The Complete Going Public Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Turn a Private Enterprise into a Publicly Traded Company

Going public is one of the most important steps in the life of a business. Done correctly, it can lead to an infusion of capital to fuel long-term growth. Done incorrectly, it can rob a company of its unique vision. The Complete Going Public Handbook shows you how to successfully launch an IPO that meets the needs of your business and, at the same time, avoids the all-too-common mistakes that can squander a company's future.


Inside, Frederick D. Lipman, an attorney specializing in IPOs, thoroughly explains the process in an easy-to-understand format. He also offers a unique index that lists underwriters for different types and sizes of offerings. In addition, you'll learn how to:

• Determine whether going public is right for your business
• Develop a five-year advance plan to ensure a successful IPO
• Select the underwriter most suited to your firm's needs
• Understand current SEC regulations
• Attract investment bankers
• Qualify your stock for trading on NYSE, NASDAQ, and other major stock exchanges
• And much more


Nontraditional methods of going public and self-underwriting are examined as well. You'll also find a comprehensive breakdown of IPO costs for hundreds of recent public offerings. The Complete Going Public Handbook helps you take control of your company's future and offers everything you need to successfully initiate your IPO and minimize your risk.



?An easy-to-read, step-by-step guide on surviving the process."—USA Today


?Well-researched and thorough. A useful guide for an entrepreneur wishing to understand the benefits, risks, and timing considerations of an initial public offering."—W. Gar Richlin, Former head of Investment Banking, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown LLC


?Contains valuable suggestions for advance planning and underwriter selection and belongs in the library of every entrepreneur and business executive."—William C. Tyson, Associate Professor, Legal Studies, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Frederick D. Lipman lectures on private equity in the MBA Program at the Wharton School of Business and has taught at the University of Pennsylvania Law School for ten years. The author of numerous books, including Financing Your Business with Venture Capital, The Complete Going Public Handbook, and Audit Committees, and a commentator on selling businesses and initial public offerings (IPOs) for CNN and CNBC, he has guided companies through the sale and IPO process for more than 40 years. Mr. Lipman is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a partner of the nationally prominent Philadelphia law firm of Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP, which has offices in New York, Connecticut, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Florida.