RAG-Stiftung’s Plan for Evonik: Sell 25% to Direct Investor, Offer 50% in IPO, Retain 25%

RAG-Stiftung has clarified its plans regarding Evonik Industries’ pending IPO, according to Forbes. Earlier this week, it was reported that RAG had scrapped plans for an IPO and was seeking a direct buyer for the entire company. However, the company’s by-laws do not allow for a complete sale. Instead, RAG-Stiftung plans to sell a 25% stake in Evonik Industries to a financial investor. Possible investors whom RAG plans to approach include Permira, BC Partners, KKR, Bain Capital, and Blackstone. In a second step, 50% of the company’s stock would be solid in an IPO no sooner than 2009. RAG-Stiftung would retain a blocking minority stake of 25%.