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Plus Markets stock exchange to close

The Plus Markets stock exchange is to close after failing to find a buyer. John Hammond, capital markets partner at Deloitte, said: "“The news that the Plus Markets will be winding down in the next six months, after being unable to find a suitable buyer, will come as a blow.  The Plus Markets provided competition and an alternative route to market for small cap companies.  Most of those will struggle to find a new home.  The obvious destination for an alternative listing is AIM, but the admission process to AIM will provide a significant hurdle to many.  The vast majority will likely take the opportunity to delist and save the cost of being a public company.” Plus Markets' chief executive, Cyril Theret blamed post 2007 regulatory measures stating "I think the increase in regulation, whether in the financial world or elsewhere, is becoming unbearable, and I'm not sure it is necessarily making any good sense...The danger is we have an excessive regulatory environment, combined with the adversity to risk. This has essentially created an impact that is affecting growth".