Best Of: Why companies don't want to list in the UK anymore
Nov 22, 2023
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The podcast explores the decline of the London Stock Exchange and why British companies are choosing to do their IPOs outside of the UK. It delves into the story of the London Stock Exchange's transformation, the downfall of Robert Maxwell's publishing empire, the impact of pension scandals, and the challenges faced by UK companies in listing on the London Stock Exchange.
The London Stock Exchange's decline can be attributed to a reputation for being an unexciting and less dynamic environment for listing shares.
Changes in the UK pension system, specifically the shift towards defined contribution plans and tightening regulations on defined benefit pensions, have led to a decrease in capital flowing into the London Stock Exchange.
Deep dives
Amunocor's Journey and IPO on NASDAQ
Amunocor, a British biotech firm focused on developing drugs using T-cells to treat melanoma, faced challenges in raising funds for drug development. After a successful A-round in the UK, they struggled to find further funding domestically and turned to the United States, where they had better luck. With positive clinical trial results in 2020, Amunocor went public on the NASDAQ in February 2021. This move to the US market was not unique, as other high-profile British companies have also sought IPOs outside the UK.
Decline of the London Stock Exchange
The London Stock Exchange, once a global financial hub, has lost its appeal to companies, particularly in comparison to US stock markets. The decline can be attributed to factors such as a reputation for being an unexciting and less dynamic environment for listing shares. Changes in the UK pension system, specifically the shift towards defined contribution plans and the tightening regulations on defined benefit pensions, have led to a decrease in capital flowing into the London Stock Exchange.
Challenges in the UK and Europe
The UK and Europe face similar challenges in retaining companies for IPOs. Investors in these regions tend to be more cautious, leading tech companies and other innovative firms to seek listings elsewhere, particularly in the US. Furthermore, the fragmentation of European stock exchanges and differing regulatory frameworks make it less attractive for companies to list in the region. Policymakers need to address these issues and create a healthy ecosystem that promotes listings and trading activity.
This week we’re revisiting an episode from earlier this year about the London Stock Exchange’s decline. The exchange once held the top spot in global financial markets, but that’s changed completely in recent years. The FT’s Harriet Agnew and Katie Martin explain how a yacht floating off the Canary Islands 30 years ago played a critical role in changing the stock market.
On X, follow Harriet Agnew (@HarrietAgnew), Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07), or follow Michela on LinkedIn for updates about the show and more.