Next week looks fairly light for the IPO market. But there a are a few
deals that look interesting. Perhaps the hottest one will be
MCE Companies.
The company had its genesis in 1994, with the acquisition of Inmet
Corporation. Basically, the vision was to roll-up companies that are strong
providers of RF/microwave components and subsystems. Since then, MCE
purchased four more companies (KDI/TRIANGEL, Metelics, Weinschel, and DML
Microwave).
The company’s products are used among the full range of frequencies for
wireless networks. What’s more, the products are built to control, enhance
and condition RF signals. Applications include signal detection, power
distribution and power level control. Agilent, Lucent and Motorola are
customers.
Although, the key aspect of the company is customized product solutions. In
fact, in the fast-changing wireless market, customization is in high demand.
The company also has a strong international presence.
The lead underwriter is DB Alex Brown and the price range is $13-$15 (the
company plans to issue 8.77 million shares). The proposed ticker symbol is
MCEI.
Another deal that should have traction is
Motive. Founded in
1997, the company develops software for online customer care.
The technology is sophisticated, allowing for self-service, as well as
connections to qualified experts (in the form of Web-based dialogues).
Moreover, the knowledge generated from customer interactions are embedded in
a database system, which can be reused. Motive has definitely attracted top
customers, like Compaq, Dell HP and Gateway. There are also top-flight
investors, such as Intel, Accel Partners, and Austin Ventures.
The lead underwriter is Morgan Stanley and the price range is $10-$12 (the
company intends to issue 5 million shares). The proposed ticker symbol is
MOTV.
