is a record holder or its shares are held in “street name,” by contacting the transfer agent or its broker and requesting delivery of its shares through the DWAC system. Delivering shares physically may take significantly longer. In order to obtain a physical share certificate, a shareholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC, and the Company’s transfer agent will need to act together to facilitate this request. There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC system. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $45 and the broker would determine whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. It is the Company’s understanding that shareholders should generally allot at least two (2) weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. The Company does not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC, and it may take longer than two (2) weeks to obtain a physical share certificate. Such shareholders will have less time to make their investment decision than those shareholders that deliver their shares through the DWAC system. Shareholders who request physical share certificates and wish to redeem may be unable to meet the deadline for tendering their shares before exercising their redemption rights and thus will be unable to redeem their shares.

 

Certificates that have not been tendered in accordance with these procedures prior to the vote for the Extension Proposal will not be redeemed for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account. In the event that a public shareholder tenders such holder’s shares and decides prior to the vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting that it does not want to redeem its shares, the shareholder may withdraw the tender. If you delivered your shares for redemption to our transfer agent and decide prior to the vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting not to redeem your shares, you may request that our transfer agent return the shares (physically or electronically). You may make such request by contacting our transfer agent at the address listed above. In the event that a public shareholder tenders shares and the Extension Proposal is not approved or are abandoned, these shares will not be redeemed and the physical certificates representing these shares will be returned to the shareholder promptly following the determination that the Extension Proposal will not be approved or will be abandoned. The Company anticipates that a public shareholder who tenders shares for redemption in connection with the vote to approve the Extension Proposal would receive payment of the redemption price for such shares soon after the completion of the Extension Proposal. The transfer agent will hold the certificates of public shareholders that make the election until such shares are redeemed for cash or returned to such shareholders.

 

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If properly demanded, the Company will redeem each public share for a pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account, less any income taxes owed on such funds but not yet paid, calculated as of two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting. The closing price of Alpha Star’s shares on December 12, 2023 was $11.18.

 

If you exercise your redemption rights, you will be exchanging your Public Shares for cash and will no longer own such shares. You will be entitled to receive cash for such shares only if you properly demand redemption and tender your share certificate(s) to the Company’s transfer agent at least two (2) business days prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting. If the Extension Proposal is not approved or if they are abandoned, such shares will be returned promptly following the Extraordinary General Meeting as described above.

 

However, the Company will not proceed with the Extension Proposal if the redemption of public shares in connection therewith would cause the Company to have net tangible assets of less than $5,000,001 unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved. In the event that the redemption of public shares causes the net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 and the Extension Proposal is not implemented, the Company will be required to dissolve and liquidate its Trust Account by returning the then remaining funds in such Trust Account to the public stockholders.

 

The Board’s Reasons for the Extension Proposal

 

If the Extension Proposal is approved by the requisite vote of shareholders, after the Withdrawal Amount has been removed from the trust account, the remaining holders of Public Shares will retain their right to redeem their shares for a pro rata portion of the funds available in the trust account upon consummation of the Company’s initial business combination. In addition, public shareholders who vote for the Extension Proposal and do not elect to exercise their redemption rights will have the opportunity to participate in any liquidation distribution if the Company has not completed such business combination by the Extended Date.

 

As discussed above, after careful consideration of all relevant factors, our Board has determined that the Extension Proposal is fair to, and in the best interests of, Alpha Star and its shareholders. The Board has approved and declared advisable adoption of the Extension Proposal and recommends that you vote “FOR” such adoption. The Board expresses no opinion as to whether you should redeem your Public Shares.

 

Interests of Alpha Star’s Sponsor, Directors and Officers

 

When you consider the recommendation of our Board, you should keep in mind that our sponsor, executive officers and members of our Board have interests that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. These interests include, among other things:

 

  the fact that our sponsor holds 2,875,000 founder shares and 330,000 private placement units that would expire worthless if a business combination is not consummated;
     
  In order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our initial shareholders, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. In the event that the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Such loans would be evidenced by promissory notes. Such promissory notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into additional private units at a price of $10.00 per unit (which, for example, would result in the holders being issued 150,000 ordinary shares if $1,500,000 of such notes were so converted, as well as 150,000 warrants to purchase 150,000 shares).
     
  the fact that, if the trust account is liquidated, including in the event we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period, the sponsor has agreed to indemnify us to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per public share, by the claims of prospective target businesses with which we have entered into an acquisition agreement or claims of any third party for services rendered or products sold to us, but only if such a third party or target business has not executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account; and

 

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All of the current members of our Board are expected to continue to serve as directors of the Company at least through the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting to vote on a proposed business combination and may even continue to serve following any potential business combination and receive compensation thereafter.

 

Full Text of the Resolution

 

The full text of the resolution to be passed is provided in the first resolution set forth in Annex A to this proxy statement.

 

Required Vote

 

Approval of the Extension Proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote and which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which voted on the Extension Proposal. Abstentions, which are not votes cast, will have no effect with respect to approval of this Proposal.

 

All of Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates are expected to vote any shares owned by them in favor of the Extension Proposal. On the Record Date, directors and executive officers of Alpha Star and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,205,000 ordinary shares of Alpha Star representing approximately 26.12% of Alpha Star’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares.

 

In addition, Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates may choose to buy Units or ordinary shares of Alpha Star in the open market and/or through negotiated private purchases. In the event that purchases do occur, the purchasers may seek to purchase shares from shareholders who would otherwise have voted against the Extension Proposal and elected to redeem their shares for a portion of the trust account. Any shares of Alpha Star held by affiliates will be voted in favor of the Extension Proposal. As the Extension Proposal is not a “routine” matter, brokers will not be permitted to exercise discretionary voting on this proposal.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Extension Proposal. The Board expresses no opinion as to whether you should elect to redeem your Public Shares.

 

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PROPOSAL 2 — THE TARGET LIMITATION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL

 

Alpha Star is proposing to amend its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to allow the Company to undertake an initial business combination with an entity or business, with a physical presence, operation, or other significant ties to China or which may subject the post-business combination business or entity to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao), or an entity or business that conducts operations in China through variable interest entities, or VIEs, pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders on one side, and a China-based subsidiary of the China-based Target, on the other side.

 

Reasons for the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal

 

The Target Limitation Amendment will provide the Company with the ability to access to a larger pool of target candidates by providing additional flexibility for the Company to consummate an initial business combination before the end date of the Combination Period, which our Board believes is in the best interest of our shareholders. The Company believes that given the Company’s expenditure of time, effort and money on searching for potential business combination opportunities, including the fact that we are in active discussions regarding a business combination, circumstances warrant providing public shareholders an opportunity to consider an initial business combination.

