September saw a flurry of activity on the PLUS stock exchange. Although market conditions remain very challenging, the primary market enjoyed its busiest month since January.
New applications and admissions - two new companies joined the exchange (Technis International and Choice XS) and a further three made application to admit to the market. There are now six new companies in the pipeline from a range of sectors including entertainment, media, software, finance and telecommunications.
Mergers and acquisitions - the flurry of activity on the exchange was not just limited to new entrants. Cantina Augusto announced the acquisition of Fast Consultants Limited to expand their business further in the restaurant sector. Contract catering business Bright Futures Group acquired Jill Bartlett & Company Limited and Fairholt Resource Investment announced the proposed acquisition of Magnolia Petroleum.
New corporate advisers - joining PLUS as corporate advisers in Q3 were Strand Hanson Limited (formerly Strand Partners) and Zimmerman Adams International.
Regional marketing - following successful international marketing campaigns in South East Asia, PLUS continues to invest in pre-IPO events in support of the home market. Most recently the exchange spoke at events in the Yorkshire/North East (Leeds) and the Midlands (Oxford), where the forums were well-received and attended by a host of prospective UK growth companies and advisers. PLUS' pre-IPO seminars have been attracting strong interest from growth companies domestically and internationally. The next event is for London/South East and will take place on 18 November in London. For further details, please see http://www.plusmarketsgroup.com/PLUS_events.shtml.
New standard segment for officially listed companies - in October, PLUS announced increased flexibility in its product offering for fully listed companies and funds. The exchange opened its standard segment for UK and international companies seeking access to the Official List via the FSA’s new streamlined “Standard” listing regime.*
“Primary market activity on PLUS-quoted picked up in Q3. During September we saw an upturn in admissions, applications and M&A activity on our stock exchange. Interest in the PLUS stock exchange remains high at all levels amongst both our home market and the international audience.” said Head of Capital Markets, Paul Haddock.
* http://www.plusmarketsgroup.com/pressreleases/PressreleasePMG20091001ListingRulesConsultation.pdf