133 companies went public on the Neuer Markt in 2000 compared to 132 companies in 1999. This accounts for about one third of all IPOs realized at the major European growth markets. The issuing volume reached almost 13 billion Euro, which nearly doubled in comparison to the last year (1999: 7.5 billion Euro) and represents some 45 percent of the issuing volume on European growth exchanges. Also the average issuing volume of the companies continued to rise from more than 55 million Euro in 1999 to around 96 million Euro during the current year. This development confirms that Neuer Markt is becoming increasingly attractive for larger companies. Neuer Markt has established itself as the leading IPO platform in Europe.
The interest of foreign companies in the Neuer Markt continues. During this year, almost 17 percent of the listings were realized by foreign issuers (1999: 12.5 percent). At the end 2000 of the 338 listed companies 55 companies or 16 percent originated from foreign countries.
As of January 2001, the extended regulatory framework for the Neuer Markt will be effective. From this date onwards, quarterly reports must additionally contain the balance sheet for the reporting period as well as information on the number of issuer's stocks held by the members of the issuer's boards. In parallel, reporting will be standardized according to the respective industry. As of this date, Deutsche Börse will publish all violations of the regulatory framework and sanctions it has imposed. As of March 1, the companies will be obliged to immediately inform the market about buying or selling transactions of the individual members of their boards. The extension of reporting obligations is designed to further improve the transparency of the growth segment and thus respond to investor protection issues. Furthermore, the general conditions for all market participants will be improved.
