- Decision and Preparation: The first step is for the private company’s board of directors to vote on taking the company public. If approved, they choose an investment bank to guide the process. They’ll need to prepare documentation, including financial statements and a prospectus to detail their business model, risks, and potential profitability.
- Regulatory Review and Approval: The chosen investment bank will help the company file documentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. This is the S-1 form, which includes detailed information about the business and its finances. The SEC reviews the S-1 form and must approve it before the company can go public.
- Road Show: This is a promotional tour where the company and the investment bank pitch the IPO to potential investors. The aim is to generate interest and determine the initial price range for the shares.
- Pricing the IPO: Based on the interest level and feedback from the roadshow, the company and the investment bank will set the initial price per share.
- Going Public: On the day of the IPO, shares of the company are made available to the public on a stock exchange. Retail and institutional investors can now buy and sell shares of the company.
- Stabilization: For a period after the IPO, usually about 25 to 30 days, the underwriting investment bank uses techniques to stabilize the stock price to prevent it from falling below the offering price.
Remember, taking a company public can be risky. It offers a chance to raise significant capital, but it also subjects the company to greater scrutiny and regulation. There are times when an IPO is a brilliant move, and other times it’s akin to jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Like with any financial decision, it’s always best to weigh the pros and cons.