2017 global IPO outlook remains robust after promising Q1 results

- Soaring global equity markets make Q1 2017 highest first quarter since 2007 by global number of IPOs

- US IPO markets return to form hosting the first tech megadeal of the year

- Asia-Pacific maintains its position as the global epicenter of IPO activity

- EMEIA IPO activity increases despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty

LONDON, April 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global IPO activity got off to a brisk start in the first quarter of 2017, led by market gains in Asia-Pacific and the US hosting the first two megadeals of the year. In the first three months of 2017, some 369 IPOs raised US$33.7b, a 92% year-over-year increase in the global number of IPOs and a 146% increase in global proceeds. Moreover, Q1 2017 was the most active first quarter by global number of IPOs since Q1 2007 (with 399 IPOs raising US$47.5b). These and other findings were published today in the EY quarterly report, Global IPO Trends: Q1 2017.

Dr. Martin Steinbach, EY Global and EY EMEIA IPO Leader, says:

"This is a promising start to global IPO activity this year. In the face of sustained global economic uncertainty, the first quarter of this year has set the stage for accelerated growth in 2017. Economic fundamentals are improving in the major developed economies. Equity index performance and valuations are trending upward, with several major indices reaching all-time highs. Concurrently, volatility is low, underpinning positive IPO sentiment, which is also supported by the successful US listing of a large technology unicorn."

Asia-Pacific dominates global IPOs

Asia-Pacific, led by Greater China, once again dominated global IPO activity in Q1 2017, accounting for 70% of the global number of IPOs and 48% by global proceeds. Greater China exchanges were the busiest, hosting 182 IPOs, with the Shenzhen and Shanghai exchanges being most active and accounting for 20% (73 IPOs) and 19% (70) of the global number of IPOs respectively. However, activity was spread across the region with a healthy set of listings on public markets in Japan (27), Australia (23), Southeast Asia (14) and South Korea (12). In the short-term, Greater China, and by extension Asia-Pacific, is expected to continue its dominance of the global IPO market as the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is anticipated to clear an extensive backlog of listings by increasing the pace of IPO approvals throughout this year.