After jointly authoring with Syren Johnstone the study manual for the IPO sponsor examinations in Hong Kong earlier this year (published by the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute in September – and in October for the Chinese version), I have just signed a publishing contract with a major academic, scholarship and business publisher based in the UK (but with offices world-wide) for my new book, which should be out in the summer of 2014.

In this book, entitled “IPO Banks: Pitch, Selection and Mandate” and to be published by Palgrave Macmillan in June, I will look at what goes on behind the scenes when investment banks pitch for IPOs to companies and their shareholders. In clear and simple language, I will offer readers advice and suggestions for the interview, selection and appointment of lead banks across any jurisdiction, as well as for the execution of a flotation – well beyond the mere drafting of a request for proposal (RFP) questionnaire.

Using a wide range of examples and case studies from around the world, I will explain negotiation techniques through which listing candidates can save considerable time, effort and costs, and also limit their potential liabilities in their dealings with financial institutions. A variety of sample documents, checklists, an extensive glossary and an index will also included.

Hopefully, this will constitute essential reading for executive and non-executive board members, securities regulators, executives in finance and private equity, auditing and legal professionals, students in finance, financial journalists and just about anyone with an interest in IPOs and the world’s primary equity markets.

I will post more information on this nearer the time of publication.

Meanwhile, I wish all my readers the best for the holiday season as well as a happy and eventful new year.