Firm resources and quality signalling: evidence from UK initial public offerings

Abstract

This study examines the relative importance of financial structure, advisers’ reputations, and managerial experience on the market value achieved by an initial public offering (IPO). A sample of 172 UK IPOs on the Official list of the London Stock Exchange during the period 1992–1996 indicates that the extent to which existing owners keep a stake in the business, and managerial expertise at board level, have a significant impact on the performance of the IPO. Advisers’ reputations appear to be irrelevant. The findings are comparable to recent studies that cover a similar sample period.