Oslo Stock Exchange To Prepare For Conversion To A Public Limited Company - The Norwegian Government Has Proposed That The Oslo Stock Exchange Should Be Converted To A Public Limited Company

The Norwegian government has proposed, as part of its proposal for a new Stock Exchange Act, that the Oslo Stock Exchange should be converted to a public limited company and that the shares of the company should be sold through a public offering. This proposal is due to be considered by the Norwegian Parliament, and it is expected that this process will be completed during the course of the autumn. The Oslo Stock Exchange accordingly anticipates implementing the conversion to a public limited company and sale of shares during the first quarter of 2001, subject to the proposed legislation receiving parliamentary consent.

The Stock Exchange intends to appoint one or more investment firms as managers and advisers for the public offering of shares. The Oslo Stock Exchange has therefore written to all member firms inviting them to submit proposals for this assignment. Consideration is also being given to contacting a selected international investment firm in this respect.