The owners of Visma, one of Europe’s biggest software companies, are close to hiring bankers for a £16bn flotation that would rank among the London market’s biggest for years.

Sky News understands that Visma’s board and shareholders have convened a beauty parade of investment banks in the last fortnight ahead of an initial public offering (IPO) likely to take place in 2026.

Citi, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley are understood to be among those in contention for the top roles on the deal, City insiders said on Friday.

Several banks are expected to be appointed as global coordinators on the IPO as soon as this month.

Visma is a Norwegian company which supplies accounting, payroll, HR and other business software to well over one million small business customers.

It has grown at a rapid rate in recent years, both organically and through scores of acquisitions, and has seen its profitability and valuation rise substantially during that period.

The business is now valued at about €19bn (£16.4bn) and is partly owned by a number of sovereign wealth funds and other private equity firms.

The majority of the company is owned by Hg, the London-based private equity firm which has backed a string of spectacularly successful companies in the software industry.

Visma’s owners’ decision to pick the UK ahead of competition from Amsterdam represents a welcome boost to the City amid ongoing questions about the attractiveness of the London stock market to international companies.

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, used last month’s speech at Mansion House to launch a taskforce aimed at generating additional IPO activity in the UK.

Spokespeople claiming to represent Visma at Kekst, a communications firm, did not respond to a series of enquiries about the IPO appointments.

Hg also failed to respond to a request for comment.

JD Vance has said he does not want the UK to go down a “very dark path” of losing free speech during a meeting with the foreign secretary at his country estate.

The US vice president has previously raised concerns that free speech is being eroded in the UK.

However, during a two-day visit to David Lammy’s grace and favour 115-room mansion, Chevening House in Kent, Mr Vance kept his criticism a bit more low key.

Asked about free speech in the UK during a televised meeting of the two men, Mr Vance said he has “raised concerns” about free speech in his own country and accused the West of “censoring rather than engaging” with different opinions.

He said: “I think the entire collective West, the transatlantic relationship, our NATO allies, certainly the United States under the Biden administration, got a little too comfortable with censoring rather than engaging with a diverse array of opinions. So that’s been my view.

“Obviously, I’ve raised some criticism, concerns about our friends on this side of the Atlantic.

“But the thing that I’d say to the people of England or anybody else, to David, is many of the things that I worry most about were happening in the United States from 2020 to 2024.

“I just don’t want other countries to follow us down what I think was a very dark path under the Biden administration.”

Mr Lammy, who has struck up the unlikely relationship over the past few months, did not comment on Mr Vance’s indirect criticism.

In February, when Sir Keir Starmer was carrying out a similar televised meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Mr Vance said “infringements on free speech” now do not just affect the British, but also American tech companies – “and by extension American citizens”.

Sir Keir quickly interjected, saying: “We’ve had free speech for a very long time, it will last a long time, and we are very proud of that.”

Mr Vance and his family are staying with Mr Lammy at Chevening for two days before heading to the Cotswolds for a summer holiday.

The vice president was effusive in his praise for the grand estate that comes with Mr Lammy’s job, saying “being here lifts up the human spirit” as he thanked the “people of England” for having such a “beautiful place for foreigners like me to come and talk about the issues of the day”.

He added that he “loves the UK”.

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The two politicians went fishing ahead of their meeting, with Mr Vance revealing he caught a few, while all three of his children caught a fish but Mr Lammy did not.

He also said his children had fallen asleep on the floor of the large house, and his three-year-old daughter kept asking if she would see Mr Lammy’s daughter.

Mr Lammy posted a picture of him and Mr Vance laughing as they fished, saying it was a “real pleasure” to welcome the Vance family and the vice president “gave me fishing tips, Kentucky style”.

JD Vance confirmed he will holiday in Scotland next week in a trip that could see up to 1,000 police officers deployed as part of security efforts.

He confirmed his Scottish trip during talks with Mr Lammy on Friday.

Sky News understands the Vance family are likely to visit Ayrshire, the same area where Mr Trump recently stayed where he secured a trade deal with the European Union.

