Go public with confidence

Going public changes a company's risk profile. Whether through a traditional IPO, direct listing, SPAC transaction or reverse merger, the transition brings new scrutiny from investors, regulators, underwriters, plaintiffs' firms and the boardroom.

Gallagher helps companies prepare for that moment. Our directors and officers (D&O) specialists advise companies and their directors and officers on insurance strategy, public-company risk, market expectations and the practical steps needed before, during and after a going-public transaction.

We help clients evaluate the right D&O structure, understand market pricing, prepare for underwriter diligence, benchmark coverage against peers and educate boards and management teams on the liability issues that come with life as a public company.

Multiple paths to the public markets, similar pressure

The route to becoming public may vary, but the risk questions often converge. Underwriters and stakeholders will focus on the company's disclosures, financial reporting, governance structure, controls, litigation profile, capitalization, investor base and readiness to operate under public-company scrutiny.

Gallagher supports companies pursuing:

How Gallagher helps

Our going-public D&O team works with clients to:

  • Design and place public-company D&O insurance programs.
  • Benchmark limits, retentions, and coverage terms.
  • Prepare companies for underwriter diligence.
  • Deliver exposure analytics and peer comparisons.
  • Support board and management education.
  • Evaluate related insurance lines, including cyber, errors and omissions (E&O), fiduciary, employment practices liability (EPL) and other key coverages.
  • Provide ongoing support after the transaction closes.
Read More