Sebi proposes e-IPO norms; fast-track divestment by PSUs

New Delhi: To boost fund raising from markets, Sebi proposed e-IPO norms where investors can bid for shares through Internet and eventually on mobiles,  while already listed PSUs will be provided a 'fast-track'  route for share sales to meet the disinvestment targets. 

For already listed companies as well, Sebi has proposed a fast-track route for raising of funds through FPOs (Follow-on  Public Offers) or Rights Offers (where funds can be raised  from existing shareholders).  Under the new norms, Sebi has proposed to drastically cut the timeline for listing of shares within 2-3 days of the IPO,  as against 12 days currently. The fast-track route of raising capital has been proposed for companies having public shareholding market valuation of  as low as Rs 250 crore, as against Rs 3,000 crore currently. 

The public sector entities can tap the 'fast-track' route even without complying to this minimum average market value limit, provided they meet other conditions, Sebi said. Under the 'fast-track' route, a listed company would not be required to file any draft offer document for its FPO or  rights issue and they can proceed with fund-raising programme  without necessarily getting 'observations' from Sebi.  Sebi has invited public comments till January 30, after  which it would put in place final norms for e-IPO as also for  fast-track issuances. 

The proposed moves are part of efforts to simplify the  process of IPOs, lowering their costs and helping companies reach more retail investors in small towns.  Initially, investors would be able to place bids through  Internet and by using broker terminals across the country, as  against current practice of filling long paper forms. 

A framework for use of mobile applications for making  bids in public issues can also be put in place for  implementation in future, Sebi said.  Investors would also get SMS/e-mail alert for allotment  under the IPO, similar to alerts being sent to investors for  secondary market transactions. Further, on account of reduction in printing of  application forms, the overall cost of public issues will also  come down.  Sebi said that these proposals may be used for debt  issues as well. However, in order to make this mechanism applicable to debt issues, suitable amendments may be required  under SEBI (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) Regulations,  2008.