In this article, we will look at the Top 50 Companies in London.
Global Economic Forecast: Emerging Markets Set to Dominate by 2050
According to a report by the IMF, The economy of the United Kingdom is anticipated to grow in 2024 and strengthen further in 2025. Growth in Q1 2024 was 0.6% quarter-on-quarter, signaling a stronger-than-expected recovery from the recession in the latter half of 2023, which resulted in a full-year growth of 0.1%. The real GDP is forecasted to grow at 0.7% in 2024, compared to the previous estimate of 0.5% in April. The growth is expected to rise to 1.5% in 2025 as disinflation will boost real incomes and financial conditions will ease. However, longer-term growth prospects remain subdued due to weak labor productivity, despite higher migration numbers. Companies in the United Kingdom stand to benefit significantly from the projected economic recovery and growth in the coming years, as businesses in the United Kingdom are well-positioned to capitalize on this positive momentum. The forecasted real GDP growth and the return to the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target by early 2025 will likely lead to more stable financial conditions and improved consumer confidence. Moreover, the disinflation trend, could increase consumer spending, and provide a boost to retail and service-oriented businesses. Additionally, the easing of financial conditions as the Bank of England potentially lowers interest rates could reduce borrowing costs for companies, enabling more investment in innovation, expansion, and job creation. London is the economic and financial powerhouse of the United Kingdom and plays a pivotal role in the nation’s financial and economic landscape. London hosts the headquarters of numerous multinational corporations, banks, and financial institutions, making it a crucial hub for internationally. London’s financial district is home to the top companies in the United Kingdom, plays a significant role in the economy, and generates substantial revenue and employment, contributing significantly to the United Kingdom’s GDP.
Top Companies Shaping United Kingdom’s Economy
Some of the top companies headquartered in London include Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) and HSBC Holdings PLC (NYSE:HSBC).
Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) is a British multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam, and the New York Stock Exchange. On May 2, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) reported strong Q1 2024 results with adjusted earnings of $7.7 billion from $7.3 billion in the previous quarter, cash flow from operations (CFFO) was $13.3 billion from $12.6 billion in the previous quarter, despite a working capital outflow of $2.8 billion. In addition, the company is initiating a $3.5 billion share buyback program which is expected to be completed by Q2 2024. Commenting on the financial results Shell plc’s (NYSE:SHEL) Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan said:
“Shell delivered another quarter of strong operational and financial performance, demonstrating our continued focus on delivering more value with less emissions. We continue to deliver on our Capital Markets Day targets, giving us the confidence to commence another $3.5 billion buyback programme for the next three months.”
HSBC Holdings PLC (NYSE:HSBC) is a British universal bank and financial services group headquartered in London and operates through three main business groups: Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Wealth and Personal Banking. HSBC Holdings PLC (NYSE:HSBC) provides a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, wealth management, and investment banking, with operations in over 60 countries and territories worldwide. On April 30, HSBC Holdings PLC (NYSE:HSBC) reported that its revenue increased by 3%, to $20.8 billion due to higher customer activity in wealth products within Wealth and Personal Banking (WPB) and in Equities and Securities Financing in Global Banking and Markets (GBM). Profit before tax decreased by $0.2 billion to $12.7 billion. This figure includes a $4.8 billion gain from the completion of the sale of HSBC Holdings PLC’s (NYSE:HSBC) banking business in Canada. The Board has approved a first interim dividend of $0.10 per share after the sale of their Canadian banking business and approved a special dividend of $0.21 per share, which will be paid in June 2024 alongside the first interim dividend. After completing a $2 billion share buy-back announced at the end of 2023, HSBC Holdings PLC (NYSE:HSBC) plans to initiate another buy-back of $3 billion. Commenting on the financial results HSBC Holdings PLC’s (NYSE:HSBC) Group Chief Executive Noel Quinn said:
“I’m pleased with our start to 2024. We completed the sale of our Canada business and agreed to the sale of our Argentina business, both of which allow us to focus on markets with higher-value international opportunities. Our good profit performance of $12.7bn in the first quarter has enabled us to continue the trend of rewarding our shareholders. We have announced a total of $8.8bn of distributions, consisting of a first interim dividend for 2024 of $0.10 per share, a special dividend of $0.21 per share from the Canada sale proceeds, and a new share buy-back of up to $3bn. Our 2024 guidance remains unchanged, including a mid-teens return on average tangible equity and continued cost discipline.“
United Kingdom’s economic landscape is expected to grow significantly, driven by the rapid growth of some of the top companies in London. Despite the current economic hurdles the economy presents opportunities for investment and expansion, with that in context let’s look at the top 50 companies in London.
