While there are benefits to going public,
it also means additional obligations and reporting requirements such as:
1. Increasing accountability to public shareholders
2. Need to maintain dividend and profit growth trends
3. Becoming more vulnerable to an unwelcome takeover
4. Need to observe and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations by governing bodies
5. Increasing costs in complying with higher level of reporting requirements
6. Relinquishing some control of the company following the public offering
7. Suffering a loss of privacy as a result of media interest Discussions with lawyers, independent accountants and other professional advisors will also provide better considerations. Overall, going public is a complex decision that requires careful consideration and planning.
Entrepreneurs should examine their current and future capital needs, and be aware of how an IPO will affect the availability of future financing.
