Indian auto-component manufacturer Hero Motors has fixed the price band for its initial public offering (IPO) at ₹79 to ₹84 per share, putting the company's valuation at around ₹3,815 crore at the upper end of the range.

The three-day public issue will open for subscription on September 16 and close on September 18, according to the company's filing. Anchor investors will be able to participate a day earlier, on September 15.

The IPO is expected to raise approximately ₹1,000 crore, comprising a fresh issue of shares worth up to ₹600 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to ₹400 crore by existing shareholders.

IPO Opens September 16

Hero Motors will begin accepting bids from investors on September 16.

The subscription window will remain open for three days before closing on September 18. The company has scheduled the anchor-investor bidding session for September 15.

At the upper price-band level of ₹84, the issue values Hero Motors at approximately ₹3,815 crore.

The IPO comes as Indian auto-component manufacturers increasingly seek capital to expand production, invest in new technology and strengthen their position in global automotive supply chains.

₹1,000 Crore Issue Structure

The proposed IPO has two components.

The fresh issue, worth up to ₹600 crore, will provide capital directly to Hero Motors. The company plans to use this money primarily for reducing debt and purchasing equipment for its manufacturing expansion.

The remaining ₹400 crore will come through an offer for sale by existing shareholders.

Unlike the fresh issue, money raised through the OFS will go to the shareholders selling their shares and will not be received by Hero Motors for its business operations.

The structure therefore allows the company to raise growth capital while also giving existing investors an opportunity to partially monetise their holdings.

Debt Reduction Gets Priority

A significant portion of the fresh capital is expected to be directed towards debt reduction.

Reducing borrowings could help Hero Motors strengthen its balance sheet and potentially lower its financing burden as the company expands production capacity.

The company also plans to use the fresh proceeds to purchase equipment for its manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh.

The combination of debt reduction and capital expenditure indicates that the IPO is designed to address both the company's financial position and its future manufacturing requirements.

Uttar Pradesh Capacity Expansion

Hero Motors plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Uttar Pradesh as part of its growth strategy.

The expansion will involve the purchase of additional manufacturing equipment and an increase in production capacity.

The investment comes as global automakers increasingly rely on specialised component manufacturers for parts and systems used in modern vehicles.

For Hero Motors, additional capacity could help it meet demand from existing customers while creating room for future business from domestic and international vehicle manufacturers.

BMW, Ducati Among Customers

Hero Motors operates in the automotive components sector and supplies products to customers in India and international markets.

The company has established relationships with global automotive brands, including BMW and Ducati.

Its exposure to international vehicle manufacturers gives Hero Motors a link to global demand for automobiles and automotive components.

As manufacturers continue to diversify sourcing and build resilient supply chains, Indian component makers are seeking to increase their role in supplying global vehicle programmes.

Munjal Family Connection

Hero Motors is led by Pankaj Munjal, whose family also controls Hero MotoCorp, India's largest two-wheeler manufacturer by sales volumes.

However, Hero Motors and Hero MotoCorp are separate companies.

The two businesses share a connection through the Munjal family, but they operate independently in their respective corporate structures.

Hero Motors' IPO therefore represents a separate capital-market event from Hero MotoCorp and gives investors an opportunity to participate directly in the auto-components business.

IPO Tests Investor Appetite

The Hero Motors IPO arrives at a time when India's automotive sector continues to attract investment, supported by domestic vehicle demand and growing opportunities in global supply chains.

The company's international customer base and planned manufacturing expansion could be key factors for investors assessing the issue.

At the same time, investors will need to consider the company's debt levels, competitive environment, dependence on automotive demand and the execution risks associated with capacity expansion.

With the price band fixed at ₹79-84, the market will now focus on subscription levels once bidding begins on September 16.

ICICI Securities, JM Financial and DAM Capital are the book-running lead managers for the issue.