Well prepared for the capital markets
An IPO is more than a financial transaction. It changes requirements across almost every key area of a business. Financial information must be available at short notice and be reliable, processes must meet regulatory requirements, and responsibilities must be clearly defined.
Preparation should therefore begin well before the IPO itself. Companies need to assess their capital markets readiness realistically, prioritise areas for action and turn the necessary measures into a robust timeline.
Grant Thornton supports you throughout this journey—from the initial assessment through to the implementation of capital markets-ready structures. We take an integrated view of financial reporting, governance, internal controls, IT, data and ESG requirements. This creates a strong foundation for the transaction process and for operating as a listed company.
The benefits of working with Grant Thornton
A holistic readiness approach
We look beyond financial reporting to include internal controls, governance, compliance, IT, data and ESG reporting.
A realistic, prioritised roadmap
We turn our findings into actionable measures, clear responsibilities and a timeline aligned with your planned capital markets transaction.
Sustainable capital markets readiness
The structures we develop are designed to support more than just the IPO. They also provide a lasting foundation for meeting ongoing capital markets requirements.
Our services at a glance
We audit annual (individual) and consolidated financial statements under HGB and IFRS. We also take into account the specific requirements arising from a planned or existing capital markets orientation.
As part of a holistic assessment, we analyse your company’s current level of readiness. We identify gaps against relevant capital markets requirements, compare your structures and processes with appropriate benchmarks and develop a prioritised roadmap to achieve capital markets readiness.
We support your transition to IFRS and the development of financial close and reporting processes that meet capital markets requirements. This includes enhancing segment reporting and defining consistent, meaningful KPI structures.
We support the development of your internal control system, risk management and governance structures. We also help establish appropriate compliance processes and an effective internal audit function.
We assess whether your IT governance, systems and data quality meet the higher standards required by the capital markets. We also help you establish the foundations for reliable ESG and sustainability reporting.
We provide assurance-related support with the preparation of pro forma financial information and comfort letter processes. We also support other capital markets-related assurance requirements connected with the planned transaction.
Our awards
Frequently asked questions about IPO readiness
IPO readiness means preparing a company in a structured way to meet capital markets requirements. This involves financial reporting, governance, internal controls, risk management and compliance frameworks, IT and data, as well as other matters relevant to the transaction.
As early as possible. An initial assessment provides clarity on areas for action, dependencies and priorities. This allows the necessary measures to be integrated into the company’s day-to-day operations and helps reduce surprises during the transaction process.
The process starts with a gap analysis comparing the current state with the capital markets requirements the company aims to meet. We then prioritise areas for action, define responsibilities and milestones, and bring them together in an actionable roadmap.
Reliable annual (individual) and consolidated financial statements provide an important foundation for confidence. We audit annual (individual) and consolidated financial statements under HGB or IFRS and bring experience working with international groups and companies with a capital markets orientation.
Yes. Our support can range from impact and gap analyses to technical implementation plans and ongoing project support.
Common topics include financial close and reporting processes that meet capital markets requirements, group reporting, segment reporting, consistent KPI definitions, data quality and the ability to provide reliable information within tight deadlines.
We assess the maturity of relevant structures and processes—for example, the internal control system, risk management system, compliance management system and internal audit function—and identify prioritised areas for development.
Capital markets-ready reporting depends on reliable systems, clearly assigned data responsibilities and appropriate IT controls. As part of a readiness assessment, we analyse in particular whether the IT environment and data landscape support the higher reporting and governance requirements.
Yes. Depending on the target state, we can assess governance, processes, controls and data for sustainability reporting and help prepare them for future reporting and assurance requirements.
Depending on the transaction structure, services may cover historical or pro forma financial information, comfort letter processes and other capital markets-related reporting. The scope and permissibility of each service must be determined for the specific engagement.
The bank has an experienced point of contact for IPO readiness matters relating to accounting and auditing. Identifying gaps early, clarifying responsibilities and improving the reliability of financial information can make the process more predictable and help reduce friction as it progresses.
Yes. You can commission a concise readiness check, individual technical modules or integrated support across several areas. The scope is tailored to your starting point, transaction plan and available resources.