The Strategist

London IPO volume in January-June fell to its lowest since 1997



07/03/2025 - 03:10



According to Bloomberg's estimates, the combined total of initial public offerings in London for January to June 2025 was less than 200 million pounds ($274 million), marking the lowest level since 1997.



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The biggest IPO in this timeframe was by the professional services firm MHA Plc., which secured 98 million pounds.
 
Cobalt Holdings Plc. has scrapped what was set to be the largest IPO in London in two years, while retailer Shein has altered its strategy and is now gearing up to list in Hong Kong rather than London.
 
In recent years, firms with a total market capitalization exceeding $100 billion have declared plans to relocate or have already relocated their listings to New York.
 
In June, the British fintech firm Wise Plc revealed a comparable plan. The firm anticipates that delaying the listing will draw in new investors and enhance its liquidity. Flutter Entertainment Plc., CRH Plc., and Indivior Plc. have already made this move.
 
AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot is also contemplating delaying the listing. According to The Times, Soriot has indicated a preference for a US listing and has even contemplated altering the company's registered address.
 
Bloomberg notes that the departure of the UK's most valuable firm from the market might trigger a shockwave in the financial industry and encourage others to do the same.
 
source: bloomberg.com