European IPO activity set for subdued 2016

The proceeds from European stock market flotations hit new highs in 2015, but choppy conditions are likely to hinder activity in the first half of this year, a report out today indicates.

Picture: PA

European IPOs (initial public offerings) raised some €57.4 billion (£43.6bn) last year, up 16 per cent on 2014, with the average offering value 27 per cent higher at €248m.

However, London IPO proceeds fell by 16 per cent year-on-year, as the domestic market was hit by general election fears, Chinese contagion and tumbling oil prices, according to PwC’s latest IPO Watch.

Richard Spilsbury, a partner with PwC in Scotland, said: “Generally, I would expect to see the number of companies coming to market to marginally decline, as investors continue to scrutinise investment opportunities and those that can wait, will wait.

“However, for those companies with good management teams and good equity stories, opportunities can be found.”