Groupon files for IPO

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Online voucher company focuses on long-term growth in letter to prospective shareholders


The hotly anticipated Groupon IPO hit the street yesterday when the online coupon company made its preliminary S1 filing.

The fast-growing Chicago-based site said it intends to raise a maximum of $750 mn through the stock offering, according to its filing with the SEC, although this is just a placeholder number and the actual amount could be much higher.

Social media companies are adding spice to an otherwise lackluster IPO market. Following the hugely sought-after LinkedIn IPO two weeks ago, traders seem poised once again to chase internet stock valuations to the stratosphere. 

Groupon’s preliminary filing has not indicated pricing or dilution, so the company’s valuation will be the next closely watched shoe to drop. Media reports estimate the valuation could be between $15bn-$25bn.

Groupon has experienced explosive growth, posting $713 mn in revenue in 2010 and $645 mn in Q1 of this year, up from $94 mn in revenue in 2008. 

As the company invests in growing revenue, however, it posted losses of $413 mn in 2010 and $114 mn in Q1 of 2011.

Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse will be the joint book-runners for the Groupon offering.

In a letter to prospective shareholders in the S1, Groupon CEO and founder Andrew Mason says the company is focused on building long-term value. 

‘When we see opportunities to invest in long-term growth, expect that we will pursue them regardless of certain short-term consequences,’ he writes.