A Book Runner is the main investment bank or financial institution responsible for managing and leading the process of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or other public issue of securities.
The Book Runner is responsible for the book building process, where investor demand is collected to determine the final price of the securities being issued.
A Book Runner is the main investment bank or financial institution responsible for managing and leading the process of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or other public issue of securities. It plays a central role in coordinating the offering, setting the price band, and allocating shares to investors.
When multiple banks are involved, the lead one is called the Lead Book Runner or Left Lead.
The Book Runner is responsible for the book building process, where investor demand is collected to determine the final price of the securities being issued. Its key responsibilities include:
1. Creating the Offer Document: Helps draft the prospectus that contains details of the offering.
2. Marketing the Issue: Conducts roadshows and investor meetings to promote the IPO or bond issue.
3. Collecting Bids (Book Building): Maintains the order book showing how much demand there is at various price levels.
4. Price Discovery: Based on demand, the Book Runner helps set the final issue price within the pre-decided price band.
5. Share Allocation: Coordinates allotment of shares to institutional, retail, and other investors.
6. Stabilization: May also help stabilize the share price post-IPO if it falls below the offer price.
1. Lead Book Running Manager (LBRM): The primary bank or institution leading the entire process.
2. Co-Book Runners: Assist the lead but with a smaller role in marketing and distribution.
3. Syndicate Members: Other banks or brokers involved in selling the issue but not managing the book.
In India, IPOs often involve one or more Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs). These are registered with SEBI and follow regulations for pricing, disclosures, and investor protection.
For a large IPO like LIC or Zomato, multiple book runners may be involved to handle wide investor demand across retail and institutional categories.
Feature | Book Runner | Underwriter |
---|---|---|
Main Function | Manages the offering and price discovery | Guarantees sale of securities (may also be book runner) |
Price Role | Collects bids and sets price | May commit to buy unsold shares at a fixed price |
Risk | Less financial risk | Takes on risk of unsold shares |