Listen to a Business English Dialogue about Underwriting agreement
Joseph: Hey Ella, do you know what an underwriting agreement is?
Ella: Hi Joseph, yes, an underwriting agreement is a contract between a company and an underwriter where the underwriter agrees to purchase shares of the company’s stock at a specified price.
Joseph: Right, it’s commonly used during initial public offerings (IPOs) to ensure that the company can raise the desired amount of capital.
Ella: Exactly. The underwriter assumes the risk of purchasing the shares from the company and then reselling them to investors.
Joseph: That’s correct. In return for this service, the underwriter receives a fee or commission.
Ella: And the underwriting agreement typically outlines the terms and conditions of the offering, including the number of shares, the offering price, and the timeline for the sale.
Joseph: Yes, it’s a crucial step in the process of bringing a company to the public market and helps ensure a smooth and successful offering.
Ella: Absolutely. Without the underwriting agreement, companies might struggle to raise the necessary funds to support their growth and expansion.
Joseph: Thanks for the chat, Ella. Underwriting agreements play a significant role in the world of finance.
Ella: You’re welcome, Joseph. It’s essential to understand their importance for companies looking to go public or raise capital through stock offerings.