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London Stock Exchange Establishes Nordic Presence

Date 24/05/2002

The London Stock Exchange announced today that it has established a local presence for the Nordic region, following 12 months of intense marketing activity and an increasing commitment to the region.

The new representative office, to be based in Stockholm, will allow Nordic companies to remain local yet to benefit fully from being on the world's most international exchange, including access to London's capital, liquidity and visibility.

The new representative office is being opened following extensive market research, which includes more than 100 in-depth interviews with senior representatives of local issuers, brokers and advisors.

The Exchange's representative agent will provide a local Nordic presence, enabling issuers, brokers and advisers to get information, advice and support from people who are experienced in the local law and regulation and knowledgeable about the advantages of the London offering.

Mark Harries, Head of Primary Markets Development at the Exchange, commented "Our objective is to emerge as the market of choice for Nordic growth companies. This initiative will accelerate the growth of our Nordic business. It is the first time that we have established an overseas operation such as this and that clearly demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region."

The local office will be responsible for the marketing and promotion of the Exchange's products together with the provision of local support to potential and existing customers in the region.

Marcus Hamberg, the Regional Manager at the Exchange's new Nordic office, said:"The London Stock Exchange has developed a service offering that is tailor-made to the needs of Nordic companies. This initiative provides issuers with the best of two worlds; retained local Nordic profile in combination with efficient access to the London financial markets."

The new Nordic representative office is due to begin operation in October.