ECD Auto Design Announces the Combined Company Expected to Begin Trading on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ: ECDA)

KISSIMMEE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 12, 2023 / Humble Imports, Inc. d/b/a ECD Auto Design (“ECD” or the “Company”), a leader in delivering restored, modified and electrified Land Rover Defenders, Jaguars, and other classic and collectible automobiles, and D.Boral Capital Acquisition Corporation I (“EFHT”) (NASDAQ:EFHT), a special purpose acquisition company formed by affiliates of D.Boral Capital LLC, today announced that following the completion of the previously announced business combination between ECD and EFHT, the newly combined company will be named “ECD Automotive Design Inc.”, and its common stock and warrants will trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “ECDA” and “ECDAW,” respectively, from the open of trading on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony

ECD management is scheduled to ring the opening bell of the Nasdaq Stock Market on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The opening bell ceremony will be broadcast live starting at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time from the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower in New York, NY. To view the broadcast, please click here.

Advisors

D.Boral Capital LLC is serving as Capital Markets Advisor and Placement Agent to EFHT. Loeb & Loeb, LLP is serving as legal counsel to EFHT. PAG.Law PLLC and Shuffled, Lowman & Wilson PA are serving as legal counsel to ECD

About Humble Imports, Inc. d/b/a ECD Auto Design

ECD is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic English beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Defenders, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic and the Jaguar E-Type. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence (“ASE”) craftsmen. The Company was founded in 2013 by three British ”petrol heads” whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD’s global headquarters, known as the ”Rover Dome,” is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 83 talented craftsmen and technicians, who hold a combined 61 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration.

Copies of this and other news releases as well as other information about ECD Auto Design can be obtained online at www.ecdautodesign.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ECD’s and EFHT’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, ECD’s and EFHT’s expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the proposed Business Combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the proposed Business Combination, and the timing of the completion of the proposed Business Combination.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside ECD’s and EFHT’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against ECD and EFHT following the announcement of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination, including due to failure to satisfy conditions to closing in the Merger Agreement; (4) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close; (5) the inability to obtain the listing of the combined company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market following the proposed Business Combination; (6) the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (7) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of ECD to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (8) costs related to the proposed Business Combination; (9) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (10) the possibility that ECD and EFHT may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (11) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to ECD; (12) risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of ECD’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; and (13) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of EFHT for its initial public offering and the registration statement on Form S-4, including the proxy statement relating to the proposed Business Combination, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in EFHT’s other filings with the SEC. EFHT cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. ECD and EFHT caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. ECD and EFHT do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed Business Combination. This press release shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Company Profile

D. Boral Capital

Industry: Financial Services

For more information please contact:

Investment Banking

David Lee
Senior Managing Director
Direct: +1 (929) 625 0988
dlee@dboralcapital.com

John Park
Vice President
Direct: +1 (929) 528-0864
jpark@dboralcapital.com

Patrick Lin
Analyst
Direct: +1 (929) 615-2558
plin@dboralcapital.com

Equity Capital Markets

Philip Wiederlight
Chief Operating Officer
Direct: +1 (929) 625-1539
pwiederlight@dboralcapital.com

Mark Iorio
Director, Equity Capital Markets
Direct: +1 (929) 528-0913
miorio@dboralcapital.com

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Ryan J. Whalen

General Counsel

Ryan J. Whalen has been the General Counsel of D. Boral Capital since January of 2023, previously serving as Deputy General Counsel & Head of Litigation at D. Boral Capital, since November of 2021.

Prior to joining D. Boral Capital, Ryan spent over two decades as a litigator representing clients faced with complex business disputes. His experience includes handling securities litigation, financial disputes, corporate governance/director and officer litigation, breaches of fiduciary duty, fraud, professional malpractice, employment law, and whistle-blower claims. Ryan also has experience in the Financial Services industry representing investment banks, hedge funds, public companies, and investors. Most recently, Ryan was a Partner at Gusrae Kaplan Nusbaum PLLC. Law, and prior to that, he was a Partner at Brown & Whalen, P.C.

Ryan holds his Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.

David W. Boral

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

David W. Boral is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of D. Boral Capital.

Prior to D. Boral Capital, David held several leadership positions in the Investment Banking and Capital Markets industry. His 16 years of expertise spans both public and private transactions, including IPOs, Secondaries/Follow-On Offerings, SPACs, PIPEs, Reverse Mergers, M&A, Bankruptcy/Restructurings, Cross Listings, and other private and public offerings, in the US and abroad. Most recently, David was Co-Head of Investment Banking & Managing Director at Aegis Capital Corp, and prior to that, he was a Director of Investment Banking, at Maxim Group.

