Lulu Seals IPO Success with White & Case as Advisors
Deal News | Nov 14, 2024 | White & Case

Global law firm White & Case LLP has played a pivotal advisory role in Lulu Retail Holdings PLC's landmark initial public offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). This transaction marks a significant achievement as it is the sixth listing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) advised by the firm in 2024. The IPO involved the sale of over 3 billion ordinary shares by Lulu's sole shareholder, Lulu International Holdings Limited, proceeding with an increased offering size due to strong demand. The transaction garnered an overwhelming demand of over AED 135 billion, being oversubscribed 25 times excluding the cornerstone tranche—the highest for a non-government IPO in the UAE in a decade. Lulu's shares were priced at AED 2.04 each, culminating in IPO proceeds of approximately AED 6.32 billion and an implied market capitalization at listing of around AED 21.07 billion. Well-known financial institutions, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Citigroup, Emirates NBD Capital, HSBC, Alrajhi Capital, and others, served as Global Coordinators and Bookrunners for the IPO. Moelis & Company acted as the Independent Financial Advisor, showcasing the robust advisory network supporting Lulu's public market debut. White & Case's team comprised senior partners and associates across regional offices, exemplifying the firm's extensive expertise in managing high-profile capital market transactions.
Sectors
- Retail
- Finance
- Legal Services
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The IPO took place on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and the transaction's demand and impact are significant within the UAE.
Industry
- Retail – Lulu is a significant player in the retail sector, being the largest and fastest growing pan-GCC full-line retailer.
- Finance – The article discusses the financial aspects of Lulu's IPO, a major event in the capital markets industry.
- Legal Services – White & Case LLP's advisory role in Lulu's IPO places this transaction within the legal services industry, focusing on corporate law and financial transactions.
Financials
- AED 6.32 billion – Proceeds from the IPO.
- AED 21.07 billion – Implied market capitalization at listing.
- AED 135 billion – Aggregate demand for the shares.
- 25 times – Oversubscription rate for the IPO (excluding cornerstone tranche).
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lulu Retail Holdings PLC | Target company | Company | The company undergoing the IPO, a major retailer in the GCC region. |
| Lulu International Holdings Limited | Selling company (Vendor) | Company | The sole shareholder of Lulu Retail Holdings PLC, selling shares in the IPO. |
| White & Case LLP | Legal advisor | Company | Global law firm advising on the IPO. |
| Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank | Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in coordinating the IPO. |
| Citigroup | Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in coordinating the IPO. |
| Emirates NBD Capital | Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in coordinating the IPO. |
| HSBC | Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in coordinating the IPO. |
| Alrajhi Capital | Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in the IPO process. |
| EFG-Hermes | Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in the IPO process. |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank | Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in the IPO process. |
| Goldman Sachs | Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in the IPO process. |
| International Securities | Joint Bookrunner | Company | Financial institution involved in the IPO process. |
| Moelis & Company | Independent Financial Advisor | Company | Firm acting as an independent financial advisor for the IPO. |