Howard Kennedy in novel AIM link with accountants

City firm Howard Kennedy has set up an unique joint venture company with accountants Levy Gee, offering nominated adviser services to companies wishing to list on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).Kennedy Gee Corporate Finance Ltd recently started work, acting for UK Internet kiosk provider Public Network on its admission to AIM.Howard Kennedy - which has been registered as a sponsor on the London Stock Exchange for several years - owns slightly more than 50% of Kennedy Gee's shares; the rest are held by Levy Gee.Keith Lassman, a partner at Howard Kennedy and director of Kennedy Gee, said he was confident that the Public Network float would be the first of many.Fellow partner Shirin Ghandi added: 'The combined skills of both professions enabled a swift and efficient passage through the maze of regulatory requirements and obligations.'Tom Mackay, a partner with London firm Amhurst Brown Colombotti, a member of the Law Society's company law committee and former head of legal affairs at the London Stock Exchange, said: 'I think it's a great adventure, I take my hat off to them'.Kennedy Gee is regulated by the Securities and Futures Authority, but will be regulated by the Financial Services Authority when that body takes over the work of the SFA later this year.Scottish firm Dickson Minto is also registered as a sponsor on the London Stock Exchange, while Olsens Corporate Finance - a company set up by Channel Islands firm The Olsen Group - became a category 1 listing member of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange in January 2000.Jeremy Fleming