Gujarat-based drug maker Allchem Lifescience has filed preliminary papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) seeking approval for its initial public offering (IPO). The proposed offering comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹190 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 71.55 lakh equity shares by promoters Kantilal Ramanlal Patel and Manisha Bipin Patel, who currently hold 100% stake in the company.
According to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on Friday, Allchem plans to utilize ₹130 crore from the fresh issue proceeds to repay existing debt, with the remainder allocated for general corporate purposes and business expansion.
Company Profile and Specialization
Founded in 2017, Allchem Lifescience has established itself as a significant manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) intermediates and specialty chemicals in India. The company specializes in producing key starting materials (KSMs), generic API intermediates, and specialty chemicals with a strong focus on different chemistries in organic chemical compounds.
One of Allchem's key strengths lies in manufacturing piperazine derivatives, which serve as critical raw materials for producing APIs such as quetiapine, a medication used in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This specialization addresses an important segment of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Over the years, the company has developed capabilities to manufacture 263 different products, demonstrating its technical expertise and adaptability. Allchem's business strategy focuses on identifying products with potential demand, particularly those difficult to source within India or which serve as import substitutes, developing these products, and scaling production once market demand is established.
Manufacturing and Market Reach
Allchem operates a manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, from where it serves a diverse customer base both domestically and internationally. The company's client portfolio includes prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Bond Chemical, Indoco Remedies, Micro Labs, MSN Laboratories, Nagase India, Neogen Chemicals, Neuland Laboratories, and Unichem Laboratories.
As of December 2024, Allchem's market reach extends across 13 states in India and 22 countries overseas. The company reported serving 148 domestic customers and 66 international customers in FY24, highlighting its broad market penetration.
Financial Performance
Allchem Lifescience has demonstrated strong financial growth in recent years. Between FY22 and FY24, the company's revenue from operations grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.75%. For the six months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported revenue of ₹7.84 crore.
More impressively, Allchem's profit after tax (PAT) has grown at a CAGR of 28.65% from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2024. For the six-month period ended September 2024, the PAT stood at ₹1.09 crore, indicating continued profitability.
IPO Details
Emkay Global Financial Services has been appointed as the sole book-running lead manager for the IPO. The public offering represents a significant milestone for Allchem as it transitions from a privately held company to a publicly traded entity.
The IPO comes at a time when the Indian pharmaceutical sector is focusing on self-reliance and reducing dependency on imported raw materials, particularly from China. Allchem's focus on developing import substitutes positions it strategically within this evolving landscape.
Industry Context
Allchem's IPO reflects the growing importance of API and intermediate manufacturers in India's pharmaceutical ecosystem. As global pharmaceutical supply chains undergo restructuring following disruptions in recent years, Indian manufacturers of APIs and intermediates are gaining prominence.
The company's specialization in piperazine derivatives, particularly those used in psychiatric medications, addresses a specific therapeutic area with consistent demand. With mental health awareness and treatment access expanding globally, the market for psychiatric medications like quetiapine continues to grow, potentially benefiting specialized suppliers like Allchem.
By focusing on difficult-to-source products and import substitutes, Allchem has carved out a niche that aligns with India's pharmaceutical sector goals of greater self-sufficiency and reduced import dependency for critical raw materials.
