Karat Packaging Inc. Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

Rhea-AI Summary

Karat Packaging Inc. (Nasdaq: KRT) has completed its initial public offering (IPO) of 3,950,000 shares at $16.00 each, raising approximately $63.2 million before expenses. The shares began trading on April 15, 2021. The company plans to use about $30 million of the proceeds to pay down existing debt, with remaining funds allocated for general corporate purposes, which may include expansions and acquisitions. Stifel, William Blair, and Truist Securities acted as lead managers for the offering.

Positive

• Raised approximately $63.2 million from the IPO.
• Plans to repay approximately $30 million of existing debt.

Negative

• Potential shareholder dilution from newly issued shares.

CHINO, Calif., April 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Karat Packaging Inc. (“Karat Packaging” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: KRT), a specialty distributor and manufacturer of environmentally-friendly disposable foodservice products and related items, today announced the closing of its previously announced initial public offering of 3,950,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $16.00 per share. Gross proceeds to the Company from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, were approximately $63.2 million. The shares sold in the offering began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “KRT” on April 15, 2021.

Karat Packaging intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for the repayment of approximately $30 million of existing indebtedness, as well as other general corporate purposes, including possible facility expansions and acquisitions.

Stifel, William Blair and Truist Securities were lead bookrunning managers for the offering. National Securities Corporation and D.A. Davidson & Co. were co-managers. Akerman LLP served as legal counsel to Karat Packaging and McGuireWoods LLP served as legal counsel to the underwriters.

A registration statement relating to the securities sold in this offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-253270) and was declared effective by the SEC on April 15, 2021. This registration statement can be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

Copies of the prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from: Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, One South Street, 15^th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, Attention: Syndicate Department, Email: Syndprospectus@stifel.com; William Blair & Company, LLC, 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, Attention: Prospectus Department, Phone: (800) 621-0687, Email: prospectus@williamblair.com; or Truist Securities, Inc., 3333 Peachtree Road NE, 9th floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: TruistSecurities.prospectus@Truist.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Karat Packaging Inc.

Karat Packaging Inc. is a specialty distributor and manufacturer of a wide range of environmentally friendly, disposable foodservice products and related items, primarily used by national and regional restaurants and in foodservice settings throughout the United States. Its products include food and take-out containers, bags, tableware, cups, lids, cutlery, straws, specialty beverage ingredients, equipment, gloves and other products. The Company’s eco-friendly Karat Earth^® line offers quality, sustainably focused products that are made from renewable resources. Karat Packaging also offers customized solutions, including new product development and design, printing, and logistics services.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, the intended use of proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the proceeds will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the initial public offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Karat Packaging undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Investor Relations and Media Contact:
PondelWilkinson Inc.
Judy Lin Sfetcu or Roger Pondel
310-279-5980
karat@pondel.com

FAQ

What is the share price and proceeds from Karat Packaging's IPO on April 15, 2021?

Karat Packaging's IPO was priced at $16.00 per share, raising approximately $63.2 million.

How does Karat Packaging plan to use the net proceeds from its IPO?

The company intends to use the proceeds to repay $30 million of existing debt and for general corporate purposes, including possible expansions and acquisitions.

When did Karat Packaging's shares begin trading?

Karat Packaging's shares started trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on April 15, 2021.

Who were the lead managers for Karat Packaging's IPO?

The lead managers for the IPO were Stifel, William Blair, and Truist Securities.