TUI, the German travel giant, has become the latest company to abandon its share listing in London. In a decisive vote, shareholders overwhelmingly opted for the company to list solely in Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub. The move is expected to take place on June 24, and it signifies a significant shift in TUI’s listing preference. The company currently maintains a dual listing between London and Frankfurt, but changes in the ownership structure and the decline in liquidity in the UK market led shareholders to consider Frankfurt as a more optimal choice.
For years, London’s stock exchange has faced mounting challenges and struggled to maintain its status as a premier market. The UK’s blue-chip FTSE 100 index has suffered from a prolonged investor flight, with a nearly 5% decrease over the past year. In contrast, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index has seen a 5% increase in the same period. The steady decline of UK stocks and a series of de-listings and high-profile IPO rejections have cast a shadow over London’s financial market. Data from investment platform XTB revealed a significant drop in applications to list in London, hitting a six-year low in 2023.
The departure of TUI from London Stock Exchange’s FTSE 250 undoubtedly adds to the concerns about the city’s financial market. Melanie Wadsworth, a partner at Faegre Drinker, expressed disappointment in another major company leaving the Main Market of the LSE. However, she emphasized that TUI’s decision may be driven by specific factors related to the company’s German headquarters and its trading patterns. Only approximately 22% of TUI’s trading in 2023 took place via the UK market, making the move to Frankfurt a logical choice.
It is crucial to analyze the specific circumstances surrounding TUI’s delisting before making broad conclusions about London’s stock exchange. Tom Bacon, a partner at BCLP, noted that TUI’s decision is primarily influenced by the legacy merger of TUI Travel plc and TUI AG in 2014. While some may view it as another example of companies turning away from London, it is essential to understand the unique reasons behind TUI’s move.
One of the key factors motivating TUI’s shift to Frankfurt is the concentration of liquidity. Currently, around 77% of TUI share transactions are settled in Germany, leaving less than a quarter trading through the UK market. Moving to Frankfurt will centralize liquidity, providing investors with a more consolidated platform. Additionally, TUI believes that listing on the MDAX, Frankfurt’s mid-cap index, will further enhance its prominence in the German market.
TUI’s departure amplifies the challenges London’s stock exchange has been facing. As companies increasingly consider alternative listing destinations, such as New York’s Nasdaq, London’s position as a global financial hub is under scrutiny. Brexit and the uncertainties surrounding the UK market have diminished its attractiveness to investors. With each de-listing, London’s financial landscape undergoes a further transformation, potentially hampering its ability to compete with other markets.
The decision by TUI to abandon its share listing in London is a significant blow to the city’s stock exchange. While it is crucial to acknowledge the specific circumstances influencing TUI’s delisting, the move underscores the challenges London faces in maintaining its status as a premier financial market. As more companies consider alternative listing destinations, the future of London’s financial landscape remains uncertain. The city’s stock exchange must address the concerns surrounding liquidity, investor confidence, and the changing dynamics of the global market to regain its competitive edge.
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