Superdrug owner eyes up London float in $30bn dual listing
AS Watson, the Hong Kong-based owner of Superdrug and The Perfume Shop, is considering a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange that could value the company at around $30 billion. The retail giant, which operates thousands of stores across Europe and Asia, is exploring London as one of two potential listing venues. A successful float would represent a significant vote of confidence in London's capital markets.
Why this is positive
A $30 billion dual listing on the London Stock Exchange would be a major boost to the City's standing as a global financial hub at a time when it has faced competition from rival exchanges.
Why this matters
London has been working to attract large international listings following a period of high-profile departures and delistings, so a deal of this scale would signal renewed confidence in the UK market.