Posts Tagged ‘initial public offering’

The Benefits Of A Business Going Public

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

After a company has been in business for a while and begins to see success, they will start to contemplate taking the business public. Going public means the business will have stock and shareholders. There are a number of reasons why companies go public which is mainly due to the many benefits that come with such a high profile venture.

The following outlines the benefits of a business going public:

Increase Capital: By going public, a company will able to raise millions in capital. You can increase your business’s capital by selling stock on the open market. By implementing an Initial Public Offering (IPO), one can raise a significant amount of capital such as by selling stock and issuing bonds, for such business activities as increasing revenue, marketing, expanding, eliminating debt, research, business development, and increasing corporate diversity. Public companies have a greater valuation than private companies.

Liquidity: With an increase in its liquidity, the value of the public company will be higher because buyers and sellers are more able to engage in market participation. Going public allows a company to create a market for its stock. Liquidity can also provide an investor with more options such as increasing the diversity of their portfolio, makes it easier to buy and sell, and has a more adjustable asset allowance.

Mergers and Acquisitions: A publicly traded company can use their stocks as cash when acquiring or merging with other businesses. With the increase in its liquidity, it makes the business more attractive for mergers and acquisition proposals. It will increase the profile of the business and boost consumer confidence making it a good choice for other companies looking for new investment opportunities.

Increase Future Profitability and Sustainability: In order for a company to ensure its future as a thriving and financially stable business, it is essential to have access to new and future capital. Because on average an IPO can raise any where from $25 - 50M, going public will allow them to establish capital for the future. As well, they have the ability go back to the market to raise more capital when needed. Once public, the company will be seen as a safer investment risk, which will help in obtaining better financing terms when seeking loans.

Attract Top Employees: Because businesses are always competing for the most talented staff, offering stocks and stock options along with salary, gives that business a competitive edge. Providing stock as a reward for high productivity is often more economical than giving out cash bonuses.

Improve a Company’s Image: The image of a business is a key part of achieving success. Because public companies have higher profiles than private businesses, it helps with increasing sales, attracting more customers and establishing a loyal customer base, and acquiring long term business contracts. Publicizing the business along with a compelling marketing strategy will significantly help with the growth of the business. Over time the prestige of the company will increase as well as creating brand recognition.

A company that does not go public will often have a much more difficult time growing and expanding. A company with big ambitions will normally take their business public to take advantage of all of the opportunities available which will help them to succeed long term.

For more information about making an initial public offering, be sure to consult with the professionals. There are many things to consider on how to IPO properly and legally.

The Process Of Making An IPO In Canada

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

Every business owner wants to see their company develop and thrive for years. Taking your business public, or making an Initial Public Offering (IPO), is an essential step to growing your business. Going public is the process of offering new equity such as stocks, shares, trust units, partnership units, etc. Whatever your reasons for going public, there is a process that must be followed before the company can actually go public.

The following is the general process of making an IPO Canada:

1. IPO Preparation: You will be required to have a solid and detailed business plan. It will be helpful when creating the prospectus. A prospectus is a document that gives all of the information that investors require to make an informed investment decision. It will contain such information as financial data and information about the company including its history, future prospects, employee salaries, legal fees, any risks, and other relevant information. It is important to be aware that there will be costs associated with going public. As well, when you prepare the prospectus, you will have to assess pros and cons of going public to determine if it is a worthwhile venture.

2. Develop an Action Plan: Once you have a business plan, you will know what you must have in order to go public. Your financial statements must be in order and current. You must have an expert to advise you on any required management restructuring. You should also have created an IPO advisory group to help with establishing business relationships and marketing strategies.

3. Undergoing Due Diligence: This is when the underwriters and their lawyers perform a methodical examination of all areas of the company. It usually takes about 60 days to complete. The underwriters’ lawyers will ask for any relevant business documents and provide a questionnaire for the company’s directors and officers. There will also be meetings to ask questions.

4. Building a Public Profile: You will have to generate public interest in your company in order to attract investors. You should develop solid business relationships with your advisors to create a professional and credible reputation. Your IPO team of professionals and your chief underwriter will make presentations to the business and investment community. It normally consists of traveling to a number of key cities. During this time, a solid market strategy is essential.

5. Market Pricing: The underwriters will monitor market conditions and experiment with market pricing. As well, the underwriters will normally suggest the final price and offering size. It is important to remember that the biggest cost during a public offering is the underwriters’ fees expenses associated with the offering.

The final process of making an IPO Canada is making sure your company appears to be a professional and competently run business. You have to make sure the authority structure is in place and the employees and investors understand the structure. Preparing for an IPO takes a lot of thought, assessment, and planning. By understanding what the process entails, you will have a much smoother private to public transition.

For more information about making an IPO Canada, be sure to consult with the professionals. There are many things to consider on IPO How properly and legally.