Initial Public Offerings

Companies that go public need not only to complete their initial offering successfully, but also begin their new public life favorably in the eyes of all their new audiences. We help with both missions.

Private company visibility

An IPO is one of a range of possible business alternatives, with a merger/acquisition transaction or private equity investment as other common outcomes. We work with private companies and their owners to identify, develop and implement appropriate levels of visibility targeted to their most important business and financial audiences; and to develop communications policies and practices suitable for their future needs.

Public-company readiness

When a client decides to go public, we work with other advisors on a “gap analysis” of necessary transitional actions to achieve required or conventional public company functionality. We help clients to establish communications policies and protocols, build investor relations infrastructure (including personnel recruitment), create external relationships, raise or modify public profiles, and develop and road-test corporate messaging.

IPO marketing

The run-up from filing to offering is a busy “quiet period.” We assist the client with media relations, internal communications and staff development. We support clients and their investment bankers in the marketing effort: due diligence, messaging, drafting, road-show presentation preparation and feedback. We advise as well on initial IR and PR plans for the company once public.

Listing day

An IPO’s first day of trading commonly begins with a ceremonial event at the listing exchange, and ends with media scrutiny of the closing. Overall visibility is extremely high. We help companies to make the most of the opportunity with targeted communications and events for key audiences, and with carefully calibrated media exposure.

Aftermarket communications

We commonly work with clients after the IPO closes to support the launch and implementation of the PR and IR plans. We advise on dealing with unexpected challenges and opportunities. We obtain independent feedback on clients’ early performance. And we’re at times needed for M&A activity, crisis management, branding and positioning, and other capabilities.