TOPICS:
Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) IPO
Indian SMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy. However, they frequently suffer poor treatment when it comes to funding and access to capital markets.
Small and medium-sized businesses are now able to raise money directly from the public markets thanks to SME IPO listings in the stock market.
For small businesses, which may have had trouble obtaining bank loans or other sources of funding, the listing of enterprises on the SME exchange gives them a completely new route of funding.
SME IPO platforms can assist small businesses in growing and expanding by facilitating their ability to raise capital directly from the public markets.
By taking advantage of the enormous liquidity present in the capital markets, this can make it significantly simpler for these companies to raise equity.
Over the past several years, innovation and entrepreneurship have been fostered by India’s startup boom. Many startups and modern businesses started their initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2021.
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) listing Benefits:
Going public has various advantages, including:
- Access to Funding – Companies listed on stock exchanges might obtain much-needed capital that might not be accessible through other routes.
- Credibility – Taking a company public enables entrepreneurs to raise money at a higher valuation, which enhances credibility and aids in luring top people.
- Funding Alternatives – Following IPO listing, companies may choose to raise funds through an FPO (FPOs).
- Corporate Governance – Listed firms are subject to stringent reporting requirements set forth by SEBI and other regulatory agencies that are designed to increase investor confidence and boost performance.
- Branding – listed companies attract more customers and brand visibility.
- Rapid Growth – Due to recognition and the availability of resources, listed companies’ revenues and profitability are growing quickly in comparison.
Requirements for listing in SME IPO
Keeping the public’s trust is crucial for their success given the popularity of SME IPOs, which have grown to be a significant source of financing for private enterprises.
Appoint a Investment Banker for SME IPO
In addressing IPO issues of all sorts, sizes, and complexity, merchant bankers have extensive experience and skill.
They aid SMEs in managing their expectations of the market and gaining a better understanding of the procedure.
At least 4-5 months before submitting an IPO application, it is necessary to appoint merchant bankers.
This will allow them enough time to develop a prospectus, which they may then submit to SEBI together with the draft offer document.
Compliance & Due Diligence
Making sure the company’s facts, records, and statistics accurately reflect the truth is the next stage. There are no inconsistencies that could negatively affect the story of the SMEs.
We must also confirm that all disclosures, including risk factors, are correctly identified and described.
Prospectus for SME IPOs
An official legal document known as a prospectus contains information about an investment, that is being sold to the general public.
To assist investors in making wise decisions, a prospectus should include thorough information about the business’s activities and future prospects, including financial statements and risk considerations.
Verification Process
The accuracy of the information submitted by your business will be independently confirmed by appointed Investment bank.
The documentation you’ve submitted will be reviewed as part of this process, and any corrections or feedback required will be made afterward.
At this point, a site inspection will also take place to further confirm the veracity of the claims.
Opening and Closing Date SME IPO
SME going for IPO must have all required approvals in place before opening an issue. Once those approvals and documents are ready , the investment banks may decide when the issue will debut in the exchange.
Then it’s time for marketing and advertising! After the opening, Investment banks should keep the issue available for a few days so that people can prepare their papers and decide whether or not to participate.
After that period has passed, then the issue is closed and then the alloted shares are distributed to qualified investors.
The information submitted by the business is independently verified by a banker to ensure its accuracy.
Listing and Trading Process
Once the shares are subscribed, allocated, and listed, they are now ready to be traded on the BSE SME or NSE Emerge platforms.
The lots and sizes are set based on the price and volumes of the shares. Exchange platforms are constantly monitoring for changes to facilitate easy trading and transfer.
The stock of any SME company may eventually move up to the major indices as the price and volume rise, solidifying company’s status as a publicly listed corporation.
Parameters for listing of SME on the BSE SME Exchange:
Parameters for listing on the BSE SME Exchange are as follows:
- The company should have net tangible assets should be Rs. 1.5 Crore.
- The company or the partnership/proprietorship/LLP Firm or the firm, converted into the company must have combined track record of at least 3 years.
- In case it has not completed its operation for three years then the company/partnership/proprietorship/LLP should have been funded by Banks or financial institutions or Central or state government or the group company should be listed for at least two years either on the main board or SME board of the Exchange.
- The business entity or the firm that is converted into the company, should have combined positive cash accruals (earnings before depreciation and tax) in any of the year out of last three years and its net worth should be positive.
- The post-issue paid-up capital of the company should not exceed Rs. 25 crore.
- The company shall agree with both the depositories and mandatorily facilitate trading in Demat securities.
- The minimum application and trading lot size shall not be less than Rs 1,00,000.
- The minimum application and trading lot size shall not be less than Rs 1,00,000.