Police sources have suggested approximately 1,000 officers will be working across the visit to ensure the vice president and his loved ones are safe, Sky News’ Scotland correspondent Conner Gillies reported.

Police Scotland declined to comment on the specifics.

It is understood the Vance family will not be staying at Trump Turnberry, the luxury Ayrshire resort owned by the US president himself.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Planning is under way for a potential visit to Scotland by the vice president of the United States.

“Details of any visit would be for the White House to comment on, however it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.”

Closing out this week’s Green Deals, our coverage is headlined by Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike dropping to its $1,699 low, alongside the ongoing $999 low on the predecessor RadExpand 5 model. From there, we have two power station sales taking up to 50% off units, with the first being Bluetti’s event that has dropped the Elite 100 V2 solar bundle with a 200W panel back to its $799 low. There’s also Jackery’s event with bonus 5% and 7% savings that has returned the new HomePower 3000 station to its $1,614 low. We also have two Greenworks tool deals – either the brand’s 24V 6-inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw or a 2-in-1 60V combo that gives you a 17-inch mower and a 13-inch string trimmer. Lastly, we have a one-day-only discount on Hiboy’s new S2 SE Electric Scooter at a new low price just in time for last-minute back-to-school needs. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s launch deals on the new Heybike Ranger 3.0 Pro e-bike and Mars 3.0 e-bike, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Hop on Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Plus or RadExpand 5 folding e-bikes at their lowest prices starting from $999

Rad Power’s Back to School Sale may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still pick up two of the brand’s space-saving folding e-bikes at their lowest prices. Now through August 20, alongside the ongoing RadExpand 5 e-bike’s $999 low, you can grab the RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike at $1,699 shipped. This model released last year but has been keeping posted at its full $1,899 rate for most of the time since, with only a free accessory package and one discount to this same rate on the books in 2025. The low price we first saw during Memorial Day sales is coming back around to save you $200 on this newer model that will also save you on storage space at home, in your dorm, or anywhere else.

The Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus comes as the latest iteration of the space-saving series, able to condense down to 29 inches high by 25 inches wide by 41 inches long to fit inside closets, car trunks, on RVs, and more. The 750W rear hub motor is paired with a 720Wh battery to carry you for up to 60+ miles with its five PAS levels activated at up to 20 MPH top speeds (supported by a torque sensor). Among its updated features, you’ll be getting a hydraulic suspension fork alongside hydraulic disc brakes for smoother rides and greater stopping power. There’s also the puncture-resistant tires, fenders to go over top of them, a rear cargo rack for added versatility, an LED headlight, a brake-activated taillight, a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, a color display with a USB-C port, and more.

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If you’re looking to still save space while paying less, the brand’s predecessor RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike is remaining at its $999 low for as long as supplies last. It has a similar combination of a 750W motor with a smaller 672Wh battery that provides up to 45+ miles of pedal-assisted travel at up to 20 MPH top speeds, and also comes with a foldable design for more convenient storage options. It’s a tried-and-true legacy model that offers a nice array of features, including a rear cargo rack, an auto-on LED headlight, an auto-on taillight with brake lighting, a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur, an LED display, and more.

Bluetti’s August solar generator sale drops Elite 100 V2 bundle with 200W panel to $799 low, more from $169

Bluetti is having a solar generator sale that is taking up to 50% off bundled units alongside the exclusive $3,150 savings on the brand’s new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station and the parallel Elite 30 V2 Power Station launch deals. Standing out amongst the new products is the Elite 100 V2 Solar Generator bundle that comes with a 200W panel for $799 shipped, beating out Amazon’s pricing by $150. This package normally goes for $1,299 directly from the brand since its release a month ago, with a $1,399 price tag from Amazon, with the brand’s Prime Day sale having seen costs taken the lowest to $799 for the first time. That low rate is coming back around, saving you $500 off the going rate for a second chance at the best price we have tracked. Head below for more on this bundle and the others seeing discounts in this sale.

