Apparently the NYSE has been reading the articles about new listing rates

Implications: Eliminating the first-time/switching NYSE fees is a good gesture for companies looking to make the Big Step. Many companies wanting added stability and recognition may be enticed with this incentive. For the private companies, however, these fees are just the tip of the iceberg.

Analysis: In the late 1990’s, approximately 200 companies were going through the IPO process annually. Today, this number has fallen to approximately 50 companies a year for NYSE. The London exchange handled more than 600 IPO listings in 2005, which is twice the number NYSE and NASDAQ combined. What’s the attraction to international markets? Lower thresholds, lower fees, better performance for new issues, and lower regulatory related costs (404 certification can run $2-3M annually), as pointed out in a recent Morningstar article- http://biz.yahoo.com/ms/061211/180427.html?.v=1

With these recent trends, VC firms have been eyeing international purchases with an increased interest. The primary reasons- lower expenses and greater success with exit strategies. Will these fees attract needed attention? I believe those public companies on the fence may be encouraged to switch over to the NYSE, but this enticement only puts a dent in the true US cost of going public. In order to keep the competitive advantage, international exchanges may, however, move in the same direction if they see US figures on the uptick.