Over the past decade AIM has evolved  from a fledgling exchange with only 10 companies admitted, into the global small and mid cap market of choice. Over 3000 growth companies have joined AIM since 1995 raising in excess of $111bn in capital both at IPO and in secondary issuances.

AIM's growth has been driven by a combination of it's favourable regulatory environment and the development of a strong infrastructure of advisers and investors whom are focused purely on small and mid cap companies. Valuations are robust on AIM and liquidity has improved markedly over the past few years with the average daily traded value rising from $27m in 2003 to over $590m in 2007. This in turn has driven a substantial increase in AIM’s market capitalisation which has increased five-fold from $36bn in 2003 to $194bn in 2007.

AIM has become increasingly popular for small cap growth companies from around the world. To date over 485 international companies have now chosen to join AIM and account for c.30% of the total. This trend continues to accelerate and First Columbus is the clear partner of choice in London for companies looking to maximise value through an efficient AIM IPO.

This pages in this section have been designed to offer a greater understanding of AIM and it's attraction for both private and public companies to raise capital:

• Statistics and Facts: AIM's success has been a combination of a number of factors including access to to a deep pool of capital; it's institutional backing impoving liquidity; and the favourable regulatory environment.
• Important Listing Considertations: Some of the most commonly asked questions that early stage investors/mangement should consider.
• What are investors looking for? The key characteristics that companies should demonstrate in order to be well received by AIM investors are are highlighted.
• The AIM Process: This section reviews the key advisors that need to be appointed before you IPO your comany as well as they timetable process for admission.
• Useful AIM Publications: The London Stock Exchange has published a number of useful documents about AIM and the joining process that we recommend should be read in conjunction with the advice First Columbus can impart.