The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is known to have the most diverse investor base of any major global exchange. Used by more international issuers than any other stock exchange, including many US companies, it plays a key part in the UK's reputation as the centre of global finance.
The Alternative Investment Market (AIM) is the LSE's junior market for small and medium-sized growth companies. Set up to sit alongside and compliment the main market, it provides high-growth companies and investors with the opportunity to achieve outsized returns and propel their growth.
The AIM market has grown into the world's most successful and established market for dynamic high-growth companies. Providing access to capital from a network of premium institutional investors, AIM is currently home to around 850 companies with a combined market capitalisation in excess of US$160 billion.
Why do companies join AIM?
There are a number of advantages to joining AIM:
- Smaller growth-orientated companies can thrive in an international public market.
- Access to a diverse, high quality and leading institutional investor base, and long-term growth capital.
- A cost effective and simple admission process.
- A regulatory approach that is specifically tailored to the needs of growing companies, with a balanced regulatory framework and less litigious legal environment.
Our guides for US issuers
There are a number of considerations for US businesses to consider when dealing with the AIM market. We've developed two guides to help you:
One if you're a US issuer planning for an AIM IPO
One if you're an existing US businesses quoted on AIM thinking about your next steps
A guide for US issuers floating on AIM - how to list in London
Thinking of listing in London? This guide has all the main areas you need to think about. Explore the process of planning an AIM IPO and what you'll need to consider.
A guide for US issuers with an AIM quotation – raising capital and future growth
Already quoted and need further support? Then this is the guide for you. Read about further equity issuances, growth through acquisitions and managing a takeover bid.
How we can help
As a law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses, we have extensive experience in a variety of venture and growth financing, public capital raisings, and mergers and acquisitions. No matter where you are in your AIM journey, we can support you in achieving your business goals.
Get in touch for more information.
Accessing growth capital in challenging markets: trends in venture capital, US & international IPOs
In May we're co-hosting a roadshow event with Edison Group, the London Stock Exchange Group, Frazier & Deeter, and Morris, Manning & Martin. On 11 May we'll be in Nashville, followed by Atlanta the next day where we'll be joined by a panel of guests to discuss recent equity performance and financing trends, and the relationship between public and private markets. The sessions will explore strategies for accessing capital privately and publicly both in the US and in overseas markets like London, with Ross McNaughton, a Partner in our Corporate Technology & Life Sciences team sharing his views.
