Listing of shares and equity certificates

There are two main reasons for companies to seek a listing of their shares: firstly to gain access to risk capital, and secondly to make their shares more liquid by being traded in an open market. Companies are also aware that many investors only invest in listed shares. One of the reasons for this is that listed companies are subject to stricter requirements than unlisted companies, and this gives investors greater confidence in investing in listed shares.

Access to financing
By listing its shares, a company can expand its investor base and gain access to risk capital. This allows you to finance your company's continuing growth, whether by growing your existing business or through acquisitions. In addition, listing provides up-to-the-minute pricing of the company's shares, which is beneficial for existing shareholders and makes it easier to offer shares as consideration for any future acquisitions. It is also usually the case that listed companies attract more favourable terms and conditions in the credit market.

Beneficial for current shareholders
Listed shares attract greater attention through both media coverage and research by broking firms, and this helps to create a higher profile and greater credibility for the share. This may be reflected in greater demand for the company's shares and a higher valuation of the company.

An efficient trading arena for shareholders
An efficient, regulated marketplace is the optimal arena for share trading. By listing your company on the stock exchange you give your shareholders access to just such an arena. The improvement in liquidity that comes with listing will also help to ensure more correct pricing of the company's shares.

Ideal means of payment for acquisitions
Shares in a listed company are an ideal way to pay for acquisitions of other companies. Paying for an acquisition in shares can have a positive effect on the long-term commitment of the parties involved in the transaction.

Employees can become shareholders
Admission to listing can also be beneficial for employees by allowing them to become shareholders in their employer. This can be arranged through various types of share purchase or share option schemes.

Attractive employer
Listing a company makes it more attractive to a wider group of potential employees. This gives the company better opportunities for recruitment in all areas and at all levels of the company.

Regulatory requirements lead to improved quality in the company
Listed companies are subject to regulatory requirements on transparency and reporting, and this gives competitors and other interested parties access to more detailed information once a company is listed. However, complying with these requirements will have a positive effect on the company's internal discipline and procedures, and so help to improve the overall quality of the company's operations.

New shareholders bring new expertise
Once a company is listed, it can expect to attract a greater number of shareholders. Many of these will take real interest in how the company is run, and will want to make their views heard. This kind of shareholder can bring valuable expertise and important contacts that would not otherwise have been available to the company.

Cost of listing
The costs involved in admission to listing are made up of the fees charged by Oslo Børs and the cost of the advisers that support the company through the listing process. However, admission to listing gives access to a range of benefits, and can create entirely new opportunities for the company. By comparison with many other marketplaces, the process of applying for listing on Oslo Børs is very efficient in terms of both cost and time.