By James Wall
The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is beginning a marketing and sales push to induce more US companies to raise public capital in London, and its campaign is starting not in New York, San Francisco or Chicago but Denver.
The LSEG, which dates back to 1801, has long had a presence in New York but is looking to recruit more companies for its growth exchange, known as AIM, in fast-growing areas of the United States outside of the country’s major financial hubs.
Read London’s AIM A Solid Bet for Colorado Growth Companies
Says Alex Lehmann, Head of the Americas for the LSEG: “We’re constantly talking with the very large international companies about listing on our main exchange in London but this effort is very distinct. This is about marketing AIM to growth companies in exciting industries such as cleantech, biotech, oil & gas and general technology.”
Lehmann explained that Colorado is viewed by many in London as one of the most exciting cities in the US as far as innovation and growth are concerned, with a diversified economy unlike many other states.
“Job growth in Colorado is strong in many sectors and London is hearing about another ‘Rocky Mountain High’ after previous booms in the state,” said Lehmann.
Lehmann was introduced to Denver by local entrepreneur, James Wall, a former attorney in both England and Colorado and founder of Capital 33, an enterprise designed to help US companies raise public money in the UK’s capital.
“After visits to London with clients that were after private capital, we kept hearing AIM, AIM, AIM,” said Wall, “and it had nothing to do with archery or gun sports.” So, we looked into the AIM market and decided that it did, indeed, fit the bill for many Colorado ventures that may like to go the public route without having to go through the hassle and expense of so-doing in the US.”
Wall contacted Lehmann and the two now talk many times per week. “We both the see the whole Rocky Mountain region as a prime target area for the AIM exchange,” says Wall.
The marketing push starts with a seminar on October 10th at 8:00AM, sponsored by Capital 33 and the law firm of Moye White – one of the few law Denver firms that have had clients list on AIM over the years. Also in attendance will be London law firm Memery Chrystal, accountants PwC (tentative), LSEG and London investment bank/stockbroker finnCap. 50-100 people are expected to attend the seminar to be held at Northern Trust’s downtown offices: 1573 Market St, Denver, CO 80202.
For more information on the seminar please go to http://www.capital33.net — where more detailed material will be appearing soon.
