Going Public and Managing Financial Market Expectations

Going public forever changes how a company does business. The actual process of going public can be time-consuming, expensive, and take a substantial amount of key management focus away from the day-to-day operations of the company. Ultimately, the decision comes down to soul searching – to the examination and evaluation of the reasons for taking the company public. Is it solely to raise money? To expand the company? For status and prestige? To attract key people? For liquidity? The process can work for any of these reasons. But remember, it takes time, careful preparation, and timing.

Companies should begin acting like a public company as early as two years before the IPO. This means getting comfortable with the rhythm of quarterly and annual reporting requirements, their content, and costs. It also means proactively managing the company’s reputation.

 

How PwC can help you

PwC provides in-depth guidance for any company making the decision to go public. We focus on current regulatory and disclosure issues, the requirements for a successful offering, choosing an investment banker, the going-public process, and life as a successful public company.