Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII Prices $210 Million Upsized Initial Public Offering

Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII Prices Upsized $210 Million IPO, Targeting Industrial Innovation and Energy Transition

Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VIII (HCIC), a special purpose acquisition company, has successfully priced an upsized initial public offering, raising $210 million. The offering consists of 21,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. These units are set to commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “HCICU” on February 5, 2026. Following this, the individual components of the units—Class A ordinary shares and Share Rights—are expected to trade separately under the tickers “HCIC” and “HCICR,” respectively.

The offering is slated to conclude on February 6, 2026, pending the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The sponsor of HCIC, led by Daniel J. Hennessy, has indicated an intention to focus its search for a target business within the dynamic sectors of industrial innovation and energy transition. This strategic focus aligns with significant global trends and investment opportunities in decarbonization, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable technologies.

The underwriting syndicate for this significant offering is being led by Barclays Capital Inc. and Cohen & Company Capital Markets, with Academy Securities, Inc. acting as a co-manager. This robust financial backing suggests strong market confidence in the SPAC’s strategy and management team. Furthermore, the underwriters have been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,150,000 units at the IPO price. This over-allotment option, representing 15% of the offering size, provides underwriters with the flexibility to meet potential excess demand and can also serve to stabilize the stock price in the initial trading period, though it carries the potential for increased dilution for existing shareholders.

Each unit comprises one Class A ordinary share and one Share Right, which entitles the holder to one-twelfth of a Class A ordinary share upon the successful completion of the Company’s initial business combination. This structure is typical for SPACs, offering investors potential upside from both the equity and the eventual merger, while the fractional right provides a modest additional stake.

The effective date for the registration statement relating to these securities was February 4, 2026. The forward-looking statements included in the company’s disclosures highlight the inherent uncertainties and risks associated with SPACs, emphasizing that no assurance can be given regarding the completion of the offering or the ultimate success of any business combination. Investors are advised to review the risk factors detailed in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The focus on industrial innovation and energy transition positions HCIC within sectors experiencing substantial capital inflows and technological advancement. Industrial innovation encompasses areas such as automation, advanced materials, and smart manufacturing, all critical for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness across various industries. The energy transition, a multi-trillion dollar opportunity, involves the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, and grid modernization. By targeting these areas, HCIC aims to identify a company that can benefit from secular growth trends and potentially deliver significant returns to its shareholders.

The SPAC market itself has evolved significantly, with increased scrutiny from regulators and investors alike. The success of HCIC’s planned merger will depend not only on the sponsor’s ability to identify a suitable target but also on the prevailing market conditions and the strategic fit of the chosen business with public market expectations. The $10.00 unit price is a standard benchmark for SPAC IPOs, and the performance of HCICU, HCIC, and HCICR will be closely watched as the company begins its search for a definitive business combination.