Understanding Book Building
(SEBI FAQ)
(a) What is book Building?
Book building is a process of price discovery. The issuer discloses a price band or floor price before opening of the issue of the securities offered. On the basis of the demands received at various price levels within the price band specified by the issuer, Book Running Lead Manager (BRLM) in close consultation with the issuer arrives at a price at which the security offered by the issuer, can be issued.
(b) What is a price band?
The price band is a band of price within which investors can bid. The spread between the floor and the cap of the price band shall not be more than 20%. The price band can be revised. If revised, the bidding period shall be extended for a further period of three days, subject to the total bidding period not exceeding thirteen days.
(c) How does Book Building work?
Book building is a process of price discovery. A floor price or price band within which the bids can move is disclosed at least two working days before opening of the issue in case of an IPO and atleast one day before opening of the issue in case of an FPO. The applicants bid for the shares quoting the price and the quantity that they would like to bid at. After the bidding process is complete, the ‘cut ? off’ price is arrived at based on the demand of securities. The basis of Allotment is then finalized and allotment/refund is undertaken. The final prospectus with all the details including the final issue price and the issue size is filed with ROC, thus completing the issue process. Only the retail investors have the option of bidding at ‘cut ? off’.
(d) How does “cut? off” option works for investors?
“Cut ? off” option is available for only retail individual investors i.e investors who are applying for securities worth up to Rs 1,00,000/? only. Such investors are required to tick the cut? off option which indicates their willingness to subscribe to shares at any price discovered within the price band. Unlike price bids (where a specific price is indicated) which can be invalid, if price indicated by applicant is lower than the price discovered, the cut? off bids always remain valid for the purpose of allotment
(e) Can I change/revise my bid?
Yes, you can change or revise the quantity or price in the bid using the form for changing/revising the bid that is available along with the application form. However, the entire process of changing or revising the bids shall be completed within the date of closure of the issue.
(f) Can I cancel my Bid?
Yes, you can cancel your bid anytime before the finalization of the basis of allotment by approaching/ writing/ making an application to the registrar to the issue.
(g) What proof can I request from a trading member or a syndicate member for entering bids?
The syndicate member returns the counterfoil with the signature, date and stamp of the syndicate member. You can retain this as a sufficient proof that the bids have been accepted by the trading / syndicate member for uploading on the terminal.