Friday, July 27, 2007

Moneysupermarket.com bombs on flotation debut - Brand Republic News - Brand Republic

Moneysupermarket.com bombs on flotation debut - Brand Republic News - Brand Republic: "Moneysupermarket.com bombs on flotation debut"

by Hayley Pinkerfield Revolution UK 27-Jul-07, 11:00
LONDON - Moneysupermarket.com missed its target when it floated on the LSE yesterday, as its founders’ squabbling was blamed for the disappointing performance.
The company had hoped to be worth £1bn, but ended the first day valued at £783m. The internet price comparison site floated in London on the day of the biggest one-day percentage fall in four years.

Founders Simon Nixon and Duncan Cameron could not reach an agreement over when to float the business, delaying the process by several months. They finally made a deal last month with Cameron selling 90 per cent of his stake for £162m. The pair originally fell out in 2001.
Nixon, who has made £102m rather than the expected £200m, said:"I suppose we have been a little bit unlucky but the really positive thing for us is that we have been able to get our flotation going at all. It shows a lot of interest from investors."
Moneysupermarket.com's direct retail share offer had been described as the biggest since lastminute.com floated during the dotcom boom of 2000.