Flipkart is exploring a US listing via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), although a traditional IPO is much more likely, people familiar with the matter said.
The talks for a deal with a blank-check firm are at a very early stage and could fall apart as no plans have been finalised yet, said the people, who declined to be named as the information is confidential.
A growing number of Indian tech startups are considering the SPAC route to public markets as it involves less regulatory scrutiny and gives companies more certainty over the valuation that will be attained and the funds that will be raised.
India’s largest renewable energy firm ReNew Power last month struck a deal with a blank-check company to go public in the United States, while SoftBank-backed online grocery startup Grofers has also held talks with SPACs. At least a dozen more Indian tech and internet startups are expected to choose that route to the public markets over the next 6-12 months, investment bankers have told Reuters.
Reuters first reported in September that Bengaluru-based Flipkart was preparing for an initial public offering overseas as early as 2021, which could value the firm at as much as $50 billion.
Flipkart, which competes with Amazon.com Inc.’s local unit and Reliance Industries Ltd., has already started talks with investment banks for its listing plans, the sources said.
Flipkart and Walmart did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Source: Economic Times