 

Interests of the Sponsor, Directors and Officers

 

When you consider the recommendation of our Board, you should keep in mind that our sponsor, executive officers and members of our Board have interests that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. These interests include, among other things:

 

  the fact that our sponsor holds 2,875,000 ordinary shares and 330,000 private placement units that would expire worthless if a business combination is not consummated;
     
  In order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our initial shareholders, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. In the event that the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Such loans would be evidenced by promissory notes. Such promissory notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into additional private units at a price of $10.00 per unit (which, for example, would result in the holders being issued 150,000 ordinary shares if $1,500,000 of such notes were so converted, as well as 150,000 warrants to purchase 150,000 shares);
     
  the fact that, if the trust account is liquidated, including in the event we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period, the sponsor has agreed to indemnify us to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per public share, by the claims of prospective target businesses with which we have entered into an acquisition agreement or claims of any third party for services rendered or products sold to us, but only if such a third party or target business has not executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account.

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is Not Approved

 

Shareholder approval of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is required for the implementation of our Board’s plan to undertake an initial business combination with a China-based Target including an entity or business that operates through the VIE structure. Therefore, our Board will abandon and not implement the Target Limitation Amendment unless our shareholders approve the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal.

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and the Company has not consummated a business combination by the end date of the Combination Period, the Company will (i) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter, and subject to having lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, but net of taxes payable and excluding up to US$100,000 of any interest earned to pay liquidation expenses (the “Liquidation Expenses Amount”) (but including remaining interest), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (ii) as promptly as practicable, cease all operations except for the purpose of making such distribution and any subsequent winding up of the Company. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless in the event the Company winds up.

 

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The holders of the sponsor shares have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to such shares. There will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to the Company’s warrants, which will expire worthless in the event the Company has not consummated an initial business combination before the end date of the Combination Period. The Company will pay the costs of liquidation from the Liquidation Expenses Amount and its remaining assets outside of the trust account. If such funds are insufficient, the Sponsor has agreed to advance it the funds necessary to complete such liquidation and has agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses.

 

Full Text of the Resolution

 

The full text of the resolution to be passed is provided in the second resolution set forth in Annex A to this proxy statement.

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is Approved

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we will then continue to work to consummate a business combination by the end date of the Combination Period, and may decide to consummate our initial business combination with a China-based Target including an entity or business that operates with the VIE structure, so the combined company may face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties after the business combination.

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, the Company will file an amendment to the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association in substantially the form of Annex A hereto. The Company will remain a reporting company under the Exchange Act, and its units, ordinary shares and public warrants will remain publicly traded. The Company will then continue to work to consummate a business combination by the end date of the Combination Period.

 

Risks Related to Our Possible Business Combination with a China-based Target utilizing the VIE Structure

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we can pursue a business combination with a China-based Target with the VIE structure (as defined below). As a result, we may be subject to risks due to uncertainty of the interpretation and the application of the PRC laws and regulations, including but not limited to limitation on foreign ownership of certain industries, regulatory review of overseas listing of PRC companies through a special purpose vehicle and the validity and enforcement of the VIE Agreements (as defined below). Due to PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership in certain industries, neither the post-combination entity nor its subsidiaries may own any equity interest in the China-based Target’s operating entity in a restricted industry, which is known as variable interest entity, or a VIE. Instead, a series of contractual arrangements (the “VIE Agreements”) may be entered into between the VIEs and its shareholders on one side, and a PRC subsidiary of the China-based Target on the other side.

 

VIE Agreements normally include: (i) certain power of attorney agreements, a share pledge agreement and certain loan agreements; (ii) an exclusive business cooperation agreement which allows the post-combination entity to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIE; and (iii) certain exclusive option agreements and certain spouse consent letters which provide the China-based Target with an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in and/or assets of the VIE when and to the extent permitted by PRC laws (“VIE structure”). The China-based Target, through VIE Agreements, can consolidate the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IFRS, for accounting purposes. The post-combination entity or its shareholder will not directly hold equity interests in the VIEs after the business combination under the VIE structure, and therefore, such corporate structure is subject to risks due to uncertainty of the interpretation and the application of the PRC laws and regulations, including but not limited to limitation on foreign ownership of internet technology companies, regulatory review of oversea listing of PRC companies through a special purpose vehicle, and the validity and enforcement of the VIE Agreements. VIE structure is also subject to the risks of uncertainty about any future actions of the PRC government in this regard that could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in the post-combination company’s operation and may cause the value of the securities of post-combination entity depreciate significantly or become worthless.

 

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VIE structure may not be as effective as equity ownership and the post-combination entity may incur substantial costs to enforce the terms of the arrangements. Since the post-combination entity and its shareholders do not directly own equity interest in VIE and the shareholders of VIE still own the shares of VIE after the business combination, the VIE structure has its inherent risks that may affect your investment, including less effectiveness and certainties than equity ownership and potential substantial costs to enforce the terms of the VIE Agreements. The shareholders of VIE may not act in the best interests of the post-combined company or may not perform their obligations under the VIE Agreements. If VIE or the shareholders of the VIE breach their contractual obligations under the VIE Agreements, the post-combined company may have difficulty in enforcing any rights it may have under the VIE Agreements with the VIE and its shareholders in PRC because all of the VIE Agreements are governed by the PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. The post-combination entity may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce such VIE Agreements in reliance on legal remedies under PRC law. In connection with litigation, arbitration or other judicial or dispute resolution proceedings, assets under the name of any of record holder of equity interest in the VIE, including such equity interest of such record holder, may be put under court custody. As a consequence, we cannot be certain that the equity interest will be disposed pursuant to the VIE Agreements or that the ownership by the record holder of such equity interest will be unchallenged. In addition, if we acquire a China-based Target with VIE structure, investors in our common stock following a business combination would not hold equity interests in the VIE domiciled in China and would instead hold equity interests in a holding company. You may never hold equity interests in the VIE.

 

All of the VIE Agreements may be governed by and interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and disputes arising from these VIE Agreements may be resolved in court or through arbitration in China in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the post-combination ability to enforce the VIE Agreements. As at the date of this proxy statement, there are very few precedents and little official guidance as to how VIE Agreements should be interpreted or enforced under PRC law. The VIE Agreements have not been widely tested in a court of law in the PRC and there remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of arbitration or adjudication should legal action become necessary. Furthermore, VIE Agreements may not be enforceable in China if PRC government authorities or courts take a view that such VIE Agreements contravene PRC laws and regulations or are otherwise not enforceable for public policy reasons. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts in the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against the post-combination entity or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. In the event that the post-combined entity is unable to enforce the VIE Agreements, the post-combined entity may not be able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE through the VIE Agreements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IFRS as primary beneficial for accounting purposes, and the post-combination entity may be precluded from operating the business, which will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

Although the PRC authorities do not require permission to entry of VIE Agreements, recently the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law,” or the Opinions, which was made available to the public on July 6, 2021, pursuant to which the PRC government will strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings of Chinese companies. The Opinions and any related implementing rules to be enacted may subject VIE structure to compliance requirement in the future. Given the current regulatory environment in the PRC, uncertainty of different interpretation and enforcement of the rules and regulations in the PRC may be adverse to our business combination with a China-based Target or the post-combined company, which may take place quickly with little advance notice.

