Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp. is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) primarily engaged in effecting mergers, share exchanges, asset acquisitions, share purchases, reorganizations, or similar business combinations with one or more businesses or entities. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. It does not have significant operations of its own but focuses on raising capital through public markets to facilitate business combinations.
Cohn Robbins was co-founded and is co-chaired by Gary D. Cohn, former President and COO of Goldman Sachs, and Clifton S. Robbins, an investment management veteran. Its main business activity involves seeking acquisition targets and strategic partnerships across various industries through its SPAC vehicle. The company raised significant funds in trust from investors, aiming to deploy this capital towards transformative acquisitions.
A notable recent strategic move was the proposed business combination with Allwyn Entertainment AG, a multinational lottery operator with significant market positions in several European countries. Although this merger was mutually agreed not to proceed in late 2022 due to unfavorable market conditions, Cohn Robbins had aligned itself with Allwyn’s growth ambitions in the global lottery market, including expansion into the U.S. and UK National Lottery operations. Following the termination of this transaction, Cohn Robbins' board continues to evaluate alternative business combinations and strategic pathways. The company’s securities were delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in November 2022 after falling below listing standards, signaling a shift in its operational status and future strategic reevaluations.
In summary, Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp. operates as a SPAC focused on identifying and completing mergers or acquisitions. Its most significant recent development was the attempted business combination with Allwyn Entertainment AG, highlighting its interest in the global lottery and gaming sectors, although this transaction was not closed. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware. It remains active in seeking new business combination opportunities in the evolving market environment.