Legal Services

ECM lawyers diversify amid IPO drought

Dealmakers have filled the IPO void with M&A and fundraising work as they prepare for a revival in London’s public markets

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Legal experts have been forced to pivot with fewer floats to go around Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images

City lawyers that specialise in equity capital markets have pivoted from listings work to more private placements and M&A deals as London’s IPO activity remains subdued. 

The shift comes as the UK’s public markets continue to grapple with a lack of new listings, a flurry of take-privates, and companies such as Wise and Paddy Power owner Flutter abandoning London for New York.

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