Manchester-headquartered cinema software provider Unique X is weighing a potential initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange next year, targeting a valuation of approximately 300 million pounds and aiming to raise around 100 million pounds. The company's technology is widely adopted by major Hollywood studios including Disney and Warner Bros Discovery.

The software developed by Unique X is utilised by cinema chains such as Odeon, Vue and Cineplex to manage film screenings and trailer scheduling, while also providing distribution technology that enables studios including Warner Bros Discovery, Disney and Universal Pictures to deliver films to theatres worldwide. Founded in 1997 with origins in Norway, the company currently operates across more than 40,000 cinema screens globally and has delivered over 1.1 billion cinema advertising slots to date.

In 2024, European investment firm Kartesia injected 80 million US dollars into the business, with founder Chris Hagen retaining 85% ownership. If Unique X successfully completes its listing, it would provide a much-needed boost to London's persistently sluggish IPO market, which has continued to underperform despite numerous reforms in recent years.

During the first half of this year, only seven companies floated in the UK, raising a combined 577 million pounds, compared with nine listings that raised 183 million pounds during the same period last year. The British government has introduced a series of regulatory changes designed to encourage companies to list, including stamp duty holidays for new IPOs and reduced free-float requirements that allow founders to retain larger stakes.

Reports indicate that Downing Street recently questioned private equity executives about why they were not listing their portfolio companies in the UK, reflecting government concern over the current situation. Meanwhile, a record number of British businesses are being acquired by overseas buyers, highlighting strong demand from investors who believe UK companies are undervalued.

Despite regulatory reforms and government efforts intended to revive the IPO market, several highly anticipated UK listings have already been postponed. Superdrug is considering delaying its IPO until next year, while Waterstones has yet to confirm a timeline for its expected flotation. Sources indicate that Unique X is also exploring alternative options such as a sale, and the timing of any transaction may shift.