Shore Capital, the independent investment group specialising in equity capital markets, principal finance and alternative asset management, welcomed Extel’s 2014 survey results in which it ranked sixth overall in the UK Small & Mid-Cap brokers, climbing four places.

The quality of Shore’s research team shone through in 2014’s rankings, with its 16 analysts punching well above their weight: on average the top five UK Small & Mid-Cap brokers, as analysed by Extel, have 32 analysts.

The improvement in Shore’s Extel result led to 10 of its coverage sectors ranking in the top 10 (2013: nine); seven of which were top five rankings (2013: five). Shore’s top five sector rankings comprised: retail (2^nd); financials (3^rd); insurance (3^rd); UK strategy (3^rd); consumer goods (4^th); healthcare (4^th); and construction (4^th). The Company’s remaining three top 10 placings were: oil and gas; metals and mining, which climbed 14 places to 9^th; and leisure and gaming, which rose to 8^th from 10^th. The Company’s sales team climbed two places, ranking 8^th in 2014.

In the entire UK Small & Mid-Cap analyst community two of Shore’s team ranked in the top 25, with Eamonn Flanagan ranking 14^th and Dr Clive Black ranking 22^nd. Dr. Black was the top rated retail analyst whilst Mr. Flanagan was ranked 2^nd in insurance, having recently been named insurance analyst of the year at the London Market Awards. Shore’s UK strategy analysts ranked 3^rd and 4^th respectively; whilst transport was ranked 4^th and consumer goods ranked 5^th.

Feedback from voting fund managers praised Shore’s team for its sector forecasts, recommendations and proactive service standards. The strength of Shore’s increased market share and growing franchise also featured in investor commentary, as they value the high levels of direct analyst contact and trading ideas available from Shore Capital’s team.

Commenting on the awards, Dr. Clive Black, Head of Research at Shore Capital, said: “This year’s improved standing follows a strong performance in 2013 which serves as yet another endorsement of our research approach. By focusing on fundamental analysis and making a more holistic appraisal of cash flows, quality and quantum of earnings, management teams and their strategies, we offer insights that our clients value.”

Simon Fine, Chief Executive of Shore Capital Markets, said: “I am delighted that our sales and analysis team’s hard work has been recognised by investors. To date in 2014, Shore Capital has participated in several high profile transactions which have raised US$2.4bn (£1.4bn) across a variety of sectors and is continuing to make strong progress.”

The Company’s successes in 2014 include Poundland’s £375m IPO; Circassia Pharmaceuticals’s £210m IPO; Premier Foods’ £353m placing and rights issue; and SafeCharge’s US$125m IPO. In addition, the team worked on a £326m placing of shares in Playtech.

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About Extel

Extel conducts market studies across all three sides of the investment community throughout Europe and Asia, delivering a comprehensive range of rankings, market trends and sentiment insights. Extel Europe is the largest study of its kind worldwide, with over 16,000 participants from 75 countries casting more than 700,000 individual votes. All rankings in Extel are based purely on weighted votes from the investment community. The scope and branding of Extel is widely recognized by brokerage firms, asset managers and corporates alike.  www.extelsurveys.com

About Shore Capital

Shore Capital is an AIM-listed independent investment group. Founded and owned by entrepreneurs, for nearly three decades Shore Capital has been helping entrepreneurial businesses reach their full potential, find committed long term investors and develop into significant enterprises. The business offers innovative corporate advice; a leading market-making business; some of the most respected investment research available in the UK; and a diverse range of high quality investment opportunities, including its hugely successful VCTs and principal finance activities. It’s a business founded on four simple values – integrity, drive, competence and trust.

The Group is based in Guernsey, London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Berlin. Shore Capital Limited, Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited and Shore Capital and Corporate Limited are each authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

For more information visit Shore Capital website