Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
US-based Novelis Inc, which is part of Hindalco Industries, will launch an initial public offer (IPO) to raise up to $945 million (£740m), with an estimated equity valuation of up to $12.6 billion (£9.9bn).
In the proposed public issue, around 45 million shares will be sold by Novelis Inc's sole shareholders A V Minerals (Netherlands) NV, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Ltd.
The company will not receive any proceeds.
Novelis, a leading player in the production of innovative aluminium products and solutions and the world's largest, announced the launch of its roadshow for the IPO of 45,000,000 (45 million) common shares held by its sole shareholder.
"The IPO's price per common share is currently estimated to be between $18 and $21 per share. Novelis has applied to list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVL'," the company said in a statement on Tuesday (28).
Recently, Novelis filed papers with the US securities regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, for its proposed IPO. At present, Hindalco owns 100 per cent of Novelis through A V Minerals. Post-IPO, Hindalco will own around 92 per cent stake in Novelis.
"Novelis expects the selling shareholder to grant the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 6,750,000 common shares to cover over-allotments, if any, for 30 days after the date of the final prospectus," the statement said.
According to sources, the sole shareholder of Novelis would receive proceeds estimated in the range of $810-945m (£634-740m). If the greenshoe option is exercised, sources said the proceeds are estimated at $931.5m (£729.3m) to $1.08bn (£850m).
The equity valuation of the company is estimated to be in the range of $10.8bn (£8.5bn) to $12.6bn (£9.9bn), sources said, adding that the valuation of the enterprise could be in the range of $15.2bn (£11.9bn) to $17bn (£13.3bn).
Earlier this month, Novelis had said that it expects to complete the public offering after the SEC completes its review process, subject to market and other conditions.
"There can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering," it had said.
Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Ltd, an industry leader in aluminium, copper and metals, and a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group.
This will be the second company from the Aditya Birla group to go for listing overseas after Birla Carbon (Thailand). Novelis, which operates an integrated network of technically advanced rolling and recycling facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, posted a turnover of $16.2bn (£12.7bn) in FY24.
Veterinary practices ordered to publish price lists and disclose corporate ownership under new CMA proposals.
Pet healthcare costs have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation, investigation finds.
CVS Group shares surge 18 per cent as market welcomes lack of direct price controls on medicines.
Watchdog pushes for price transparency
Britain’s competition watchdog has provisionally ordered veterinary practices to publish price lists and disclose corporate ownership, aiming to give pet owners greater transparency in a sector where costs have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said on Wednesday (15) that pet owners are often unaware of prices or not given estimates for treatments that can run into thousands of pounds.
Under the proposed measures, vet businesses must publish prices for common procedures and make clear which practices are independent and which belong to large corporate chains. The watchdog also plans to cap prescription fees and ban bonuses linked to specific treatments.
“We believe that the measures we are proposing would be beneficial to the sector as a whole, including vets and vet nurses,” the CMA stated in its provisional decision report. “Providing better information for pet owners will increase their confidence in vet businesses and the profession.”
Industry reactions
The announcement triggered immediate market reactions. Bloomberg reported Shares of CVS Group, a British veterinary services provider, rose as much as 18 per cent in early London trading before paring gains, whilst Pets at Home traded up to 4.9 per cent higher. Both companies had underperformed since the CMA launched its investigation.
“While the tone of the CMA’s report is sharp, we see few surprises versus our expectations,” said Jefferies analyst Andrew Wade to Bloomberg. “The lack of pricing controls on services notably medicines must be viewed as a positive.”
The veterinary profession offered cautious support for the reforms. Dr Rob Williams, president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “At first glance, there’s lots of positives in the CMA’s provisional decision that both vets and pet owners will welcome, including greater transparency of pricing and practice ownership."
However, animal welfare charities warned of the consequences when pet owners delay treatment due to cost concerns. Caroline Allen, the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, told BBC “Our frontline officers sadly see first-hand the consequences when people delay or avoid seeking professional help, or even attempt to treat conditions themselves."
The proposed remedies package also includes requirements for vet businesses to improve complaint processes and conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys comparing large groups with independent practices. Additionally, practices would find it easier to terminate out-of-hours contracts with third-party providers if better alternatives exist.
The CMA emphasised that vet businesses failing to comply, or those pressuring veterinarians to act in certain ways or sell specific treatments, could be in breach of the Order.
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