Euronext Responds To Samas-Groep N.V.'S Press Release Regarding The Issue Of Preference Shares

This afternoon, Samas-Groep N.V. issued a press release in connection with a difference of opinion between Euronext Amsterdam N.V. and Samas-Groep N.V. This concerns an issue of preference shares on 8 November 2000 by Samas-Groep N.V. to Stichting Samas that constituted more than 50% of the issuer's outstanding share capital. Samas-Groep N.V.'s press release was issued without Euronext Amsterdam having been consulted; a situation which Euronext Amsterdam finds regrettable. This failure on the part of Samas-Groep N.V. to consult Euronext Amsterdam about the press release has led to trading in these shares being interrupted for a long period. Euronext Amsterdam has therefore been compelled to issue its own press release.

Further to the press release issued by Samas-Groep N.V., Euronext Amsterdam considers it important to make the following remarks with regard to the provision of information to the market. Contrary to the suggestion made in the press release, Euronext Amsterdam has come to the provisional conclusion that this issue of preference shares is in contravention of Article 13b of Appendix X to its Listing and Issuing Rules (Fondsenreglement). The Listing and Issuing Rules Advisory Committee will be asked to make a recommendation before Euronext Amsterdam reaches a final opinion on the matter.

Euronext Amsterdam wishes to state explicitly that the press release issued by Samas-Groep predominantly reflects Samas-Groep's own position on this matter.