Moonpig becomes latest company to pursue London IPO

Online card retailer Moonpig has unveiled plans for a potential £1bn London listing following a surge in revenues.

The private equity-backed firm, which trades as Moonpig in the UK and Greetz in the Netherlands, said revenues in the six months to 31 October 2020 were £155.9m, a 135% hike on the same period a year previously.

In the year to 30 April 2020, revenues rose 44% to £173.1m, while underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were £44.4m.

Kate Swann, chair, said: “Moonpig combines strong and sustained growth with excellent cash generation, in a market which is underpenetrated and moving online.

“The board is confident that Moonpig is well-positioned to capitalise on its first mover advantage in the online card market and continue its strong momentum in the gifting segment, benefit from the continued human need for connections, and cycle-resilient customer spend on gifts and cards.”

The firm, which is controlled by Exponent Private Equity Partners, said the float would enable it to raise its profile, provide a “platform for continued growth”, as well as “allow the shareholders selling pursuant to the offer while providing increase trading liquidity in the ordinary shares”.

It expects to have a free float of “at least” 25% of the company’s issued share capital post flotation, and is targeting 2.0x net debt to EBITDA.

Citigroup and JP Morgan have been appointed joint global co-ordinators, while HSBC, Jefferies and Numis Securities have been named joint bookrunners.

On Monday, bootmaker Dr Martens announced its intention to float on the London market.