Give it time. There are more litigation funders out there every day! The question is, will Bizzell agree to fund the plaintiff in an action against him? (Ha Ha)
"The International Justice Fund may sound like a group of superheroes coming to the rescue, but they are deadly serious about an ASX-listing by June.
Bell Potter Securities is on board to handle the float, as small-cap investors search for a viable alternative to listed litigation funder IMF.
The IJF is likely to have a market capitalisation of about $40 million and has acquired a slice of a portfolio involved in a variety of class actions, with exposure to claims worth about $160 million. It is doing roadshows, taking potential investors through the various claims and how the business works.
One thing that most agree on is the American model of aggressively pursuing litigation when there are big shareholder losses and murkiness over disclosure, is here to stay. The legal fraternity loves to sink its teeth into a good class action.
Street Talk can also reveal IJF has a list of acquisition opportunities, many of which it is already talking to. The team will also likely point to the performance of IMF, which listed in 1998 and is capitalised at $360 million.
IJF seed funders include Brisbane luminary Stephen Bizzell and other entities including Wavebreak Ventures. With the legal sector in the spotlight now through Slater and Gordon's British exploits, the IJF's timing appears astute.
AUG Price at posting:
8.5¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held