 

On February 17, 2023, the CSRC issued the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, which came into effect since March 31, 2023. According to the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, among other things, a domestic company in the PRC that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC as per requirement of the Trial Administrative Measures. An issuer is a domestic company in the PRC if the following criteria are met at the same time: (a) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year comes from PRC domestic companies, and (b) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where a domestic company seeks to directly offer and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall file with the CSRC. Where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible entity, file with the CSRC. If, we acquire a China-based Target, we may be required to comply with the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings and complete the filing with the CSRC, to continue listing on U.S. exchanges or issue securities to foreign investors post business combination with a China-based Target. Since the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings are newly promulgated, and the interpretation and implementation thereof involves uncertainties, we cannot assure that we will be able to complete the relevant filings in a timely manner or fulfil all the regulatory requirements thereunder. For more details, see “Target Limitation Amendment Proposal —Consequences If the Target Limitation Amendment is Approved — Permission required from the PRC Authorities for offerings and PRC limitations on overseas listing and share issuance if we acquire a China-based Target (post-business combination) under relevant PRC regulations — the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listing.”

 

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On February 24, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, which also became effective on March 31, 2023. The Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions set out rules, requirements and procedures relating to provision of documents, materials and accounting archives for securities companies, securities service providers, overseas regulators and other entities and individuals in connection with overseas offering and listing, including without limitation to, domestic companies that carry out overseas offering and listing (either in direct or indirect means) with regards to protection of any state secret and working secret of government agencies, requirement to obtain approval to publicly disclose or provide any documents and materials that contain state secrets or working secrets of government agencies. Further, according to the Measures for Cybersecurity Review, which was promulgated on December 28, 2021 and became effective on February 15, 2022, online platform operators holding more than one million users’ individual information shall be subject to cybersecurity review before listing abroad. If we acquire a China-based Target, we will be required to comply with Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, potential cybersecurity review, and other regulations may be promulgated by the CAC or other PRC authorities. There is uncertainty how the new provisions will be interpreted and implemented in the future, and we may be required to perform additional procedures in connection with the provision of accounting archives. For more details, see “Target Limitation Amendment Proposal — Consequences If the Target Limitation Amendment is Approved Permission required from the PRC Authorities for offerings and PRC limitations on overseas listing and share issuance if we acquire a China-based Target (post-business combination) under relevant PRC regulations — Confidentiality and Archive Administrative Provisions and Measures for Cybersecurity Review.

 

The governing PRC laws and regulations are sometimes vague and uncertain and can change quickly with little advance notice, which may result in a material change in the post-combined company’s operations, cause the value of our shares after we complete our business combination to significantly decline or be worthless, or substantially limit or completely hinder the post-combined company’s ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors. For instance, the PRC government recently initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using VIE structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. However, since these statements and regulatory actions are new or have not been officially implemented, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any, and the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our capability to acquire or merge with a company with major operations in China, and post-combined company’s ability to conduct its business, accept foreign investments, or list on an U.S. exchange.

 

The Chinese government may intervene or influence the operations of the PRC operating entities at any time and may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in the operations of the PRC operating entities and/or the value of our securities. In addition, any actions by the Chinese government to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions, as well as possible interventions and influences of any government policies and actions; as well as uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on our operation and the value of our securities. For instance, (i) as the date hereof, we are not required to obtain any permission from China authorities nor received any objection or restriction from Chinese authorities to list our securities in U.S. exchanges, however, we cannot guarantee that PRC authorities may initiate any change in its law, rules or regulations, or governmental policies that would require permission or scrutiny from relevant PRC authorities before our listing; or any law, regulation, rules and policies will become effective and enforceable after our listing that could substantially affect our operation and the value of our securities may depreciate quickly or even become worthless; and (ii) after consummation of the IPO and prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, our operation involves searching and identifying suitable targets, conducting due diligence on targets, negotiating and consummating our initial business combination. Though we are not restricted or prohibited from such business activities in China, we are subject to risks and uncertainties about future actions of the PRC government or law enforcement to refrain our activities or operation in China, which would likely result in a material change in our operations, significantly limit or hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities, and cause the value of our securities may depreciate significantly or become worthless.

 

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Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for Offerings and PRC Limitations on Overseas Listing and Share Issuances If We Acquire a China-based Target (Post-Business Combination)

 

The New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listing

 

On February 17, 2023, the CSRC issued the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, which came into effect since March 31, 2023. According to the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, among other things, a domestic company in the PRC that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC as per requirement of the Trial Administrative Measures. An issuer is a domestic company in the PRC if the following criteria are met at the same time: (a) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year comes from PRC domestic companies, and (b) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where a domestic company seeks to directly offer and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall file with the CSRC. Where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible entity, file with the CSRC. Initial public offerings or listings in overseas markets shall be filed with the CSRC within three (3) business days after the relevant application is submitted overseas. If an issuer offers securities in the same overseas market where it has previously offered and listed securities subsequently, filings shall be made with the CSRC within three (3) business days after the offering is completed. Upon occurrence of any material event, such as change of control, investigations or sanctions imposed by overseas securities regulatory agencies or other relevant competent authorities, change of listing status or transfer of listing segment, or voluntary or mandatory delisting, after an issuer has offered and listed securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall submit a report thereof to CSRC within three (3) business days after the occurrence and public disclosure of such event. Further, an overseas securities company that serves as a sponsor or lead underwriter for overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies shall file with the CSRC within ten (10) business days after signing its first engagement agreement for such business, and submit to the CSRC, no later than January 31 each year, an annual report on its business activities in the previous year associated with overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies. If an overseas securities company has entered into engagement agreements before the effectuation of the Trial Administrative Measures and is serving in practice as a sponsor or lead underwriter for overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies, it shall file with the CSRC within thirty (30) business days after the Trial Administrative Measures take effect. However, pursuant to the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings and the Notice on the Arrangement for Filing-based Administration of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies issued by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, if the indirect overseas securities offering and listing by a domestic company had been approved by the overseas regulator or stock exchange, such as the registration statement had been declared effective in the case of the U.S. market, prior to the effectuation of the Trial Administrative Measures, and the indirect overseas securities offering and listing will be completed before September 30, 2023 without the need to go through the regulatory procedure of the overseas regulator or stock exchange for offering and listing once again, then such company is not required to file with the CSRC in accordance with the Trial Administrative Measures immediately but shall be required to do so if it involves in re-financing and other filing matters in the future.

