blank-check company investment & finance definition

A company that issues penny stock in order to finance its involvement in establishing a business in which principal operations have not yet commenced. The company either has no business plan or plans to engage in a merger or acquisition with an unspecified business entity. Essentially, the company is given a blank check with regard to investors' money. Blank-check companies are required to provide certain information prior to and after the registration of securities. In addition, funds received from a penny stock offering must be placed in an escrow account for the benefit of the purchaser. See also Rule 419.