The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is expected to launch a separate market for high-technology stocks next month amid growing concern that the sector has a poor profile in the UK. Leaks from the exchange suggest that the new market will be known as Techmark and start off with approximately 100 companies.
With TV ads for the Nasdaq market in the UK luring investors, and Germany’s Neuer Markt showing how growing companies can raise equity finance in a high profile arena, there is growing concern that London has been falling badly behind international markets. However, all the indications are that the LSE is simply repackaging its existing methods of handling technology stocks. Few companies in the Alternative Investment Market, the usual starting place for companies seeking an IPO, are expected to be included in Techmark.