 

As a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands rather than in China and currently our Company does not own or control any equity interest in any PRC company or operate any business in China, we did not generate any revenue or profit nor have any asset in China or from any operation in China as documented in our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended in December 31, 2022. As a result, we believe that we do not meet the criteria (a) of a domestic company in the PRC as set forth in New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings and accordingly are not required to file with the CSRC for an offering. If, however, we acquire a China-based Target, the post-combination entity may be required to comply with the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings and complete the filing with the CSRC, to continue listing on U.S. exchanges or issue securities to foreign investors post business combination with a China-based Target. Since the New Administrative Rules Regarding Overseas Listings are newly promulgated, and the interpretation and implementation thereof involves uncertainties, we cannot assure that the post-combination entity will be able to complete the relevant filings in a timely manner or fulfil all the regulatory requirements thereunder.

 

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Confidentiality and Archives Administrative Provisions and Measures for Cybersecurity Review

 

On February 24, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, which also became effective on March 31, 2023. The Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions set out rules, requirements and procedures relating to provision of documents, materials and accounting archives for securities companies, securities service providers, overseas regulators and other entities and individuals in connection with overseas offering and listing, including without limitation to, domestic companies that carry out overseas offering and listing (either in direct or indirect means) and the securities companies and securities service providers (either incorporated domestically or overseas) that undertake relevant businesses shall not leak any state secret and working secret of government agencies, or harm national security and public interest, and a domestic company shall first obtain approval from competent authorities according to law, and file with the secrecy administrative department at the same level, if it plans to, either directly or through its overseas listed entity, publicly disclose or provide any documents and materials that contain state secrets or working secrets of government agencies. Working papers produced in the Chinese mainland by securities companies and securities service providers in the process of undertaking businesses related to overseas offering and listing by domestic companies shall be retained in the Chinese mainland. Where such documents need to be transferred or transmitted to outside the Chinese mainland, relevant approval procedures stipulated by regulations shall be followed. Further, according to the Measures for Cybersecurity Review, which was promulgated on December 28, 2021 and became effective on February 15, 2022, online platform operators holding more than one million users’ individual information shall be subject to cybersecurity review before listing abroad. As we are a blank check company and are not involved in the collection of personal data of at least one million users or implicate cybersecurity, we do not believe that we are a “network platform operator(s)”, or subject to the cybersecurity review of the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”), nor subject to Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions for the offering. If we acquire a China-based Target, the post-combination entity will be required to comply with Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions and other regulations may be promulgated by the CAC or other PRC authorities. There is uncertainty how the new provisions will be interpreted and implemented in the future, and we may be required to perform additional procedures in connection with the provision of accounting archives.

 

Transfers of Cash to and from Our Post-Combination Entity If We Acquire a China-based Target (Post-Business Combination)

 

We are a blank check company with no operations of our own and no subsidiaries except searching for a suitable target to consummate an initial business combination. As of the date hereof, no transfers, dividends, or distributions have been made by us.

 

If the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we can pursue a business combination with a China-based Target. We currently do not have any PRC subsidiaries or China operations, do not have any specific business combination under consideration and have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction. However, because of our significant ties to China, we may pursue a business combination with a China-based Target which might operate in China under a VIE structure. As a result, although other means are available for the post-combination entity to obtain financing at the holding company level, the post-combination entity’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders and to service any debt it may incur may depend upon dividends paid by the China-based Target’s subsidiaries. If any of the post-combination entity’s subsidiaries incurs debt on its own in the future, the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to the post-combination entity. In addition, the PRC subsidiaries of the post-combination entity and VIE are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.

 

In order for the post-combination entity to pay dividends to its shareholders, the post-combination entity will rely on payments made from the VIE to the PRC subsidiary of the post-combined entity, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, pursuant to the VIE Agreements, and the distribution of such payments from such wholly foreign-owned enterprise to the post-combination entity as dividends from the subsidiaries of the post-combined entity. Such dividends and other distributions may be subject to the PRC government’s regulations relating to the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies and the remittance of such currencies out of the PRC, which may limit the post-combination entity’s PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute earnings to the post-combination entity or may otherwise adversely affect the post-combination entity. Furthermore, even though the post-combination entity may wish to transfer cash proceeds raised from overseas financing activities, to its PRC subsidiaries via capital contribution or shareholder loans, the PRC government’s regulations relating to foreign exchange may limit the post-combination entity’s ability to make loans to or inject capital into its PRC subsidiaries or the ability of its PRC subsidiaries to pay back such loans to the post-combination entity.

 

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Investment in Chinese companies, which are governed by the Foreign Investment Law, and the dividends and distributions from a China-based operating company are subject to regulations and restrictions on dividends and payment to parties outside of China. Furthermore, if certain procedural requirements are satisfied, the payment in foreign currencies on current account items, including profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made without prior approval from State Administration of Foreign Exchange (the “SAFE”) or its local branches. However, where RMB would be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses, such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies, approval from or registration with competent government authorities or its authorized banks is required. The PRC government may take measures at its discretion from time to time to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account or capital account transactions. If the foreign exchange control regulations prevent the VIE or PRC subsidiaries of the combined company from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy their foreign currency demands, the VIE or PRC subsidiaries of the combined company may not be able to pay dividends or repay loans in foreign currencies to their offshore intermediary holding companies and ultimately to the post-combination company. We cannot assure you that new regulations or policies will not be promulgated in the future, which may further restrict the remittance of RMB into or out of the PRC. We cannot assure you, in light of the restrictions in place, or any amendment to be made from time to time, that the PRC subsidiaries of the post-combination company will be able to satisfy their respective payment obligations that are denominated in foreign currencies, including the remittance of dividends outside of the PRC. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our subsidiaries or the VIE, if any.

 

Current PRC regulations permit the indirect subsidiaries of the post-combination entity to pay dividends to the post-combination entity only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of the subsidiaries of the post-combination company in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of such entity in China is also required to further set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund the employee welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at the discretion of its board of directors. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation.

 

Cash dividends, if any, on our common stock will be paid in U.S. dollars. If the post-combination entity is considered a PRC tax resident enterprise for tax purposes, any dividends the post-combination entity pay to its overseas shareholders may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10.0%.

 

You are not being asked to vote on a business combination at this time. You will retain the right to vote on any proposed business combination when it is submitted to shareholders and the right to redeem your Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the trust account in the event such business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination by the end of the Combination Period.

