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Corporate

Parle Products plans $1 bn IPO

Parle Products is preparing to take its nearly century-old business to the stock market with an initial public offering (IPO) that could raise more than $1 billion. The proposed issue is expected to value the company at over $10.5 billion (around ₹1 lakh crore), making it one of the biggest IPOs by an Indian FMCG company.

The company has appointed Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital and HSBC Securities to manage the proposed public issue. It is also looking to add another investment bank to the advisory team as it moves ahead with the listing process. The IPO is still in the early stages, and its final size and timeline will depend on market conditions.

Parle Products has not officially confirmed its listing plans. The company has said it remains focused on growing its business and continues to evaluate opportunities that can support its long-term expansion.

For FY25, Parle Products reported operational revenue of ₹15,568.49 crore, up 8.5% from the previous year. Net profit, however, declined 39% to ₹979.53 crore.

Founded in 1929, Parle Products is one of India’s best-known food companies. Its portfolio includes household brands such as Parle-G, Monaco, KrackJack, Hide & Seek, Melody and Mango Bite. Over the years, it has also expanded into categories such as cakes, rusk, atta and breakfast cereals.

The company has built a strong presence beyond India, exporting its products to several countries while operating manufacturing facilities across Africa, Asia and North America.

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Corporate

Kuku files confidential IPO papers to raise ₹3,500 cr

Kuku, one of India’s fastest-growing microdrama and short-form entertainment platforms, has confidentially filed draft papers for an initial public offering (IPO), aiming to raise around ₹3,500 crore. The move comes as the popularity of bite-sized video storytelling continues to surge among Indian audiences.

The company has chosen the confidential filing route, allowing it to prepare for its market debut while keeping detailed financial and business information private until a later stage. This approach has become increasingly popular among companies seeking greater flexibility during the IPO process.

Kuku has gained significant traction by offering short, episodic drama content tailored for mobile users. The platform operates in the rapidly expanding microdrama segment, which features compact story formats designed for quick consumption. Industry observers say the format has witnessed strong growth due to increasing smartphone penetration, affordable internet access and changing viewer preferences.

The proposed ₹3,500-crore fundraising could help the company expand its content library, strengthen technology infrastructure and invest in user acquisition. The proceeds may also support future growth initiatives and enhance Kuku’s competitive position in the digital entertainment market.

The company’s IPO plans come amid rising investor interest in digital content and media platforms. Several technology-driven businesses have explored public listings in recent years as they seek capital to support expansion and improve market visibility.

Market experts believe Kuku’s listing could serve as an important test of investor appetite for emerging entertainment formats. The microdrama industry has attracted attention globally, particularly in markets where consumers increasingly prefer short-form content over traditional long-format programming.

If successful, the IPO would rank among the notable public offerings from India’s digital media sector. Investors will closely watch the company’s financial performance, user growth and monetisation strategy once further details of the offering are disclosed.

The planned listing highlights the growing maturity of India’s digital content ecosystem and the increasing role of technology-driven entertainment platforms in the country’s media landscape.

Even while competition in the digital entertainment sector remains intense, Kuku has benefited from growing demand for localized and easily accessible content. The company has built a user base by focusing on engaging storytelling delivered through short episodes optimized for mobile viewing.

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1 Minute-Read

Anthropic files confidential IPO papers

Anthropic, the artificial intelligence startup behind the Claude chatbot, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. The move positions the company to become one of the biggest AI firms to enter public markets.

Reports suggest Anthropic could debut with a valuation approaching $1 trillion, driven by strong investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. Backed by major technology companies and investors, the firm has rapidly expanded its AI offerings and enterprise business.

The confidential filing allows Anthropic to begin regulatory review while keeping financial details private until a later stage.

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Corporate

Coca-Cola prepares for India bottling business in 2027

The Coca-Cola Company is exploring a potential initial public offering (IPO) of its India bottling business, Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH), as early as 2027, according to reports. The move could unlock value from one of the company’s most important growth markets and provide investors with exposure to India’s expanding beverage sector.

HCCH serves as Coca-Cola’s key bottling and distribution arm in India. Through its subsidiary, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), the company manufactures, bottles and distributes a wide range of products, including Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Fanta, Maaza, Limca and Minute Maid. The business operates an extensive production and distribution network across the country.

