AIM is the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies. These businesses range from young, venture capital – backed start-ups to well established, mature organisations looking to expand. The objective of AIM is to offer smaller companies – from any country and any industry sector – the chance to raise capital on a market with a pragmatic and appropriate approach to regulation.
Since its launch in 1995, over 3,000 companies have joined AIM – raising more than £60bn in the process, both through initial public offerings (IPOs) and further capital raisings. This capital has helped AIM-quoted companies of all kinds to fund their development and pursue their ambitions. Many companies have made the transition to the Exchange’s Main Market following their success and positive experience on AIM.
Inspite of the credit crunch in 2008, AIM has remained open for businesses – there are currently around 1000 companies on AIM, with a total market value of £70 bn.
Our client service team has many years of experience in co-ordinating multi-national services for AIM clients, and we offer a unique blend of commercialism, culture and capabilities which make us ideal advisers for smaller listed companies.
Is AIM right for my business?
To join AIM, you do not need a particular financial track record or trading history. There is also no minimum requirement in terms of size or number of shareholders. The point about AIM was that it was designed specifically for smaller growing companies. It is precisely this flexible approach that has helped AIM to become the leading global growth market.
However, there is no upper limit on the size of applicants to the market, as there are now companies on AIM with market caps in excess of £500m. The average market cap of AIM companies has grown to over £60m compared with only £15m in 2002, particularly due to the delisting of some smaller companies in recent years. We expect to see further growth in AIM in 2012.
Please contact Martin Jones if you would like to discuss floating on AIM or our services for AIM companies.