Companies are launching IPOs in March ahead of introduction of LTCG tax

This month will go down as one of the busiest month for maiden offerings. Around eight initial public offerings (IPOs), cumulatively raising nearly Rs 160 billion, are being launched. In terms of the number of deals, this is the most since September 2011, when nine IPOs were launched in a single month. In terms of amount mobilised, this is the fifth-most even in a calendar month. 
 

 

Some issuers had to delay the launch of their offerings to March due to the sharp correction in the secondary market last month.
 
Benchmark indices fell five per cent last month on fears of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates coupled with the $2-billion banking fraud in India. Some companies are launching their IPOs this month ahead of the introduction of a new a tax on capital gains. With effect from April 1, long-term capital gains— profits made on the sale of equity shares held for over 12 months—will be taxed at the rate of 10 per cent.