The companies hail from the technology sector as well as traditional areas, with a focus on real estate, software, and financial services. The total market capitalization of the companies amounts to around €4.8 billion, with each individual company usually worth around €50 million. Six foreign companies from Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, and Canada have also opted for a listing on the Entry Standard. The Entry All Share index, calculated by Deutsche Börse since market launch, has risen by 20 percent since 25 October 2005.
Liquidity has also shown encouraging development. 56 companies use a Designated Sponsor, who secures additional liquidity on the Xetra electronic trading system. The average trading volume and the number of transactions per company is more than twice as high as on other alternative markets in Europe.
In addition, the number of applicants responsible for selecting the companies and monitoring transparency requirements on an ongoing basis has increased to 18 banks and brokerage firms. Entry Standard companies are of particular interest to qualified investors; over 80 percent of IPO volume has generally been placed with institutional investors.
The Entry Standard has also proved successful as an entry segment to the capital market and is also established as a platform for the secondary market. IQ Power has moved from the Entry Standard to the General Standard, and other companies are also considering a move. As regards market access via a public offering or private placement, there is a distinct trend towards the preparation of prospectuses. Over 70 percent of new entrants to the Entry Standard choose a public offering that includes the obligation to prepare a prospectus.
The Entry Standard, General Standard, and Prime Standard allow companies to choose from various listing options according to their respective needs.
