The London IPO market?

Recent data provided by PitchBook shows the dwindling attractiveness of listing on the LSE. Last year was the slowest in a decade for IPO activity.

In 2023, we witnessed a number of listed UK businesses taken private including veterinary firm Dechra, Hotel Chocolat and Lookers. This de-equitisation alongside a reduction in listing activity is bringing into focus the competitiveness of London as a global financial centre.

The UK Govt, financial regulators and the LSE are considering ways to help reverse their fortunes including opening up the private markets to professional investors via a new trading platform.

This trend is one to keep a close eye on as more investors shun public markets and apportion more of their investable assets in private markets (equity and credit).