IPOs

How London could compromise on dual-class shares

Giving company founders and CEOs more voting rights is bound to be controversial with investors — but it could work, with proper safeguards

Adam Neumann, the former CEO of WeWork
Adam Neumann, the former CEO of WeWork Photo: Getty Images

The debate around dual-class shares — which grant greater voting power to some shareholders, typically company founders or families — has switched focus to the UK in recent weeks.

As part of policymakers’ plans to help London retain its competitive position versus its peers, and hopefully attract large market-cap tech initial public offerings, such share structures are being considered and discussed with business leaders, London Stock Exchange and Treasury officials.

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