World Media and Entertainment Universal, Subsidiary of AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital Inc., to Go Public Through Business Combination With Black Spade Acquisition II Co
28 January 2025 - 1:15AM
Business Wire
AMTD IDEA Group (“AMTD IDEA Group”) (NYSE: AMTD; SGX:
HKB), a NYSE and SGX-ST dual-listed company and a subsidiary of
AMTD Group Inc., and AMTD Digital Inc. (“AMTD Digital”)
(NYSE: HKD), a controlled and consolidated subsidiary of AMTD IDEA
Group, jointly announced that their subsidiary World Media and
Entertainment Universal Inc. (“WME”), a global media and
entertainment company, and Black Spade Acquisition II Co (Nasdaq:
BSII, “BSII”), a special purpose acquisition company founded
by Black Spade Capital, have entered into a business combination
agreement. Upon the completion of the transactions contemplated by
the business combination agreement, the combined company will
retain its name “World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc.” and
its headquarters in Paris, and its ordinary shares will be listed
on a U.S. stock exchange.
The business combination values WME at an equity value of
approximately US$488 million, not including cash from BSII’s
approximately US$153 million of cash in trust (assuming no BSII
shareholders elect to have their BSII shares redeemed for cash as
permitted).
The transaction is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to
regulatory and shareholder approvals, and other customary closing
conditions. After the transaction, existing shareholders of WME,
including AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital, are expected to hold
more than 70% of the voting shares of the combined company,
assuming no BSII shareholders elect to have their BSII shares
redeemed for cash as permitted.
Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chairman of the Board, World Media
and Entertainment Universal Inc., said: “WME is excited to
enter into a long-term strategic partnership with Black Spade. As a
dynamic, forward-thinking, innovative global media and
entertainment company, we seek global partners who share our
values, vision, and integrity to reach new heights. Black Spade
distinguishes itself as one such partner. On behalf of the entire
WME family and our board of directors, I am looking forward to the
growth steps we will take together. WME listing, subject to
customary closing conditions, will become AMTD Group’s third listed
company, after AMTD IDEA Group and AMTD Digital Inc.”
About AMTD Group
AMTD Group is a conglomerate with core business portfolio to
span across media and entertainment, education and training, and
premium assets and hospitality areas.
About AMTD IDEA Group
AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified
institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and
investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business
services plus digital solutions platform addresses different
clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital
requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA
Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between
clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors,
connecting the East and the West. For more information, please
visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as
“Twitter") at @AMTDGroup.
About AMTD Digital Inc.
AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital
solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital
solutions platform operates key business lines including digital
media, content and marketing services, digital investments as well
as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements,
please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.
About World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc.
World Media and Entertainment Universal Inc., jointly
established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB)
and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and
focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media,
entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide. WME comprises
L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects,
collectively a diversified media and entertainment portfolio of
businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute
“forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor”
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by
terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,”
“future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,”
and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts,
including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of
AMTD IDEA Group and/or AMTD Digital, are forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and
uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks
is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group and/or AMTD Digital
with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as
of the date of this press release, and neither AMTD IDEA Group nor
AMTD Digital undertakes any obligation to update any
forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable
law.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250127432394/en/
For AMTD IDEA Group: IR Office AMTD IDEA Group EMAIL:
ir@amtdinc.com
For AMTD Digital Inc.: IR Office AMTD Digital Inc. EMAIL:
ir@amtdigital.com
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