SciSparc Advances $1.85 million Loan to AutoMax, Following AutoMax’s Direct Import Agreement with Major Chinese Vehicle Manufacturer

Rhea-AI Summary

SciSparc (Nasdaq: SPRC) has advanced an additional $1.85 million loan to AutoMax Motors , bringing the total bridge loan amount to $4.25 million. This follows a second amendment to their Bridge Loan Agreement from January 14, 2024. In exchange, AutoMax provided a first-ranking fixed charge security interest on shares of its subsidiary, AutoMax Leasing This loan fulfills the Closing Financing requirement outlined in their April 10, 2024 Merger Agreement.

Notably, AutoMax Leasing has signed a direct import agreement with JAC Motors, a major Chinese automobile manufacturer. This partnership could potentially expand AutoMax's vehicle offerings and market presence.

Positive

• SciSparc has secured its loan with a first-ranking fixed charge on AutoMax Leasing shares
• The $4.25 million loan fulfills the Closing Financing requirement of the Merger Agreement
• AutoMax's subsidiary has signed a direct import agreement with JAC Motors, a major Chinese automobile manufacturer

Negative

• SciSparc is increasing its financial exposure to AutoMax with an additional $1.85 million loan

Financial Analyst

SciSparc's additional $1.85 million loan to AutoMax, bringing the total to $4.25 million, is a strategic move that aligns with their merger plans. This financial maneuver effectively eliminates the need for Closing Financing, streamlining the merger process. The first-ranking fixed charge security on AutoMax Leasing shares provides solid collateral for SciSparc, mitigating risk. However, investors should note that this represents a significant financial commitment to a company outside SciSparc's core pharmaceutical focus. The direct import agreement between AutoMax Leasing and JAC Motors could potentially enhance AutoMax's market position, but also exposes SciSparc to the volatile automotive industry. This diversification might be seen as either a risk-spreading strategy or a departure from core competencies, depending on investor perspective.

Automotive Industry Expert

AutoMax's direct import agreement with JAC Motors is a significant development in the automotive landscape. JAC Motors, as a major Chinese manufacturer, offers AutoMax access to a diverse range of vehicles at potentially competitive prices. This could give AutoMax a strong market advantage, especially if they can offer unique or cost-effective models in their target markets. However, the success of this venture depends on factors like consumer acceptance of Chinese vehicles, regulatory compliance and after-sales service capabilities. The agreement also exposes AutoMax to supply chain risks and potential geopolitical tensions affecting Chinese imports. For SciSparc investors, this represents an indirect entry into the evolving electric vehicle and ride-sharing markets, which could offer high growth potential but also comes with significant industry-specific risks.

Legal Expert

The structure of SciSparc's loan to AutoMax and the subsequent merger agreement presents some interesting legal considerations. The establishment of a first-ranking fixed charge on AutoMax Leasing shares provides robust security for SciSparc, but it's important to ensure this doesn't conflict with any existing creditor rights. The elimination of Closing Financing through the loan mechanism is legally efficient but may require careful disclosure to shareholders about the change in transaction structure. The direct import agreement with JAC Motors introduces potential regulatory complexities, including compliance with import regulations, safety standards and possibly navigating trade tensions. SciSparc and its shareholders should be aware of the potential liabilities they might inherit through this merger, especially those related to automotive operations and international trade agreements.

To date, SciSparc has advanced $4.25 million to Automax under the Bridge Loan agreement and amendments thereto

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SciSparc Ltd. (Nasdaq: SPRC) ("Company" or "SciSparc"), a specialty clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focusing on the development of therapies to treat disorders and rare diseases of the central nervous system, announced that it had entered into a second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to that certain bridge loan agreement, dated January 14, 2024, and as amended on June 9, 2024, (the “Bridge Loan Agreement”) with AutoMax Motors Ltd. (“AutoMax”).

Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company extended an additional loan in the amount of $1.85 million to AutoMax under terms similar to the Bridge Loan Agreement, bringing the total bridge loan amount to $4.25 million (the “Loan Amount”). In consideration for the Loan Amount, AutoMax established a first ranking fixed charge security interest on AutoMax’s shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary AutoMax Leasing Ltd in favor of the Company.

The Company, AutoMax and SciSparc Merger Sub Ltd., an Israeli limited company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, previously entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 10, 2024 (the “Merger Agreement”), according to which, among other things, the Company agreed to deliver to AutoMax an amount of $4.25 million, less any amount owed by AutoMax to the Company under any loan agreement between the parties (the “Closing Financing”). As a result of AutoMax receiving the Loan Amount, no Closing Financing will take place.

AutoMax has signed, through its wholly owned subsidiary Automax Leasing Ltd. ("Automax Leasing"), a direct import agreement with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (“JAC Motors”), a major Chinese automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer.

JAC Motors is a comprehensive automobile enterprise that integrates research and development, production and sales of a full range of commercial, passenger and powertrain vehicles, and spans various sectors such as ride hailing/sharing and financial services.

About SciSparc Ltd. (Nasdaq: SPRC):

SciSparc Ltd. is a specialty clinical-stage pharmaceutical company led by an experienced team of senior executives and scientists. SciSparc’s focus is on creating and enhancing a portfolio of technologies and assets based on cannabinoid pharmaceuticals. With this focus, the Company is currently engaged in the following drug development programs based on THC and/or non-psychoactive cannabidiol: SCI-110 for the treatment of Tourette Syndrome, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and agitation; and SCI-210 for the treatment of autism and status epilepticus. The Company also owns a controlling interest in a subsidiary whose business focuses on the sale of hemp seed oil-based products on the Amazon Marketplace.

Important Information About the Acquisition for Investors and Shareholders

This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between SciSparc and AutoMax. In connection with the proposed transaction between SciSparc and AutoMax, SciSparc will file a registration statement on Form F-4 and a proxy statement with the United States Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement or proxy statement or any other documents that SciSparc may file with the SEC or send to SciSparc shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Before making any voting decision, investors and securityholders are urged to read the registration statement and proxy statement and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction and related matters.

Investors and securityholders may obtain free copies of the registration statement, proxy statement and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Once filed, the registration statement and the proxy statement will be available free of charge on SciSparc’s website at scisparc.com or by contacting SciSparc’s Investor Relations by e-mail at IR@scisparc.com or by phone at +972-3-6167055.

Participants in the Solicitation.

SciSparc, AutoMax and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of SciSparc’s ordinary shares in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about SciSparc’s directors and executive officers is set forth in SciSparc’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, and in subsequent filings made by SciSparc with the SEC. Other information regarding the interests of such individuals, as well as information regarding AutoMax’s directors and executive officers and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transaction, will be set forth in the proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. For example, SciSparc is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the prospective closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete the transactions contemplated by the Merger or related transactions. Since such statements deal with future events and are based on SciSparc’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of SciSparc could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in SciSparc's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, and in subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise required by law, SciSparc disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Investor Contact:
IR@scisparc.com
Tel: +972-3-6167055

FAQ

What is the total amount SciSparc (SPRC) has loaned to AutoMax?

SciSparc (SPRC) has loaned a total of $4.25 million to AutoMax Motors through the Bridge Loan Agreement and its amendments.

What security has AutoMax provided for the loan from SciSparc (SPRC)?

AutoMax has provided a first-ranking fixed charge security interest on the shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, AutoMax Leasing , in favor of SciSparc (SPRC).

What significant agreement has AutoMax Leasing recently signed?

AutoMax Leasing , a wholly-owned subsidiary of AutoMax, has signed a direct import agreement with JAC Motors, a major Chinese automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer.

How does the $4.25 million loan relate to the Merger Agreement between SciSparc (SPRC) and AutoMax?

The $4.25 million loan fulfills the Closing Financing requirement outlined in the Merger Agreement dated April 10, 2024, between SciSparc (SPRC) and AutoMax.