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HOW TO MAKE THE IPO PROCESS WORK Adam Fenner, Partner
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www.olswang.com1 OLSWANG Leading business law firm, headquartered in London 4 European offices 25 affiliate offices in USA More than 50 LSE / AIM quoted clients 2006 / 2007: 120 deals > $30 billion Dedicated Israel team: technology, media, telecoms, healthcare, real estate
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www.olswang.com2 Agenda 1Timetable 210 key IPO challenge areas 3Opportunities in challenging markets
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www.olswang.com3 IPO Process and Timetable
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www.olswang.com4 10 Key IPO Challenge Areas “ Quoted Companies Alliance” Corporate Governance Guidelines: “London IPOs – A Practical Guide for International Companies” International Working Group Market professionals Non-executive directors Exchange representatives Best practice: IPO process and post IPO : 30 guidance principles
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www.olswang.com5 10 Key IPO Challenge Areas LENGTHEN CANCEL UNDERMINE X X X
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www.olswang.com6 ASSIST PROTECT ENHANCE 10 Key IPO Challenge Areas
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www.olswang.com7 10 Key IPO Challenge Areas IPO Process Timing Resource, due diligence and documentation * Marketing the IPO * Dialogue with advisers * Board structure * Capital structure *
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www.olswang.com8 Resource, Due Diligence and Documentation Management Resource : Decision taking Valuation Reorganisation Negotiations Documentation High quality team Quality documents Advance Preparation/ Homework
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www.olswang.com9 Dialogue with Advisers Open, co-operative, responsive Consensus Anticipate Material contracts Debt arrangements Negotiations
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www.olswang.com10 Capital Structure Keep it simple One class Anti-dilution protection 10% limit on options No option discounts on IPO Special/veto rights = red flag to new investors Takeover tag along
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www.olswang.com11 Board Structure Effective, committed, experienced management team with CEO and CFO Combined Code on Corporate Governance/QCA corporate governance guidelines Two independent non-executive directors Early appointment Terms for executives’ employment contracts notice periods options “Without an effective board, the best business will remain unfunded by sophisticated investors”
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www.olswang.com12 10 Key IPO Challenge Areas Post IPO Corporate governance and the role of and relationship with non-executive directors * Continuing obligations and dialogue with advisers * Managing market expectations/communicating with the market * Role of CFO *
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www.olswang.com13 Corporate Governance and Non-Executive Directors Good corporate governance practices are key Combined Code/QCA guidance Not merely box ticking Independent non-executive directors Audit, nomination and remuneration committees Attend all board meetings Access to board papers Annual refresh session
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www.olswang.com14 Continuing Obligations and Dialogue with Advisers Notify market of price sensitive information: Financial condition Sphere of activity Business expectation of its performance Don’t sit on bad (or good!) news Primary point of contact with advisers to discuss all proposals and developments Other continuing obligations including dealing restrictions and substantial transactions
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www.olswang.com15 Managing Market Expectations Prospectus Research note – discuss post IPO coverage with broker “Under promise, over deliver” Commit to strategy Develop annual programme of market contact - six monthly reporting calendar and AGM
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www.olswang.com16 Role of CFO Long form/short form reports Financial model Project manager in the company Detailed knowledge of income streams Test projections and assumptions from a business perspective
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www.olswang.com17 Opportunities in Challenging Markets
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www.olswang.com18 Opportunities in Challenging Markets
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www.olswang.com19 Opportunities in Challenging Markets Low valuations = opportunities for cash buyers and strategic acquisitions M&A roll ups Takeovers / Take-Privates Reverse Mergers
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www.olswang.com20 Opportunities in Challenging Markets M&A no shareholder consent on AIM no new prospectus paper acquisitions Takeovers / Take-Privates City Code on Takeovers and Mergers 6 General Principles 38 Rules 29.9% maximum control stake otherwise mandatory offer (Rule 9) Regulated offer timetable: 65 to 120 days
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www.olswang.com21 Opportunities in Challenging Markets Takeovers / Take-Privates (cont.) General Principles Equivalent treatment for target shareholders Shareholders must have sufficient time to consider bid Target directors must act fairly False markets / artificial distortion Only announce when financing is in place Target must not be distracted beyond prescribed timetable
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www.olswang.com22 Opportunities in Challenging Markets Reverse Mergers Acquiring control of a publicly traded company City Code on Takeovers and Mergers – exemption from Rule 9 New prospectus / admission document required Access to existing shareholder base Access to cash resources with no fundraising
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www.olswang.com23 Wrap Up 1Timetable 210 key IPO challenges areas 3Opportunities in tricky markets
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Thank you for your attention For more information please contact: Adam Fenner +44 (0)20 7067 3352 adam.fenner@olswang.com [2908623]
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