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Our Methodology
To compile our list of the top 50 companies in London, we scanned the Finviz and Yahoo Finance stock screeners to find the largest companies by market capitalization, as of June 4, 2024. Then we manually checked the headquarters of these companies to find if these companies are incorporated in London. To quantify the “value” or “size” of private companies, we selected either the estimated valuation, the annual revenue available for the most recent fiscal year, or the number of employees, subject to the availability of data. The estimated valuation was sourced from major media reports based on the private companies’ latest funding round. The annual revenue or number of employees was sourced from official statements by the company and the company’s website. Our list ranks the top 50 companies in London in ascending order.
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Top 50 Companies in London
50. VTEX (NYSE:VTEX)
Market Cap: $1.23 Billion
VTEX (NYSE:VTEX) provides a commerce platform that unifies customer experiences across all channels into a single comprehensive solution. VTEX (NYSE:VTEX) supports enterprises in executing their commerce strategies globally. As of June 4, VTEX (NYSE:VTEX) has a market worth of $1.23 billion.
49. Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS)
Market Cap: $1.27 Billion
Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS) owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers and is headquartered in London. Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS) provides international and regional seaborne transportation services for liquefied petroleum gas, petrochemical gases, and ammonia. Navigator Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NVGS) has a market capitalization of $1.27 billion as of June 4.
48. Marex Group plc (NASDAQ:MRX)
Market Cap: $1.40 Billion
Marex Group plc (NASDAQ:MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform headquartered in London. Marex Group plc (NASDAQ:MRX) provides essential liquidity, market access, and infrastructure services to clients in the commodity, energy, and financial markets. Marex Group plc (NASDAQ:MRX) has a market capitalization of $1.40 billion as of June 4.
47. The Ardonagh Group (Private)
Revenue in 2023: $1.60 Billion
The Ardonagh Group is a leading independent insurance distribution platform headquartered in London. The Ardonagh Group provides insurance and reinsurance broking, and other related services and helps clients with risk management and insurance needs. For the financial year 2023, The Ardonagh Group reported revenue of $1.60 billion
46. Burford Capital Limited (NYSE:BUR)
Market Cap: $3.19 Billion
Burford Capital Limited (NYSE:BUR) is a leading global finance and investment management firm headquartered in London. Burford Capital Limited (NYSE:BUR) provides capital and risk solutions to the legal market, including litigation finance. As of June 4, Burford Capital Limited’s (NYSE:BUR) valuation amounts to $3.19 billion.
45. LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN)
Market Cap: $3.25 Billion
LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) is a global medical technology company headquartered in London. LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) has nearly five decades of experience in cardiac surgery and a deep understanding of neuromodulation. LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) has a market capitalization of $3.25 billion as of June 4.
44. Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT)
Market Cap: $3.87 Billion
Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT) is a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT) offers data, insights, and analytics to academic institutions, corporations, and governments. As of June 4, Clarivate Plc’s (NYSE:CLVT) valuation amounts to $3.87 billion.
43. International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT)
Market Cap: $4.03 Billion
International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) is a multinational gaming company that produces slot machines and other gaming technology. International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) is headquartered in London and provides innovative gaming solutions in all parts of the world. International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) has a market capitalization of $4.03 billion as of June 4.
42. Rubix (Private)
Revenue in 2023: $4.03 Billion
Rubix is a privately held market-leading industrial distribution company providing customers with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) products, services, and solutions. Rubix is also Europe’s largest supplier of industrial maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) products and services. For the financial year 2023, Rubix reported a revenue of $4.03 billion.
41. Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited (Private)
Revenue in 2023: $4.70 Billion
Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited is a privately held company that owns and operates Heathrow Airport which is one of the world’s busiest airports in London and the world. Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited provides passenger and cargo air transport services. In the financial year 2023, Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited reported a revenue of $4.70 billion.
40. Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG)
Market Cap: $5.32 Billion
Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) is a global asset management group offering a wide range of investment products to individuals, intermediary advisors, and institutional investors. Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) was founded in 1934 and is based in London. As of June 4, Janus Henderson Group plc’s (NYSE:JHG) valuation amounts to $5.32 billion.
39. Bestway Group (Private)
Revenue in 2022: $5.77 Billion
Bestway Group is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in London. Bestway Group operates in the wholesale, pharmacy, real estate, cement, and banking sectors. Bestway Group reported a revenue of $5.77 billion in the financial year 2022.
38. Pentland Group (Private)
Market Cap: $8.00 Billion
Pentland Group is a privately held, global brand management company that owns brands in the sports, outdoor, and fashion sectors, including Speedo, Berghaus, and Ellesse. Pentland Group’s products are available in over 190 countries and are sold either directly or by licensees and distributors. Pentland Group has a revenue of $8 billion.
37. Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO)
Market Cap: $8.08 Billion
Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) is a multinational publishing and education company providing educational materials, technologies, assessments, and related services to the education industry. Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) was founded in 1844 and is headquartered in London. Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) has a market capitalization of $8.08 billion as of June 4.
