Has WeWork India Truly Resolved Its Governance Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- WeWork India has addressed governance concerns effectively.
- Recent IPO marks a significant step towards transparency.
- Strong operational EBITDA and cash flows since FY23.
- Long-term agreements with WeWork International ensure stability.
- Market valuation stands at ₹8,661 crore post-IPO.
New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) The advisory firm InGovern Research has stated that WeWork India Management has effectively resolved its previous governance issues. The company's recent public listing is seen as a significant move towards enhanced transparency and oversight.
Prior to its ₹3,000-crore initial public offering (IPO), InGovern had raised various concerns about WeWork India’s profitability, the structure of its brand-licensing, and the lack of a primary fundraising component in the offering.
In a subsequent report, InGovern confirmed that the company has offered comprehensive clarifications, ensuring that its financial status is robust.
“WeWork India has reaffirmed that its financial health is strong, underpinned by solid operational EBITDA and positive cash flows starting from FY23. The company highlighted its full compliance with regulatory requirements in its disclosures, and the infusion of equity from the promoters earlier this year indicates their confidence in the business,” InGovern noted.
The firm also mentioned that WeWork India’s long-term brand-licensing and management agreements are stable, with all risk factors and legal matters disclosed transparently, adhering to SEBI regulations.
The Embassy Group-backed WeWork India reported that its operating cash flow has remained positive since FY23, generating net cash of ₹942 crore in FY23, ₹1,162 crore in FY24, and ₹1,290 crore in FY25.
The company maintained that it continues to exhibit strong operational profitability, with EBITDA margins exceeding those of industry competitors.
“Despite a matured centre occupancy rate of 80.7%, our business produced a commendable adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.61%, the highest in our sector. Occupancy for the period ending June 2025 has further improved to 81.23%,” the company stated.
WeWork India, which debuted on the stock market on October 10, currently has a market valuation of ₹8,661 crore.
In addressing inquiries about the IPO structure, the company clarified that, while it was an entirely offer-for-sale, a substantial portion of the proceeds was utilized by promoters to pay off debt and decrease share pledges.
“This repayment has reduced the pledge on WeWork India shares to a minimal 15%, significantly lowering control-related risks,” the company explained.
WeWork India also elaborated on its brand-licensing arrangement with WeWork International, asserting it is long-term, stable, and consistent with industry practices.
“We maintain a strong partnership with WeWork Global and do not anticipate any substantial risks. Embassy has secured a long-term agreement for exclusive use of the brand name within India,” the company concluded.