European IPO offers could take advantage of market stability
At least five sizable companies are considering a first-time share sale on regional bourses ahead of the traditional summer lull that usually starts around the middle of July, according to people familiar with the matter.
German firms Autodoc SE, an online car parts retailer that's backed by Apollo Global Management, and medical technology group Brainlab AG could both tap markets within this period.
Sweden's Hacksaw and Nordic Capital-backed NOBA Bank Group AB are also considering imminent offerings, said the people.
In Portugal, Novo Banco SA continues to prepare for a possible IPO alongside talks about a possible sale, the people said.
Majority owner Lone Star Funds has been holding discussions with suitors about a possible buyout, which could pre-empt a listing, Bloomberg News reported last week.
Chief executive officer Mark Bourke said earlier this month an offering could take place as soon as June. Several of the firms have been holding detailed discussions with potential investors in preparation for possible IPOs, the people said.
A renewed upswing in market volatility or disagreements over valuations could place many of the companies' plans for an IPO on hold, they said.
Deliberations are ongoing and details of the potential offerings could still change, the people said.
Representatives for Apollo, Autodoc, Hacksaw, Lone Star, NOBA Bank and Nordic Capital declined to comment.
A spokesperson for Novo Banco referred Bloomberg to Mr Bourke's comments last week about the timing of a possible offering.
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A spokesperson for Brainlab said the company hasn't made a decision. 'Brainlab keeps all its long-term options open to explore possibilities to support the long-term growth and equity story of the company,' the representative said.
A flurry of European deals could help fuel a global revival in IPO activity following a strong market rebound from the disruptions caused by US tariffs.
Volatility in recent months led companies such as Stada Arzneimittel AG to delay their offerings, with regional activity slowing to a crawl in April.
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