Xiaomi to go public? Company has current valuation of $46 billion

Xiaomi has been sizzling hot. The company more than tripled its shipments of smartphones last year, and in the latest round of financing the manufacturer was valued at $46 billion. That makes the company ripe for an IPO and rumors are circulating about a public offering on the U.S. or Hong Kong markets. The current speculation has Xiaomi listing its shares on whichever market offers them the highest valuation. 

According to those close to the situation, Xiaomi has been approached by investment bankers about going public. Despite the high valuation, Wall Streeters say it is unlikely that the company would be able to break the record set by Alibaba for the largest IPO in history. The Chinese online retailer raised $25 billion when it went public in New York last year.

Xiaomi is holding a big press conference next Thursday in San Francisco. The company could be ready to finally start offering its handsets in the U.S. At the same time, there is the possibility that Xiaomi announces an IPO. Going public would increase brand awareness in the U.S. and would also allow CEO Lei Jun to cash out some of his 70% stake in the company he founded in 2010. Back then, he said that Xiaomi would not be ready to go public for five years. This April will mark five years since Xiaomi started operations. You do the math.

source: WantChinaTimes via AndroidAuthority