 

Required Vote

 

Approval of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal requires a special resolution under the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and Cayman Islands law. A special resolution is a resolution passed by a majority of at least two-thirds (2/3) of such shareholders as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Abstentions, which are not votes cast, will have no effect with respect to approval of this Proposal.

 

All of Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates are expected to vote any shares owned by them in favor of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal. On the Record Date, directors and executive officers of Alpha Star and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,205,000 ordinary shares of Alpha Star representing approximately 26.12% of Alpha Star’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares.

 

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In addition, Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates may choose to buy Units or ordinary shares of Alpha Star in the open market and/or through negotiated private purchases. In the event that purchases do occur, the purchasers may seek to purchase shares from shareholders who would otherwise have voted against the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal. Any shares of Alpha Star held by affiliates will be voted in favor of the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal. As the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal is not a “routine” matter, brokers will not be permitted to exercise discretionary voting on this proposal.

 

Recommendation

 

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal.

 

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PROPOSAL 3 — THE REDEMPTION LIMITATION AMENDMENT PROPOSAL

 

Alpha Star is proposing to amend its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to eliminate the requirement that prohibits the Company from redeeming its Public Stock to the extent such redemption would result in the ordinary shares, or the securities of any entity that succeeds the Company as a public company, to exceed the Redemption Limitation and the limitation that prohibits the Company from consummating a Business Combination if the Redemption Limitation is exceeded.

 

Reasons for the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal

 

The purpose of the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is to eliminate the Redemption Limitation from the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we will not proceed with the Extension Proposal if Redemptions made in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting would cause the Public Shares to become “penny stock” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act. Further, if the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and there are significant requests for Redemptions such that the Redemption Limitation would be exceeded, the Redemption Limitation would prevent the Company from being able to consummate a Business Combination even if all other conditions to closing are met. The Company believes that the Redemption Limitation is not necessary. The purpose of such limitation was initially to ensure that the Company did not become subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules. The Company is presenting the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal to facilitate the Extension Proposal and the consummation of a Business Combination.

 

Interests of the Sponsor, Directors and Officers

 

When you consider the recommendation of our Board, you should keep in mind that our sponsor, executive officers and members of our Board have interests that may be different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. These interests include, among other things:

 

  the fact that our sponsor holds 2,875,000 founder shares and 330,000 private placement units that would expire worthless if a business combination is not consummated;
     
  In order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our initial shareholders, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. In the event that the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Such loans would be evidenced by promissory notes. Such promissory notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted upon consummation of our business combination into additional private units at a price of $10.00 per unit (which, for example, would result in the holders being issued 150,000 ordinary shares if $1,500,000 of such notes were so converted, as well as 150,000 warrants to purchase 150,000 shares);
     
  the fact that, if the trust account is liquidated, including in the event we are unable to complete an initial business combination within the required time period, the sponsor has agreed to indemnify us to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per public share, by the claims of prospective target businesses with which we have entered into an acquisition agreement or claims of any third party for services rendered or products sold to us, but only if such a third party or target business has not executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account.

 

If the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is Not Approved

 

If the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved, the Redemption Limitation would apply to Redemptions made in connection with the Extension Proposal and the Company’s initial Business Combination. Unless the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is approved, we will not proceed with the Extension Proposal if Redemptions would cause the Public Shares to become “penny stock” as such term is defined in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act. Further, if the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and there are significant requests for Redemptions such that the Redemption Limitation would be exceeded, the Redemption Limitation would prevent the Company from being able to consummate a Business Combination even if all other conditions to closing are met.

 

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In the event that the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not approved and we receive notice of Redemptions approaching or in excess of the Redemption Limitation, we and/or the Sponsor may take action to increase the Company’s net tangible assets to avoid exceeding the Redemption Limitation.

 

If the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is Approved

 

If the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal are approved, the Company will file the Amendment in the form attached to this proxy statement as Annex A to eliminate the Redemption Limitation. The Company will then continue to attempt to consummate a Business Combination. The Company will remain a reporting company under the Exchange Act and its Public Stock and Public Warrants will remain publicly traded during this time.

 

You are not being asked to vote on a business combination at this time. If the Redemption Limitation Amendment is implemented and you do not elect to redeem your Public Shares, you will retain the right to vote on any proposed business combination when it is submitted to shareholders and the right to redeem your Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the trust account in the event such business combination is approved and completed or the Company has not consummated a business combination.

 

Full Text of the Resolution

 

The full text of the resolution to be passed is provided in the third resolution set forth in Annex A to this proxy statement.

 

Required Vote

 

Approval of the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote and which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which voted on the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal. Abstentions, which are not votes cast, will have no effect with respect to approval of this Proposal.

 

All of Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates are expected to vote any shares owned by them in favor of the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal. On the Record Date, directors and executive officers of Alpha Star and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,205,000 ordinary shares of Alpha Star representing approximately 26.12% of Alpha Star’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares.

 

In addition, Alpha Star’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates may choose to buy Units or ordinary shares of Alpha Star in the open market and/or through negotiated private purchases. In the event that purchases do occur, the purchasers may seek to purchase shares from shareholders who would otherwise have voted against the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and elected to redeem their shares for a portion of the trust account. Any shares of Alpha Star held by affiliates will be voted in favor of the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal. As the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal is not a “routine” matter, brokers will not be permitted to exercise discretionary voting on this proposal.

 

Recommendation

 

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal.

 

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PROPOSAL 4 — THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

 

The Adjournment Proposal, if adopted, will request the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting (who has agreed to act accordingly) to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates to permit further solicitation of proxies. The Adjournment Proposal will only be presented to our shareholders in the event, based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting to approve Proposals 1, 2 and 3. If the adjournment proposal is not approved by our shareholders, it is agreed that the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting shall not adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date in the event, based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting to approve Proposals 1, 2 and 3.

 

Full text of the Resolution

 

The resolution to be put to the shareholders to consider and to vote upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting in relation to Adjournment Proposal is as follows:

 

RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution that, the adjournment of the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event that there are insufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the approval of the Extension Proposal, the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, or the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal, to be determined by the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting be confirmed, adopted, approved and ratified in all respects.”

 

Required Vote

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares present (in person or by proxy) and voting on the Adjournment Proposal at the Extraordinary General Meeting will be required to direct the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting, there are not sufficient votes to approve the Proposal 1, 2 and 3. Abstentions will have no effect with respect to approval of this Adjournment Proposal. As this proposal is not a “routine” matter, brokers will not be permitted to exercise discretionary voting on this proposal.

 

Recommendation

 

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

 

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THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

 

Date, Time and Place. The Extraordinary General Meeting of Alpha Star’s shareholders will be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time on January 10, 2024 in the offices of the Company’s counsel, Becker & Poliakoff P.A., at 45 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10006.

