Floating Your Company: The Essential Guide to Going Public

Floating Your Company covers every aspect of the flotation process and gives advice on the issues facing any company considering flotation - whether it be on the main board of the London Stock Exchange or on AIM, the Exchange's market specifically tailored to growing businesses. It covers the strategic issues that may arise, as well as the inevitable changes that occur - both in terms of the day-to-day running of the business and in the overall company culture. It covers the initial decision to float, flotation alternatives, the use of professional advisers, the listing process and the continuing obligations post-flotation. Whether you are the owner or director of a small, medium or larger business, you need to be prepared before making a final decision on whether to float - Floating Your Company will give you the confidence to choose the best option for your company.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: To float or not to float: planning your company's future 1 The equity environment Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; The exuberant 1980s; The benign environment; The end of the bull market; AIM; Looking forward; Conclusion 2 Necessary and sufficient conditions for flotation Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; Formal criteria for admission; Suitability for admission; Can a company deliver value?; Some thoughts on overseas companies; Conclusion 3 Is flotation the right financial strategy? Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; The advantages of flotation; The costs and disadvantages of flotation; Life in the public domain; Identifying the motivations of the owner-manager; Deciding the company's financial strategy; Conclusion 4 Alternative sources of finance Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; Equity finance; Debt finance; Exiting the business; When things go wrong Part 2: Alternative markets 5 The regulatory framework Martin Shaw and Robert Moir, Pinsent Masons Introduction: basic choices; London Stock Exchange plc; Legal framework; Admission criteria 6 Alternative stock exchanges Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; The success of AIM; Overseas alternatives 7 The Alternative Investment Market (AIM) Martin Graham, London Stock Exchange Introduction; Why a public flotation?; AIM: an international market; AIM's regulatory approach and joining AIM; Day one of trading - and beyond; The outlook for AIM 8 Ofex Nemone Wynn-Evans, PLUS Markets Group Overview; Ofex today; When is a company ready for Ofex?; Seeking admission to Ofex; The advisory team involved when joining Ofex; Life as a public company: continuing obligations; Conclusion 9 ShareMark Emma Vigus, ShareMark How does ShareMark work?; Regulatory status; The ShareMark admission process; Information required; The ShareMark Admission Committee; Costs and time involved; Shareholder communication and meeting ongoing shareholder requirements; Ongoing requirements; Conclusion Part 3: The flotation process 10 Selection of advisers Andrew Black, Pinsent Masons Introduction; Selection of advisers; Advisers' roles; Appendix: List of documents for a flotation 11 The role of the Nomad Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; The flotation process; Following flotation 12 The role of the lawyers Hannah Kendrick, Pinsent Masons Introduction: general role; The particular role of the legal advisers; Due diligence; Documentation; Continuing obligations 13 The role of the reporting accountant Sunil Patel, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; Information in the investment circular; 'Due diligence' reports on the company; Other documents; Other areas 14 The role of the broker Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; Choosing a broker 15 Key issues for the broker and the company Mark Connelly, Collins Stewart 1: What are the right reasons to float a company?; 2: What are the wrong/bad reasons to float a company?; 3: How will the market value the company?; 4: How will the market view a sale of shares by directors?; 5: How much money should the company raise in new equity?; 6: How long will the flotation process take?; 7: How to choose advisers for a flotation; 8: How much will flotation cost?; 9: How much disclosure about the company will directors have to make?; 10: Which market should the company join? 16 Valuing the company's shares Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; The principles of valuation; Valuation in practice 17 Indemnities and warranties from directors and shareholders Philip Goldsborough, Pinsent Masons Introduction; Function of warranties and indemnities; Who gives the warranties and the sponsor's indemnity?; Tax indemnity; Limitation on liabilities; Rights of contribution 18 The role of public relations Julian Bosdet and Heather Salmond, Abchurch Communications The build-up; Announcement of the intention to float; The first day of dealing; The aftermarket Part 4: Living with the listing 19 Continuing obligations Robert Moir, Pinsent Masons Introduction; Main Market; Requirements in relation to transactions above a certain size; Restriction on directors and others dealing in the company's shares; AIM; Non-compliance 20 Best practice in corporate governance Colin Aaronson and Nick Jeffrey, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; The Combined Code: composition of the board; Communicating with shareholders and the market; Conclusion 21 Best practice in corporate communications Julian Bosdet and Heather Salmond, Abchurch Communications Keep the news flowing; Forward planning; The financial calendar; Regulatory news service (RNS) announcements; Building and maintaining relationships; Getting feedback; Other services your PR firm should offer; Summary 22 Transactions by quoted companies Colin Aaronson, Grant Thornton Summary; Introduction; The Class tests; The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers; The conduct of takeovers 23 Enhanced financial reporting requirements Nick Jeffrey, Grant Thornton Introduction; The annual report of a listed company; Other reporting requirements; Relationship with your auditor; Future developments

About the Author :
Jonathan Reuvid is a Consultant Editor to Kogan Page. He graduated from PPE from Oxford University and is an experienced international business development manager. Alongside management consultancy, he has pursued a parallel career in publishing as a writer and editor of international business books, including Working Abroad , The Handbook of Personal Wealth Management and Managing Business Risk, all published by Kogan Page.

Review :
"A detailed explanation of the whole floatation process." Commerce and Industry