Shares in Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK) fell ahead of the market open on Tuesday after the announcement that its largest shareholder plans to reduce its stake through a public offering.
The secondary offering involves 14 million shares being sold by an entity affiliated with L Catterton, a private equity firm partly created by luxury-brand conglomerate LVMH. The affiliate, BK LC Lux MidCo S.a r.l., will conduct the sale.
Post-offering, L Catterton will retain 73.2% of Birkenstock's outstanding ordinary shares.
Birkenstock shares dropped more than 5% in premarket trading.
"Supported by the positive outlook and strong performance of our business, the intended secondary offering is an opportunity for us to further broaden our investor base and to increase the liquidity of our stock," said Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert.
L Catterton holds sole voting power over approximately 9.9 million of the shares being offered. The firm, along with Birkenstock's executives and other employees, controls the voting power over the remaining shares. Moreover, L Catterton plans to grant underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 2.1 million more shares.
Proceeds from the sales of shares owned by executives and employees will be used to cover taxes related to Birkenstock's IPO.