Stock Markets February 19, 2026

Armada Acquisition Corp. III Raises $248.5 Million in NASDAQ Debut

SPAC sells 24.85 million units; leadership and book-runners named as company targets fintech, SaaS and generative AI for acquisition

By Caleb Monroe AACIU
Armada Acquisition Corp. III Raises $248.5 Million in NASDAQ Debut
AACIU

Armada Acquisition Corp. III completed an initial public offering of 24,850,000 units at $10.00 each, generating $248.5 million in gross proceeds following a partial exercise of its over-allotment option. Units began trading on NASDAQ on February 18, 2026, and the company named its management team, book-runners and the industry verticals it intends to pursue for a business combination.

Key Points

  • SPAC raised $248.5 million by selling 24,850,000 units at $10.00 each after partial over-allotment exercise.
  • Units started trading on NASDAQ on February 18, 2026 as AACIU; separated shares and warrants will trade as AACI and AACIW.
  • Armada Acquisition Corp. III will pursue business combinations in financial technology, software-as-a-service, or generative artificial intelligence.

Offering results and structure

Armada Acquisition Corp. III sold 24,850,000 units in its initial public offering, with each unit priced at $10.00. The offering brought in $248.5 million in gross proceeds after the partial exercise of an over-allotment option.

Trading and securities

The units began trading on NASDAQ on February 18, 2026 under the ticker AACIU. Each unit is composed of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant. When traded separately, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to use the symbols AACI and AACIW, respectively. Whole warrants grant holders the right to buy one Class A ordinary share at a strike price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described by the company.

Management and governance

Stephen P. Herbert serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the special purpose acquisition company. Douglas M. Lurio holds the roles of President and Chief Financial Officer. The board of directors includes Mohammad A. Khan, Thomas A. Decker, and Celso L. White.

Placement agents and regulatory status

Cohen & Company Capital Markets acted as lead book-runner for the offering, with Northland Capital Markets serving as joint book-runner. The Securities and Exchange Commission declared the registration statement effective on February 17, 2026.

Planned areas for a business combination

According to the company statement, Armada Acquisition Corp. III intends to seek business combinations in companies operating in financial technology, software-as-a-service, or generative artificial intelligence. The company did not provide additional details about target companies, timelines, or specific deal terms in its statement.


Key points

  • The SPAC raised $248.5 million by selling 24,850,000 units at $10.00 each, after a partial over-allotment exercise - impacts capital markets and SPAC issuance activity.
  • Units began trading on NASDAQ on February 18, 2026; once split, shares and warrants will trade under AACI and AACIW - relevant to equity and derivatives market participants.
  • The company is targeting deals in financial technology, SaaS, and generative AI - sectors that may be affected by any resulting business combination.

Risks and uncertainties

  • There is uncertainty inherent to finding and completing a business combination - the timing, target selection, and deal execution are not specified by the company, affecting investors in the SPAC structure and the targeted sectors.
  • Warrants carry an exercise price of $11.50 per whole warrant, subject to adjustment - the value and potential dilution effects depend on future share prices and any adjustments.
  • The partial exercise of the over-allotment option indicates indirect market demand nuances for the offering - this could reflect changing appetite among institutional investors for SPAC units at the time of the offering.

This report reflects the facts released by Armada Acquisition Corp. III regarding its offering, trading status, corporate leadership, book-runners, regulatory clearance, and stated acquisition focus. Additional information about specific acquisition targets, timelines, or transaction terms was not provided in the company statement.

Risks

  • Uncertainty around timing and selection of a business combination could affect outcomes for investors and targeted sectors.
  • Warrants have an $11.50 exercise price for whole warrants, subject to adjustment, which could influence dilution and holder economics.
  • Partial over-allotment exercise may reflect variable investor demand dynamics for the offering.

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