Fast-fashion giant Shein is redirecting efforts towards a London listing after facing regulatory hurdles and opposition from U.S. lawmakers regarding its attempted New York IPO.
Plans for London IPO:
Shein intends to update China’s securities regulator on the change in IPO venue and file with the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as early as this month.
The company has engaged with its financial and legal advisors in London and approached local fund managers for introductory meetings.
Challenges with U.S. IPO:
Although Shein had confidentially filed for an IPO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November, it encountered regulatory obstacles and criticism from U.S. lawmakers regarding labor practices and competitor lawsuits.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) expressed concerns about Shein’s supply chain issues, discouraging a U.S. IPO recommendation.
Preference for New York Listing:
Shein still favors New York as its listing venue and intends to keep its SEC application active, awaiting a potential shift in U.S. regulatory sentiment.
It may consider a secondary U.S. listing in New York after its London IPO, contingent on a more favorable political climate in the U.S.
Regulatory Landscape and Approval Process:
Shein’s decision to pursue a London IPO requires approval from Chinese regulators under new listing rules for Chinese firms going public offshore.
If successful, the IPO could become one of the largest globally this year, reflecting Shein’s aspirations for international expansion and capitalization opportunities.