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London Stock Exchange this morning celebrated the anniversary of JD Wetherspoon's twenty year listing on the Main Market. Founder and Chairman, Tim Martin, was joined by JD Wetherspoon staff and London Stock Exchange, Head of UK Primary Markets, Marcus Stuttard. Over 30 representatives from the company, including staff that have been with JD Wetherspoon since they became a public company, marked the occasion by opening London trading.
The company opened its first pub, Marler's Bar, in Muswell Hill in 1979. It now employs nearly 30,000 staff and operates more than 850 pubs as well as hotels and bars across the UK. Since its listing in 1992 the company's share price has risen 1534 per cent.
Marcus Stuttard, Head of UK Primary Markets at London Stock Exchange Group said:
"We are delighted to be celebrating with JD Wetherspoon today and to mark a very British success story. The huge increase in the value of the business over 20 years demonstrates the power of equity in supporting the growth of ambitious businesses.
"Growth stories like that of JD Wetherspoon highlight the strength of British business and the vital role that entrepreneurs and innovative business people have in maintaining the health of the UK economy."
