An Incentive Scheme to Encourage SMEs to Go Public

From the 1st of July 2011 to the 31st December 2012, the Casablanca Stock Exchange is introducing a new offer to SMEs to encourage them to raise capital through the stock market.

The Casablanca Stock Exchange has decided to grant, under certain conditions, a maximum of 500,000 MAD to SMEs going public because of:

-The important role played by SMEs in the development of the Morocco`s economy;

-The cost of an IPO that varies from 2,2% et 5%, which can constitute a barrier to IPOs.

To be eligible for this offer, companies must:

– Have equity of less than 50 million MAD;

– Be listed on the growth or development markets;

– Issue at least 20% of its capital;

– Use the IPO proceeds to raise capital (with or without transfer).

Source: The Casablanca Stock Exchange website http://www.casablanca-bourse.com/bourseweb/index.aspx