The Alternative Investment Market (AIM)
AIM is the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies, ranging from young, venture capital-backed start-ups to well-established, mature businesses seeking to expand.
The Exchange’s objective in setting up AIM was to offer smaller companies (in the UK and abroad and from any sector) the opportunity to access London’s capital markets via market with a pragmatic and appropriate approach to regulation.
Since its launch in 1995, more than 3,000 companies have joined AIM − raising billions of pounds in the process, both through initial public offerings (IPOs) and further capital raisings. Many companies have subsequently transferred to the Exchange’s Main Market.
Many of the companies listed are offshore vehicles and the Isle of Man is the leading provider of these vehicles.
Listing on AIM
A listing on AIM involves the following participants and service providers:
● The Company
AIM is suitable for smaller companies from any sector and from any country. The company is likely to be advised by UK solicitors and reporting accountants and by financial public relations and investor relations consultants. Where the company is incorporated offshore (for example, in the Isle of Man) lawyers in the jurisdiction of incorporation will also be employed.
● The Registrar
Shares are usually in uncertificated form and title is transferred by means of an instruction issued in accordance with the rules of the CREST system. For this purpose, a registrar/CREST service provider is appointed.
● The Nominated Adviser
Every company joining AIM must appoint a Nominated Adviser (known as a Nomad), which must be approved by the Exchange. The role of the Nomad includes pre-vetting of the company, assisting it through the listing process and the provision of advice and assistance post listing to ensure that the company complies with its ongoing obligations. The Nomad will appoint its own legal advisers.
● The Broker
The broker is responsible for facilitating and promoting trading in the company’s shares on the market. In many cases, the broker is the same firm as the Nomad. The Broker may also appoint its own legal advisers.
● The Investor
Investors range from City institutions to small investors.
● The Exchange’s AIM Team
The Exchange has a specialist AIM team dedicated to providing advice, information and support for all AIM participants.
Isle of Man Companies as AIM Listing Vehicles
In recent years there has been considerable growth in the number of listings based on an Isle of Man incorporated company vehicle.
Read the full article here: Isle of Man: premier jurisdiction for Offshore Vehicles listed on AIM