In addition to his work at D. Boral Capital, David is dedicated to improving the world around him, specifically the lives of children and veterans. He currently serves on the advisory board for Keep a Child Alive, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare, housing, and other support services to HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa and India. Additionally, David serves on the board for Lifeline Humanitarian Organization, which was founded by Princess Katherine, to reduce and relieve the suffering of physically and mentally disabled children, orphans, and the elderly, as well as to improve medical facilities in Serbia. He also partners with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Heroes Among Us, and Project Rousseau, through corporate sponsorships.

David holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University.

Stephanie (Mengjie) Hu

Co-Head of Investment Banking

Stephanie (Mengjie) Hu has been the Head of Asia at D. Boral Capital since May of 2023, previously serving as Vice President, Asia Investment Banking at D. Boral Capital, since November of 2021.

Stephanie has over 9 years of Investment Banking and Financial Services experience. She has completed over 100 transactions across a wide range of industries, representing over $3.5 billion in aggregate value, and has participated in multiple product offerings including IPOs, Follow-Ons/Secondaries, PIPEs, Private Placement, Uplistings (Re-IPO), Reverse Mergers, Registered Directs, CMPOs, ATMs, SPACs and M&As. Her focus is primarily on serving the financial needs of Asian emerging growth and middle-market companies in a variety of industries.

Stephanie holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Rochester, and she is bilingual in English and Mandarin.

Gaurav Verma

Co-Head of Investment Banking

Gaurav Verma has been covering the Technology, Media, and Telecom sector for over 10 years, and has executed over 100 billion in transactions encompassing sell-side and buy-side M&A, IPOs, SPACs, equity offerings, converts, high yield and investment-grade financings. Mr. Verma has advised C-Suite executive teams on M&A assignments, business development opportunities, growth strategies, and capital allocation policies.

Prior to joining D. Boral Capital, Gaurav was a Director at Nomura, spearheading TMT coverage efforts, and previously, was a Senior Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, within their TMT Investment Banking Group.

Gaurav received his MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the NYU Stern School of Business and BS in Computer Science and Economics from Rutgers University.

Jared S. Merlin

Chief Compliance Officer

Jared S. Merlin has been the Chief Compliance Officer at D. Boral Capital since November of 2022.

Prior to joining D. Boral Capital, Jared spent nine years as a Managing Director at Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, serving as the Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Capital Markets Compliance. Jared has over two decades of Compliance experience, providing regulatory advice and oversight to investment banks and broker dealers. Prior to Jared’s tenure at Credit Agricole, Jared held various positions in the Compliance Departments of Knight Capital Americas LLC, and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Jared holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business.

Phil Wiederlight

Chief Operating Officer

Phil Wiederlight has been the Chief Operating Officer since November 2023, previously serving as Head of Syndicate, Equity Capital Markets, at D. Boral Capital, since May of 2023.

Phil has spent 15 years in Financial Services, where he has held multiple leadership positions at GoldenTree Asset Management, Sculptor Capital, and JP Morgan. He has completed numerous Capital Markets transactions, which have accounted for several billions of dollars, and has participated in multiple product offerings including IPOs, Follow-Ons/Secondaries, PIPEs, Private Placements, Uplistings (Re-IPO), Reverse Mergers, Registered Directs, CMPOs, ATMs, and SPACs. His experience also includes Cash and Position Reconciliations, Private Equity Structured Products, Trade Settlements, Crypto Settlements, Account Setups, Expense Management, Risk Reporting, and Fund Accounting. Phil has also managed numerous service provider and third-party relationships, which has helped streamline processes and improve internal efficiencies.

Phil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Miami Herbert Business School at the University of Miami.

Sharad Agrawal

Chief Technology Officer

Sharad Agrawal has been Chief Technology Officer at D. Boral Capital since May of 2023.

Prior to joining D. Boral Capital, Sharad worked in Private Equity in a technology leadership capacity, to improve infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology operations. Sharad was also Chief Technology Officer at Redwood Capital Management, and prior to that, was Global Head of Information Technology at Eagle Investment Solutions, where he was responsible for all firmwide technology efforts globally. His duties included helping develop custom applications and strategy, while leading compliance, data, digital, engineering, and cloud initiatives.

Sharad will be pursuing an Executive Education-Chief Technology Officer program at University of Pennsylvania beginning Winter 2024.

Ben Reed

Head of Wealth Management

Ben has over a decade of experience in the retail markets, focusing on emerging growth, small, and middle market companies in biotechnology, healthcare, technology, and energy.

Throughout his career, he has helped raise capital for numerous IPOs, secondary offerings, PIPES, and SPACs. He currently holds his series 7, 24, 63, 65, and Insurance Licenses.

He graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and remains an avid Wildcats fan.