Visma Chooses London for PS16bn IPO, Giving City a Boost

Strategic Insights -

Visma, a Norwegian software firm owned by British private equity firm Hg, has reportedly selected London as the host for its PS16bn initial public offering (IPO), a significant win for the City at a time when its status as a listing venue is diminishing. This decision follows a series of high-profile listings in other markets, including New York and Hong Kong. The IPO is expected to take place early in 2026, providing a much-needed glimmer of hope for London. Visma's choice was reportedly influenced by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reforms aimed at making listing easier.

Key Takeaways:

  • Visma, a Norwegian software firm, has provisionally chosen London to host its PS16bn stock market debut.
  • The IPO is expected to take place early in 2026, providing a boost to the City's status as a listing venue.
  • Hg, the British private equity firm that owns Visma, was instrumental in Visma's decision to list in London.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reforms aimed at making listing easier reportedly influenced Visma's choice.
  • London's status as a listing venue has been diminishing due to a series of high-profile listings in other markets.
  • The UK market has seen a 53pc drop in share issuance in the first half of 2025, according to Dealogic.
  • Thirty of London's listed firms have been subjected to takeover bids so far this year.
  • The FCA's boss, Nikhil Rathi, has insisted that investor demand for UK assets is growing.

Statistics:

  • PS16bn - the value of Visma's initial public offering (IPO).
  • 2026 - the expected year of Visma's IPO.
  • 53pc - the drop in UK share issuance in the first half of 2025, reported by Dealogic.
  • 30 - the number of London listed firms subjected to takeover bids so far this year.

Sources:

  • Financial Times
  • Dealogic
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)