PSE offers to assist firms eyeing IPOs

The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) urges firms considering going public to join its Listing Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP) which will help them go through the process of an initial public offering.

In a statement, the bourse noted that, “Since its introduction in the fourth quarter of 2020, 37 potential (IPO) applicants have taken part in the program, of which three have successfully listed this year.” LEAP is the PSE’s marketing program focused on assisting interested and potential listing applicants for free.

The program provides handholding guidance to clients via one-on-one advisory sessions, access to online pre-listing assessment tools, and assistance in connecting potential clients to seasoned IPO advisors.

“Business owners looking to raise funds through the stock market may not know where or how to begin their IPO journey or may feel overwhelmed by the process,” said PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon.

He added that, “Under our LEAP program, we guide them through the various stages of an IPO application and advise them on how to comply with the various requirements.” “A successful IPO will be beneficial to all capital market stakeholders and an IPO undertaken by a well-prepared company will have better chances to succeed,” Monzon noted.

The LEAP pipeline consists of companies that are preparing to list on the Main and Small, Medium and Emerging (SME) Board of the PSE.

The companies are in various industries including property, technology and business solutions, food and beverages manufacturing, specialty retailing, agricultural products, mining and materials, among others.

“An IPO is a milestone specific to each company. As such, we do not rush the process and allow the companies under LEAP to follow their own pace, with the proper guidance from our team and our pool of financial advisors,” Monzon said.

LEAP will be introduced to business owners who will be attending the Road to IPO 2022, a virtual event aimed at creating awareness about the benefits of IPO listing and the requirements and processes in successfully conducting a maiden share offering to the public.

Road to IPO 2022 is scheduled on September 15, Thursday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

The partner financial advisors of LEAP will also have booths at the Road to IPO 2022 to give attendees the opportunity to ask basic IPO questions and interact with their prospective IPO listing advisors.