10 Years Of KfW Mittelstandsbank And Deutsche Börse German Equity Forum - 27th April Meeting For Innovative Companies And Investors In Berlin

KfW Mittelstandsbank and Deutsche Börse, in cooperation with the Federal State of Berlin, will host the German Equity Forum on 27 April 2006. The Equity Forum looks back on a 10 years success story and focuses on young or innovative enterprises seeking equity capital or further financing for their expansion strategy. At the German Equity Forum in Berlin up to 50 enterprises seeking equity capital can meet 250 investors, venture capitalists and private equity professionals. It is an ideal opportunity for companies to present themselves, to make new contacts and orientate themselves in the market. The German Equity Forum has been recognised as an important indicator reflecting the development of the German equity market. In the past one in two participating companies has successfully found a financing partner.

For 10 years KfW Mittelstandsbank and Deutsche Börse AG have organized the Equity Forum twice a year, thus demonstrating their considerable support for innovative enterprises and the German equity capital market. More than 1,300 equity-seeking companies have already used the Forum to introduce themselves and their business concept to professional investors. Around 600 participants are expected to attend this year's spring Forum in Berlin commemorating the 10th anniversary.

The German Equity Forum is supported by diverse sponsors, including main sponsors Ernst & Young, IKB Private Equity and Taylor Wessing. In different workshops, presentations and panel discussions interested entrepreneurs can inform themselves about all questions related to equity finance.

Further information and an electronic application form are available at www.eigenkapital­forum.com. The deadline for registration is 29 March 2006 for companies and 8 April 2006 for investment professionals. Companies wishing to attend the German Equity Capital Forum as a guest may also accredit themselves using the website.