PNB Housing Finance receives Sebi nod for Rs 2,500-crore IPO

New Delhi: PNB Housing Finance has received capital markets regulator Sebi's go ahead to raise Rs 2,500 crore through an initial public offering.

The leading housing finance firm had filed IPO papers with Sebi in July. The markets regulator issued its final 'observations' on October 6 on the draft offer documents, which is necessary for any company to launch the public offer.

PNB Housing Finance, promoted by Punjab National Bank, would be using the proceeds from the share sale mainly towards augmenting its capital base.

According to the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), the company plans to raise up to Rs 2,500 crore through the initial share sale and a portion would be reserved for the employees.

"We believe that the listing of our equity shares will enhance our visibility and brand name among existing and potential customers," it added.

For the year ended March 2016, PNB Housing Finance reported a profit after tax of Rs 327.57 crore while revenue from operations stood at Rs 2,699.54 crore in the same period.

At the end of March 2016, PNB had 51 per cent stake in the company. Post IPO, it would "continue to hold approximately 35-37 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital", according to the DRHP.

Kotak Investment Banking, BofA Merrill Lynch, JM Financial, J P Morgan and Morgan Stanley are the global coordinators and book running lead managers for the proposed issue.

The company plans to grow business and loan portfolio by consolidating position in key geographies as well as by expanding into specific target markets such as the affordable housing segment.