A corporation would go for an IPO to raise money. This money can be used for anything like:
In most cases IPO's are taken up to fund business expansion plans.
Scholastic Corporation (SCHL) had its IPO in 1992.
Civeo Corporation (CVEO)had its IPO in 2014.
Kemper Corporation (KMPA)had its IPO in 2014.
Knowles Corporation (KN)had its IPO in 2014.
Seaspan Corporation (SSWN)had its IPO in 2014.
Veritiv Corporation (VRTV)had its IPO in 2014.
ChannelAdvisor Corporation (ECOM )had its IPO in 2013.
Intrexon Corporation (XON)had its IPO in 2013.
Qwest Corporation (CTY)had its IPO in 2013.
Sprint Corporation (S)had its IPO in 2013.
Taminco Corporation (TAM)had its IPO in 2013.
Textura Corporation (TXTR)had its IPO in 2013.