SOFTCARE (02698) made its market debut today, with shares opening 33.51% higher at HK$34.98. The company had set its IPO price at HK$26.20 per share, issuing a total of 90.884 million shares in lots of 200 shares each. The net proceeds from the offering amounted to approximately HK$2.229 billion. As of the latest update, trading volume reached HK$483 million.

SOFTCARE is a multinational hygiene products company focused on rapidly growing emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia. The company specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sales of baby and feminine hygiene products, including baby diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes. Its product portfolio includes brands such as Softcare, Veesper, Maya, Cuettie, and Clincleer, distributed across more than 30 countries in West, East, and Central Africa.

During its track record period, the majority of SOFTCARE's revenue came from African customers. According to Frost & Sullivan data, the company ranked first in Africa's baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets by 2024 sales volume, with market shares of 20.3% and 15.6% respectively. By 2024 revenue, it held the second position in both markets, with shares of 17.2% and 11.9%.