JSE targets new foreign listings

·15 May 2014

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has announced that it is to launch new services to its listed companies, while hoping to attract new foreign company listings.

The new range of services will help companies identify prospective investors, build profile and communicate with existing investors and the market, the JSE said.

The services are also aimed at unlisted businesses seeking to list, with a particular focus on companies from elsewhere on the continent, or world, which are considering listing on the South African exchange.

“The new services include hosting company investor meetings at the exchange, seminars on regulatory changes and integrated reporting, improving investor and media relations skills and updating Listings Requirements knowledge,” said Michelle Joubert, head of investor relations.

“The global focus on corporate governance and transparency means that many listed companies are asking to up their skills in these areas. For that reason, the exchange is working with sector experts to provide the services that companies need.”

Included in the JSE’s strategy is the formation of a media hub at the exchange, which will be home to CNBC Africa, Bloomberg TV Africa, Biznews.com and PowerFM.

“Our discussions with international investors indicate that they are interested in JSE-listed stocks as well as building their exposure to the African continent. We hope to facilitate this by providing platforms for our listed companies to build their profile and engage more effectively with prospective investors and analysts,” said Joubert.

Foreign investors are already active on the JSE, accounting for approximately 25% of trading activity on the Equity Market.