Lokmat plans IPO; files DRHP with SEBI

In a bid to fund its expansion plans, Lokmat Media Limited, which publishes the leading Marathi daily Lokmat, is all set to tap the capital market.

The Mumbai-based company, which publishes three newspapers -- Lokmat in Marathi, Lokmat Samachar in Hindi and Lokmat Times in English, has filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for an initial public offering (IPO).

The DRHP further states that the company will use the funds raised for expansion into new markets, brand building, promotion and marketing, pre-payment and repayment of loans, acquiring and co-producing Indian films -- primarily Marathi films as well as certain Hindi films, investment in IBN-Lokmat News Private Limited (IBNL) and general corporate purposes.

Kotak Mahindra Capital, Enam Securities and Link Intime (India) are helping the company in the process of raising funds from the market.

Present in the broadcasting business as well, Lokmat Media operates the Marathi news and current affairs channel, IBN-Lokmat that functions under IBNL -- a 50:50 joint venture between Lokmat Media and ibn18 Broadcast Limited.

Pertinent to note here is that after the issue, the stake of the company promoters -- Vijay Darda and Rajendra Darda (54.75 per cent), along with the family members (45.25 per cent) -- will be trimmed down to 41.07 per cent and 33.93 per cent respectively.