Pat McCann, the Chief Executive of Dalata Hotel Group plc, which raised €265 million in an IPO (initial public offering) last year, has called on high-growth Irish companies to plan for a successful IPO as part of their long-term growth strategy.
Speaking at the launch of the #IPOready support programme for IPO candidate companies at the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) today, Pat McCann said listing on the public markets has provided Dalata with access to investors and capital that has allowed it to flourish as a public limited company.
Mr McCann said the ISE’s new programme will be welcomed by entrepreneurs as it will provide IPO candidate companies with a structured support programme to equip them with crucial skills in capital raising, investor relations and business management.
“This initiative will provide effective, relevant support to companies that are considering an IPO,” said Mr McCann.
“It is a programme that I know would have been very useful when bringing Dalata to the market and I would recommend it to any growing company in its pre-IPO phase”.
The launch, which took place on the trading floor of the Irish Stock Exchange, was attended by over 100 representatives from IPO candidate companies, investors, financial advisors and legal advisors.
Speakers included Aileen O’Donoghue, Director of Strategy at the ISE, and Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland. The programme is aimed at companies that are on course for a stock market listing in the next 5 years.
The #IPOready programme, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, will provide extensive support over 15 months to prepare successful applicants for the requirements of listing on the ISE and attracting investment from domestic and international shareholders.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 20th February 2015.
Full details of the programme are available in the IPO Programme Brochure available on www.ise.ie
