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Dual-track process

Also called: dual track

In one line

Pursuing an IPO and a sale of the company at the same time, to keep both exit options open until one proves best.

In plain English

In a dual-track, a company prepares to go public while also entertaining acquirers. Whichever path offers the better outcome wins; the other is dropped.

If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old

The toy-maker gets ready to open its own shop AND listens to buyers who want to buy the whole company — then picks whichever is better.

Why it matters when you sell

A dual-track signals a near-term exit of some kind, which can inform whether to sell shares privately beforehand.

Related terms

Initial public offering (IPO)Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)Liquidity event

Put it to use

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Sources

A general market-practice term. See how we define and source the glossary in our methodology. General information, not advice.

Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.