The Amsterdam branch of stock exchange operator NYSE Euronext (NYX) foresees two-to-three initial public offerings, or IPOs, this year if the current optimism on global stock markets continues, and expects that in 2010 and 2011 the flow of IPOs will improve.

Companies have become much more interested in an IPO compared to six months ago, said Lisette Spaanbroek, Managing Director Listings at NYSE Euronext, in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires Monday.

"Half a year ago, companies were clearly not interested in a short-term IPO. However, at the moment a number of companies are preparing for one in 2010 and 2011", she said.

Firms in search for cash are turning to capital markets, as they struggle to secure loans from banks or private equity firms, Spaanbroek said.

She couldn't say how many companies have requested an IPO so far.

Mark de Graaf at ING Wholesale Banking said he expects the first IPO candidates to have "critical mass, a dominant market position and will be either state- or private equity-owned."

If the IPOs of these firms prove successful, investors will grow more confident, which will result in high-risk companies also seeking a flotation, De Graaf said.

Meanwhile, investors are mainly focusing on securing their existing investments, he added. "However, when the economic recovery is sustainable, and more cash becomes available, interest for IPOs will gain ground."

Company Web site: www.euronext.com

-By Anna Marij van der Meulen; Dow Jones Nieuwsdienst, +31-20-5715 201; annamarij.vandermeulen@dowjones.com