German leader in metal additive manufacturing SLM Solutions has made its intentions clear as to its plans to file an initial public offering (IPO).
Managers at the Lübeck-based 3D printing business have stated that SLM Solutions is set to enter the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange this year and intends to raise €75 million via an IPO.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Markus Rechlin said in his opening statement at SLM's User Group Meeting last week: "[The] 3D printing market was reaching an inflection point and SLM Solutions want to play a leading role in the transition stage.
"We believe that this market will grow significantly in the coming years."
This news follows on from last week's IPO announcement from long-running Belgian additive manufacturing service bureau, software developer and community Materialise. The company revealed it filed with SEC on April 2nd to raise up to $125 million.
SLM Solutions, therefore, is set to join Materialise and fellow additive manufacturing giants Stratasys and 3D Systems, in addition to metal additive manufacturing specialist ExOne and voxeljet, a fellow German business that went public in October 2013.
Metal additive manufacturing is a growing industry, accounting for less than ten per cent of the overall 3D printing market. SLM Solutions generated €22 million in revenues last year and has a strong presence at major industry events including Euromold and to some, raising an IPO is the natural next step for this growing company.
