German perfume retailer Douglas is on the verge of announcing its intention to go public through an initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant development that will be closely monitored by Europe’s equity markets. With the majority ownership held by CVC Capital Partners, Douglas is preparing to declare its intention to float on the Frankfurt bourse in the coming days, contingent upon favorable market conditions.
The prospective IPO announcement, which could potentially be delayed until next Monday, aligns with a week marked by substantial macro-economic data releases, including the eagerly awaited US inflation figures scheduled for Thursday.
Investment banks are poised to engage in discussions with potential investors once the intention to float is declared, seeking to gauge a valuation range for the forthcoming share sale. While previous reports hinted at Douglas going public by the end of March, official spokespeople for the IPO have refrained from commenting on the matter.
This IPO announcement unfolds against a backdrop of rising optimism surrounding new stock listings, evident in the successful IPOs of German defense contractor Renk and Athens International Airport earlier this month. The prevailing belief that interest rates have stabilized contributes to a more favorable environment for equity markets.
Furthermore, the CBOE Volatility Index, often regarded as Wall Street’s fear gauge, remains at levels conducive for IPOs, instilling confidence in the upcoming offerings.
Douglas’ IPO plans are part of a broader trend, with at least four other major IPOs anticipated for the first half of the year, according to insider sources.
