Seven companies plan to come to the US primary market within the next three days to raise up to $1.2bn (€1bn) through initial public offerings (IPO). Fundraising ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday is likely to give the equity market its busiest three days so far this year.

Bear Stearns and Morgan Stanley are each launching two of the seven deals, the remaining three are sponsored by Credit Suisse First Boston, Stephens Inc and Bank of America.