Epic Suisse plans IPO for October 1

The IPO of Epic Suisse AG comprises, including over-allotment option, up to approximately 3.3 million new registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.04 each. Up to 3.03 million shares will be offered in the basic offering, which will be issued as part of an ordinary capital increase of the company. In addition, UBS, as Sole Global Coordinator, has been granted an over-allotment option of up to 303,030 shares, representing up to 10% of the volume of the base offering. Epic Suisse expects gross proceeds of approximately CHF 200 million from the IPO.

Epic Suisse further discloses that the price range for the offered shares is expected to be between CHF 66 and CHF 77 per share. This would correspond to a total market capitalization of approximately 695 to 778 million and a free float expected to be 28.8%

Founders and major shareholders Alrov Group and the Greenbaum family do not intend to sell shares in the IPO and have agreed to a lock-up period of twelve months after the first day of trading.

Epic intends to use the net proceeds from the IPO primarily to fund acquisitions, ongoing development projects, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. In addition, bank financing of the corporate holding company and shareholder loans are to be repaid.

The real estate company holds out the prospect of an "attractive dividend policy". A fixed dividend of CHF 2.60 per share is envisaged for the 2020 financial year and a distribution of over 80% of funds from operations (FFO) thereafter.

The bookbuilding process started on September 22, 2020 and is expected to end on September 29. The final offer price and the final number of newly issued shares are expected to be announced on September 30. The listing in accordance with the Standard for Real Estate Companies of the SIX Swiss Exchange as well as the start of trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange are planned for October 1, 2020. (ah)