By
Owner and Chairman Hans Georg Naeder and his family will likely put 25% to 30% of their shares up for sale in the IPO, but divesting in steps over time is also an option, the source said. This potential partial divestment strategy is seen as a move to maintain long-term family control while also injecting new capital into the company to fuel future growth and innovation. Market analysts believe that gradually reducing their stake could offer flexibility, helping Ottobock navigate fluctuating market conditions and shareholder expectations.
Handelsblatt first reported the potential valuation and possible listing structure on Thursday. The newspaper quoted Ottobock CEO Oliver Jakobi as saying the company is ready for a potential IPO but that he would not elaborate further, underscoring the company's cautious and strategic approach to going public.
A company spokesperson said there had been no final decision yet and declined further comment, indicating that discussions are ongoing and all options remain on the table as Ottobock weighs market trends, investor sentiment, and internal readiness for a public listing.
Separately, Ottobock said first-half adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 30.5% to 180 million euros, on sales of 801 million euros, helped by product launches and acquisitions. This strong financial performance highlights the company’s robust operational execution and ability to drive growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, making it an even more attractive candidate for a public offering.
Financial advisers have viewed Ottobock as an IPO candidate during the second half, alongside generic drugmaker Stada and other notable companies considered for public listings on Deutsche Boerse. This growing list signals renewed interest in the European IPO market, which has seen a rebound in activity as economic conditions stabilize.
Naeder put earlier plans to take Ottobock public on hold in 2022 because of choppy financial markets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The unfavorable market conditions at the time prompted a delay, reflecting the company’s prudent approach to timing. Now, with markets recovering and Ottobock demonstrating solid financial results, the company appears better positioned to revisit the prospect of a public listing, potentially capitalizing on renewed investor appetite and favorable market momentum.
.png "Gaza Fund (1)")
