This sector classification has already been adopted by Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels. It will replace the current classification system used in Paris for French companies on all Euronext regulated markets - the Premier Marché, Second Marché and Nouveau Marché (cf press release issued on 22 November 2001) -, and for all the companies listed on the Marché Libre of Euronext Paris.
Beginning on 1 January 2002, all stocks listed on Euronext markets will be classified under a single system. Investors will be able to choose from over 1,500 companies in ten main economic groups, divided in turn into 39 business sectors and 101 sub-sectors. Euronext uses a single trading platform for all transactions.
It is important to note that the changes made at the regular annual review of the FTSE Global Classification System will be applied on 2 January 2002. On this date, the number of sub-sectors will become 37. The changes include the introduction of a new biotechnology sub-sector.
Comprehensive and precise, the FTSE Global Classification System enables comparison of companies within sectors and sub-sectors, as well as across national borders. Each company is assigned to the sub-sector that most accurately reflects its profile, based on revenue analysis of each of its business units.
Full sector information is available on the Euronext website: www.euronext.com under Markets & Prices / Prices / Stocks by sector. A complete list of French stocks with their new classification appears in Notice ML/2001/273 issued 20 December 2001.