If you want to learn more about this solar generator bundle or browse the entire lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

Jackery cuts power station and accessory prices by up to 50% alongside bonus 5% and 7% savings starting from $89

Jackery is having an August home backup sale running through August 13, which is taking up to 50% off its power station lineup, complete with member-only pricing on top of an extra 5% and 7% savings on orders over $1,300. Among the lineup, we’re seeing continued Prime Day pricing on the brand’s new HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station for members (free to sign up) starting from $1,614.05 shipped, after using the code BACKUP5 at checkout for an additional 5% off, matching the price on Amazon. This new unit hit the scene back in May at $2,499, and is now matching the Prime Day low. You’re getting a third-ever drop to this all-time low price here, cutting $885 off the tag.

If you want to learn more about this new unit, as well as browse the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

You can cut in tighter quarters with Greenworks’ 24V 6-inch cordless mini chainsaw at $95

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 24V 6-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw with a 2.0Ah battery for $94.99 shipped, which is matching in price directly from the brand’s website. This model normally fetches $130 at full price, which we saw spending the first four months of 2025 keeping to $100, before rising back in price and dropping to the $90 low in June and during July’s Prime Day event. If you missed out on those all-time lows, you can pick it up now at the second-best price we have tracked, cutting $35 off the tag and landing it just $5 above the low.

If you want to learn more about this handy mini tool, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

This 60V Greenworks bundle gives you a 17-inch mower, 13-inch string trimmer, 4.0Ah battery and 3A charger for $375

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 17-inch Cordless Push Mower and 60V 13-inch String Trimmer Combo Kit at $374.99 shipped, with the price being matched directly from the brand’s website. This package would normally run you $500 at full price, though we’ve seen the costs taken down to $400, $375, and a $350 low over 2025, with that low rate last appearing mid-June. You’re looking at a solid 25% markdown while the savings last, cutting $125 off the tag for the second-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this two-tool bundle, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Get 17 miles of budget-friendly campus commuting on Hiboy’s S2 SE e-scooter at a new $270 low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best pricing yet on the newer Hiboy S2 SE Electric Scooter for $269.99 shipped just ahead of students going back to classes. This model hit the market back at the top of 2025 carrying a $550 price tag, with Best Buy instead regularly offering it these days at $330 without discounts. Among the previous discounts this year, the lowest we’ve seen the price go before today was $294 during Prime Day last month, with the deal here cutting $60 off the going rate ($280 off the MSRP) at the best price we have tracked. It’s even beating out Amazon’s pricing by $60 and Hiboy’s direct pricing by $27.

If you want to learn more about this commuting solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

