Grocery giant Spinneys announced a significant increase in the number of shares allocated to retail investors in its upcoming initial public offering (IPO). This move aims to broaden investor participation and potentially generate greater public interest in the company's stock market debut.
Previously, the retail offering, also known as the "First Tranche," was set to represent 5% of the total shares available for purchase. However, in a recent statement, Spinneys revealed an increase to 7%, translating to an additional 18 million shares offered to individual investors within the UAE. This decision comes just days before the subscription period closes for retail investors on Monday, April 29th.
Analysts suggest this shift in allocation strategy could be due to several factors. Firstly, it might indicate strong initial demand from retail investors during the early stages of the IPO process. By expanding the pool of shares available, Spinneys could cater to this interest and potentially attract a wider range of individual investors.
Secondly, increasing retail participation can positively impact the stock's liquidity after listing. A broader investor base translates to a higher volume of shares being traded, which can enhance the stock's price stability and overall market performance.
The total size of the offering remains unchanged at 900 million shares, representing 25% of Spinneys' issued share capital. Consequently, the allocation for institutional investors, categorized as the "Qualified Investor Offering," has been adjusted to reflect the expanded retail offering. These qualified investors will now have access to 83% of the total shares, down from the previously announced 95%.
Despite the adjustments, the core aspects of the IPO plan remain unaltered. The offer price range stays between AED 1.42 and AED 1.53 per share, implying a market capitalization at listing of approximately AED 5.11 billion to AED 5.51 billion. The final offer price is still scheduled to be announced on Wednesday, May 1st.
Spinneys' decision to prioritize retail investor participation aligns with a growing trend in the region. As more companies seek IPOs, there's a strategic focus on attracting individual investors alongside institutional investment. This approach can not only broaden the investor base but also potentially generate greater public engagement with the stock market.