To list or not to list? (stock market listings versus electronic quotation systems) (Selling Equities to the World, supplement to Euromoney magazine)

During a recent 12-month period, BAT Industries of London listed its shares on no less than 10 stock exchanges in five countries, partly in the hope of raising its profile in those markets and, ultimately, its stock price. But the British multinational was not part of any stampede. Despite the recent growth of international equity trading, there has been no great rush by companies to seek a listing outside their home market.

In fact, excluding junior markets such as the USM in London, foreign listings on seven major stock exchanges havc increased by only about 3% over the past two years, on a net basis, to reach 1,439 at the end of September.