United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 16, 2023 (February 15, 2023)
Newcourt Acquisition Corp
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman Islands | 001-40929 | |||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
2201 Broadway, Suite 705 Oakland, CA |
94612 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (510) 214-3750
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
x | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company x
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Amendment to Business Combination Agreement
As previously disclosed, on January 9, 2023, Newcourt Acquisition Corp, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Newcourt”), entered into a Business Combination Agreement (as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Newcourt SPAC Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), Psyence Group Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada (“Psyence”), and Psyence Biomed Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of British Columbia, Canada (“Psyence Biomed”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are as defined in the Business Combination Agreement.
Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, at the Effective Time, (a) a to-be-incorporated wholly-owned subsidiary of Psyence Biomed domiciled in the Cayman Islands (the “Merger Sub”) will be merged with and into Newcourt (the “Merger”), with Newcourt surviving the Merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Psyence Biomed (the “Combined Company”).
On February 15, 2023, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an amending agreement (the “Amendment”), which amended the Business Combination Agreement to, among other things, reflect the parties’ agreement to: (i) expand the list of companies named as Excluded Assets; (ii) revise the definition of Pipe Investment Amount; (iii) revise the definition of Liability or Liabilities; (iv) clarify the consents or approvals required by the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws; (v) extend the date by which Psyence may terminate the Business Combination Agreement if unsatisfied with its due diligence of Newcourt to February 13, 2023; and (vi) revise the list of ancillary agreements that, if not in finalized form by March 31, 2023, would give Psyence the right to terminate the Business Combination Agreement.
Other than as expressly modified by the Amendment, the Business Combination Agreement remains in full force and effect. The foregoing description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Amendment, which is attached as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
The Registration Statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement / prospectus with respect to the proposed Merger. The definitive proxy statement / prospectus and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of Newcourt as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed Merger. Shareholders of Newcourt and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus, the definitive proxy statement / prospectus and amendments thereto because these documents will contain important information about Newcourt, Psyence and the proposed Merger. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the proxy statement / prospectus, without charge, by directing a written request to: Newcourt Acquisition Corp, 2201 Broadway, Suite 705, Oakland, CA 94612. These documents, once available, and Newcourt’s annual and other reports filed with the SEC can also be obtained, without charge, at the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov).
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form a part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the proposed Merger or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.
Participants in the Solicitation
Newcourt, Psyence and their respective directors and executive officers, other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the potential transaction described in this communication under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Newcourt is set forth in Newcourt’s filings with the SEC. Information regarding other persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of the shareholders in connection with the potential transaction and a description of their interests will be set forth in the Registration Statement when it is filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
Forward Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning.
Forward-looking statements in this communication include statements regarding the future success of the partnership between Newcourt and Psyence, and the Combined Company’s ability to deliver its intended drug product to patients. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including the assumptions that the Combined Company will obtain all such regulatory and other approvals as may be required to pursue its clinical trials on the drug product referred to in this communication, the results of such clinical trials will be positive, and Psyence Biomed will be able to commercialize Filament Health Corp’s natural psilocybin drug candidate, PEX010 (25 mg), as referred to in this communication. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the inability to complete the proposed Merger; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Merger; demand for the Combined Company’s securities being less than anticipated; fluctuations in the price of Newcourt’s common shares, any further delays in the proposed Merger due to additional amendments to the Business Combination Agreement; and Newcourt not raising the investment amount expected, or any funds at all. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, Newcourt and Psyence do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
Newcourt makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about the Combined Company’s proposed products. The efficacy of psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceutical products remains the subject of ongoing research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceuticals can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Psyence Biomed has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy, and safety of potential products do not imply that Psyence Biomed or the Combined Company verified such in clinical trials or that the Combined Company will complete such trials. If the Combined Company cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the Combined Company’s performance and operations.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Registration Statement referenced above and other documents filed by Newcourt from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Newcourt and Psyence disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication or other circumstances. Forecasts and estimates regarding Psyence’s industry and end markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable, however there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
