Access to new investors seen to spur dual listings

INTERNATIONAL advisory law firm Allen & Overy (A&O) is expecting qualified Philippine-listed companies to consider listing in other regional stock markets, such as the Singapore Exchange, for exposure to another set of investors.

“[It] enables the company to have exposure to another set of investors who invest in the Singapore Stock Exchange as not all investors invest in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE),” Giancarlo B. Sambalido, a registered foreign lawyer at A&O told ����ý in a recent virtual call.

A&O has rendered its services to firms going public in the Philippines, such as Monde Nissin Corp. for its landmark initial public offering last year.

However, “the attractiveness of a dual listing” may not be for all Philippine companies.

“Only the bigger ones that have a regional, global profile will look to dual list because they want to gain access to these new investors, they want the more enhanced profile of a Singapore listing,” Mr. Sambalido said.

Meanwhile, some of the “hot sectors” expected for the PSE this year are food and consumer, “new economy” or financial technology issues, real estate investment trusts (REIT), and companies in the energy space.

“Especially if it’s a clean energy play,” Mr. Sambalido said. “A lot of investors are looking to invest in clean energy platforms.” — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte