Kathmandu price at lower end of range

Kathmandu is expected to begin trading tomorrow at 1pm. Photo / Richard Robinson

The final price to be paid for shares in Kathmandu is A$1.70, valuing the outdoor equipment and clothing retailer at A$336 million ($421.9 million).

The institutional bookbuild for the stock closed yesterday afternoon after the retail part of the transtasman float closed on Friday. The price is at the lower end of the range the company indicated of A$1.65 to A$1.90.

Kathmandu's private-equity owners, Quadrant Private Equity and Goldman Sachs JBWere, will sell their whole stakes in the business.

The company said investors' feedback indicated they preferred a 100 per cent private-equity exit.

Kathmandu chief executive Peter Halkett said the price reflected the strength of the business and an understanding of the growth strategy.

"We are delighted with the success of the offer, which will provide us with a high-quality share register," he said.

"After the rigours of an extensive institutional roadshow, it is very satisfying to see so many of these investors on the share register."

Kathmandu shares are expected to begin trading on the ASX and the NZX tomorrow at 11am Sydney time and 1pm New Zealand time.