In late July, the Financial Conduct Authority announced a major reform of the rules governing the listing of companies on the London Stock Exchange. They have been described as the most radical shake-up of listing requirements in 30 years.

By cutting red tape and simplifying compliance, the rules signal a concerted effort to roll out the red carpet for big-ticket IPOs – countering a recent drop-off in the number of flotations in London, and an overall dive of 40% since 2008 in the number of companies listed in the UK.

Under the new regulations, the London Stock Exchange’s premium and standard segments will be merged, and companies will no longer require shareholder approval for significant or related party transactions before floating on the market.