Buying Williams Stock

[gridwalker]

Ok, so it is now common news that Williams stock is being publicly floated in just under a month's time. Personally, I would love to get my hands on a little bit of an F1 team (even if it is just 1 share, or a 0.00001% stake in this case) and it would be fulfilling a boyhood dream if I could own a small chunk of Williams ... the thing is, I am a total novice when it comes to stock market trading and really wouldn't have a clue about the best way to make such an acquisition.

I do not have a stock portfolio, I have never spoken to a broker about share ownership, I do not want to consider this as an "investment" and I do not want my initial purchase to be swamped by fees ... My financial situation means that I have very little free cash that I can happily consider investing in ANYTHING, but I would kick myself forever if I missed out on this opportunity.

Essentially, I want to find a UK based online broker with minimal fees, the lowest possible minimum investment and no contractual requirement for ongoing trading. Does anybody here have any suggestions or advice?

[Richard]

I expect they'll sell some shares to institutions, and others to the public. you simply get the application form, fill it in and send it off. The shares will be registered in your name. No need for a broker until you need to sell them.

I'm tempted too, hopefully they'll have some shareholder incentives to keep us happy, a factory tour or similar would be great.

Once you are a shareholder you'll hope that they don't let their most valuable asset indulge in a spot of reckless rallying. That's your money that's he's putting at risking, you own the employment rights to his left fingernail!

[gridwalker]

I'll take that fingernail now, if you don't mind : call it a dividend

[mx_tifoso]

Williams release share price range - F1Technical

[Richard]

Thanks MX!

At 25 to 50 euros each, I may buy 10. Does that equate to an inch of a gurney flap on one car?

[CMSMJ1]

how do you buy them then? I would love to get some...

[Richard]

They’ll publish a prospectus soon outlining the company profile, strategy and financial data. It will also have rules about share price, allocation to institutions & public, min purchase amount and how they’ll handle applications if too many people apply. If they are serious about getting a broad ownership on board, then we’ll be able to apply directly without the need for a broker (just like British Gas and tell Sid).

I hope they are serious about a broad public ownership. Frank Williams has often said he wants to maintain independence and avoid a corporate takeover. He has also said this offering is about securing ownership, not raising capital. A broad public share ownership would support his aims. Whereas selling all the shares to a handful of institutions would make them vulnerable to short term interests of shoring up their share price and the worry of a takeover.

[Scuderia_Russ]

As someone that regularly trades FTSE 100 and 250 companies I can tell you don't expect to make any money by holding Williams stock. Are IPO predictions really above twenty five euros?
There are number of online brokers that you can use to apply to trade on the CAC. If you only intend to own shares in Williams though you will have to find a company that doesn't charge you a fee per quarter for not making any trades.

[roost89]

Williams have now narrowed the range of their stock price, now between 25-27 Euros. From 24-29 Euros.
Source: i and F1SA

[WhiteBlue]

Williams stock is falling like a lead balloon today. In the first hour of trading the stock lost more than 12% value down to €20. It looks like a big investor is selling huge quantities at very low prices absorbing all the demand at any price. Is someone trying an unfriendly take over?

[WhiteBlue]

down to € 17.985 after another disappointing weekend for Williams

[Byronrhys]

If they keep this up I could own an F1 team in 2013

[Caito]

So.. is there anyway that I, in Argentina, can get a couple of william stocks?

I'm currently confuse with the rules and regulations.

[autogyro]

It is a shame to see such a famous F1 team in this current position.
They deserve more than this.
The radical design of this years car has been a step to far up to now.
I hope results come soon.

[alelanza]

So, i don't know much about the stock market, and i've noticed the williams shares have been on what looks like a very strong upward trend since 4/20, can anyone share any insight why this is? all i know is there's been talks about replacing key personnel, but that's to be expected given their atrocious performance this year. Today i understand, as all markets took a big confidence shot after bin laden, but this one has been rising for a while now.