StanChart IDR issue review

Standard Chartered to issue 240 m Indian Depository Receipt (IDR) which will open on 25 May 2010 and close on 28 May 2010. 10 IDRs represent one share of Standard Chartered Plc.
StanChart's IDR is the first issue of its kind in India.What are these IDRs? Like American or Global Depository Receipts, where Indian companies raise resources overseas, IDRs enable foreign companies to do the same in India.

StanChart has been operating in India for over 150 years and has over 90 branches. It has a combined customer base of around 20 lakh and the bank has operations in consumer banking, as well as private banking.

Standard Chartered is listed in London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. The price of the IDR is yet to be announced, couple of days before the issue and 5% discount is offered to retail investors. Currently Stanchart trades at 15 times current year earnings and any price of 5-10% below from current levels would be a good price to apply.

The price band is Rs.100-115, and the IDRs would be listed in NSE,BSE. At the lower end of the price band, the IDR would trade at 15 times current year earnings and it is compares favourably with private banks like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank.

The risk factor being the currency, if Rupee appreciates IDR value will be affected.
One can apply for the issue for medium to long term and listing gains may not be substantial.