YouGov considers moving stock exchange listing

In an interview with the Financial Times, Shakespeare (pictured) said that while no firm decision had been made, the company could benefit from making the move to the US.

“I think the markets are better at supporting companies like ours,” Shakespeare told the Financial Times.
“The US spends the most on marketing data; they are the most savvy. It is a natural base.”

Shakespeare also referenced the impact of the recent acquisition of GfK’s European Consumer Panel business, which he said had made listing in the US a more feasible proposition due to the increase in YouGov’s size.

“Until recently, we’ve been too small,” Shakespeare was quoted as saying. “With the recent acquisition, that’s increased our size by 50% overnight. I do feel that we could be introduced to a bigger market.”

A number of firms from various industries have considered swapping their stock market registration from the UK to the US in recent months.

Shakespeare took up a role as non-executive chair at YouGov at the beginning of this month, with Meta vice-president Steve Hatch replacing him as chief executive.

A statement from YouGov said: “The board routinely considers all its listing options, including a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange.

“No decision has been made and a US listing is not being considered in the near term.”