Betfair flotation WILL go ahead
Read full details here: –
https://corporate.betfair.com/investors.asp
As an active private investor I’ve been valuing companies for years. When a company IPO’s to fund expansion this is usually seen as a good sign, raising low cost captial to expand. When a company IPO’s to acquire, there is some risk but the rationale can be justified. The final type of IPO is an exit strategy, a chance for shareholders to cash in at the highest price and to sell some of their shares and pass risk on to new investors. Betfair don’t need any new funds, so this IPO appears to fall into the last catefory.
Until the offer document is out I can’t really comment on valuation but I already suspect this will be at the very top end of expectations given the nature of the IPO and justified on future growth prospects. The trouble will very highly valued shares is that it doesn’t take much to send them crashing to earth. But lets wait till the offer document is published and see what comes out of that. One thing that will change is, if you are a shareholder, you will have the right to turn up at the AGM and ask questions. Betfair will also have to publish more detail and be more open about their business. I’ve met many a director of a public company that dislikes the scrutiny that occurs at that level but it’s all part of being a public company.
Having been an investor for such a long time and also one of Betfair’s longest serving customers this is going to be a fastinating period.
There is a thread on the forum, where we shall be discussing matters for sure.
Category: Betfair
