LIC IPO: Indian Law Firms Hesitate to Oversee LIC IPO

LIC is gearing up to be the biggest IPO of India backed by the Government, where every day sets in a new development. For example, recently, the Government has come close to setting a valuation. The targeted valuation is around Rs. 10 lakh crores.

However, while the Government is trying its best to launch the public offer by coming March, law firms are hesitant to advise this initial offering.

LIC Valuation and the Government’s Stance

The Government of India is trying to accelerate IPO formalities to launch the public offer at the earliest by March to bridge the budget gap. In fact, the Government plans to raise Rs. 1.75 trillion through disinvestment by the end of this fiscal year to fill the gap.

Reports suggest that the Government is planning to seek a valuation between Rs. 8 lakh crores to Rs. 10 lakh crores for LIC.

Interestingly, the valuation seems to be based on initial discussion, which could very well change after:

• Detailed discussions and scrutiny
• Official valuation report

It is expected that the Government could allow FDI in LIC to encourage a diversified and robust demand across different investment sectors. To jumpstart the process, a series of bankers have already met LIC officials and the Government.

Why is this Mega IPO Making Indian Law Firms Break into a Cold Sweat?

It is believed that the massive size of this upcoming IPO coupled with LIC’s complex business models and products presents a huge challenge for law firms.

In fact, law firms will have to carry out over 36 tasks, including drafting IPO papers, reviewing corporate governance, analysing risks, overseeing pending litigation, etc.

It is said that the amount of work required is equivalent to overseeing 5 private initial public offering deals. But, above all, the work is not remunerative enough. As a result, domestic law firms are hesitating from providing any advice.

In brief, it is believed to be deterred by the following:

• LIC’s complicated business model
• LIC public offer’s size
• Unappealing fee on the offer

That said, this Thursday was scheduled to be the deadline for law firms to submit their bids.

On another note, the IPO frenzy is keeping lawyers pretty busy with IPOs of giants such as Zomato, Paytm, and Ola market buzzing. Amidst all this, the Government had to revise its offer twice to attract law firms for LIC public offering.

Additionally, in September, the Government limited firms’ public offering related work timeline to 3 years. As a result, leading firms including Khaitan & Co, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas sat out the first tender.

Bottom Line

Earlier this week, the Government revised its fee payment schedule, wherein 50% payment will be offered after filing the draft prospectus. So far in September, LIC is yet to appoint its legal advisors.

Do not miss out on the latest happenings of the stock market and any IPO-related news. Keep a close tab on the Angel One blog section to stay updated.

Download our Angel One app now!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What will be issue type of LIC IPO?

LIC IPO will follow book building offer.

2. How much stake in LIC is the Government planning to disinvest?

The Government is planning to disinvest up to 10% of stake in LIC.

3. What is LIC IPO price?

This information is yet to be announced. Usually, the IPO issue price is announced a week before a public offer opens for subscription.

4. Who can participate in LIC IPO?

Employees, qualified institutional buyers, retail investors, and non-institutional buyers can participate in LIC IPO.