London’s stock markets are on the brink of a corporate deal-making resurgence, according to Peel Hunt’s CEO Steven Fine. Despite this optimism, Fine warns of a bleak outlook for public listings in the UK. Here are some key takeaways from his recent statements:
- Continuous outflows from UK equities have caused valuations to remain low, preventing a surge in London initial public offerings.
- Peel Hunt CEO emphasizes the importance of addressing the de-equitisation of the UK market to attract more companies to go public.
- Mergers and acquisitions are thriving, but the UK is experiencing a loss of companies due to takeover bids and delistings.
- The decline in the number of UK-listed companies, as per government data, reflects a disheartening trend in recent years.
- Fine stresses the urgent need to reevaluate the demand for UK listings and make necessary reforms to retain companies in the market.
Fine’s concerns shed light on the challenges faced by the UK stock market and the pressing need for action to revitalize the listing environment. As London grapples with dwindling public offerings and intensifying corporate acquisitions, stakeholders must come together to address these issues urgently. The future of the UK market hangs in the balance, and proactive measures are essential to ensure its long-term stability and growth.
