Skip to content
SuperMoney logo
SuperMoney logo

Bought Deals: Understanding, Risks, Examples

Last updated 03/08/2024 by

Silas Bamigbola

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
A bought deal represents a securities offering where an investment bank commits to buying the entire issue from the client company. It eliminates financing risk for the issuer but can result in a lower price. This comprehensive guide explores bought deals, their implications, risks, and comparisons to other offerings.

Bought deal: understanding the concept

A bought deal stands as a unique securities offering strategy adopted by investment banks. In this arrangement, the bank commits to purchasing the entirety of a new issue of securities directly from the issuer at a predetermined price.

Key components of a bought deal

The fundamental aspects of a bought deal include:
  • Issuer commitment: The issuer sells the entire offering to the investment bank or underwriter upfront.
  • Guaranteed financing: The issuer is assured of receiving the intended amount without the risk of an under-subscribed offering.
  • Investment bank’s risk: The bank takes on the responsibility of selling the acquired securities to investors, ideally for a profit.
  • Discounted price: To offset their risk, investment banks typically negotiate a discounted price for the securities.

Pros and cons of bought deals

Weigh the risks and benefits
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • Assured financing
  • Quick capital inflow
  • Reduced issuer’s risk
Cons
  • Potential lower offering price
  • Additional bank’s risk
  • Tying up capital

Understanding risks involved

Investment banks face considerable risk in bought deals as they must resell the acquired block of securities to other investors. This resale carries the potential of a net loss if the securities depreciate or remain unsold.
To mitigate this risk, banks negotiate discounted prices when acquiring the securities from the issuer. In the case of larger deals, syndication among multiple banks might occur to distribute the risk proportionally.

Bought deals in comparison

Bought deals contrast with other forms of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) such as fixed-price offerings and book building IPOs.
Fixed price offerings: In this scenario, the issuing company determines a fixed price for its shares before going public, which investors must pay in full upon application.
Book building: Underwriters determine the offering price based on institutional investors’ demand, accepting orders and pricing based on the interest received.

Real-life examples of bought deals

Several notable instances showcase the application and impact of bought deals in the financial landscape:
Example 1: XYZ Corporation
In 20XX, XYZ Corporation engaged in a bought deal with ABC Investment Bank, where ABC purchased the entire offering of convertible bonds worth $100 million. Despite XYZ securing immediate funding, the bonds were sold at a discount, affecting the company’s potential revenue.
Example 2: Company DEF’s stock offering
Company DEF opted for a bought deal facilitated by multiple investment banks. The banks formed a syndicate to mitigate individual risk and purchased DEF’s shares at a negotiated discount. However, the subsequent resale of these shares posed challenges due to market fluctuations.
Example 3: Company GHI’s Debt Offering
Company GHI, a multinational corporation, initiated a bought deal with multiple investment banks for a debt offering of $500 million. The banks formed a syndicate to absorb the risk and purchased the debt securities at a discounted price. Despite the immediate influx of capital, market fluctuations affected the resale process, impacting the banks’ profitability.
Example 4: Tech Startup JKL’s Equity Financing
Startup JKL, operating in the tech industry, ventured into a bought deal with a renowned investment bank for equity financing. The bank guaranteed the purchase of JKL’s shares at a negotiated price. This assured JKL of quick capital, enabling rapid expansion. However, the bank faced challenges in reselling the shares due to unforeseen market shifts, affecting their profit margins.
Example 5: Global Retailer MNO’s Share Offering
Retail giant MNO opted for a bought deal with a consortium of investment banks to offer shares worth $1 billion. The banks collaborated to acquire the shares at a discounted rate and aimed for subsequent resale. Despite the initial discounted purchase, the banks faced hurdles in offloading the shares in a market experiencing volatility, impacting their anticipated returns.

Impact and outcomes of these bought deals

These diverse examples highlight the application and impact of bought deals across various industries. While they provided companies with immediate capital, challenges arose during the resale process due to market dynamics, affecting the profitability of investment banks involved.

Bought deals in global financial markets

The adoption and implications of bought deals vary across international financial markets, leading to diverse practices and regulatory considerations.
North American market dynamics
In North America, bought deals have been a prevalent means for companies to secure quick capital without market uncertainties. The regulatory environment, especially in the United States and Canada, largely influences the execution and popularity of such deals.
European financial landscape
In contrast, European financial markets exhibit different tendencies regarding bought deals. Stringent regulations and market conditions often prompt companies to explore alternative financing methods, leading to a comparatively lower frequency of bought deals.

Conclusion

Bought deals remain a viable option for companies seeking prompt financing while relinquishing the uncertainties associated with public market offerings. While advantageous for issuers, these deals carry inherent risks for investment banks, necessitating meticulous evaluation and strategic negotiation of terms.
In larger bought deals, syndication among multiple banks might occur to distribute the risk. Banks collaborate to collectively purchase and resell the acquired securities, mitigating individual risks and capital commitments.
The distinct characteristics of bought deals in comparison to other IPO methods emphasize the importance of considering market dynamics and regulatory frameworks when determining the most suitable approach for raising capital.

Frequently asked questions

What factors influence an investment bank’s decision to participate in a bought deal?

Investment banks evaluate various aspects before engaging in a bought deal, including the issuer’s financial health, market conditions, and the potential for successful resale of securities. The bank’s risk assessment and capacity to absorb the acquired securities also influence their decision.

How do bought deals impact an issuer’s relationship with the investment bank?

Bought deals can strengthen an issuer’s relationship with the investment bank, showcasing trust and support. However, if the deal results in unfavorable pricing or challenges in reselling securities, it might strain the relationship, affecting future collaborations.

Are bought deals suitable for all types of companies?

While bought deals offer advantages like assured financing, they may not suit every company. Smaller firms or those with less-established market presence might find it challenging to negotiate favorable terms. Additionally, companies with volatile stock prices may face difficulties in determining pricing for such deals.

Do bought deals impact stock prices and market perception?

The announcement of a bought deal can influence market perception. If the deal is seen as unfavorable due to pricing or potential dilution, it might lead to a temporary decrease in stock price. However, if executed successfully, it can enhance confidence in the company’s financial stability.

What strategies can mitigate risks associated with bought deals?

Diversification of risks through syndication among multiple banks, strategic negotiation of terms to reduce discounts, and thorough market analysis before engaging in the deal can help mitigate risks. Additionally, transparent communication between the issuer and the investment bank plays a crucial role in managing risks effectively.

Key takeaways

  • Bought deals ensure guaranteed financing for issuers.
  • They involve risks for investment banks in reselling acquired securities.
  • Comparison with other IPO methods highlights distinct differences.

Share this post:

You might also like