Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII announced the closing of its initial public offering, raising a total of $241.5 million through the sale of 24.15 million units priced at $10.00 each. The final tally includes 3.15 million units issued following the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
The special purpose acquisition company commenced trading on Feb. 5, 2026, on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker HCICU. Each unit issued in the offering consists of one Class A ordinary share plus one right to receive one-twelfth of a Class A ordinary share upon the completion of the company’s initial business combination. The company did not issue warrants in connection with the IPO.
According to the company statement, the new blank-check vehicle intends to concentrate its search for an acquisition on companies operating in the industrial technology and energy transition sectors, while retaining the flexibility to pursue opportunities in any business or industry. Daniel J. Hennessy serves as chairman and chief executive officer of the newly incorporated entity.
Barclays Capital Inc. and Cohen & Company Capital Markets served as lead joint book-running managers for the offering, with Academy Securities, Inc. acting as co-book running manager. All $241.5 million of the offering proceeds were deposited into the company’s trust account pending the identification and completion of a transaction.
The company disclosed that, once separate trading is initiated for component securities, the Class A ordinary shares and the Share Rights are expected to trade under the symbols HCIC and HCICR, respectively. The Securities and Exchange Commission declared the SPAC’s registration statement effective on Feb. 4, 2026.
Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII represents the eighth special purpose acquisition vehicle formed by Hennessy, as noted in the company’s filing. The structure of the offering, the placement of proceeds in trust and the absence of issued warrants are all as stated in the registration and closing documents.
Sector implications
- The SPAC’s targeting of industrial technology and energy transition could channel capital toward those sectors if a business combination is completed.
- Placement of the full IPO proceeds in trust reflects standard SPAC practice, keeping investor capital separate until a combination is executed.
- Financial services and capital markets participants were active in underwriting and managing the offering.