Scheme to encourage more IPOs is launched

A specialist traders works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

Sean Duffy

The Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) has launched its 'IPOready' programme for 2017, which is geared towards helping Irish companies prepare for stock market flotations over the next five years.

The programme will offer assistance to companies that are preparing to go public.

IPOready will provide skills to executive teams who are attempting to raise strategic finance. It will also offer training in investor relations as well as how best to scale a business.

The initiative is a 15-month programme which will ensure businesses are ready to attract investment from domestic and international shareholders.

It is being supported by the Irish Strategic Investment Fund and will offer mentoring and presentations from finance leaders and top executives at firms already listed on the ISE.

"The ISE has seen 14 new company listings since 2013," said Aileen O'Donoghue, director of strategy at the ISE.

"Between them they have raised more than €3.5bn from Irish and international investors.

"This demonstrates the enormous benefits on offer for companies who list on public markets."

Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon also encouraged companies to get involved.

"The IPOready programme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses with global ambition to learn and gain insights from investors, executives and advisors who have played a part in the success of world-leading Irish companies," she said.

The programme will be launched at separate events in Dublin, Galway and Cork on May 9, 11 and 12.