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Main Market - Shares


By raising equity capital in the form of shares, companies share risk with their investors. 

Ordinary shares are also known as equity shares and they are the most common form of share in the UK. An ordinary share gives the right to its owner to share in the profits of the company (dividends) and to vote at general meetings of the company.

Ordinary shares of UK companies listed on the Main Market are traded on either SETS, SETSmm or SEAQ.

Companies which are domiciled in the UK may opt for a primary listing. Those companies incorporated outside the UK may opt for a primary listing in London or a secondary listing (usually if they are already listed on their own domestic market). A dual primary listing is also possible. 
 
Preference shares normally pay a fixed income to shareholders. They do not usually carry voting rights, but their holders receive dividends before ordinary shareholders. Preference shares which are issued with the right of conversion into ordinary shares are called convertibles.

Shares of either type listed on the Main Market can be traded in over 20 currencies.

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