Reports suggest Coca-Cola has begun preliminary discussions with advisers regarding a possible listing. While no final decision has been taken, the company is evaluating various options, including an IPO that could be launched in 2027. The timing and structure of the offering will depend on market conditions and strategic considerations.

India has emerged as one of Coca-Cola’s fastest-growing markets, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation and increasing consumption of packaged beverages. The country has become a key focus area for the global beverage giant as it seeks growth beyond mature markets in North America and Europe.

Industry experts believe an IPO could help unlock significant value from the India operations. It may also provide greater financial flexibility for future investments in manufacturing, distribution and product innovation. The listing would come at a time when investor interest in consumer-facing businesses remains strong.

The development follows Coca-Cola’s ongoing efforts to streamline and optimise its bottling operations globally. In recent years, the company has pursued a strategy of refranchising bottling assets in several markets while maintaining strategic oversight of key businesses.

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Corporate

Anthropic plans $60 billion IPO amid AI boom

Anthropic, the artificial intelligence firm behind the Claude chatbot, is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at over $60 billion. The listing is reportedly being targeted for October 2026, though plans are still in the early stages.

Founded in 2021 by former researchers from OpenAI, Anthropic has quickly positioned itself as a major player in the rapidly expanding AI industry. Its flagship product, Claude, is widely used for a range of applications, from enterprise solutions to everyday digital tasks, helping the company gain strong traction in a competitive market.

The proposed IPO reflects growing investor interest in artificial intelligence companies, as demand for advanced AI systems continues to surge globally. Industry experts believe that Anthropic’s listing could become one of the most significant tech IPOs in recent years, highlighting the increasing value placed on AI-driven innovation.

Reports suggest the company has begun preliminary discussions with leading investment banks to manage the offering. While details are yet to be finalised, the funds raised through the IPO are expected to support large-scale investments in computing infrastructure, including data centres and high-performance hardware. These investments are essential for training and deploying more advanced AI models.

Anthropic is often seen as a key competitor to OpenAI, with both companies racing to develop more powerful and efficient AI technologies. The rivalry underscores the broader competition within the tech industry, where companies are investing heavily to gain an edge in generative AI.

Despite the strong interest, the IPO timeline and valuation remain subject to change depending on market conditions and regulatory approvals. However, the move signals confidence in the long-term growth of the AI sector.

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Corporate

Sai Parenterals IPO subscribed 4% on day 1

The initial public offering (IPO) of Sai Parenterals began on a subdued note, with the issue receiving only about 4% subscription on the first day of bidding.

Data shows that the IPO attracted limited bids compared to the total shares on offer, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. The weak response comes at a time when market participants are increasingly selective in the primary market.

The ₹409 crore issue, which opened on March 24 and will close on March 27, includes both a fresh issue of shares and an offer for sale. The company has fixed a price band of ₹372 to ₹392 per share.

Market signals also indicate a lack of strong enthusiasm. The grey market premium (GMP), often seen as an indicator of listing gains, remains flat, suggesting expectations of a modest or neutral debut on the stock exchanges.

Analysts attribute the slow start to a combination of factors, including valuation concerns and overall market uncertainty. Investors are closely evaluating company fundamentals and growth potential before committing funds, particularly in mid-sized IPOs.

The pharmaceutical sector, while generally stable, has seen mixed interest in recent public issues, further contributing to the cautious approach among investors.

The company plans to use the funds raised for expansion, working capital needs and general corporate purposes. However, experts advise potential investors to review the firm’s financials and long-term outlook before making decisions.

Despite the muted opening, subscription levels could improve in the coming days, as institutional investors and retail participants often step in closer to the closing date.
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Corporate

Gaudium IVF lists at 5% premium on IPO debut

Shares of Gaudium IVF and Women Health made a steady debut on the stock exchanges, listing at ₹83, which is about 5% higher than the issue price of ₹79 per share. The modest premium came as a positive signal for investors, particularly given cautious sentiment in segments of the broader market.

The company’s initial public offering (IPO), valued at approximately ₹165 crore, had drawn strong interest during the subscription window. Retail investors and high-net-worth individuals led the demand, resulting in the issue being subscribed multiple times over. The listing performance exceeded muted expectations in the grey market, where informal indications had suggested a flatter start.

