Com Hem IPO to raise USD850m

Sweden’s largest cableco Com Hem, controlled by UK-based BC Partners, expects to raise around SEK5.67 billion (USD850 million) via its Initial Public Offering (IPO), priced at SEK44–SEK62 per share and valuing the whole company at SEK10.07 billion–SEK11.87 billion, reports Broadband TV News. The application period for an institutional offering was scheduled to start on 4 June (yesterday) and close on 16 June, while the application period for an offering to the public in Sweden was scheduled to start on the same day and close on 13 June. Trading is expected to begin on 17 June. Anders Nilsson, CEO of Com Hem, said: ‘Significant investments have been made in order to strengthen our business and I am convinced we have a compelling value proposition to customers … We have created a solid platform, now it’s about execution. We welcome new shareholders to take part in Com Hem’s future as a listed company.’ Nikos Stathopoulos, managing partner at BC Partners, added: ‘Broadening the shareholder base marks a new and exciting phase in the history of Com Hem. Additional financial flexibility coupled with the enhanced public profile will provide the appropriate platform for Com Hem’s future development.’