2.1 | Amending Agreement, dated February 15, 2023, by and among Newcourt Acquisition Corp, Newcourt SPAC Sponsor LLC, Psyence Group Inc. and Psyence Biomed Corp. | ||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: February 16, 2023
NEWCOURT ACQUISITION CORP | |||
By: | /s/ Marc Balkin | ||
Name: | Marc Balkin | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 2.1
AMENDING AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDING AGREEMENT dated February 15, 2023 is made
AMONG:
NEWCOURT ACQUISITION CORP, a Cayman Islands exempted company
(hereinafter referred to as "SPAC")
- and -
NEWCOURT SPAC SPONSOR LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(hereinafter referred to as "Sponsor")
- and -
PSYENCE GROUP INC., a corporation organized under the laws of Ontario, Canada
(hereinafter referred to as "Parent")
- and -
PSYENCE BIOMED CORP., a corporation organized under the laws of British Columbia, Canada
(hereinafter referred to as "Target")
WHEREAS the Parties (as hereinafter defined) entered into a Business Combination Agreement dated January 9, 2023 (the "Business Combination Agreement");
AND WHEREAS the Parties wish to amend certain terms of the Business Combination Agreement,
NOW THEREFORE WITNESSETH THAT, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by each of the Parties hereto, it is agreed by the Parties as follows:
1. | Capitalized words and phrases used in this Amending Agreement and the recitals hereto without express definition herein shall, unless something in the subject matter or context is inconsistent therewith, have the same defined meaning as are ascribed to such words and phrases in the Business Combination Agreement. |
2. | The fifth recital of the Business Combination Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
"WHEREAS, before or upon the Closing, the Target intends to transfer the shares of Good Psyence (Pty) Ltd (RF) (South Africa), Psyence Jamaica Ltd (Jamaica), Psyence UK Group Ltd., Psyence Therapeutics Corp. (Ontario, Canada), Mind Health (Pty) Ltd (Lesotho), Psyence South Africa (Pty) Ltd (South Africa), and Pure Psyence Corp. (Canada) (the “Excluded Assets”) from the Target to an entity of the Parent’s choice;"
3. | The sixth recital of the Business Combination Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
"WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, SPAC and Target intend to enter into Subscription Agreements (as defined below) prior to the Closing with certain PIPE Investors (as defined below) providing for aggregate investments in the SPAC, the Target or the Surviving Company (the "PIPE Investment") of an amount so that the SPAC will have the Available Closing Date Cash as of the Closing Date (the "PIPE Investment Amount");"
4. | The definition of "Liability" or "Liabilities" in Section 1.1 of the Business Combination Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
"“Liability” or “Liabilities” means any and all debts, liabilities and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, known or unknown, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured or determined or determinable, including, for avoidance of doubt, the SPAC Transaction Expenses."
5. | Section 4.1(a)(vi) of the Business Combination Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
"Consents. Any consents or approvals required by the CSE and applicable Canadian securities laws shall have been obtained, including the issuance of a receipt for a final prospectus of the Target by the applicable securities commission in a province in Canada."
6. | Section 11.1(h) of the Business Combination Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
"by the Parent on or before February 13, 2023 if it is unsatisfied, in its sole and unfettered discretion, with its due diligence of SPAC;"
7. | Section 11.1(j) of the Business Combination Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
"by the Parent if by March 31, 2023 the Parties are unable to agree on finalized forms of SPAC Support Agreement, Parent Shareholder Support Agreement, Target A&R Memorandum and Articles, the Target equity incentive plan, the Lock-up Agreements, A&R Registration and Shareholder Rights Agreement;"
8. | Except as specifically amended herein, all other terms and conditions contained in the Business Combination Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unamended and are hereby ratified and confirmed. |
9. | Each of the Parties hereto shall from time to time hereafter and upon any reasonable request of the other, execute and deliver, make or cause to be made all such further acts, deeds, assurances and things as may be required or necessary to carry out the intent of this Amending Agreement. |
10. | This Amending Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. Any such executed counterpart may be delivered by e-mail in portable document format ("PDF") and will be deemed to be an original document, provided that any party executing this Amending Agreement by PDF format shall deliver an originally executed copy of this Amending Agreement immediately thereafter to each of the other parties hereto. |
11. | This Amending Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws. |
[Intentionally Left Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this Amending Agreement as of the date first above written.
NEWCOURT ACQUISITION CORP | ||
By: | /s/ Marc Balkin | |
Name: Marc Balkin | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page – Amending Agreement to Business Combination Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this Amending Agreement as of the date first above written.
NEWCOURT SPAC SPONSOR LLC | ||
By: Tabula Rasa Ltd | ||
Its: Manager | ||
By: Fiducia Trustees Ltd. | ||
Its: Sole Corporate Director | ||
By: | /s/ Carl Linde | |
Name: Carl Linde | ||
Title: Director |
[Signature Page – Amending Agreement to Business Combination Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this Amending Agreement as of the date first above written.
PSYENCE GROUP INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Jody Aufrichtig | |
Name: Jody Aufrichtig | ||
Title: Director |
[Signature Page – Amending Agreement to Business Combination Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this Amending Agreement as of the date first above written.
PSYENCE BIOMED CORP. | ||
By: | /s/ Warwick Corden-Lloyd | |
Name: Warwick Corden-Lloyd | ||
Title: Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page – Amending Agreement to Business Combination Agreement]