London’s stock market is experiencing a revival with several major companies announcing IPOs, offering fresh opportunities for UK investors. Beauty Tech’s successful listing last week has sparked optimism, with food giant Princes and digital bank Shawbrook also planning to float.
Key Takeaways
- Beauty Tech shares gained immediately after its IPO, continuing a trend where 2025 London listings have averaged 10.9% returns
- Princes (valued at £1.5B) and Shawbrook (valued at £2B) offer exposure to household brands and specialist banking
- All three companies plan to offer shares to retail investors through platforms like RetailBook
According to Dan Coatsworth at AJ Bell, investors who bought into the 12 companies that went public in London before Beauty Tech would have made 10.9% on average. “There’s often a ‘bump’,” he explains, “as companies position themselves at bargain prices to encourage early adopters.”
However, performance varies significantly. While Medpal AI gained 35% since floating, defence consultant RC Fornax left initial buyers with a 66% loss. Other rumored upcoming listings include LoveHolidays, SumUp, and Norwegian software group Visma.
Beauty Tech: British Beauty Innovation
Beauty Tech represents a British success story in the growing beauty technology sector. The company sells LED face masks, app-connected acne treatment devices, and laser hair removal technology.
CEO Laurence Newman targets both younger consumers using tech for anti-aging and older demographics becoming comfortable with skin technology. The strategy appears effective with 27% sales growth in H1 this year and underlying earnings of £22.9 million.
Shares priced at 271p during IPO closed at 276p last week, delivering early profits. Despite premium pricing, consumers prefer at-home solutions over expensive salon visits. The company outperforms the broader beauty sector in the US, UK, and Germany.
As the first beauty tech firm to float in London, the publicity benefits are substantial. Newman explores additional opportunities like microcurrent treatments for lips. However, competition intensifies as giants like L’Oreal aim to become “beauty tech powerhouses.”
Traded on: Main Market Ticker: TBTG Contact: thebeautytechgroup.com
Princes: Household Brands Opportunity
Princes’ potential flotation offers investors access to iconic British food brands including Napolina tomatoes, Batchelors soups, and Princes tuna.
Though owned by Milan-listed Newlat, Princes maintains strong UK roots with Liverpool headquarters and recent acquisition of the iconic Liver Building. The company claims insulation from consumer downtrading due to diverse sector exposure.
Small investors can participate through RetailBook, accessing the same terms as institutions through platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell. The expected £1.5 billion valuation makes Princes attractive for those seeking stable, cash-generative UK businesses.
Expected to trade on: Main Market Contact: princesgroupinvestors.com
Shawbrook: Specialist Banking Return
Shawbrook represents a rare return to public markets, with the specialist bank planning its second IPO after going private in 2017. The potential £2 billion valuation significantly exceeds its previous £868 million valuation.
The bank focuses on underserved markets, with 90% of traditional banking outside its scope. Its strategy targets SMEs, self-employed borrowers, and landlords. Recent acquisition of ThinCats strengthens its small business lending capabilities.
Shawbrook aims to grow its loan book from £17 billion to £30 billion by 2030. The company generates substantial cash and plans shareholder returns. However, investors should note risks including ongoing FCA car finance compensation case and potential economic downturn impacts.
Retail investors can register interest via RetailBook, with more IPO details expected in coming weeks.
Expected to trade on: Main Market Contact: retailbook.com/eitf/shawbrook
