Masterskill IPO draws strong interest despite deteriorating markets

Malaysia's largest private-sector operator of nursing schools, Masterskill Education Group, has raised M$779 million $243 million in Malaysia's largest initial public offering so far this year. In completing the deal, Masterskill has shrugged off the deteriorating market conditions and rising risk awareness that have forced several other IPO candidates to either cancel or downsize this week.

In sharp contrast to those war stories, Masterskill attracted a strong book of international investors that included specialist education funds and global funds as well as sovereign wealth funds, according to a source. The overall deal was more than five times covered, which allowed the upsize option to be exercised in full, increasing the final deal size to 50%...