The Wall Street Journal article "Yes, Risk Is Back Now, With SPACs" by Peter Lattman, has a good description. Also see the Harvard Business Review article: “SPACs: what you need to know” by Max H. Bazerman and Patel Paresh.
Search for articles on SPACs from an article database, such as Business Source Ultimate.
Additionally, LSEG Workspace, Pitchbook, Bloomberg, and Capital IQ provide data on SPACs:
In LSEG Workspace (formerly Refinitiv Workspace) (available at Barcelona and Madrid Libraries, or limited licenses for desktop application or web access):
- Type screener into the main search bar to load the Screener App.
- Change the Universe to Deals and the Asset Class should be M&A.
- In the text box where it says Add Filter, start typing in 'special' and select Is a Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicle, then select True, and click Done.
- Add other criteria as desired.
In PitchBook, go to:
- Click to Investors (Investors & Funds Screener)
- Build a custom investors & fund screen
- Click on the Investor Types category on the left-hand menu > Other investor types > Special purpose acquisition company (SPAC)
- Add other criteria as desired and then search
In Bloomberg (available in the Financial Room of Barcelona IESE Library. Ask staff for password), go to:
- Type IPO (Equity Offerings) and press <GO>
- Click on Advanced Search
- Under Offer Criteria, select Offer Type, then choose Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) and click the Update button.
- Finally, apply additional filters if necessary and click Results.
In Capital IQ, go to:
- Screening
Select All Idea Generation Screens
Enter SPAC in the Screens search bar to find their canned screen
- Notice that the logic in the Capital IQ screen is similar to that in the LSEG Workspace screen: look for issues that are to be used to finance acquisitions.
