EUROPEAN vendors have seized upon accelerated offerings to divest stakes in a variety of industries in highly valued stockmarkets. Said one equity capital markets chief at a European house: "It makes sense to use this system when the markets are so strong but when we have seen so much volatility." Under an accelerated sales process, institutional investors are marketed over a short time period, may see or talk to the management of the company whose shares are being sold, and are canvassed for their view on price.
July 17, 1998