Is there a glimpse of the future in Aabar’s decision?

Aabar Investments’s proposal to consider delisting its shares to go private surprised market analysts on Monday, but it is part of a growing trend away from the traditional public limited company model, especially in the fast-growing economies of Asia and the Middle East.

It is too early to call the death of the “plc” conclusively. The tried and trusted methods of corporate organisation may remain the preferred form in Europe and the US for many years. But whether they will still be appropriate for Chinese or Indian or Gulf corporations in the future is increasingly open to debate.

If Aabar’s plan comes off – it is still just under consideration – it will be a significant straw in the wind.