SPACs are Back! What are They?

https://theleadpc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cropped-THE-LEAD-ICON.png
Content hub / Article / SPACs are Back! What are They?

Besides COVID, the elections, and what the fifth instalment of the Scream series will be called (it’s not Scream 5), what’s getting the most attention is SPACs, or special purpose acquisition companies.

These are publicly traded shells with cash looking to buy businesses. SPACs were originally designed to help smaller companies access public equity. For various reasons, they’ve never taken off. That’s changed.

As our Chart of the Week shows SPAC IPOs zoomed this year. So far in 2020 there have been 183 such vehicles raising $66 billion. Compare that to 2019 when only $13.6 billion was raised from 59 IPOs…

▶︎ Read Nov 16 2020 newsletter: here

▶︎ Chart of the Week: here (by spacresearch.com)

Private Debt Investor New York Forum

September 15-16, Hudson Yards, New York

Private Debt Investor New York Forum

Bringing together the investors, managers and advisers shaping the next phase of the market — 200+ allocators and $10.6 trillion of LP capital expected. Benchmark strategies, hear from leading LPs, and cut through market noise over two unmissable days.
Learn more
US Private Credit League Tables H1'26

Report

US Private Credit League Tables H1'26

The definitive rankings covering private credit activity in H1'26.
Download
PitchBook's Q2 2026 US PE Breakdown

Report

PitchBook's Q2 2026 US PE Breakdown

Software freezes and energy powers on as US PE deal value falls 38% in Q2 2026.
Download
Making sense of private credit defaults

Webinar

Making sense of private credit defaults

What does private credit default data really tell us? Join our exclusive webinar featuring experts from KBRA, Moody's, Fitch Ratings, and S&P Global to find out.
Register

Latest news

    KBRA DLD Default Indices

    Read More

    PE fund distribution rates

    Following 2021, buyout distribution rates have fallen to roughly 10% to 15% below the 25-year average.

    Read More

    Sub line pricing flattens

    A report on the topic also finds that investors are less concerned by leverage in NAV loans. Pricing for subscription…

    Read More