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.