Fourcore Becomes Sponsor of Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp. and Appoints Wealth Management CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

Fourcore Capital has acquired the ownership interest of Global Blockchain Sponsor, in Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: GBBK), becoming the sponsor of this publicly listed investment vehicle. The transaction includes $44 million of sponsor equity in GBBK, paid through Fourcore Promissory Notes, bringing total capital committed to $69 million. The company appointed Robert Sargent as CEO of its wealth management business and added Allen Weiss to its Board of Directors. The GBBK leadership team and Board will remain intact, while Fourcore plans to list one of its portfolio companies through GBBK in the coming year.

Positive

• Acquired $44 million sponsor equity in NASDAQ-listed GBBK
• Total capital commitment increased to $69 million
• Potential listing opportunity for portfolio company through GBBK

Negative

• Transaction funded through promissory notes, indicating debt increase

Insights

Financial Analyst

This transaction represents a strategic move by Fourcore Capital to gain control of GBBK's SPAC structure, acquiring $44 million worth of sponsor equity. The deal's structure using promissory notes as consideration, contributing to a larger $69 million capital raise, demonstrates creative financing while preserving cash. The appointment of seasoned executives Rob Sargent (ex-Morgan Stanley) and Al Weiss (ex-Disney) adds significant operational expertise and public market experience.

However, investors should note that while SPACs typically provide faster public market access, they face increased regulatory scrutiny and market skepticism. The success will largely depend on which portfolio company Fourcore chooses to list through GBBK and the terms of any future business combination.

Market Research Analyst

The SPAC market has cooled significantly since its 2021 peak, with many facing redemptions and struggling to complete deals. However, Fourcore's approach of acquiring an existing SPAC sponsor rather than creating a new one could be advantageous, potentially reducing costs and time constraints. The addition of executives with extensive capital markets experience suggests preparation for a strategic public listing of a portfolio company.

The key metrics to watch will be:

• The timeline for announcing a potential business combination target
• The quality and financials of the chosen portfolio company
• Investor retention rates through the de-SPAC process

Acquires ownership interest of Global Blockchain Sponsor, LLC

Plans to list a portfolio company through Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp.

Appoints Rob Sargent to CEO of wealth management business

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fourcore Capital (“Fourcore” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in AI-powered, global asset and wealth management, today announced that it has acquired the ownership interest of Global Blockchain Sponsor, LLC (“Global Blockchain”) in Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: GBBK). Through this transaction, Fourcore becomes the sponsor of the publicly listed investment vehicle. The leadership team and Board of GBBK will remain intact, and Allen “Al” Weiss will be appointed to the Fourcore Board of Directors as a part of this transaction. Additionally, Fourcore has appointed Robert “Rob” Sargent, Fourcore’s Vice Chairman, to Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company’s wealth management business.

"This transaction demonstrates the collaborative partnership we have built with Global Blockchain over the past year,” said Jordan Waring, Chairman of the Management Board and Group CEO of Fourcore. “We have a unique opportunity to utilize this SPAC and bring one of our portfolio companies to market in the coming year. Further, we are thrilled to enhance our governance through the addition of Al to our Board of Directors and bolster our management team with the appointment of Rob to CEO of our wealth management business. Together, they bring decades of capital markets and public company experience as well as deep sector expertise as Fourcore continues to evaluate an efficient and disciplined path to the public markets.”

Fourcore received $44 million of sponsor equity in GBBK through this transaction. Total consideration for this position was transferred to Global Blockchain in Fourcore Promissory Notes. These notes were offered through the Company’s previously announced private markets capital raise.

This sponsor equity represents an anchor investment in Fourcore’s latest fundraising round, bringing the total capital committed to $69 million.

More Information on Appointments
Rob Sargent – Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Wealth Management Business
Mr. Sargent serves as Vice Chairman of Fourcore and Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s wealth management business. Mr. Sargent has had an extensive career in financial services, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Management in Europe and Asia (20 years) and Managing Director at Lehman Brothers. Previously, Mr. Sargent served as Executive Chairman of Aalto Invest LLP, and Business Head of London at Nemesis Asset Management. Throughout his career, Mr. Sargent has developed extensive expertise in equities, asset management, and hedge funds across financial markets. He has held several board positions and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of Drewood Partners.

Al Weiss – Independent Director
Mr. Weiss serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Weiss had a career at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Inc., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company holding various roles, including President of Walt Disney World, President of Worldwide Operations for Disney, and was responsible for Disney’s theme parks and resorts. Mr. Weiss also served as a consultant for Apollo Investment Consulting, where he was involved in company analyses to support potential acquisitions and management. During his time there, he had direct involvement in numerous acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Chuck E. Cheese Entertainment, Great Wolf Resorts, and Diamond Resorts International Club Inc. Mr. Weiss has served on the board of Alticor (Amway), Diamond Resorts International, and Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission Governor’s Council.

About Fourcore
Fourcore is an emerging leader in global asset, wealth and investment management committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional value to its clients. With a strong focus on growth and operational excellence through open architecture and disciplined investment portfolios, Fourcore develops tailored strategies to match the ambitions and needs of each of its advisors and clients. For more information, visit www.fourcorecapital.com.

About Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp.
Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241118508858/en/

Media:

Prosek Partners

Kiki Tarkhan / Forrest Gitlin

Pro-Fourcore@prosek.com

Source: Fourcore Capital

FAQ

What is the value of sponsor equity Fourcore received in GBBK?

Fourcore received $44 million of sponsor equity in Global Blockchain Acquisition Corp. (GBBK) through this transaction.

How much total capital has Fourcore committed after the GBBK transaction?

After the GBBK transaction, Fourcore's total capital commitment reached $69 million.

What are Fourcore's plans for GBBK?

Fourcore plans to utilize GBBK to bring one of their portfolio companies to market in the coming year.

How did Fourcore finance the GBBK sponsor acquisition?

The acquisition was financed through Fourcore Promissory Notes, offered through the company's previously announced private markets capital raise.