Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Four firms pressing ahead with flotations

James Bethell
Tuesday 25 October 1994 20:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Four companies are pushing ahead with flotation plans despite the recent crop of new- issue disasters and stock market volatility.

Ashbourne Nursing Homes, SeaPerfect and JJB Sports are all presenting themselves to the City for the first time this week. Thorn Lighting will announce its flotation price on Thursday.

'It is only when you are lingering around the City that you realise there is a concern about recent floats faltering,' said Martin Feeney, finance director of Ashbourne, the nursing company with 1,599 registered beds in 19 homes.

Charterhouse, the merchant bank which is underwriting the issue in full, is determined to raise pounds 50m to pay off debts and, after a couple of years, allow the four institutions that backed last year's management buyout from Stakis to cash in some of their investment.

David Whelan, the former Blackburn Rovers footballer, is equally determined to raise pounds 8m to build a warehouse for his growing sports retailing chain and invest in 30 shops.

He does not think City anxiety about new issues will affect him. 'We are not a management buyout, we have a proven track record and we do not need the money to repay any debts,' he said.

Today, SeaPerfect, the Chilean and South Carolina clam and scallop growers backed by William de Broe, will unveil plans to raise pounds 30m for a new European venture.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in