36. Marks and Spencer Group plc (LON:MKS)
Market Cap: $8.26 Billion
Marks and Spencer Group plc (LON:MKS) is a major British multinational retailer specializing in the selling of clothing, home products, food products, and banking services. Marks and Spencer Group plc (LON:MKS) is headquartered in London and has stores, support centers, and warehouses all around the world which serve nearly 30 million customers every year. As of June 4, Marks and Spencer Group plc (LON:MKS) has a market worth of $8.26 billion.
35. Pension Insurance Corporation (Private)
Revenue in 2023: $8.88 Billion
Pension Insurance Corporation is an insurer that provides tailored pension insurance solutions to trustees and sponsors of pension schemes. Pension Insurance Corporation offers a range of products and services, including defined benefits pension insurance, corporate insurance, and liability management, and focuses on risk management and asset management. In the financial year 2023, Pension Insurance Corporation sold insurance premiums worth $8.88 billion.
34. Intertek Group plc (LSE:ITRK)
Market Cap: $9.87 Billion
Intertek Group plc (LSE:ITRK) is a multinational assurance, inspection, product testing, and certification company. Intertek Group plc (LSE:ITRK) ensures the quality and safety of products, processes, and systems. Intertek Group plc (LSE:ITRK) has a market capitalization of $9.87 billion as of June 4.
33. Melrose Industries PLC (OTC:MLSPF)
Market Cap: $10.23 Billion
Melrose Industries PLC (OTC:MLSPF) is a British manufacturing and industrial investment firm incorporated in London. Melrose Industries PLC (OTC:MLSPF) focuses on acquiring underperforming businesses and transforming their performance. As of June 4, Melrose Industries PLC’s (OTC:MLSPF) valuation amounts to $10.23 billion.
32. Prax Group (Private)
Market Cap: $10.50 Billion
Prax Group is an independent oil refining, storage, distribution, and sales company headquartered in London. Prax Group also deals in petroleum products and biofuels. In the year 2023, Prax Group reported a revenue of $10.50 billion.
31. Wise plc (OTC:WPLCF)
Market Cap: $10.70 Billion
Wise plc (OTC:WPLCF), formerly known as TransferWise, is a money transfer service that aims to make sending money abroad cheaper and more transparent, offering fast, low-cost international transfers. Wise plc (OTC:WPLCF) ranks 31st on our list of top 50 companies in London. Wise plc (OTC:WPLCF) has a market capitalization of $10.70 billion as of June 4.
30. Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK)
Market Cap: $10.83 Billion
Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) is a global footwear brand headquartered in London. Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) is known for its quality products that focus on comfort, functionality, and sustainability. As of June 4, Birkenstock Holding plc’s (NYSE:BIRK) valuation amounts to $10.83 billion.
29. Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN)
Market Cap: $11.02 Billion
Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN) is a multinational medical equipment manufacturing company. Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN) specializing in advanced wound management, orthopedic reconstruction, and sports medicine. As of June 4, Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE:SNN) has a market worth of $11.02 billion.
28. WPP Plc (NYSE:WPP)
Market Cap: $11.25 Billion
WPP Plc (NYSE:WPP) is one of the world’s largest advertising and public relations companies headquartered in London. WPP Plc (NYSE:WPP) offers a wide range of services including advertising, media buying, and market research. WPP Plc (NYSE:WPP) has a market capitalization of $11.25 billion as of June 4.
27. Bunzl plc (OTC:BZLFY)
Market Cap: $12.77 Billion
Bunzl plc (OTC:BZLFY) is a multinational distribution and outsourcing company headquartered in London. Bunzl plc (OTC:BZLFY) provides products and services including food packaging, cleaning, hygiene, safety, and healthcare. As of June 4, Bunzl plc’s (OTC:BZLFY) valuation amounts to $12.77 billion.
26. nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT)
Market Cap: $13.05 Billion
nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT) designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection products. nVent Electric plc’s (NYSE:NVT) solutions are used to safeguard electrical systems and infrastructure. nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT) has a market cap of 13.05 billion as of June 4.
25. John Lewis Partnership (Private)
Market Cap: $13.80 Billion
John Lewis Partnership is a British company that operates John Lewis & Partners department stores and Waitrose & Partners supermarkets. John Lewis Partnership is headquartered in London and is one of the United Kingdom’s largest employee-owned businesses. For the year 2023/24 John Lewis Partnership reported a revenue of $13.80 billion.
24. Informa plc (OTC:IFJPY)
Market Cap: $14.67 Billion
Informa plc (OTC:IFJPY) is a multinational event, digital services, and academic research publishing company. Informa plc (OTC:IFJPY) was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in London. As of June 4, Informa plc (OTC:IFJPY) has a market worth of $14.67 billion.
