Practice guide: UK companies listing in the US

UK shares may be listed in the US for a variety of reasons, including as a result of an ‘inversion’ transaction. Historically, UK companies have accessed the US equity capital markets through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The HSBC decisions have reduced the cost of issuing ADRs, and a new alternative to ADRs has emerged: UK shares traded directly on the US markets. These and other important issues should be considered by any group thinking about listing a UK company in the US.