• Aventon Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike: $2,599 (Reg. $2,899)
• Ride1Up Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive Gates Belt CVT e-bike: $2,595 (Reg. $2,795)
• Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Off-Road Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
• Ride1Up Revv 1 Full Suspension Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
• Rad Power RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike with $139 bundle: $2,299 (No price cut)
• Segway Xafari Red e-bike: $2,000 (Reg. $2,400)
• Velotric Nomad 2 All-Terrain e-bike with $120 bundle (new model): $1,999 (No price cut)
• Rad Power Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
• Rad Power Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
• Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah Cargo e-bike w/ up to $654 bundle: $1,999 (Reg. $2,653)
• Ride1Up Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive 9-Speed e-bike: $1,995 (Reg. $2,495)
• Tenways AGO X All-Terrain e-bike with $307 bundle: $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
• Velotric Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike with $150 bundle (new model): $1,799 (No price cut)
• Aventon Pace 4 Smart Cruiser e-bike (new model, first discount): $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
• Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike (lowest price): $1,699 (Reg. $1,899)
• Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $505 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,204)
• Lectric XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike with $316 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,015)
• Aventon Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,999)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,999)
• Heybike Limited Miami Sunset Ranger 3.0 Pro Folding e-bike (new model): $1,599 (Reg. $1,699)
• Rad Power RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike with $109 bundle: $1,499 (No pirce cut)
• Lectric XPeak 2.0 Standard Off-Road e-bike with $227 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,726)
• Lectric XP Trike2 with $227 preorder bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,726)
• Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
• Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bikes with $118 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
• Velotric Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
• Aventon Sinch 2 Folding e-bike (lowest price): $1,399 (Reg. $1,699)
• Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah Cargo e-bike with $326 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,725)
• Aventon Level 2 Commuter e-bike (2025 low): $1,399 (Reg. $1,899)
• Heybike Ranger 3.0 Pro Folding Fat-Tire e-bike (new model): $1,399 (Reg. $1,499)
• Ride1Up Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
• Velotric T1 ST Plus Lightweight e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,649)
• Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $366 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,665)
• Lectric XP4 750 LR Folding Utility e-bikes with $356 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,655)
• Heybike Mars 3.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike (new model): $1,199 (Reg. $1,299)
• Lectric XP Lite 2.0 JW Black LR e-bike with $365 bundle: $1,099 (Reg. $1,464)
• Ride1Up Portola Folding e-bike with BOGO accessory promo: $995 (Reg. $1,095)
• Lectric XP4 Standard Folding Utility e-bikes with $79 bundle: $999 (Reg. $1,078)
• Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with up to $365 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,364)
• Heybike Hauler Single-Battery Cargo e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
• Rad Power RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike (new low): $999 (Reg. $1,599)
• Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $760 (Reg. $1,014)
• ENGWE Engine Pro Folding e-bike (use code 9TO5ENGWE50): $750 (Reg. $1,500)
• Navee GT3 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $520 (Reg. $714)

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

• Heybike launches new flagship Ranger 3.0 Pro folding e-bike with an NFC start-up and 90-mile range at $1,399
• Heybike’s new Mars 3.0 folding fat-tire e-bike is a 65-mile trekking adventurer launching at a low $1,199 rate
• For 48 hours you can pick up EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 1500 power station at a new $699 low (Reg. up to $1,099), more from $259
• Anker’s Summer Power Sale drops C800 power stations back to their lowest prices starting from $349, more $499
• Save up to 59% on EcoFlow power stations and backup bundles with bonus savings, free gifts, up to 3.5x EcoCredits – all from $179
• Lectric’s 60-mile traveling ONE e-bike with a Gates carbon belt drive gets largest $319 bundle of 2025 at $2,399
• Ride1Up has increased savings on select e-bikes like the PRODIGY V2 9-speed mid-drive model at $1,995 (Reg. $2,495), more
• Get up to $200 in first savings on Bluetti’s new Elite 30 V2 portable 288Wh LiFePO4 power station starting from $199
• Segway’s Ninebot F3 smart eKickScooter with Apple Find My + proximity locking gets first post-tariff cut to $750 (Reg. $850)
• NIU drops the KQi 300X all-terrain e-scooter with a 37-mile range and regen brakes to $750 (Reg. up to $1,299), more from $189
• This 40V 16-inch Greenworks string trimmer comes attachment capable for added versatility at a $160 low (Reg. $210+)
• Keep defined lines with Greenworks’ 40V 8-inch cordless edger back at the best price of the year for $191 (Reg. $250)
• Add commercial-grade power to your arsenal with Greenworks’ 82V 20-inch cordless chainsaw at a new $430 low (Reg. $500+)
• Save up to 27% on Camplux under-sink electric water heaters at best prices of the year starting from $134 (Reg. $170+)
• Utilize your EGO Power+ batteries to run devices with the Nexus Escape 180W 3-port inverter at $89 (Reg. $109)
• Anker’s SOLIX C300 power stations are portable 90,000mAh backup companions that start from $170 (up to 32% off)
• Get an adaptable mowing companion in Worx’s Nitro 40V 16-inch cordless Intellicut mower at $219 (Reg. $350)
• Worx’s 20V JawSaw chomps through thick branches with a retractable blade at $101 (Reg. $170)
• Electrified Weekly – Lectric Back to School e-bike sale, EcoFlow and Bluetti release new power stations at up to $3,150 off, more