Think Big, AIM High: U.S. Companies Accessing Growth Capital Through London's AIM Market

November 07, 2014

Author:

On October 23, 2014, Miller & Martin welcomed Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. (WLGC) from London to its Atlanta office to co-host a special presentation focused on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange (LSEG), which supports small and medium sized enterprises’ (SMEs) access to public capital. Professionals from the LSEG, Cenkos Securities, WLGC and ClearStar shared their insights on a range of strategies for bringing U.S. companies to market.

Alex Lehmann, Head of Americas, Primary Markets with the LSEG discussed recent market trends and developments; some of the recent U.S. companies who have come to AIM and how they believe AIM is truly a differentiated market for SMEs. Andy Roberts, Jason Holden and Max Hartley with Cenkos focused on raising capital and gave an overview on valuation and investor appetite, together with a recent case study. Kris Rogers with WLGC provided a summary of the different ways to bring a U.S. company to market, the challenges they’ll face as well as their on-going obligations once on AIM. David Pattilo, CFO of ClearStar, gave his perspective on AIM as seen through the eyes of a U.S. company CFO.

Though the LSEG formed AIM in 1995, it was relatively unknown until the past couple of years. Due to its relatively simple listing process, international investor base, geographical reach, expert advisor network, visibility and flexibility, as well as proven success of many companies coming to market, companies across the world have begun taking note. Since its inception, over 3,000 companies have been admitted to trade on AIM, and over 400 companies with the majority of their operations outside the UK have raised capital on AIM, reflecting its appeal.

The event was co-sponsored by Miller & Martin PLLC, London Stock Exchange, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co., AIM, Technology Association of Georgia, World Law Group and Cenkos Securities.

To download the PowerPoint presentation, please click here.


Pictured from Left to Right: Tom Harrold, Miller & Martin PLLC; Kris Roger and Jonathan Chamberlain, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co.; and Joe DeLisle, Miller & Martin PLLC.  Miller & Martin and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. are both members of the World Law Group, one of the oldest and largest global networks of independent business law firms, specifically created to meet the legal needs of today’s multinational companies.  As a special thanks, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Chamberlin were presented with their own Atlanta Falcons’ jerseys for the Falcons’ upcoming game at Wembley Stadium in London.

Related Practice Areas