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Going public

OMX Nordic Exchange has helped publicly listed companies since the 19th century and has vast experience in helping customers get the most out of the financial market. Our track record is a strong reason for choosing OMX Nordic Exchange when going public.


Reasons for going public


The reasons for going public and listing shares on an exchange differ from company to company, but often the main reason is the need for capital. A growing company may need an injection of new capital to realize, for example, expansion plans, increased R&D or intensified marketing. A listing gives access to capital.

Going public can serve a number of other purposes, such as: 
  • A mark of quality, which facilities international business as well as attracting qualified staff
  • Visibility for the company’s business as well as products
  • Provide a market value of the company and its shares
  • Serve as an exit opportunity for owners
  • Facilitate ownership succession
  • Possibility to offer employee incentive programs
  • Publicity

If you are intrested to read more about diffrent motives for getting listed, please see the "How to get listed" section.

Expansion


Realization of a company's commercial potential requires a capital base, which often exceeds the company’s existing capabilities. A listing creates greater access to unlimited capital resources. As the company develops, it can raise further capital through the issue of new shares.

Acquisition of other companies


In connection with takeovers, it may be desirable that the shares of the continuing company are listed on a stock exchange. The continuing company may thus use liquid listed shares as payment, in full or in part, to the shareholders in the ceasing company. Those shareholders will be able to make a more informed assessment of an offer if the values are fixed through a trustworthy marketplace.

Internationalization


A listed company is more attractive to foreign investors. A listing provides more opportunity to form strategic alliances, for example through cross-border cross share holdings, by establishing a well-defined price of the company’s shares and improvement of the negotiability of the company’s shares.

Higher public profile


The listing on a public market inevitably means that the business and its activities will attract more interest, thus broadening awareness of the company. Daily market quotations and disclosure requirements mean that the public gains insight into the company. This helps build and sustain interest in the company, its products and services, and attracts qualified staff. On export markets, a listing may strengthen the company’s credibility as a future partner. It is easier to do business with a well-known company.

Incentive programs


With a listing, the company has an opportunity to incentivize employees by issuing employee shares at a favourable price. This strengthens motivation and encourages their active participation in the ownership of the company. Employees can continually see the value of their shares on daily market quotations. In addition, listed companies may use warrants, share options and convertible bonds in an incentive program to the management,

Exit opportunities


The owners of a privately held company are given the opportunity to exit and get access to the capital invested in the company.

Succession


In family companies, succession often requires a share sale. It may be difficult to attract investors, as the knowledge of family companies is limited. A listing on the Nordic Exchange gives the owners easy access to potential investors. The shares of a listed company are often priced higher than shares in an unlisted company. Furthermore, most investors focus on listed companies.This increases demand and, consequently, the prices of listed company shares.

External borrowing reduced


A company can act more freely and make better decisions when it is not burdened with mounting debts. Many companies use the equity market to raise new capital instead of incurring new debt.

Market value


A private company is often valued on the basis of its net capital. A listing on OMX Nordic Exchange exposes the full market value of the company. This value often exceeds the book value considerably.

Visibility


A listed company is more visible than an unlisted company. The media constantly follows the developments of listed companies. Efficient electronic information distribution channels can be used for press releases. Daily price information in printed media serves as constant reminder of developments among listed companies.

For an informal discussion about joining our exchange, contact Company Services.
Preparations
When considering a listing, the company typically starts with a preparation phase to find out more about listing and what it implies. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the company? What are the requirements, etc.?

Please look at our check list to find out more about listing preparation.

Contacts

omxlistings@nasdaqomx.com

Stockholm
Johan Allstrin
+46 8 405 69 49
Håkan Sjögren
+46 8 405 78 93
Ingrid Zachrisson Östhols
+46 8 405 66 19
Cristina Espelund
+46 8 405 71 36

Copenhagen

Carsten Borring
+45 33 77 04 55
Peter Legind-Hansen
+45 33 77 03 88
Andreas Damgaard Petersen
+45 33 77 04 45
Toke Reedtz
+45 33 77 03 85
Kenneth Jørgensen
+45 33 77 03 28

Helsinki

Martin Nord
+358 9 6166 7295
Minna Rautiainen
+358 9 6166 7287
Sami Tuomisaari
+358 9 6166 7245
Erja Jumppanen
+358 9 6166 7322

Iceland

Kristin Rafnar
+354 525 2869

International

Christina Ploom
+46 8 405 69 33
Kristin Haglund
+46 8 405 70 12
Tuija Ottoila
+44 20 7065 8071

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