GEO INSIGHTS

Israeli company AppsFlyer is considering an IPO, aiming to raise $300 million with assistance from investment banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Bank of America. Employing around 1,500 people and expecting $400 million in revenue this year, AppsFlyer specializes in technology that tracks the origins of app users. Founded in 2011, the company was last valued at $2 billion in 2020 and has investors including General Atlantic and the Salesforce investment fund.

Fast fashion giant Shein is considering an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, potentially valuing the company at $66 billion (£51.7 billion). Known for its cheap clothes and social media campaigns, Shein has faced criticism over environmental practices and labor conditions. The company, which may file the necessary paperwork this week, is seeking a UK listing after encountering regulatory hurdles in the US, aiming to boost its green credentials and expand its resale platform to the UK and Germany.

L’Oréal has launched its fourth Employee Share Ownership Plan, allowing employees in 63 countries to purchase shares and participate in the company's growth. The plan, introduced in 2018, has seen over 37,000 employees participate, reflecting their commitment and confidence in L’Oréal's future. Employees can buy shares at a discounted price with an employer contribution, and the shares will be blocked for five years, with the subscription period running from 5 June to 19 June 2024.

Ipsen announced the launch of an employee shareholding plan on May 30, 2024, aimed at increasing employee participation in the company's development across 23 countries. The plan allows eligible employees to purchase existing shares at a 20% discount, with the subscription price set at €95.54 per share, capped at 1% of the company's share capital. The shares, offered under Ipsen's Group Savings Plan, will be locked up for five years, with the subscription period running from June 5 to June 19, 2024, and settlement expected by July 30, 2024.

Hong Kong-listed IT companies lead in investing heavily in employee share plans to attract and retain talent, with the sector accounting for 53.5% (HK$38.5 billion) of total investments in 2022, surpassing healthcare and consumer discretionary sectors. Share options and awards are popular types of plans, with options predominant but awards also significant, especially in healthcare. The rise in share plan adoption, now at 83.6% of listed companies, reflects competitive job markets and efforts to foster employee commitment and motivation.

Daniel Křetínský, known as the Czech Sphinx, is poised to become the first private owner of Royal Mail in its 500-year history, after the board of International Distribution Services (IDS) agreed to his £3.57bn takeover bid. Despite Royal Mail's financial struggles, Křetínský believes he can modernize and restore profitability to the company, aiming to make it one of Europe's largest logistics firms. The deal, which must still be approved by IDS shareholders and potentially scrutinized under the National Security and Investment Act, includes a series of five-year commitments to maintain Royal Mail's universal service, branding, and union recognition.