 

Voting Power; Record Date. You will be entitled to vote or direct votes to be cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting, if you owned Alpha Star ordinary shares at the close of business on December 12, 2023, the Record Date for the Extraordinary General Meeting. You will have one (1) vote per proposal for each Alpha Star share you owned at that time. Alpha Star rights and warrants do not carry voting rights.

 

Votes Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company’s ordinary shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and which vote on the Extension Proposal (Proposal 1), the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal (Proposal 2) and the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal (Proposal 3) will be required to approve Proposal 1, 2 and 3. Abstentions, which are not votes cast, will have no effect with respect to approval of this proposal.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s ordinary shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote which are present (in person or by proxy) at the Extraordinary General Meeting and are voted will be required to approve the Adjournment Proposal (Proposal 4). The Adjournment Proposal will only be put forth for a vote if there are not sufficient votes for, or otherwise in connection with, the approval of the other proposals at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Abstentions, which are not votes cast, will have no effect with respect to approval of this proposal.

 

As none of the proposals are “routine” matters, brokers will not be permitted to exercise discretionary voting on Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4.

 

At the close of business on the Record Date, there were 12,268,503 issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Alpha Star each of which entitles its holder to cast one (1) vote per proposal.

 

If you do not want the Extension Proposal, Target Limitation Amendment Proposal or the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal approved, you should vote against such Proposals. If you want to obtain your pro rata portion of the trust account in the event the Extension, the Target Limitation Proposal or the Redemption Limitation Proposal is implemented, which will be paid within ten (10) business days after the Extraordinary General Meeting, which is scheduled for January 10, 2024, you must demand redemption of your shares.

 

Voting Your Shares — Shareholders of Record

 

If you are shareholder of record, you may vote by mail, Internet, email or fax. Your one or more proxy cards show the number of Ordinary Shares that you own.

 

Voting by Mail. You can vote your shares by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided. By signing the proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your shares at the Extraordinary General Meeting in the manner you indicate. If you sign and return the proxy card but do not give instructions on how to vote your shares, your Ordinary Shares will be voted as recommended by the Board. The Board recommends voting “FOR” the Extension Proposal, “FOR” the Target Limitation Amendment Proposal, “FOR” the Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

 

Voting by Internet. Shareholders who have received a copy of the proxy card by mail may be able to vote over the Internet by visiting the web address on the proxy card and entering the voter control number included on your proxy card.

 

Voting by email or fax. If available, you may vote by email or fax by following the instructions provided on the proxy card.

 

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Voting Your Shares — Beneficial Owners

 

If your shares are registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you are the “beneficial owner” of those shares and those shares are considered as held in “street name.” If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you should have received a proxy card and voting instructions with these proxy materials from that organization rather than directly from Alpha Star. Simply complete and mail the proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted. You also may be eligible to vote your shares electronically over the Internet or by telephone. A large number of banks and brokerage firms offer Internet and telephone voting. If your bank or brokerage firm does not offer Internet or telephone voting information, please complete and return your proxy card in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. To vote yourself at the Extraordinary General Meeting, you must first obtain a valid legal proxy from your broker, bank or other agent and then register in advance to attend. Follow the instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker or bank to request a legal proxy form.

 

Proxies; Board Solicitation. Your proxy is being solicited by the Board on the proposal to approve the proposals being presented to shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting. No recommendation is being made as to whether you should elect to redeem your shares. Proxies may be solicited in person or by telephone. If you grant a proxy, you may still revoke your proxy and vote your shares online at the Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

We have retained Advantage Proxy, Inc. (“Advantage Proxy”) to assist us in soliciting proxies. If you have questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your shares, you may contact Advantage Proxy at (877) 870-8565 (toll free). The Company has agreed to pay Advantage Proxy a fee of $7,500 and expenses, for its services in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

Our current directors, officers and director nominees are listed below.

 

Name   Age   Title
Zhe Zhang   48   Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Guojian Chen   30   Chief Financial Officer and Director
Patrick Swint   55   Director
Xiaofeng Zhou   41   Director
Huei-Ching Huang   55   Director

 

Zhe Zhang serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since April 2021. From August 2018 to February 2020, Mr. Zhang served as an independent director of TKK Symphony Acquisition Corporation. Since May 2013, Dr. Zhang has been a Founding Partner of SIFT Capital, an asset manager licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong and China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Since February 2019, Dr. Zhang has also been the CEO of Still Waters Green Technology Limited, an asset management company based in London, specializing in the development and management of renewable energy and power generation assets. Prior to that, from January 2000 to April 2013, he was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs Beijing, where he was a member of the Supervisory Board of Goldman’s Beijing Office and led multiple overseas acquisitions by Chinese state-owned enterprises and listed companies. He is experienced with fund formation, equity investment and portfolio management. Before entering the private sector, Dr. Zhang had spent 14 years with MOFCOM including as a diplomat stationed in Europe. He is licensed as a Responsible Officer for Asset Management under the SFC of Hong Kong, as well as the licensed to practice as a professional respectively for securities, futures and fund management in China. Dr. Zhang holds a Ph.D. degree from China University of International Business and Economics, Master’s degrees from both Peking University (LL.M.) and Oxford University (Magister Juris), and a Bachelor degree from Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade (B.A.). He currently sits on the board of China Oxford Scholarship Fund and is involved in the process for scholarship awardee selection every year.

 

Guojian Chen serves as our Chief Financial Officer and director since March 2021. Mr. Chen has served as an independent director of Venus Acquisition Corporation from February 2021 to December 2022. Mr. Chen serves as the Secretary of Board of Beijing China Reel Art Exchange Inc. a leading copyright operator focusing on high-quality video content, since May 2020, where he is in charge of investor relations and corporate finance matters for the company. Mr. Chen served as a director of Beijing Zhongqixinhe Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd., a financial advisory firm with focuses on financial, real estate and TMT industry from May 2019 to May 2020. Mr. Chen served as an analyst of Zhongrong Huitong Investment Fund Management (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd. from July 2018 to May 2019. Mr. Chen received his Bachelor of Management degree from Renmin University of China in 2015, and Master of Finance from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in June 2018.

 

Xiaofeng Zhou serves as an independent director since December 2021. Ms. Zhou serves as the Managing Director and founder of Hainan Genyuan Investment Corp. since October 2020. From September 2019 to October 2020, Ms. Zhou served as Senior Strategic Consultant for Nanjing Travel Group. Prior to that, from September 2006 to September 2019, Ms. Zhou served director, Vice President and Secretary of the Board for Tempus International Commercial Services Corp., a company listed in Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock market. Ms. Zhou received her LL.B. degree from Shenzhen University in 2004.

