Kenny Haglund was featured in the October 13 issue of Portland Business Journal (PBJ) in a Thought Leader Forum on IPOs in Oregon. While the public offering market has rebounded globally, Oregon has stayed fairly quiet. In the feature, Haglund discusses what activity to expect in Oregon moving forward, the potential advantages and disadvantages of an IPO, and what a company should to do prepare for an IPO.
Q. PBJ: What are some of the advantages of going public?
A. Haglund: First, there’s an infusion of cash which is typically used to expand the business, perhaps aggressively. There’s also future access to the capital markets. So, afterwards if you want to raise additional capital for the same purpose or others, after an IPO, your stock can become a currency that can be used in connection with your business and future acquisitions. It also provides a diversified shareholder base which can have some advantages. In addition, there can be partial or gradual liquidity for investors, founders and other shareholders. The impact of equity incentives for employees may also be increased due to a visible value and liquid market for your stock. There’s just a general enhanced public profile for any public company.