It could almost have been a computer virus worming its way into Avast that short-circuited the wiring in the cybersecurity group’s London listing. The flotation, the biggest IPO of the year and one of Britain’s largest ever technology deals, got off to a decidedly uninspiring start in April. Priced at 250p, Avast shares ended underwater on the first day and stubbornly stayed there until the end of August.
The shares have rebounded since, though were off ¼p at 285p yesterday despite the cybersecurity group delivering a reassuring update about trading during the third quarter. With the worm beginning to turn, as it were, how do Avast shares rate and should they go in the portfolio?
Avast was founded in 1988 by two researchers in the