Spain-based prodco Zinkia is currently on the wait list to join the country’s Alternative Stock Market for Growth Companies (Mercardo Alternativo Bursatil para Empresas en Expansion, MAB), and if accepted, it will be the first company on the trading platform.

MAB, which began operating in May 2006 is an organized trading platform authorized by the Spanish government and is regulated by the Spanish Stock Market. It targets small- to medium-sized non-listed companies, on the hunt for increased capitalisation, liquidity, transparency and visibility.

The first stage of the MAB, currently comprising more than 3,300 firms and exchange-listed funds, involved a segment for open-ended investment funds, including Spanish banks (BBVA, Banco Santander and La Caixa). June 2007 saw the first venture capital firm started trading on the market, and BME created the third segment for Growth Companies for low-capitalization stocks, approved in 2008 with its operations supervised by the Spanish securities market regulator (CNMV).

Around 20 registered advisors will be making the final decision, which is slated to be announced in next 10 days. Zinkia is working with investment bank Banesto for the venture for liquidity and international financial advice.