AIM:

AIM continues to show strong growth across the board with the number of companies increasing by 17% to over 1,600 and the market value improving by 69% to £95.8 billion. The IPO activity has been intense recently and in the past year over 370 companies have joined the market.

haysmacintyre has significant experience in supporting both domestic and international companies prepare for a listing on AIM. This includes financial, taxation and management advice to prepare companies, introductions to suitable sponsors, production of accountants’ short and long form reports, independent reviews of a variety of financial reports such as working capital and profit forecasts, review of the financial reporting procedures and compliance documentation.

We have acted for a number of AIM flotations recently – please see details of the latest fundraising transactions that we have been involved in by clicking here. We also provide audit, accounting and tax services to companies on the AIM, Plus market and the main market.

Specifically tailored for the needs of smaller, growth companies, AIM combines the benefits of a public quotation with a flexible regulatory approach. AIM gives smaller and growing companies of all sectors access to a public market at an earlier stage of their development, whilst providing a central focus for investors who understand growing companies and are keen to invest in their potential.
 
Whether as a means of gaining your first experience of a public market, or as a stepping stone to the Main Market, the flexibility of AIM makes it attractive to a wide range of companies, from young, venture-backed businesses or long established family concerns to growing companies requiring capital for development and acquisition. AIM gives companies from all countries and sectors access to the market at an earlier stage of their development, allowing them to experience life as a public company.

An AIM quotation offers:

• A flexible regulatory regime
• Access to a unique, globally respected market
• Access to a wide pool of capital
• Enhanced profile & heightened interest in your company
• Increased status and credibility
• Currency for and easier rules on acquisition
• Eligibility for a range of tax benefits

The table below highlights the main differences in the admission criteria for the Main market and AIM:

Main Market	AIM
A minimum of 25% shares in public hands Three year trading record required Prior shareholder approval required for substantial acquisitions and disposals Pre-vetting of admission documents by the UKLA Sponsors needed for certain transactions Minimum market capitalisation	No minimum shares to be in public hands No trading record required No prior shareholder approval for transactions Admission documents not pre-vetted by Exchange nor by the UKLA in most circumstances. (Unless an AIM admission document where it is also a Prospectus under the Prospectus Directive) Nominated adviser required at all times No minimum market capitalisation