IPO Diagnostic

Going public can be a pivotal step in your company's growth strategy to raise capital, attract and retain staff and enhance your company's profile.

You might be considering an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to expand your business, improve market presence or as a long-term, planned exit strategy for owners.

Whatever your motivation, the right decision results from a vision to succeed, a thorough analytical evaluation of your objectives and your plans, and a dash of gut instinct.

You have the vision and gut instinct. We can help with the planning and provide guidance on the journey to going public and what it takes to succeed.

We have developed an IPO Diagnostic to provide companies with the information they need to make an informed decision about going public.

We will assess your company's readiness to go public and provide a customized report on areas that require attention to ensure your company is prepared for an IPO.

The pros and cons of going public
To begin, you must be fully aware of the implications and process of going public. We will review:

• What are your business objectives and capital requirements?
• Have you weighed the advantages of being a public company against the disadvantages?
• Have you examined the costs?
• Are you prepared for the time commitment that will be necessary?
• Are you fully familiar with the steps involved in the IPO process?
• Have you plotted a reasonable timetable for completion of the IPO?
  

Options and issues
There are a number of issues and options you need to consider and understand, such as:

• Do you have a formal business plan with the key components necessary for a prospectus?
• Have you reviewed alternatives for financing?
• Are you familiar with the listing requirements of appropriate stock exchanges, such as the TSE and NASDAQ?
• If you want to list in the U.S., do you know the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?
• What is the public profile of your company?
  

Your company's management, internal controls, and systems
Before you become a public company you have to "get your house in order" and manage like a public company. We will review:

• Are your financial statements in order?
• Are you up-to-date on the tax implications of going public?
• Do you have adequate reporting systems and processes in place?
• Do you have an effective management team?
• Will your board of directors be able to enhance shareholder value?
• Does your company corporate governance policies and practices comply with the requirements of managing a public company?
• Have you established the professional relationships necessary to build an IPO advisory team?