All You Need To Know About SME IPOs

 The blog explains how Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in India can go public through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), detailing the eligibility criteria, listing process, and the benefits of using HDFC Bank for their financial needs.

Overview

Small and Medium Enterprises, known commonly as SMEs, have become integral to India's socio-economic development. SMEs have a low capital cost and enable increased employment opportunities. As of 2022, over 66 lakh new enterprises have been registered across the country. SMEs are mostly private companies funded by private investors. However, you can get funds from public investors by making your SME public. Read on to learn more about SME IPOs.

SME IPO – Eligibility criteria

SMEs can issue IPOs and get listed on the exchange if they meet the following requirements:

  • The SME should be incorporated under the Companies Act 1956.
  • The SME should have a face value (post-issue paid-up capital) of up to ₹25 Crore.
  • The SME's net tangible assets should be worth ₹1.5 Crore.
  • The SME must have a track record of a minimum of three years if it was formed by converting partnership/proprietorship/LLP firms.
  • The SME should have a website.
  • The company's promoters should not change for at least a year after IPO filing.
  • The SME should agree to trade in Demat securities.
  • The SME should enter into a contract with the depositories.

SME listing process – How it works

Let us understand the SME listing process. SMEs must hire the right professionals to tackle the mountain of paperwork and other compliance formalities for issuing an IPO. Here are the steps private SMEs must follow to go public.

  • Appoint an underwriter

The first step to getting the IPO process started is to appoint a merchant banker. The merchant banker, also known as an underwriter, is a professional with expertise in market expectations. Underwriters are responsible for drafting the IPO-related documents, including data about the face value, the selling price of the shares, etc. The appointed banks must conduct due diligence to ensure the data provided by the SME is accurate and without any discrepancies.

  • Prepare the DRHP

Before your company goes public, the potential investors prefer to access the company's information, i.e., operations and prospects. The underwriter creates the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) document. The DRHP allows potential investors to analyse the company's financial data and conduct a market evaluation to make informed investment decisions.

  • Submit the DRHP

When companies file a regular IPO, they submit the DRHP to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). However, SMEs must submit and get the DRHP verified by the Stock Exchange.

  • Advertise the IPO and announce the launch date

Once the Stock Exchange approves the draft, the underwriters add the IPO opening and closing dates, IPO issue price, etc., and launch the IPO on a predetermined date. Only the underwriters, banks, and stock exchanges have information about the company's plan to go public. Therefore, the next step is advertising and marketing the new IPO to attract public investors.

  • Launch the IPO and allot the shares

The last step is to launch the IPO on the opening date. Investors can subscribe to a minimum lot of shares before the closing date. The allotment stage comes after the closing date, where a select number of investors are allotted the shares.

After the IPO is officially launched in the primary market and the company allots the shares to the investors, the company becomes a public company. At this point, other investors can buy its shares in the secondary market.

Conclusion

HDFC Bank is a one-stop shop for all your needs as an SME. You can avail of a hassle-free Business Loan, explore Credit and Overdraft Facilities for your business, and enjoy numerous benefits such as payment and collection solutions. Ready to explore our suite of SME solutions? Click here to get started.

Read more on what drives the retail appetite for IPOs by clicking here.

​​​​​​​*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. HDFC Bank recognises the challenges entrepreneurs face while acquiring capital. Thus, HDFC Bank has created MyBusiness, a one-stop solution that gives you easy access to loans and digital solutions and gives you the essential knowledge you need to run your business. With HDFC Bank MyBusiness, you can scale up, expand your operations, and nurture your business.