Raise Capital

IPO (Initial Public Offering)

The IPO is the ideal path to go public.

It enables companies to raise capital from investors in order to finance and drive innovation and growth. Above all, it opens up the possibility of repeatedly tapping the capital market for equity financing in an independent and targeted manner. Additionally, employees can share in the company’s success through participation programs, fostering a stronger connection to the company. An IPO also enhances the trust of investors and business partners through the required transparency, while the stock market listing significantly increases the visibility of your company.

There are various ways to carry out the stock exchange listing:

In a direct listing, all existing shares – those held by founders, employees, and investors – are admitted and listed on the stock exchange without a capital increase. This type of transaction is used to make the share fungible, i.e. tradable.

In a private placement, shares are sold to institutional investors. This can take place in the course of a capital increase or from the holdings of existing shareholders.

In a spin-off, a subsidiary or business division is separated and floated separately on the stock exchange. As a rule, the shareholders of the parent company participate directly in the subsidiary or it is combined with a public offer or a private placement.

A SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) is a special purpose acquisition company without its own business operations. Its aim is to raise capital through a stock market listing, the proceeds of which are then used to acquire a non-listed company within a limited period of time and to take this company public with the transaction.  

An IPO (Initial Public Offering) is the first public offering of shares on the capital market. New shares can be issued via a capital increase to provide the company with capital to finance innovation and growth, or existing shareholders can place shares.

IPO Guide

With the right preparation, an IPO can succeed within a year. Our IPO guide shows you how.

IPO Roadmap

1. Preparation and planning

The first step on the way to an IPO is thorough preparation. This includes:

  • Financial due diligence: a comprehensive review of the company’s financial position to ensure that financial reporting is presented transparently and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Legal Review: ensuring that the company meets all legal requirements and that there are no legal obstacles.
  • Business strategy: development of a clear and convincing business strategy that appeals to potential investors.

2. Selection of consultants

A successful IPO requires the support of experienced advisors, including:

  • Investment banks: among other things, they help with the development of the equity story, the positioning and valuation of the company and the placement of shares with investors.
  • Lawyers: they ensure that all legal requirements are met and provide significant support with the documentation, including the preparation of the prospectus.
  • Auditors: among other things, they provide support in the preparation of financial reports and ensure the accuracy of key financial figures.

3. Preparation securities prospectus

The securities prospectus is a key document in the IPO process. It contains detailed information about the company, its business strategy, key financial figures, the market and potential risks. The prospectus must be approved by the relevant supervisory authorities.

4. Marketing & Roadshow

Investor meetings are a central element of the IPO process and usually begin before the public marketing. During the IPO roadshow, the management team presents the company to potential investors during the offering. This is an opportunity to gain the trust of investors and generate interest in the shares.

5. Pricing, Placement and IPO

After the roadshow, the final price of the shares is determined. The shares are then placed on the stock exchange and trading begins. The actual IPO, where the company’s shares are traded publicly for the first time, marks the culmination of the entire process. This is the moment the company officially goes public, making its shares available to investors. The IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange can start with a bell-ringing event, generating significant media attention on the day.

6. After the IPO

After the IPO, it is important to meet investors’ expectations and maintain transparent communication. This includes regular reporting and compliance with all regulatory requirements.


Conclusion

The path to a stock market listing is challenging, but with the right preparation and the right partners, it will succeed. An IPO offers companies the opportunity to raise new capital, strengthen their market presence and promote long-term growth. For owners, an IPO is an opportunity to create liquidity or to settle a possible company succession.

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