AIR, Leading Global Flavored Hookah Manufacturer and Owner of Al Fakher Brand, Set to Go Public via Merger with Cantor Equity Partners III

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: Newsfilter

Updated: Nov 07 2025

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Source: Newsfilter

Business Overview: AIR, the owner of Al Fakher, the leading hookah brand with over 60% market share in the U.S., generated $375 million in net revenue and $150 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2024, reflecting strong growth and a significant global presence.
Proposed Business Combination: AIR has entered into a definitive agreement with Cantor Equity Partners for a business combination that will result in AIR Global Limited being publicly listed on Nasdaq under the ticker "AIIR," with a pro forma enterprise value of $1.749 billion expected to close in the first half of 2026.
Innovative Product Offerings: AIR has invested over $115 million in product innovations, including the OOKA, a charcoal-free electronic hookah device, and has partnered with Snoop Dogg to develop a new line of premium flavors, enhancing its market appeal.
Market Position and Strategy: With a strong cash flow generation and a diversified product portfolio, AIR is well-positioned to capitalize on the estimated $15-20 billion consumer market for flavored hookah molasses by 2025, leveraging its e-commerce platforms and global distribution networks.

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About CAEP

Cantor Equity Partners III, Inc. is a blank check company. The Company is formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company has not selected any specific business combination target, and it has not, nor has anyone on its behalf, initiated any discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target regarding an initial business combination with its company.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

AIR Appoints New VP of Investor Relations Ahead of US Listing

7 hours agoNewsfilter

Executive Appointment: AIR has appointed Gaurav Jain as Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy, effective April 1, 2026, aiming to enhance the company's engagement with investors and strengthen its strategic positioning in capital markets ahead of its planned US listing.
Industry Background: Jain brings 23 years of global investing experience from Barclays, where he was recognized as the top tobacco analyst in the Institutional Investor Europe poll, providing AIR with valuable industry insights and capital markets expertise.
Strategic Objectives: In his new role, Jain will lead AIR's global investor relations strategy and drive the implementation of the company's long-term corporate strategy, including competitive market insights and portfolio evaluation, to bolster its competitiveness for the upcoming US listing.
Growth Commitment: Jain's appointment underscores AIR's commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it prepares for its next phase as a public company, particularly as it approaches the completion of its business combination with Cantor Equity Partners.

AIR Acquires German Brand NameLess to Expand Global Market Presence

Dec 10 2025Newsfilter

Global Expansion Step: AIR's acquisition of the renowned German premium hookah brand NameLess strengthens its leadership in the global hookah market, expected to enhance product diversification and market share.
Product Line Enrichment: With NameLess joining, AIR can leverage its distribution network across over 90 markets to rapidly introduce high-quality flavors, including the best-selling Black Nana, to meet rising consumer demand.
Market Strategy Reinforcement: This acquisition not only fortifies AIR's presence in Germany but also positions the company to better address the growing global trend in hookah consumption, further penetrating the market for reduced-risk social inhalation products.
Innovative Product Launch: Shortly after the acquisition, AIR launched the Crown Switch rechargeable pod vape system, marking a significant innovation in the German market, which is expected to attract more consumers seeking new experiences.

Dubai Hookah Manufacturer AIR Set to Go Public in the US Through $1.75 Billion SPAC Merger

Nov 07 2025Reuters

Merger Announcement: Dubai's AIR, owner of the Al Fakher hookah brand, plans to go public in the U.S. through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners III, valuing the combined company at $1.75 billion.
SPAC Popularity: The merger utilizes a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) approach, which has seen a resurgence in the U.S. market after a period of low activity due to previous challenges.
Company Performance: AIR reported $375 million in revenue and $150 million in adjusted earnings for 2024, with a strong global presence supported by eight production facilities and distribution networks.
Market Trends: Hookah use is increasing in the U.S., particularly among younger consumers, despite health warnings about the harmful chemicals in hookah smoke, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2026.