Kent RO Puts IPO Plans on Hold as Middle East Conflict Dampens Investor Sentiment
Indian water purifier manufacturer Kent RO Systems has postponed its initial public offering plans, citing volatile market conditions triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Chairman Mahesh Gupta said the company is in no rush to go public and will reconsider the IPO only after market stability returns. Kent had received regulatory approval last year for a share sale by existing shareholders, including Gupta himself.
The delay reflects a broader slowdown in India’s IPO market as geopolitical tensions weigh on investor confidence globally. Other major firms, including PhonePe and Jio Platforms, have also slowed or reworked their listing plans amid uncertain market conditions and rising volatility linked to the Iran conflict.
Kent also warned that the conflict is increasing operational costs through higher prices for transportation, plastics, and metals. The company imports around 15% of its raw materials and has already raised product prices by 2% to offset expenses. Despite cost pressures, Kent reported revenue growth to 14 billion rupees in fiscal 2026 and expects around 15% growth next year, supported by rising demand for water purifiers in India.
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