Taking your company public is a milestone in your business’s history. Our track record of supporting companies like yours shows that we can stand behind our promise to help you pass this milestone with ease.
We are Initial Public Offering (IPO) experts. We have handled 60% of the North American IPOs brought to market in the past three years.
We know what going public takes and will never hesitate to act proactively on your behalf, at every step and in every way.
10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST AGENT
A successful IPO requires thorough pre-offering planning and precise, careful execution.
1. START EARLY
High Priority
Keep the decision high on your priority list. Starting early puts you in control of the process and ensures a decision that is right for your company — now and in the future.
2. UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS
Be Realistic
Choose an agent that will give you the necessary accuracy, responsiveness, and experience without overselling you features or services you do not need.
3. UNDERSTAND YOUR SHAREHOLDERS’ NEEDS
Shareholders’ Relations
Your shareholders will expect to be treated as owners. A transfer agent’s ability to handle shareholder relations flawlessly is important because your shareholders will associate the transfer agent with your company. How the agent deals with inquiries and correspondence will reflect on you.
4. USE REFERRALS WISELY
A Starting Point
Your lawyers and underwriters have dealt with transfer agents before and will likely want to use the one that each has worked with before or likes the best. A referral is a great place to begin your consideration of agents, but be smart and see it as a starting point, not a decision point.
5. CHECK REFERENCES
Do Your Due Diligence
Contact your prospective agents’ references, especially those within your industry or with needs similar to yours. Be sure to talk with the person who has day-to-day contact with the agent.
6. UNDERSTAND EACH AGENT’S MARKET NICHE
Market Niche
Each agent will have its own market niche. A few will be set up to handle high-volume clients. Others, such as Continental Stock Transfer & Trust will focus on providing superior shareholder experience and building a mutually rewarding relationship with the company.
7. KNOW EACH AGENT’S OWNERSHIP OR MANAGEMENT
“Who’s at the Top”
Ours is an industry where “who’s at the top” makes a difference. At many transfer agent companies, managers come and go, leaving gaps in service. At Continental Stock Transfer & Trust, our owner-management is committed to the long haul and is available 24/7.
8. KNOW THE EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF EACH AGENT’S STAFF
A People Business
Stock transfer has always been a people business. The service you and your shareholders will receive is directly related to the quality and experience level of the agent’s staff.
9. UNDERSTAND TERMS AND PRICING
Review Contract Terms
Understand one-time or setup fees, as well as, costs for basic services that may not be covered in a flat fee arrangement. Review contract terms to fully understand your commitment to the agent.
10. REMEMBER — IT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Make An Informed Decision
Your transfer agent is the one entity with which you and your shareholders will be working long after all other parties involved are off pursuing other deals. Choose the agent that is best for you.
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