ECM: Equity Capital Markets

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

What are Equity Capital Markets (ECM) activities?

The Equity Capital Markets (ECM) department acts as an intermediary between market investors and the issuers of equity, or quasi-equity, as well as existing shareholders in a company who wish to sell a significant stake.

The types of transactions handled by this department include IPOs and new issues of shares or convertible bonds, as well as the sale of blocks of shares through what is known as a secondary market offering or an accelerated book building (ABB).

The Equity Capital Markets department, which generally includesorigination, structuring and syndication teams, assists issuers or sellers in the structuring of their transactions, the preparation of investor communications, the drafting of regulatory documentation relating to the transactions, etc. It bears the risk of successful completion of transactions when a performance guarantee is required (in the case of a capital increase with preferential subscription rights, for example). Finally, it relies on market operators (equity salespeople) to organize the roadshows where transactions are presented to prospective investors.

The clients of the Equity Capital Markets department include companies, financial institutions, and investment funds, as well as public entities and governments in the case of privatization. In rare instances, clients can be private individuals or families who hold shares in a company.

Discover

Our ECM Solutions

Our latest news and insights

Perspectives on Leveraged Finance: Reasoned Optimism?
Analysis from our experts, Etienne Hairy, Head of Leveraged Finance Europe, and Augustin Giard, Head of Leveraged...
Expert views
Analysis from our experts, Etienne Hairy, Head of Leveraged Finance Europe, and Augustin Giard, Head of Leveraged Finance France at Societe Generale, who share their views on the global Leveraged Finance activity, highlighting the support that the Bank provides to its clients to help them capitalize on opportunities in this field.
Perspectives on Leveraged Finance: Reasoned Optimism?
From road to rail: advancing low-carbon freight transport
Helrom, a German rail operator, has developed an innovative train-based solution for transporting semi-trailers,...
Clients' successes
Helrom, a German rail operator, has developed an innovative train-based solution for transporting semi-trailers, providing notable environmental benefits. Societe Generale acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, Green Loan Coordinator, Facility and Security Agent, and Hedge Counterparty for a Green Loan Financing for the acquisition of 120 six-axle double-pocket...
From road to rail: advancing low-carbon freight transport
Supporting a family-owned agribusiness in its strategy to become a global pharma leader
Founded over 90 years ago, Roquette is a French family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading...
Clients' successes
Founded over 90 years ago, Roquette is a French family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients. With a long-term vision, Roquette undertook its first public issuance in 2024 and executed the largest acquisition in its history in 2025 to establish itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical sector. Societe...
Supporting a family-owned agribusiness in its strategy to become a global pharma leader
More results google link