23. SEGRO plc (OTC:SEGXF)
Market Cap: $15.97 Billion
SEGRO plc (OTC:SEGXF) is a British real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in London. SEGRO plc (OTC:SEGXF) focuses on owning, managing, and developing modern warehouses and industrial properties. SEGRO plc (OTC:SEGXF) has a market capitalization of $15.97 billion as of June 4.
22. Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY)
Market Cap: $16.55 Billion
Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY) is a multinational insurance company offering life, general, and health insurance products as well as asset management services. Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY) provides various insurance, retirement, investment, and savings products in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and internationally. As of June 4, Aviva plc (OTC:AVVIY) has a market worth of $16.55 billion.
21. BT Group plc (LON:BT.A)
Market Cap: $16.91 Billion
BT Group plc (LON:BT.A) is a multinational telecommunications holding company, providing fixed-line, broadband, and mobile services in the United Kingdom and around the world. BT Group plc (LON:BT.A) has a market capitalization of $16.91 billion as of June 4. BT Group plc (LON:BT.A) also offers home and cyber security solutions and TV and cloud gaming entertainment services under the BT, EE, and Plusnet brands.
20. Legal & General Group plc (OTC:LGGNY)
Market Cap: $19.29 Billion
Legal & General Group plc (OTC:LGGNY) is a multinational financial services company offering investment management, lifetime mortgages, pensions, annuities, and life assurance. Legal & General Group plc (OTC:LGGNY) ranks 20 on our list of top companies headquartered in London and operates in Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI), Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), Legal & General Capital (LGC), and Retail segments. As of June 4, Legal & General Group plc (OTC:LGGNY) has a market worth of $19.29 billion.
19. Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN)
Market Cap: $25.28 Billion
Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN) is a multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London and has a strong presence in emerging markets. Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN) provides various banking products and services in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. As of June 4, Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN) has a market worth of $25.28 billion.
18. Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW)
Market Cap: $26.04 Billion
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW) is a global advisory, broking, and solutions company headquartered in London. Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW) has clients around the world, as of June 4, Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW) has a market worth of $26.04 billion.
17. Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK)
Market Cap: $26.90 Billion
Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK) is a multinational life insurance and financial services company and ranks 17 on our list of top companies in London. Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK) provides a wide range of insurance and investment products to individuals and institutions. Prudential plc (NYSE:PUK) has a market capitalization of $26.90 billion as of June 4.
16. Antofagasta plc (OTC:ANFGF)
Market Cap: $27.96 Billion
Antofagasta plc (OTC:ANFGF) is a London-based Chilean multinational copper mining group headquartered in London. Antofagasta plc (OTC:ANFGF) is one of the largest copper producers in the world and has a significant by-product production. As of June 4, Antofagasta plc (OTC:ANFGF) has a market worth of $27.96 billion.
15. Ashtead Group plc (OTC:ASHTY)
Market Cap: $30.87 Billion
Ashtead Group plc (OTC:ASHTY) is an international equipment rental company and is one of the top rental companies in London. Ashtead Group plc (OTC:ASHTY) serves a diverse customer base that includes construction and industrial markets. As of June 4, Ashtead Group plc’s (OTC:ASHTY) valuation amounts to $30.87 billion.
14. Anglo American plc (OTC:NGLOY)
Market Cap: $38.86 Billion
Anglo American plc (OTC:NGLOY) is a globally diversified mining company and is one of the top mining companies in London. Anglo American plc (OTC:NGLOY) produces diamonds, copper, platinum group metals, iron ore, coal, and nickel. Anglo American plc (OTC:NGLOY) has a market capitalization of $38.86 billion as of June 4.
13. Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS)
Market Cap: $42.37 Billion
Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) is a British multinational investment bank and financial services company. Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) offers products and services across personal, and corporate investment banking, credit cards, and wealth management service. As of June 4, Barclays PLC’s (NYSE:BCS) valuation amounts to $42.37 billion.
12. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC:RYCEY)
Market Cap: $49.15 Billion
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC:RYCEY) is a multinational engineering company focusing on power and propulsion systems. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC:RYCEY) is known for its luxury cars, aircraft engines, marine propulsion, and energy solutions. As of June 4, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTC:RYCEY) has a market worth of $49.15 billion.
11. National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG)
Market Cap: $55.94 Billion
National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) is a multinational electricity and gas utility company, operating networks in the UK and the US. National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) delivers energy to millions of customers safely, reliably, and efficiently. As of June 4, National Grid plc’s (NYSE:NGG)valuation amounts to $55.94 billion.
10. Aon plc (NYSE:AON)
Market Cap: $61.16 Billion
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, reinsurance, retirement, and health solutions using results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics. Aon plc (NYSE:AON) has approximately 50,000 employees across 120 countries and ranks 10 on our list of top companies in London. Aon plc (NYSE:AON) has a market capitalization of $61.16 billion as of June 4.