Introduction to the London Stock Exchange Listing
A Blackpool-based marketing solutions provider is planning an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, providing a welcome boost amid the government’s concerted efforts to make the UK’s capital markets more attractive.
Company Overview
The company, International Connections Group (ICG), provides advertisers with targeted print and digital solutions in industries such as luxury hotels and funeral homes. ICG works with “hosts” such as Aston Martin and McLaren dealerships, Mandarin Oriental Hotels and Circle Health Group, providing its products for free in return for promotional sales opportunities.
Growth and Expansion
At the end of 2024, there were 2,300 such hosts, and this year that number increases to around 2,500. The company’s chairman is Alan Aubrey, a former boss of a London-listed science firm, while the chief executive has previously taken three other companies public.
IPO Plans
ICG has hired an investment bank to work on the IPO, which could launch in the new year. The likely valuation was unclear, although one investor speculated it could be around £50 million before raising primary capital.
Market Impact
ICG’s plans for an initial public offering in London come following a series of major IPOs in recent months, including food producer and banking group. These listings provide a spark of optimism about London’s ability to regain ground lost to rival international exchanges in recent years.