 

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Patrick Swint serves as an independent director since October 2022. Major Patrick J. Swint has served as a Board Member at Roberts & Ryan, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Broker Dealer (SDVO) based in New York City, since December 2020. He founded and served as CEO of Knightsbridge Ventures in August 2017, a Registered Investment Advisor to syndicate capital from US Accredited investors to co-invest in European private equity and real estate with European family offices. Mr. Swint is the founder and current CEO of Salsa Properties LLC, a property development and real estate portfolio management company with over 20-year history. Mr. Swint has previously worked for Drexel Hamilton and Academy Securities, the top New York City SDVO Broker Dealers, in investment banking, specifically capital raising and M&A. He performed an internship in International Treasury with FMC corporation in Philadelphia whilst studying for his FINRA series 7 and 79 examinations in the Wall Street War Fighters Program in Philadelphia in 2012. He is retired from a successful civilian career in orthopedic surgery for 12 years. Major Swint is retired from a military career spanning 21 years during which he served as a medic in the US Army Special Forces, as a Detachment Medic for a counter-drug Special Operations Detachment, and as an Orthopedic Surgery Consultant in the US Air Force. Major Swint was recognized for his career of military service by a Resolution of the Texas Senate in 2011 and was awarded an Admiral’s Commission in the Texas Navy in 2014 (Texas’ highest civilian award) by the then Governor of Texas Rick Perry. Mr. Swint received a BA from the University of Texas at Austin in Political Science/Latin American Studies in 1993, a BS of Physician Assistant Studies from the UT Health Sciences Center San Antonio in 1996, a Medical Degree (MS) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (Summa Cum Laude) in 1999 and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in Private Equity Finance in 2016. He has passed the FINRA Series 7, 63, 65 and 79 examinations. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and a Member of the UK Chartered Institute For Securities and Investments (CISI). Mr. Swint was granted the City of London Freedom in 2016. Mr. Swint is currently a Freeman of the City of London International Bankers Livery Company, a Freeman of the City of London Guild of Investment Managers, a Freeman of the Society of Apothecaries Livery, and a Founding Freeman of the City of London Guild of Entrepreneurs. He is an active member in London of the Royal Automobile Club, the Royal Air Force Club, the City Livery Club and the Special Forces Club. Mr. Swint is a Life Member of the University of Texas Alumni Association and the US Army Special Forces Association. Mr. Swint recently founded the Excalibur Foundation to support the transition of severely disabled Special Operations Veterans in the United Kingdom into finance and entrepreneurial roles.

 

Huei-Ching (Tina) Huang serves as an independent director since December 2021. Ms. Huang founded and has served as director of AGC Capital Securities Pty Ltd since April 2014. AGC Capital is a financial advisory service company based in Sydney and licensed in Australia. Ms. Huang leads AGC Capital’s operation in Australia and Asia Pacific, primarily focusing on initial public offerings, funds management, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and direct investments. From February 2021 to Present, Ms. Huang also serve as a director of Wall St. Trust Limited based in Hong Kong, which is a licensed entity of Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC). Prior to AGC Capital, from February 2012 to May 2013, Ms. Huang worked for KPMG as a director of Information Risk Management. Ms. Huang received her a LLB degree from School of Law of Soochow University in June 1992. We believe Ms. Huang is well-qualified to serve as a member of the Board because of her financial experiences in capital markets.

 

51

 

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Alpha Star’s ordinary shares as of the Record Date by:

 

  each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares;
     
  each of our current officers and directors; and
     
  all current officers and directors as a group.

 

As of the Record Date, there were a total of 12,268,503 ordinary shares. Unless otherwise indicated, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares beneficially owned by them.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)   Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
(3)
    Approximate
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
(3)
 
A-Star Management Corporation(2)     3,205,000       26.12 %
Zhe Zhang(2)     3,205,000       26.12 %
Guojian Chen(4)     -       -  
Patrick Swint(4)     -       -  
Xiaofeng Zhou(4)     -       -  
Huei-Ching Huang(4)     -       -  
All directors and officers as a group (5 individuals)     3,205,000       26.12 %
                 
5% or greater beneficial owners                
Westchester Capital Management LLC     884,963       7.21 %
Saba Capital Management, L.P.     769,511       6.27 %
Yakira Capital Management Inc.     687,356       5.68 %

 

 
* Less than one percent.
   
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is 80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10001.
(2) Represents 2,875,000 founder ordinary shares and 330,000 private placement ordinary shares held by A-Star Management Corporation, our sponsor. Mr. Zhe Zhang, our Chief Executive Officer and director, is the sole director of our sponsor, have voting and dispositive power of the ordinary shares. The address for our sponsor is Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town, Tortola, VG 1110 British Virgin Islands.
(3) Based upon 12,268,503 ordinary shares outstanding. Includes the 330,000 private placement units (and the component parts) purchased by our sponsor simultaneously with the consummation of our initial public offering.
(4) Such individual does not beneficially own any of our ordinary shares. However, such individual has a pecuniary interest in our ordinary shares through his ownership of shares of our sponsor.

 

52

 

 

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Alpha Star and its agents that deliver communications to its shareholders are permitted to deliver to two or more shareholders sharing the same address a single copy of Alpha Star’s proxy statement. Upon written or oral request, Alpha Star will deliver a separate copy of the proxy statement to any shareholder at a shared address who wishes to receive separate copies of such documents in the future. Shareholders receiving multiple copies of such documents may likewise request that Alpha Star deliver single copies of such documents in the future. Shareholders may notify Alpha Star of their requests by calling or writing Alpha Star at Alpha Star’s principal executive offices at 80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004, (212) 837-7977.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

Alpha Star files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC as required by the Exchange Act. Alpha Star files its reports, proxy statements and other information electronically with the SEC. You may access information on Alpha Star at the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

This Proxy Statement describes the material elements of relevant contracts, exhibits and other information attached as annexes to this Proxy Statement. Information and statements contained in this Proxy Statement are qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of the relevant contract or other document included as an annex to this document.

 

You may obtain this additional information, or additional copies of this Proxy Statement, at no cost, and you may ask any questions you may have about the Proposals by contacting us at the following address, telephone number or facsimile number:

 

Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation

80 Broad Street, 5th Floor,

New York, NY 10004,

(212) 837-7977

 

In order to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the Extraordinary General Meeting, you must make your request for information no later than January 3, 2024.

