Post-Merger Services Every SPAC Team Should Plan For
In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Caitlyn Van Valin, Vice President at Odyssey Trust, explains why SPAC sponsors can’t afford to overlook what happens after the deal closes.
While many focus heavily on the IPO and deal mechanics, Caitlyn emphasizes that post-merger shareholder recordkeeping and corporate actions are where the real operational lifecycle begins. She shares how Odyssey is uniquely positioned to support companies through that transition, offering the same capabilities as the largest transfer agents but with the personalized, integrated service of a boutique firm.
From DRIPs and dividends to employee equity plans, proxy services, and a Morgan Stanley-backed API integration, Odyssey has built a true one-stop shop for de-SPACed companies navigating life as a newly public entity.
Connect with the Guest:
Caitlyn Van Valin – Vice President, Odyssey Trust
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyn-van-valin-10963664/
View all of their episodes here:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/caitlyn-van-valin/
Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast:
Michael Blankenship LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast
Contact The SPAC Podcast:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/contact/
#SPACs #CapitalMarkets #SPACPodcast #TransferAgent #DeSPAC #CorporateActions #PublicCompanyServices
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Disclaimers:
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.
Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn:
👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
👉 ...
Michael Blankenship:
Can Odyssey provide services for post-merger shareholder record keeping and future corporate actions and how does that work?
Caitlyn Van Valin:
Great question. Most SPAC sponsors are laser-focused on the IPO and often don’t think about the de-SPAC and post-close requirements until much later. But this is actually where the long-term success of the public company is built.
Odyssey is set up to be an end-to-end partner. We’re the only transfer agent offering the same capabilities as the biggest firms, but with the hands-on support of a boutique shop. That includes:
- DRIPs, dividends, corporate actions
- Equity and debt trust services
- Employee plans (integrated via API with Morgan Stanley)
- Annual meeting and proxy services
It’s a true one-stop shop that scales as the company grows. That wraparound experience is what makes Odyssey stand out in post-SPAC lifecycle support.
Caitlyn Van Valin
EVP
Caitlyn Van Valin is a principal member leading the U.S. sales expansion for Odyssey Trust Company. In this role, she is responsible for profitably growing market share for Odyssey’s Transfer Agent and Trust business by partnering with executive management teams at domestic and multinational corporations. Caitlyn delivers tailored shareowner service solutions and complex transactional support designed to meet the needs of clients and their investors.
With more than 15 years of experience in the private equity and financial services industry, Caitlyn has developed deep expertise in navigating sophisticated corporate transactions. She is recognized for her ability to simplify the complex and deliver exceptional results for her clients and their shareholders.
Caitlyn holds a graduate degree from the London School of Economics and has built her career on a foundation of strategic insight, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to client success.