Foley & Lardner survey finds local IPO, M&A interest

The mood for public offerings and mergers and acquisitions is improving, according to an annual survey by Foley & Lardner LLP, an international business law firm.

This year 230 companies participated in the firm's Emerging Companies Survey and the responses, including those from the Gulf Coast, bode well for 2010.

Steve Vazquez, a partner in the firm's transactional and securities practice in the Tampa office, says local respondents and his own experience suggest that more companies are discussing public offerings and sales.