Q. Where can I find information about special purpose acquisition companies or SPACs?

The following links lead to helpful overviews and background information on special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs:

• What is a SPAC? from CB Insights 

Note: Yale affiliates can download this report without sharing contact information by logging in to the CB Insights at Yale portal and then following this link. 

• Why investors see growing opportunity with SPAC mergers from EY
• What are the alternatives to traditional IPO? SPACs and direct listings explained from Pitchbook

The following databases provide data on SPACs:

Bloomberg 

• Enter IPO <go>
• Select Advanced Search
• Click on Offer Type (under Offer Criteria) and select Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC)
• Select other search criteria of interest, the click Result. Searches can also be saved. 

Capital IQ

S&P Captial IQ offers several pre-built screens for identifying and finding data on SPACs. Here is how to find them: 

• Click on Screening
• Look for the Idea Generation Screens box and select All Idea Generation Screens
• Enter SPAC in the Screens search bar.  The results list will include searches for:
  • SPACs - Business Combinations
    • for transactions where SPACs combined with a company through a reverse merger IPO
  • SPACs - Completed IPOs 
    • for transactions where SPACs raised money in an IPO
  • SPACs - US Listed Business Combinations
    • for transactions where SPACs combined with a company through a reverse merger IPO, the deal closed since 202, and the company is listed in the US
  • SPACs that have Announced a Merger
    • For a list of SPACs on major exchanges that have announced, but not closed or cancelled, a merger in the last year
  • Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) 
    • For generating a list of SPACs
• To run the screen, click on the Screen Name. From here, you can add other criteria to the screen. 
• Click View Results

LSEG Workspace

To generate a list of SPACs and IPOs:

• Access the Screener app by typing screener in the search box at the top of the page, and selecting Screener from the auto-suggest list.
• Locate the Universe dropdown menu near the upper-left corner of the page and choose Deals
• From the Asset Class dropdown, select Equity
• Look for Issue Type, located under Quick Filters, and click on Add. Select IPO and click Done. 
• Locate the Add Filter search box and search for Blank Check (SPAC) Involvement Y/N.
  • ​The Yes/No flag should be set to 'Y' or True when the Issuer is a Blank Check Company or Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicle.