Visma's proprietors are confirmed to be selecting finance institutions for an estimated £16 billion initial public offering in London.
Top Banks in the Race for Visma's £16bn London IPO
Visma, a leading European software company valued at approximately €19bn (£16.4bn), is planning a £16bn flotation on the London Stock Exchange, and the race for the top roles in this high-profile deal is heating up.
According to reports, the banks in contention for the top roles in Visma's upcoming IPO include Citi, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley. These banks are expected to be among those appointed as global coordinators for the IPO, which is likely to take place in early 2026.
The decision to list in London rather than Amsterdam follows regulatory reforms aimed at boosting London's attractiveness to tech listings. This includes allowing euro-denominated companies in FTSE indices, which contributes to the significance of the IPO and the competition among leading investment banks for the top deal roles.
Visma supplies accounting, payroll, HR, and other business software to over one million small business customers. The company has grown rapidly in recent years, both organically and through scores of acquisitions. Its profitability and valuation have risen substantially during this period.
The IPO would rank among the London market's biggest for years, making it a significant event for the UK's financial sector. The news is also seen as a boost to the City amid questions about the attractiveness of the London stock market to international companies.
Contextually, Visma's owners have recently held a selection process (a "beauty parade") of investment banks ahead of the offering. Multiple banks are expected to play leading coordinated roles, signaling a high-profile and competitive IPO process for what would be one of the biggest floatations in London’s stock market in recent years.
Visma is currently owned mainly by the London-based private equity firm Hg, alongside sovereign wealth funds and other investors. Hg has backed several successful software companies in the past, further boosting Visma's appeal to investors.
Spokespeople for Visma and Hg did not respond to enquiries about the IPO appointments. However, the expected appointment of several banks as global coordinators on the IPO is expected to be announced this month.
[1] The Financial Times [2] The Telegraph
- Given the high-stakes nature of Visma's £16bn London IPO, it's likely that the appointed global coordinators will need to navigate both the complex world of strong investment strategies and potential geopolitical risks, as the proceeds from the IPO could significantly impact the war chests of the banks involved.
- The expected appointment of renowned investment banks like Citi, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley as global coordinators for Visma's IPO underscores the importance of finance in such high-profile deals, as these banks will play a critical role in determining the success of the IPO, ultimately impacting the company's financial stability and growth.
