Alibris Looks to Raise $30 Million

Alibris expects to raise approximately $30 million from its public offering, whose date is not yet determined. In March, the online used bookseller announced plans for an IPO. According to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Alibris plans to offer 2.5 million shares to the public at between $10 and $14 per share. An offering price of $12 per share would generate gross proceeds of $30 million, of which Alibris expects to receive approximately $26 million.

Alibris said it will use 15% of the proceeds to add more products and another 15% to expand its sales and marketing operations. The company will also invest about 20% of the funds to upgrade its technology and operations infrastructure. Alibris may use some of the balance of the proceeds for an acquisition, although the company said it has signed no contracts with any parties. The remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

In its filing, Alibris reported that revenue for the first quarter ended March 31 rose 33.6%, to $13.8 million. The net loss was trimmed to $901,000 from $1.5 million in last year's first period. Growth was driven by an increase in the number of units sold, which was somewhat offset by a decline in the average unit sales price. Revenue in its retail segment, which Alibris defines as sales made directly to consumers, rose 24.1%, to $7.8 million. Sales in the business segment increased 48.3%, to $6 million. Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com are Albris's two largest business customers.