Hut Group to float this month in biggest UK IPO since 2013

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Sep 3, 2020

The Hut Group has published details of its highly anticipated stock market float with confirmation that the company will go ahead with the IPO and that it plans to list on the London Stock Exchange’s main market this month.

The offer will comprise mainly new shares — with some existing share also included — with the aim of raising gross proceeds of £920 million. 

It’s big news both because of the rapid expansion seen at THG in recent periods but also because it could be the largest listing of a UK firm in seven years. It’s also the first major listing since the coronavirus crisis.

The company said it believes the offer will further support its growth plans “by increasing THG's public profile and brand awareness as well as providing a base of long-term shareholders whilst also providing potential liquidity opportunities for shareholders”.

Major investment names including Blackrock, Janus Henderson, Merian and Qatar Investment Authority have committed to subscribing for £565 million of shares at the offer price, with Blackrock alone investing as much as £300 million.

As previously indicated, it all means a £4.5 billion value has been placed on the firm  and it will have 20% of its issued share capital in free float.