Den Networks IPO opens for Subscription

The initial public offering (IPO) of Den Networks has opened for subscription today. The issue is of up to 20,000,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each. The issue will close on October 30, 2009. The company has fixed price band between Rs 195-205/share.

The issue comprises a net issue to the public of up to 19,750,000 equity shares and a reservation of up to 250,000 equity shares for subscription by eligible employees. The issue would constitute up to 15.16% of the post-issue paid-up equity share capital of the company. The net issue would constitute 14.97% of the post-issue paid-up equity share capital of the Company.

At least 60% of the net issue will be allocated on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers (QIB). The company may allocate up to 30% of the QIB Portion, to anchor investors on a discretionary basis. Further 5% of the QIB portion less anchor investor portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to mutual funds only.

Also, not less than 10% of the net issue will be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to non-institutional bidders and not less than 30% of the net issue will be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to retail individual bidders, subject to valid bids being received at or above the issue price.

Promoted by Mr Sameer Manchanda and Lucid Systems Private Limited, Den Networks is one of the largest national cable television companies in India engaged in the distribution of analog and digital cable television services (Source: MPA Report 2009). Since incorporation in July 2007, it has expanded analog cable services to 77 cities across India.

It currently provides cable television services in the National Capital Region of Delhi and the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. It has obtained an all-India ISP license and has recently commenced a limited roll out of broadband internet services in select areas, which it intends to expand in all the other cities where it operates.

The IPO Proceeds will partly fund the company?s plans to invest in the development of cable television infrastructure and services; the development of cable broadband infrastructure and services; and acquisition of content and broadcasting rights amongst others.

The equity shares offered through the RHP of the Company are proposed to be listed on Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India.

The global coordinator and book running lead manager for the issue is Deutsche Equities India Private Limited. The co-book running lead manager for the issue is Antique Capital Markets Private Limited. Karvy Computershare Pvt Ltd is the registrar.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, it has reported loss of Rs 13.8 crore and total income of 271.11 crore.