SMEs raise Rs 317 cr via IPOs in FY14

As many as 37 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) got listed on Indian bourses in 2013-14, with public issues worth Rs 317 crore.

It was 32.63% more than Rs 239 crore garnered by 24 companies on the SME platform of the stock exchanges in 2012-13, as per the latest data with market regulator Sebi.

Month-wise, the stock exchanges saw five initial public offerings (IPOs) each in August, September, October and March, on the SME platform.

Anisha Impex, Shri Krishna Prasadam, Oceanaa Biotek Industries, R&B Denims and Women's Next Loungeries made public debut on the SME segment in March. The issues of these firms amounted to a total of Rs 21 crore.

February saw the highest number of 6 IPOs on the SME platform raising Rs 38.7 crore.

In terms of value, IPOs of five companies amounting to Rs 84 crore in October was the highest amount recorded for a month last fiscal.

Leading bourses BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) had launched the SME platforms in March 2012, the only two bourses with such a segment in the country.

BSE has 57, and NSE 5 firms listed on their respective SME platforms.

The platforms provide opportunity to SME entrepreneurs to raise equity capital for growth and expansion. They also provide opportunity for investors to identify and invest in good SMEs in early stages of growth.