French software firm launches biggest IPO on EU stock exchange in 3 years

French SaaS company Planisware launched its initial public offering (IPO) today, reaching a valuation of €1.11bn. This is the largest IPO on the Euronext Paris stock exchange in the past three years.

Planisware was founded in 1996 by Yves Humblot, Pierre Demonsant, Matthieu Delille, and François Pelissolo. Planisware provides software for enterprise project portfolio management. It counts over 500 blue-chip clients across the globe, including PepsiCo and Pfizer, and employs circa 700 people.

The company has seen its consolidated revenue grow at a compounded annual rate of approximately 20% during the last three years — with an EBITDA margin of over 33% in 2023.

Planisware will offer a maximum of 15,085,00 ordinary shares to be sold for €241mn. The price per share is €16 and trading is expected to start on April 18, the company said.

Following the IPO, the founders will retain both an active role in the company’s leadership as well as a majority stake.

The IPO represents an “important step” for Planisware’s brand awareness, growth strategy, and plans for further global expansion, Pierre Demonsant, co-founder and chairman of the company, said in a statement.

Planisware postponed an IPO attempt in October last year, citing a challenging market environment, which halted multiple European companies from pursuing public listings.