WilmerHale, a long-time leader in initial public offerings, and Practising Law Institute (PLI), a leading provider of continuing legal education, announce the release of a Special Alert to Initial Public Offerings: A Practical Guide to Going Public. The book, written by David Westenberg of WilmerHale's Capital Markets Group, draws upon his and the firm's decades of experience as a leader in the IPO market. The Special Alert, also written by Mr. Westenberg, discusses the FAST Act and other recent developments affecting the IPO market.

On December 4, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). Although aimed principally at authorizing spending on highway and transit projects, the FAST Act includes several amendments to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) and other securities law provisions. The aspects of the FAST Act applicable to IPOs are already in effect, while other provisions are subject to future SEC rulemaking. The changes made by the FAST Act, together with other recent developments, will help shape the IPO landscape in the coming year and beyond. The Special Alert sets forth a summary of the FAST Act's changes and other recent developments, and some of their implications.

Hailed by executives, entrepreneurs, general counsel, investment bankers and venture capitalists alike as the definitive IPO guide, Initial Public Offerings: A Practical Guide to Going Public charts every twist and turn on the IPO journey and provides battle-tested advice on how to plan, execute and complete a successful IPO. Packed with planning tips, case studies, checklists, empirical data and sample documents, the book provides instant access to the essential information that IPO companies and their advisors often struggle to amass on their own.

Industry leaders agree that Initial Public Offerings: A Practical Guide to Going Public is the ultimate roadmap to the IPO process:

"A thoughtful, clear and comprehensive overview of the IPO process. A must read for company executives, securities lawyers and capital markets professionals alike." - John Tyree, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley

"A detailed step-by-step guide that every practitioner should have." - Broc Romanek, Editor of TheCorporateCounsel.net

"An invaluable and comprehensive resource for the experienced practitioner and novice entrepreneur alike." - Richard D. Truesdell, Jr., Partner, Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP

Initial Public Offerings is available now by calling toll free at (800) 260-4754 or by visiting www.pli.edu. Learn more about Initial Public Offerings at the official IPO Guidebook site and stay informed of timely IPO updates by following Westenberg on his blog, The Road to IPO: Legal and Regulatory Insights into Going Public.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.