Bharat Biotech Eyes $500M+ IPO to Fund Expansion and New Facility

Bharat Biotech, the developer of Covaxin, is considering an initial public offering that could raise over $500 million. The funds would partly finance a new large vaccine manufacturing facility in Bhubaneswar, planned under Sapigen Biologix. The company reported increased revenue and improved operating profit margins for FY25, though it faces revenue volatility from tender-driven government contracts. The broader Indian pharma and healthcare sector is experiencing robust deal momentum, with significant investor interest in consolidation.

Key Points: Bharat Biotech Considers $500M+ IPO for Vaccine Growth

  • $500M+ IPO Considered
  • New Bhubaneswar Facility Planned
  • FY25 Revenue Rose to ~Rs 1,463 Cr
  • Pharma Sector Deal Momentum Surges
  • Company Fully Promoter-Owned
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Bharat Biotech mulls IPO to raise over $500 million

Bharat Biotech, maker of Covaxin, plans a $500M+ IPO to fund a new manufacturing plant and capitalize on strong FY25 financial performance.

"Bharat Biotech plans Rs 200-250 crore of capital expenditure in FY26 for a large vaccine manufacturing facility - Company Report"

New Delhi, March 1

The developer of Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin, Bharat Biotech is considering an initial public offering that could raise over $500 million, according to sources cited by multiple reports.

Discussions are underway including key aspects of the proposed share sale, including size and timing, they said.

Bharat Biotech plans Rs 200-250 crore of capital expenditure in FY26 for a large vaccine manufacturing facility being developed under Sapigen Biologix Pvt Ltd in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, partly financed through debt raised from financial institutions.

The Hyderabad‑based vaccine maker, founded in 1996 and promoted by Dr Krishna Ella, has supplied over 9 billion vaccine doses globally and remains entirely promoter‑owned as of July 31, 2025.

The company's top products such as TCV, RV, JE and OPV contributed a substantial share of revenues in FY25, as the revenues rose to Rs 1,462.9 crore in FY25 from Rs 1,323.2 crore in FY24 and operating profit margins improved to 28.2 per cent in FY25 from 8.8 per cent the prior year.

Government institutions, including the Union government and UNICEF, remain key revenue contributors. However, as these businesses are largely tender-driven, they expose the company to revenue volatility from potential tender losses and limit pricing flexibility, a report from ICRA said.

The pharma and healthcare sector in India witnessed robust deal momentum valued at $3.5 billion in Q3 2025, according to a recent report.

Grant Thornton said in the report that the sector recorded a total of 72 transactions, up 28 per cent in volumes and 166 per cent in value quarter on quarter.

This included three IPOs worth $428 million and one QIP worth $88 million, the report said.

Excluding public market activity, private deals accounted for $3 billion across 68 transactions, marking a sharp rebound in investor appetite.

The report noted that the surge was driven by seven high value deals worth $2.6 billion, reflecting renewed investor confidence in scale and consolidation plays across pharma, biotech, and hospital segments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I admire their work, the ICRA report raises a valid point. Heavy dependence on government and UNICEF tenders is a risk. What's the plan to diversify revenue? I hope the IPO prospectus addresses this clearly for potential investors.
R
Rohit P
Investing in the new facility in Bhubaneswar is a smart move. Odisha is becoming a hub for pharma. 9 billion doses globally is no small feat. Dr. Krishna Ella and team have built a gem. Will definitely keep an eye on this IPO.
S
Sarah B
The overall sector data is very encouraging. $3.5 billion in deals shows strong global confidence in Indian healthcare. Bharat Biotech's IPO could be the flagship offering that draws even more attention and capital to the space.
V
Vikram M
Hope the pricing is reasonable for the common investor. Sometimes these IPOs are overhyped. But given their track record and the fact they're still promoter-owned, it feels like a company with strong roots. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
From 8.8% to 28.2% operating margin in a year is impressive! Shows great operational efficiency. This IPO will provide the capital to scale up even further and compete on the global stage. Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action.

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