PLSU: PLUS Unlisted (PLUS-traded / non listed or AIM Companies)

PLSL: PLUS-listed (PLUS-traded / listed, Main Market or Official List Companies)

PLPR: PLUS Primary (PLUS-quoted Companies)

PLPL: PLUS Primary (PLUS-listed Companies)

Cost-effective execution possibilities in London shares

The PLUS quote-driven electronic trading platform offers an execution venue for trading securities listed elsewhere in London and Europe (its 'PLUS-traded' segment.), as well as its own PLUS listing/quotation markets, combining independent price formation with trade reporting.

The platform is designed to enhance liquidity possibilities for less-liquid companies, while offering a broad range of cash equity securities for market maker trading at low cost. Coverage includes all London-listed shares (including the FTSE 100), European liquid shares, and unlisted shares quoted on the AIM and PLUS markets.

PLUS has already achieved notable market share in the London small & mid-cap trading sector. Average daily trading activity exceeds that of AIM. Over 600 companies listed or quoted in London now see half or more of their daily trading volume transacted on PLUS, and not on other exchanges. PLUS has also been making in-roads into FTSE 100 securities by trade value.

Investment firms choose PLUS to access its deep pool of small & mid-cap liquidity and trade at very low execution cost. But any London market participant needing to see the full picture of trading activity must ensure they have access to PLUS market data, which is available via all leading market data vendors.

Cost-effective listing/quotation opportunities - but quality companies need only apply

As a full stock exchange, PLUS offers a quotation and listing destination in London, providing a meeting-place for companies and capital. As is the case for other exchanges, it offers both an exchange-regulated market for smaller companies and a fully-listed market supporting companies who are admitted to the Financial Services Authority's Official List.

Some 220 small & mid-cap companies are currently on the 'PLUS-quoted' market segment, an exchange-regulated market for small and mid-cap companies. It offers an alternative to AIM for high-quality applicants offering the potential for investment returns. Primarily a domestic market for companies typically capitalised at less than £50m, covering a broad range of sectors and stages of development, some 10% of its constituents are international companies.

Companies choose PLUS because its regulatory framework is dovetailed to their needs, offering investors protection while allowing management to keep compliance costs to a minimum and time free to run their business. The 'PLUS-quoted' market segment has grown steadily for three years (from 2005 to 2007) and is increasingly attracting interest from companies for whom other markets no longer meet their requirements.

Following receipt of RIE status, a new 'PLUS-listed' market opened for business, as an EU Regulated Market for listed securities. It offers a choice of admission options (i.e. the LSE's Main Market or the 'PLUS-listed' market) for companies or other types of issuer admitted to the FSA's Official List, and the potential for significant cost savings.

The shares of 'PLUS-listed' and 'PLUS-quoted' companies trade on the same trading platform alongside all other 'PLUS-traded' securities available on the PLUS market. Trading data is provided through the same market data feed to all leading market data vendors.