ASG Eye Hospital, Backed by General Atlantic, Plans USD 500-600 Million IPO for Expansion

ASG Eye Hospital, supported by General Atlantic, is gearing up for an IPO valued between USD 500-600 million, approximately Rs 3,900 crore. Investment banks like Axis Capital, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Motilal Oswal, and HSBC have been appointed to facilitate this process. The IPO is anticipated to value ASG at around USD 3.4 billion, leading to about a 15% equity dilution for current shareholders.

ASG's strategy includes a capital expenditure plan of Rs 2,000 crore by 2030 to expand its presence across India. The company aims to increase its network to between 500 and 700 centres by the end of the decade. This growth will be achieved through both organic expansion and acquisitions.

Expansion Plans and Market Trends

The expansion aligns with increasing demand in India's eye-care sector. Factors such as an ageing population, more lifestyle-related eye issues, and a shift towards organised healthcare are driving this demand. ASG's model combines tertiary eye-care services with outreach in tier-II and tier-III cities.

This approach allows ASG to scale while serving less accessible regions. In recent years, ASG has acquired several regional players to enhance its market presence. These acquisitions help build scale and deepen its reach in key areas.

Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships

The merger with Sharp Sight is a recent move aimed at boosting ASG's clinical capabilities and geographic reach before the IPO. This transaction is part of ASG's broader strategy to strengthen its position in the market.

ASG's focus on regional acquisitions highlights its commitment to expanding its footprint. By targeting regional players, ASG enhances its service offerings and market penetration.

The company's growth strategy reflects broader trends in India's healthcare sector. As more people seek organised healthcare services, ASG is well-positioned to meet this demand through its expanding network.

ASG's planned IPO and expansion efforts demonstrate its ambition to become a leading player in India's eye-care industry. With significant investment and strategic acquisitions, ASG aims to enhance its service delivery and market reach.

With inputs from PTI