September 21, 2012
Moscow …. Against the backdrop of a number of high profile Russian companies listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), in the mineral and natural resources sector and more broadly, Latham & Watkins organized a breakfast seminar to discuss recent market developments and the multiple routes to a London listing. The panellists discussed key issues and considerations for listings across the range of London markets including GDRs and Premium Listings.
Attended by executives representing Russian companies and banks, the forum discussed market conditions for listing and provided an overview of regulatory developments impacting issuers.
Moderated by Jon Edwards, Deputy Director – Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange, the panel discussed:
- Current IPO trends and a forecast for 2013
- Issues around transferring between listing categories and markets
- The latest regulatory changes affecting companies seeking to list on the LSE
- And recent developments for Russian issuers considering London
Alastair Walmsley, Head of Equity Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange, was joined by fellow panellists from Latham & Watkins’ London and Moscow offices including partners Richard Brown and Claire Keast-Butler and associates David Stewart and Yulia Dementieva.
David Stewart, an experienced securities attorney who has advised on numerous Russia and CIS capital markets matters, said: “London remains a very attractive listing venue for Russian issuers. In the midst of continued global economic uncertainty and risk aversion, issuers are attracted to the size of the capital markets in London.
Richard Brown, a partner in the firm’s London office who has advised extensively on equity capital markets, added: “The session elicited vibrant discussion on the market conditions for an IPO, the key regulatory developments for a London listing and the advantages of a premium listing of shares.