Shares that are traded on average at least 10 times a day over a 6-month period qualify for the OB Match category. This category also includes shares issued by companies that have entered into liquidity provider agreements that meet the criteria specified by Oslo Børs. 19 companies currently have such agreements. The number of shares in the OB Match category will increase from 75 to 109.
The main purpose behind the introduction of liquidity categories is to show investors the level of liquidity of shares in the various categories. In addition, Oslo Børs wants companies to pay greater attention to the liquidity of their shares through measures such as better information for investors, for example by qualifying for the Oslo Børs Information Symbol.
"Liquidity in the Norwegian market is showing a sound and steady improvement. Many companies have shown greater awareness of the importance of liquidity and are working hard on improvements, and this together with increased interest in the Norwegian market in general is helping to improving liquidity", comments Sven Arild Andersen, President of Oslo Børs.
The new allocations to liquidity categories with effect from Friday 17 June 2005 can be seen at: www.oslobors.no/ob/listestruktur
As at 15 June 2005, 198 companies are listed on Oslo Børs, with 202 shares and primary capital certificates issued. The allocation between liquidity categories is as follows (number of shares/primary capital certificates in each category shown in brackets):
OBX (25)
OB Match (109)
OB Standard (38)
OB New (10)
OB Primary Capital Certificates (20)
