Azim Premji, the chairman of Wipro, enumerated the prerequisites for a successful overseas listing at the recently concluded seminar on 'IT at the stock market' held at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

The first thing foreign investors scrutinise are business and revenue models. Make sure this is in place.

There should be concrete reasons for wanting to go for an IPO in an overseas bourse. It should be something very clear like to raise funds for developmental or acquisition needs, or to build a global brand.

Investors will constantly scrutinize your organisation. The company's entire senior management will be heckled and ragged by investors. They should be prepared for this.

Timing of the IPO is important. A company should not rush into an IPO. It is advisable to delay an IPO as much as possible if the company is in the growth phase. However, if the idea is to create a global brand or offer overseas stock options or global acquisitions, then the company could go ahead with the IPO.

Listing and post-listing expenses are high. Make sure you have the necessary funds for it.

Investor relations are built on trust. Make sure you deliver what you've promised, and this includes both explicit and implicit promises.