Like many media entrepreneurs, Ralph Roberts created several classes of stock, enabling him to issue equity without losing control.

It is the second time in under a year that the packaging and printing giant has issued new equity for big acquisitions.

As stock prices rise, for instance, corporations can issue more equity to fund new plants and equipment.

It also plans to issue new equity to shareholders in an effort to raise about £73 million ($108 million).

Through August of, companies raised $3.8 billion from issuing new equity.

In the first half of this year, 240 companies issued equity of $12.8 billion.

Moreover, corporations are more inclined to issue equity now that the threat of hostile takeovers is all but gone.

Even before the securities houses announced their decision, the advantages of issuing new equity had slumped along with the Nikkei.

While the stockmarket was rising steadily, even companies stuffed with cash rushed to issue equity.

The fact that three major bank holding companies are issuing new equity could put pressure on other leading banks to follow.