Murray 4 takes AIM

Murray 4 VCT, the only trust in this series still managed by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity, is increasing its AIM investment activities.

In the six months to the end of August nine of the trust’s 11 new investments are AIM companies.

Previously, the group specialised in backing unlisted businesses but now up to a quarter of the portfolio will consist of AIM companies. Manager Bill Nixon explained, ‘This is due to a shift in the market dynamics of AIM, which is now consistently attracting earlier-stage companies that previously would have used private equity funding directly.’

Aberdeen has also sold holdings in several private businesses lately. Black Teknigas and ScotNursing were realised at a profit but First Line was sold at a loss. Finally, AIM-quoted Strategic Retail acquired the eight Textstyle Home stores, previously run by Room 2, from the administrators. This raised hopes that the VCT will recoup some losses.

Leslie Copeland

Leslie was made Editor for Growth Company Investor magazine in 2000, then headed up the launch of Business XL magazine, and then became Editorial Director in 2007 for the online and print publication portfolio... More by Leslie Copeland