(Telecompaper) Security service provider Sophos has priced its initial public offering, which it announced earlier this month, at 225 pence per share, bringing its market capitalisation to over GBP 1 billion at the start of conditional dealings. The IPO will be of 156.5 million shares, representing 34.8 percent of the company's issued share capital, assuming no greenshoe. The selling shareholders have granted an over-allotment option of almost 23.5 million shares, representing 15 percent of the shares in the offer. Sophos will be raising around USD 125 million in gross proceeds. The provider will use the money to reduce debt and provide it with better financial flexibility. The selling shareholders will receive gross proceeds of about GBP 272.6 million. At the end of the transaction, Apax Funds will hold 40.1 percent, the founders 18.9 percent, Investcorp 2.5 percent and the directors 1.7 percent. Shares are expected to start trading on the London Stock Exchange on 26 June. At admission, the company will have 450 million shares in issue.