Strong Demand in Retail and NII Segments
The initial public offering (IPO) of Manika Plastech, a manufacturer of precision-engineered rigid polymer packaging, maintained strong investor interest on its final day of bidding. According to NSE data, the issue was 10.5 times subscribed as of 11:40 am on September 16.
Investors placed bids for approximately 22.6 crore equity shares against the 2.14 crore shares on offer. The demand was particularly robust in the retail and non-institutional investor (NII) categories. The retail segment was subscribed 14.43 times, while the NII category saw a subscription multiple of 14.21 times.
The Rs 125.5-crore issue, priced in the band of Rs 40-43 per share, closed on September 16. In the unofficial grey market, shares were trading at a 7% premium over the upper price band of Rs 43, according to InvestorGain. However, grey market premiums are indicative and can fluctuate before the official listing.
Anchor Investor Participation
Prior to the public issue opening, Manika Plastech secured Rs 37.6 crore from four anchor investors. The company allotted 87.55 lakh equity shares at the upper end of the price band, Rs 43 per share, as disclosed in an exchange filing.
The Wealth Company Alternates Trust-Bharat Value Fund-Series III, a subsidiary of Pantomath Group, emerged as the largest anchor investor. It acquired 41.04 lakh shares for approximately Rs 17.6 crore. Trust Mutual Fund invested around Rs 10 crore through two schemes, acquiring 23.26 lakh shares. Finavenue Capital Trust and Nova Global Opportunities Fund PCC each invested Rs 5 crore.
Financial Performance and Use of Proceeds
Manika Plastech operates seven manufacturing facilities with an installed capacity of 29,200 metric tonnes per annum. The company reported a revenue of Rs 436 crore for the financial year ended March 2026, marking a 7.3% increase from Rs 406.5 crore in the previous year. Net profit rose 15.9% to Rs 22.4 crore in FY26 from Rs 19.3 crore in FY25.
For the quarter ended June 2026, the company recorded revenue of Rs 162.4 crore and a profit of Rs 13 crore.
The IPO comprises a fresh issue of Rs 92.5 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 76.74 lakh shares by the promoter entity VRIDAA Holding Trust, valued at approximately Rs 33 crore at the upper price band. The company intends to allocate Rs 54.9 crore of the fresh issue proceeds towards capital expenditure for purchasing plant and machinery. An additional Rs 15 crore will be used for debt repayment, with the remaining balance earmarked for general corporate purposes.
Product Portfolio and Market Position
Manika Plastech specializes in rigid polymer packaging products, including battery casings, pails, and thin-wall containers. Its products serve diverse industries such as automotive, energy storage, telecommunications, paints, lubricants, agrochemicals, construction chemicals, food, and dairy. Pantomath Capital Advisors serves as the merchant banker for the issue.
