Initial Public Offerings

Debevoise has extensive experience representing U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, underwriters and controlling securityholders in initial public offerings of common stock.

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Contacts

Matthew E. Kaplan

Steven J. Slutzky

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Internationally Ranked

Debevoise and its lawyers are ranked by Chambers Global (2020) for capital markets in Russia and the United States.

Recognition

Ranked as a leading law firm for capital markets for debt, equity, global offerings and high-yield debt.

—The Legal 500 US, 2019

Their service is excellent.

—Chambers USA, 2019

The team is very experienced and detail-oriented. They have the subject matter expertise necessary to be successful in this complicated area, but are also flexible and responsive.

—Chambers USA, 2019

They deliver top-notch service…We get extremely high quality across the board. No matter which lawyer is used, we always receive consistent levels of excellence.

—Chambers USA, 2018

Thought leadership

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Debevoise has extensive experience representing U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, underwriters and controlling securityholders in initial public offerings of common stock. The Capital Markets Group advises clients through all aspects of the IPO process, including:

transaction structuring and planning;
dual-track exit processes;
prospectus disclosure;
SEC review and compliance;
transaction documentation including:
- underwriting arrangements,
- registration rights agreements, and
- shareholders agreements,
corporate and capital restructurings including:
- holding company formation,
- Up-C structures,
corporate governance, including:
- board composition, and
- independence issues,
tax planning; and
executive compensation

Building on broad commercial and industry experience, Debevoise’s Capital Markets Group takes a pragmatic and business-oriented approach to executing IPOs.The Group has extensive experience helping private equity firms and their portfolio companies and other non-public companies prepare for and manage the transition from private to public company status. IPOs require that the firm delivers its clients seamless expertise across multiple practice areas. Debevoise capital markets lawyers work closely with their colleagues to provide critical advice on tax, executive compensation, regulatory and other matters that arise during the IPO process.As part of the IPO process, Debevoise works closely with its clients to craft tailored and comprehensive public company policies and procedures and to navigate the listing process. After a company’s public debut, Debevoise provides cost-effective advice on ongoing SEC reporting obligations and other regulatory and corporate governance matters. Controlled companies and private equity portfolio companies have special considerations with respect to their defensive, governance and shareholder profiles; with extensive experience and market knowledge in this market, the Group provides valuable insight and guidance on these matters.