International and US IPO Planning: A Business Strategy Guide
International and U.S. IPO PlanningGoing public is the dream of many private companies, whether they are considering a U.S. or international initial public offering (IPO). Founders of private companies can maintain their control positions in the public company and still sell their personal stock to diversify their investments. In addition, public companies can typically raise capital more cheaply and easily than private companies, with far fewer operational restrictions. By laying out a detailed blueprint for an effective IPO, International and U.S. IPO Planning provides the advanced planning steps necessary to maximize success in today's global environment.Careful advance planning is crucial to having a successful IPO and should be started years before the IPO target date, whether in the U.S. or internationally. Although excessive U.S. regulations have sullied the IPO dream of many smaller U.S. private companies, this hands-on business strategy guide explores the promising international IPO markets that are increasingly hospitable to IPOs of private companies throughout the world, including the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange as well as other international exchanges, and explores the U.S. tax issues of an international IPO. The book also analyzes both traditional and nontraditional U.S. IPOs, including the pros and cons of mergers into public shells and SPACs.Author Frederick Lipman shares his four decades of experience in IPOs, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity, and presents the eight actions every private company should take to prepare their company for a successful U.S. or international IPO, including:Developing an impressive management team and using equity incentives to attract and retain key executivesGrowing the business to make the company more attractive for an IPO, including "roll-ups"Making sure auditing or auditable financial statements are availableChanging questionable business practices well before an IPOAvoiding a hostile takeover by inserting provisions into the charter of the public companyImplementing corporate governance mechanisms, including the formation of an audit committee consisting of independent directors, the development of good internal controls, and a whistleblower policyCreating insider bailout opportunities so that insiders can directly or indirectly receive some of the proceeds from the IPOTaking advantage of IPO windows and fadsFrederick Lipman also examines the right time to list and when staying private may be the best strategy. Rich with helpful guidance and global in scope,International and U.S. IPO Planningis essential reading for all executives and professionals involved in the IPO process.