London IPOs hit seven-year high as 138 firms float in 2014
Stock market flotations in London reached a seven-year high in 2014 despite a number of high-profile initial public offerings (IPOs) being pulled because of a saturated market.
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A total of 138 IPOs took place this year, according to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), raising £16.9bn.
Some 58 companies joined the main market of the LSE, raising £14.1bn, while 80 companies raised £2.8bn from listing on AIM. This was the fourth-highest year on record for AIM fundraisings.
AA's was the largest IPO of 2014 in terms of money raised at £1.39bn, while B&M European Value Retail was the biggest by market capitalisation at £2.5bn.
Other companies to float in London this year included Zoopla, TSB Banking Group, Poundland, Jimmy Choo, AO World, Boohoo.com and Just Eat.
However, a number of firms decided to scrap or delay their plans to float this year due to bouts of market volatility or a lack of investors interested in providing funds.
Retailer such as Fat Face and Blue Inc both pulled their £440m and £60m IPOs during 2014, along with Hungarian carrier Wizz Air and breakdown services provider RAC.