PSE to host listing sessions for IPO-ready companies

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) will hold the inaugural Learn IPO Strategies and Tactics or “PSE List” master class on March 2 — exclusively for companies that are considered eligible and are prepared to conduct an initial public offering (IPO).

Participating companies will be screened under the PSE Listing Engagement and Assistance Program (Leap). PSE LIST will cover topics such as IPO registration process and procedures, due diligence and compliance requirements, among others.

Resource speakers include PSE issuer regulation division head Marigel Garcia, Securities and Exchange Commission director Vicente Graciano Felizmenio Jr. and Fund Managers Association of the Philippines (FMAP) board of senior adviser Frederico Rafael Ocampo. Cebu Landmasters Inc. president and CEO Jose R. Soberano will be share experiences and valuable insights on preparing for an IPO, transitioning the company from privately-owned to publicly-listed and the responsibilities post-IPO.

“PSE List was designed for companies that may start the paper work on their listing applications anytime. We want the officers of these companies to be better equipped during the IPO application process by getting pertinent information directly from the regulators,” said PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon.

The PSE List will be conducted in small groups throughout the year and will be a continuing initiative for companies that are under PSE Leap, a marketing program focused on assisting interested and potential IPO listing applicants. 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. The services offered under Leap are free of charge. Currently, more than 40 companies are registered with PSE Leap.

For the year, the PSE said it would continue to host activities aimed at raising awareness about IPO listing such as the “Corporate Connect” and “Road to IPO” programs. The former is organized in partnership with select financial advisors and business organizations to drive awareness and create interest in tapping the equities market for capital raising. Road to IPO, on the other hand, is a roundtable discussion featuring prominent executives from publicly-listed companies and stakeholders in the listing process to give potential listing applicants a preview of what to expect when preparing to go public.

The PSE will also join the SEC’s roadshow on capital formation for micro, small and medium enterprises and start-ups for the rest of 2023. After the successful run in Davao this month, the bourse will take part in the same activity that will be conducted in Cebu in March and Cagayan de Oro in April to discuss fund-raising through the stock market and introduce PSE Leap to business owners based in the key cities outside of Metro Manila.