London Share Listings Hit 30-Year Low Amid AstraZeneca Exit Fears

The London Stock Exchange is facing intensifying pressure as initial public offerings (IPOs) slump to historic lows and speculation swirls over AstraZeneca potentially abandoning its UK listing.

Only five companies floated shares in London in the first half of 2025, raising a combined £160 million, according to reports on Monday citing Dealogic data. 

This is said to be the weakest six-month performance since Dealogic began collecting data in 1995. The largest of these listings, MHA, raised £98 million.

The drop in listings underlines concerns about the UK capital’s diminishing appeal as a global financial centre. 

Earlier this year, Chinese fast-fashion firm Shein reportedly bypassed London in favour of a Hong Kong listing, while other firms, including Wise and Cobalt Holdings, have either shifted or scrapped plans to go public in the UK.

Adding to the pressure, reports emerged last week that AstraZeneca, the most valuable company on the FTSE 100 with a market cap of £161 billion, is considering moving its primary listing to the US. 

Sources cited CEO Pascal Soriot’s frustration with the UK’s regulatory and pricing environment.

CNBC said in a report that Claire Trachet, founder of advisory firm Trachet, described AstraZeneca’s potential departure as “a memorable loss” that would signal “the UK is losing its edge.”

Analysts seem to believe the growing exodus reflects deeper problems, including muted investor appetite, regulatory hurdles, and lower valuations.