Viking Acquisition Corp. I (NYSE: VACI) announced that its previously disclosed business combination with NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. is expected to close on September 30, 2026. The transaction marks the transition of the space situational awareness provider from a private entity to a publicly traded company.

Following the closing, Viking will transfer its listing from the New York Stock Exchange to NYSE American. Effective Thursday, October 1, 2026, the combined company will operate as NorthStar Earth & Space Enterprises, Inc. Its common shares and public warrants are scheduled to begin trading under the symbols NSTR and NSTR.WS, respectively.

Transaction details and listing change

The merger involves a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsored by KingsRock Advisors, LLC, merging with NorthStar, a global leader in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The closing is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. The move to NYSE American represents a structural shift for the combined entity’s capital markets presence.

About NorthStar Earth & Space

NorthStar provides precise information services to identify and anticipate the position of space objects, aiming to enhance spaceflight safety. The company claims to be the first commercial service delivering space-based SSA and SDA capabilities on an international scale. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with a European headquarters in Luxembourg and a US operation in New York, NorthStar addresses the growing threat of space collisions.

Corporate structure and sponsorship

Viking was formed as a blank check company for the purpose of effecting a merger or similar business combination. KingsRock Advisors, LLC serves as the sponsor, while KingsRock Securities, LLC, a FINRA member firm, offered the securities. The advisory firm handles a range of corporate finance matters, including debt, equity, and M&A transactions.

Risk factors and forward-looking statements

The communication includes forward-looking statements regarding the closing date and anticipated benefits. These statements are subject to risks including regulatory approval delays, failure to satisfy closing conditions, and global economic conditions. Specific risks related to NorthStar include its status as an early-stage company with a history of financial losses, reliance on intellectual property protection, and potential delays in developing advanced data analytics services. Investors are cautioned against relying on these projections as guarantees of future performance.

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions has promoted Jacob Middleton to Associate Partner in its Tampa office, expanding the leadership team for its Florida division. The promotion reflects the firm's focus on internal talent development as it serves lower- and middle-market business owners across the state.

Middleton joined Viking in 2021 and has spent five years in the Tampa office. In his new role, he will continue to lead colleagues and clients through transaction processes, focusing on successful exits for entrepreneurs.

Larry Lawson II, President of Viking's Florida Division, cited Middleton's ability to bring clarity to complex transactions and build trust with clients and operations teams as key factors in the promotion.

Firm Performance Metrics

Viking operates with offices in Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina, supporting business owners with annual revenues ranging from $2 million to $250 million. The firm reports strong historical performance metrics:

Middleton brings prior experience from a global commercial real estate firm and a Fortune 500 building materials company. His background includes facilitating brokerage activity, investment strategy, and managing key sales initiatives for national homebuilders in West Florida.

What the Numbers Show

The firm's disclosed closing rate of 85% significantly exceeds typical industry benchmarks, as indicated by the stated closing ratio of nearly four times the industry average. This high conversion rate, combined with sellers achieving an average of 96% of their asking price, suggests a strong market position in negotiating favorable terms for clients within the $2 million to $250 million revenue segment.