Wardley has played a key role in initial public offerings by some well-known

INVESTORS seeking an explanation to the flurry of initial public offerings (IPOs) from retailers such as Theme International Holdings and Jusco Stores (Hong Kong) might focus on a common theme: Wardley Corporate Finance.

Over the past eight months, Wardley has been the lead or co-lead sponsor for the IPOs of Jusco, Theme International, Esprit Asia Holdings, Fortei Holdings and Pricerite Group, tapping investors appetite for both new issues and retail counters.

''I suppose we've developed a reputation of sorts,'' said Wardley Corporate Finance head Eamon McManus. ''We thought there was obviously more choice needed by investors.'' Mr McManus said the investment firm aggressively targeted the largely-untapped retail sector, focusing on the many high-quality companies available.

''Most of the names were quite obvious and most of them we approached directly,'' he said, adding parent Hongkong Bank enjoyed a good relationship with many of the retailers who have now listed.

Wardley's efforts have helped provide investors with a variety of retail counters now ranging from upscale fashion specialist Joyce Boutique Holdings and wholesaler Goldlion Holdings to trendy clothiers Giordano Holdings and Bossini International Holdings.

If there was a major impetus for the flurry of new retail listings it might be the popularity of retail stocks early last year when investors became enthusiastic about the companies' prospects in China.