 

53

 

 

ANNEX A

 

ALPHA STAR ACQUISITION CORPORATION (the “Company”)

RESOLUTIONS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

 

Proposal 1 – Extension Proposal

 

The Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation shall be amended by deleting Section 36.2 in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

 

“36.2 In the event that the Company does not consummate its initial Business Combination by February 5, 2023 (the “Deadline”), the Company may, but is not obliged to, extend the period of time to consummate the Business Combination up to six (6) additional times, each by a period of one month (the “Extension”), to September 15, 2024 (the “Extended Date”), provided that if the Company exercises the Extension, the Sponsor, or its designee or assignee, shall deposit additional funds into the Trust Account in accordance with terms as set out in the trust agreement governing the Trust Account. In the event that the Company does not consummate a Business Combination by the Extended Date, such failure shall trigger an automatic redemption of the Public Shares (an Automatic Redemption Event) and the directors of the Company shall take all such action necessary (i) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than ten (10) business days thereafter to redeem the Public Shares or distribute the Trust Account to the holders of Public Shares, on a pro rata basis, in cash at a per-share amount equal to the applicable Per-Share Redemption Price; and (ii) as promptly as practicable, to cease all operations except for the purpose of making such distribution and any subsequent winding up of the Company’s affairs. In the event of an Automatic Redemption Event, only the holders of Public Shares shall be entitled to receive pro rata redeeming distributions from the Trust Account with respect to their Public Shares.”

 

Proposal 2 – Target Limitation Amendment Proposal

 

The Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation shall be amended by amending Section 1.1 by deleting the following words:

 

Target Business means any businesses or entity with whom the Company wishes to undertake a Business Combination. For these purposes, a Target Business shall not include any entity or business with its principal or a majority of its business operations (either directly or through any subsidiaries and/or VIEs) in the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall not enter into an agreement for, or consummate its initial Business Combination with, such an entity or business.”

 

and replacing them with the words:

 

Target Business means any businesses or entity with whom the Company wishes to undertake a Business Combination, which may be businesses or entities with a physical presence, operation or other significant ties to China or which may subject the post-business combination business to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao), or entity or business that conducts operations in China through variable interest entities, or VIEs, pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements with the VIE and its equity holders on one side, and a China-based subsidiary of the China-based Target Business on the other side, or entering into contractual arrangements that give the Corporation control over such a Target Business.”

 

Proposal 3 – Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal

 

The Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation shall be amended by amending Section 36.5(c) by deleting the following words in their entirety:

 

“The Company shall only consummate the Tender Redemption Offer or the Redemption Offer under Article 36.5(a) or 36.5(b) or an Amendment Redemption Event under Article 36.11 if: (i) following such redemptions, the Company would have net tangible assets of at least US$5,000,001 immediately prior to or upon consummation of a Business Combination after payment of underwriting fees and commissions; or (ii) the Company’s securities issued in the IPO (as described in Article 2.4) qualify, are registered or are approved for listing or registration upon notice of issuance on a Designated Stock Exchange, as required under SEC Rule 3a51-1, in order to avoid being deemed a penny stock under such rule.”

 

Annex A-1

 

 

PROXY

 

ALPHA STAR ACQUISITION CORPORATION

80 Broad Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10004

(212) 837-7977

 

EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

JANUARY 10, 2024

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

 

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2024

 

The undersigned, revoking any previous proxies relating to these shares, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement, dated December 21, 2023, in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting and at any adjournments thereof (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”) to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on January 10, 2024 in the office of Company’s counsel, Becker & Poliakoff P.A., at 45 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10006 and hereby appoints Zhe Zhang as proxy of the undersigned, with full power to appoint her substitute, and hereby authorizes him to represent and to vote all ordinary shares of Alpha Star Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) registered in the name provided, which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting with all the powers the undersigned would have if personally present. Without limiting the general authorization hereby given, said proxies are, and each of them is, instructed to vote or act as follows on the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement.

 

THIS PROXY, WHEN EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” PROPOSAL 1, 2, 3 AND 4.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 1, 2, 3 AND 4.

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 1: Extension Proposal.

 

Amend Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to extend the date by which Alpha Star must consummate its initial business combination to September 15, 2024, by amending the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to delete the existing Section 36.2 thereof and replacing it with the new Section 36.2 as provided by the first resolution in the form set forth in Annex A of the accompanying proxy statement.

 

For   Against   Abstain
   

 

PROPOSAL 2: Target Limitation Amendment Proposal.

 

Amend Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, by amended Section 1.1 thereof as provided by the second resolution in the form set forth in Annex A to the accompanying proxy statement, to allow the Company to undertake an initial business combination with an entity or business (“Target Business”), with a physical presence, operation, or other significant ties to China (a “China-based Target”) or which may subject the post-business combination business to the laws, regulations and policies of China (including Hong Kong and Macao), or entity or business that conducts operations in China through variable interest entities, or VIEs, pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements (the “VIE Agreements”) with the VIE and its shareholders on one side, and a China-based subsidiary of the China-based Target (the “WFOE”), on the other side.

 

For   Against   Abstain
   

 

PROPOSAL 3: Redemption Limitation Amendment Proposal.

 

Amend Alpha Star’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, by amended Section 36.5(c) thereof as provided by the third resolution in the form set forth in Annex A to the accompanying proxy statement, to eliminate (i) the limitation that the Company shall not redeem its public shares to the extent that such redemption would result in the ordinary shares, or the securities of any entity that succeeds the Company as a public company, becoming “penny stock” (as defined in accordance with Rule 3a51-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), or cause the Company to not meet any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to a Business Combination (the “Redemption Limitation”) and (ii) the limitation that the Company shall not consummate a Business Combination if the Redemption Limitation is exceeded.

 

For   Against   Abstain
   

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 4: Adjournment Proposal

 

To direct the chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting to adjourn the Extraordinary General Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Extraordinary General Meeting, there are not sufficient votes to approve Proposals 1, 2, and 3.

 

For   Against   Abstain
   

 

Please indicate if you intend to attend this Meeting     ☐ YES         ☐ NO

 

Signature of Shareholder:     
     
Date:    

 

Name shares held in (Please print):   Account Number (if any):  
       
       
       
No. of Shares Entitled to Vote:   Stock Certificate Number(s):  
       
       

 

Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear in the Company’s stock transfer books. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
   
  If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such.
   
  If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

 

 

 

 

  Please provide any change of address information in the spaces below in order that we may update our records:

 

  Address:     
       
       

 

Shareholder’s Signature

 

Shareholder’s Signature

 

Signature should agree with name printed hereon. If shares are held in the name of more than one person, EACH joint owner should sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, and attorneys should indicate the capacity in which they sign. Attorneys should submit powers of attorney.

 

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE ENCLOSED TO VSTOCK TRANSER LLC. THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE PROPOSALS SET FORTH IN PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3, AND 4 AND WILL GRANT DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. THIS PROXY WILL REVOKE ALL PRIOR PROXIES SIGNED BY YOU.

 

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

 

 


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