Initial Public Offerings: Considerations for Business Owners and Executives Taking Their Company Public
Accelerate the IPO Process
An IPO can be a long, demanding and complicated process that will have long term implications for your company. Our IPO solutions and experts help you successfully navigate the intricacies and prepare for life as a public company. Are you ready?
Choose the global leader for IPO services
When it comes to capitalizing on key moments in the IPO process, DFIN leads the way – and we have the numbers to prove it.
Over the last six years, DFIN
Filed
700+
Traditional IPOs
Partnered on
70%
Traditional IPOs valued at
≥ $100M (US-based issuers)
Serviced
350+
SPACs
Supported
Majority of PE and VC-backed IPOs
Client success
Some of the many global clients DFIN’s IPO filing software and services helped accelerate through the listing process.
Consumer
Technology
Finance
Healthcare
Preparation, planning and the right IPO software solutions are critical to success.
IPO Timeline
Preparation
Pre-Filing
Initial submission of S-1
Roadshow
Pricing/Trading
Life Post IPO
IPO Timeline
Preparation
12 - 18 Months
- Prepare work plan for IPO readiness
- Assess financial statements and evaluate audit firm
- Assess internal resources (accounting, FP&A, legal, IR)
- Evaluate need for third-party advisers
- Consider structural decisions (e.g., corporate, tax, compensation)
Pre-Filing
4 - 6 Months
- Engage lead underwriters
- Prepare S-1
- Equity story/investment thesis
- Historical financial statements & MD&A
- Risk factors/legal sections
- Financial model
Initial submission of S-1
3 Months
- Confidential submission of S-1 and SEC review process (typically ~12-14 weeks)
- Teach-in with syndicate analysis
- Prepare roadshow presentation
- Publicly file S-1 at least 15 days prior to launch of roadshow
- Finalize IPO documentation
- Organizational and governance documents
- Listing application
- Underwriting agreement
Roadshow
2 Weeks
- Finalize preliminary prospectus with indicative price range
- Launch roadshow (typically 7-10 trading days)
Pricing/Trading
Trade date
- Price IPO after market close at conclusion of roadshow
- Begin trading next day after pricing
- Close third trading day after pricing
Life Post IPO
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
- Extensive quarterly reporting required
- SOX compliance
- Annual reports and recent events
- Proxy Statement, Annual Meeting
Explore client results
HEALTHCARE
How we helped a healthcare company get and stay deal ready to go public and close a secondary offering
TECHNOLOGY
Execute a successful IPO with management and staff working from secluded locations
LIFE SCIENCES
How we helped a cambridge headquartered biotechnology company accelerate its IPO journey
Starting financial reporting early is key to a successful IPO
Drive efficiencies and optimize your IPO reporting with ActiveDisclosure.
- Streamline S-1 reporting as you prepare for your IPO
- Reduce costs & financial risks
- Develop the robust systems needed for life as a public company
- Leverage our 24/7/365 financial expertise
We have prepared our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations, although we have strong thoughts that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments.
We have prepared our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations, although we have strong thoughts that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments.
Get in touch with us for IPO support, pricing or more information.
or
call +1 866 784 9840
Explore the latest IPO & Public Listing Report
"
The largest tech offering in years, ARM Holdings, raised ~$4.9 billion, making Q3 the busiest quarter by proceeds this year. Unicorns moved through the IPO pipeline, with Instacart and Klaviyo making their public debuts. All eyes are on inflation, market volatility, and the government shutdown and the impact it may have on exchange bells ringing in Q4."
Craig Clay, President, DFIN
Guide to IPOs
Considerations for Business Owners and Executives Taking Their Company Public
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12-18 months
- Prepare work plan for IPO readiness
- Assess financial statements and evaluate audit firm
- Assess internal resources (accounting, FP&A, legal, IR)
- Evaluate need for third-party advisers
- Consider structural decisions (e.g., corporate, tax, compensation)
4-6 months
- Engage lead underwriters
- Prepare S-1
- Equity story/investment thesis
- Historical financial statements & MD&A
- Risk factors/legal sections
- Financial model
3 months
- Confidential submission of S-1 and SEC review process (typically ~12-14 weeks)
- Teach-in with syndicate analysis
- Prepare roadshow presentation
- Publicly file S-1 at least 15 days prior to launch of roadshow
- Finalize IPO documentation
- Organizational and governance documents
- Listing application
- Underwriting agreement
2 weeks
- Finalize preliminary prospectus with indicative price range
- Launch roadshow (typically 7-10 trading days)
Trade Date
- Price IPO after market close at conclusion of roadshow
- Begin trading next day after pricing
- Close third trading day after pricing
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
- Extensive quarterly reporting required
- SOX compliance
- Annual reports and recent events
- Proxy Statement, Annual Meeting
Unlock a stronger workflow with secure virtual communication channels and flexible technology.
Access leading SEC experts 24/7/365 for guidance in the moments that matter.
Ensure accurate and audit-ready documentation with built-in compliance capabilities.
Prepare standout materials with advanced composition systems, on-demand resources and an unrivaled print platform.
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