Gaudium IVF operates in the assisted reproductive technology space, offering fertility treatments including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). The company follows a hub-and-spoke operating model, with main centres supported by satellite clinics to widen patient reach. It currently runs centres across key urban markets and plans to deepen its footprint.

According to its stated plans, proceeds from the IPO will primarily be used to fund expansion, including the launch of new IVF centres in different parts of the country. A portion of the funds will also go toward debt reduction and general corporate purposes, strengthening the balance sheet as it scales operations.

The fertility services market in India has been expanding, driven by rising awareness, lifestyle changes, and improving access to specialised healthcare. Industry analysts believe organised players with established brands and clinical track records are well positioned to benefit from this structural growth trend.

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Leaders

Tablesh Pandey to lead NSE IPO committee plan

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has taken a major step toward going public, as its board approved plans for an initial public offering (IPO) and formed a special IPO committee to oversee the process.

The IPO will be conducted via an offer-for-sale (OFS) route, in which existing shareholders sell their stake rather than the exchange issuing new shares. This approach helps determine NSE’s market valuation while retaining its overall ownership structure.

Former LIC Managing Director Tablesh Pandey has been appointed chairman of the IPO committee, bringing decades of experience in financial management, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Pandey is widely respected for his leadership at LIC, India’s largest insurance company, where he successfully steered growth, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened investor trust.

The IPO committee will include NSE’s Managing Director & CEO and public interest directors, ensuring strategic oversight of key steps such as finalizing the issue size, appointing merchant bankers, and preparing the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).

A significant milestone for the exchange was the no-objection certificate (NOC) from SEBI, which clears a major regulatory hurdle for the listing. NSE aims to file the DRHP by end of March or early April, subject to audited financial statements and regulatory approvals.

The IPO is expected to unlock shareholder value and increase participation in India’s premier stock exchange. Analysts believe that with Pandey leading the committee, the process will benefit from strong governance, credibility, and smooth execution.

Pandey’s appointment is seen as a signal of the NSE’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, given his proven track record in managing large public-sector financial institutions. Experts expect the IPO to be closely watched by both retail and institutional investors in India.

With the IPO committee now in place under Pandey’s guidance, NSE is on track to achieve a long-awaited listing, marking a major development in India’s capital markets.

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1 Minute-Read

Turtlemint files ₹2,000 Cr IPO, eyeing April listing

Turtlemint Fintech Solutions, an insurtech platform founded in 2015, has filed an updated draft prospectus with SEBI for a proposed ₹2,000 crore IPO, targeting a listing by April.

The public offering will include both new shares and an offer-for-sale by existing investors. The company plans to use the proceeds to strengthen technology, expand infrastructure, and support business growth.

Early investors, including Nexus Venture Partners and Peak XV Partners, are expected to sell part of their holdings in the listing.

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Corporate

Shadowfax IPO allotment done, 2.7x subscribed

Shadowfax Technologies Ltd has completed the allotment for its IPO, which attracted strong investor interest. The company’s public offering, valued at ₹1,907 crore, saw an overall subscription of 2.7 times, driven mainly by Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), alongside notable retail participation. The IPO was open for bidding from January 20 to 22, 2026, and allotment was finalised on January 23.

Investors can check their allotment status through the registrar KFin Technologies or via the BSE and NSE websites. Those who did not receive an allocation will have their applications refunded in the coming days.

Shadowfax shares are scheduled to list on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange on January 28, 2026. Grey market trends—a popular, though unofficial, indicator—suggest that shares could debut at or slightly below the issue price, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.

The IPO price band was set at ₹118–₹124 per share, with retail investors required to buy a minimum lot of around ₹14,000. The company intends to use the funds to expand its logistics network, strengthen technology infrastructure, and support growth initiatives in its delivery business.

With the allotment completed and refunds underway for non-allocated applications, attention now turns to January 28, when trading begins. The subscription pattern highlighted strong institutional demand, with QIBs oversubscribing their portion, while the retail segment also showed solid participation.

Analysts note that the initial listing performance will be closely watched, as it will indicate investor confidence in Shadowfax’s expansion plans and operational model.

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