Many companies seeking to raise funds via an IPO do so in order to pay down existing debt facilities or take advantage of the more attractive borrowing rates or terms that may come with completing the IPO, to refinance all outstanding facilities.
Where debt financing is scheduled to mature within 12 to 18 months of listing, refinancing or repayment of the debt will need to be addressed and considered in the working capital report produced by the accountants (in coordination with the company) in connection with the listing.
It is worth emphasising that the listing or any reorganisation of the group structure (in particular, putting in place a new holding company in connection with a listing) may trigger one or more prepayment events such that a package of waivers and/or consents from the financing banks is required. This should be reviewed at an early stage of the IPO process.