Chicago – Amid buzz
surrounding potential initial public offerings by social networking giants
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, the majority of investment banking executives foresee
a stronger IPO market in the U.S.
this year, according to a new survey by accounting and consulting firm BDO.
More than two-thirds (68%) believe that IPO activity will increase this year
compared to 2009, with almost a quarter describing the increase as
"substantial."
Overall, bankers predict a 25% increase in the number
of U.S. IPOs in 2010, with offerings expected to average just over $400 million
in size.
"This inaugural survey reveals broad-based optimism among the
capital markets community that offering activity in the new year will build on
the momentum established this past fall," said Christopher Tower,
a partner in BDO’s Capital Markets Practice.
"Overall, the bankers’
outlook for IPOs is very positive, but some industry sectors are clearly seen
as stronger than others." Among the strongest are technology, energy,
biotech and healthcare.
Related Links:
http://www.bdo.com/news/pr/1226
