July 28, 2025

Sotefin Bharat, the Indian arm of Swiss automated parking company Sotefin SA, has announced plans to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) targeting to raise Rs 80 crore. This move aims to bolster the local manufacturing of robots for automated parking systems in West Bengal. Managing Director & CEO Arup Choudhuri mentioned that the company is committed to achieving self-reliance in robot production, thereby enhancing its operational capabilities in the growing automated parking market. The upcoming IPO will not involve any stake dilution from current promoters or private equity funds, making it a fresh equity offer. Choudhuri explained that of the total funds raised, approximately Rs 40 crore will be allocated to establish a new manufacturing facility dedicated to robot production, while the remaining Rs 40 crore will be utilized for debt reduction and to augment working capital for larger-scale projects. The newly planned manufacturing facility will be located in Bagnan, Howrah district, and is expected to entail an investment of around Rs 40 crore. Once fully operational, this state-of-the-art facility is projected to generate over 100 employment opportunities and significantly elevate Sotefin Bharat's production capabilities. Choudhuri indicated that the facility is set to support the creation of up to 10,000 automated car parks, anticipating approximately 25 automated parking projects each year. The equity structure of Sotefin Bharat comprises two Indian promoters, Arup Choudhuri and Jignesh Sanghvi, alongside their Swiss counterpart, Sotefin SA, and several private equity funds, each holding a 25% stake. Post-IPO, the new shares will dilute the existing promoter holdings by 6.25%, elevating public shareholding to around 25-26%. This equity offering will not only unlock value for shareholders but will also enhance the company's visibility and operational scale. Currently, Sotefin Bharat is collaborating with merchant bankers to prepare the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), which should be submitted to the regulatory authorities within a month. Moreover, Sotefin Bharat has commenced the export of its automated parking systems to the US and Dubai, marking its footprint in international markets. The firm’s order book presently stands at an impressive Rs 1,000 crore, which Choudhuri claims will facilitate a growth rate of 50-60% over the next three to four years. The automated parking sector is witnessing immense growth, driven by the increasing urbanization and demand for efficient vehicle management solutions. By localizing the manufacturing process and enhancing its production capabilities, Sotefin Bharat is positioning itself strategically to capitalize on the evolving market trends. In conclusion, the Rs 80 crore IPO not only represents a significant step for Sotefin Bharat but also underlines the company’s strategic intent to bolster indigenous manufacturing of automated parking solutions. This initiative is expected to contribute positively to the local economy, create jobs, and solidify the company's presence both domestically and internationally.

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Tags: Sotefin bharat, Ipo, Automated parking, Robot manufacturing, West bengal,