Can China’s flash memory giant YMTC smash Shanghai Star Market IPO records?

IPO funds to fuel YMTC parent CCSH’s expansion, with nearly US$5 billion set aside to boost chipmaking capacity and accelerate R&D

CCSH Corporation, parent of China’s top NAND flash maker, planned to sell between 1.98 billion and 2.43 billion shares, equivalent to 10 to 12 per cent of its enlarged share capital, according to a prospectus made public on Friday. An overallotment option of up to 15 per cent could also be exercised.

While the final offer price and total proceeds have yet to be set, the planned size signals a massive fundraising push.

CCSH has earmarked 33 billion yuan (US$4.9 billion) specifically for investment projects – 20.8 billion yuan to upgrade mass-production lines and 12.2 billion yuan for research and development.

CXMT ultimately raised 66.6 billion yuan, nearly double its baseline plan, in what became the largest Star Market initial public offering on record. YMTC’s final tally could similarly eclipse its baseline 33 billion yuan target depending on final market demand.