BIZ BUZZ: Next hot IPO trend?
Upscale bakery-cafes and restaurants could be the next hot initial public offering (IPO) market as soon as stocks reverse course from this grueling downtrend.
A topflight investment banker told Biz Buzz that three companies—Wildflour Cafe + Bakery, Mary Grace Cafe and Cabalen—had sought expert advice and were very interested to explore an IPO once market conditions improve.
While their business models vary, the companies share similarities in that they remain successful and profitable in their chosen niche and were founded and led by women.
Wildflour, cofounded by president and CEO Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, is likely to fetch the richest valuation of the three due to its high profit margin operations and expansion plans. In fact, estimates place its post-IPO valuation at around P10 billion.
Mary Grace, founded and led by Mary Grace Dimacali, is another well-known chain. What started as a small business selling baked goods in residential villages and school bazaars is now one of the top restaurants in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. The investment banker told us Mary Grace could also be worth several billions of pesos.
Cabalen, founded and led by Maritel Nievera, is another business that is exploring the IPO route. Best known for its Filipino buffet spreads, Cabalen has plenty of competition in Metro Manila but we’re told the brand remains sought-after, especially in provincial locations.
