Event attracts leading members of financial community
Paris – 3 December 2014– Euronext, the primary exchange in the euro zone, today celebrated the success of its fourth annual conference for exchange professionals. Nearly 800 members of the capital markets community took part, with over 40 prominent speakers offering constructive discussions of recent developments, followed by a unique awards ceremony.
Euronext’s Annual Exchange Conference was launched to enable issuers, banks, listing sponsors, investors, auditors, accountants, lawyers, financial communications agencies and private equity professionals to share their expertise, debate current events, and analyse present and future trends.
The 2014 event marked the end of a remarkable year during which Euronext’s European markets made a major contribution to business finance, raising nearly €93 billion by November 30[1], including €65 billion in France alone. The same eleven months saw 44 new listings, raising a combined total of almost €10.8 billion[2]— exceeding the total amounts raised between 2008 and 2013.
Against this backdrop, the conference highlighted the conditions needed for efficient, well-adapted financing of European businesses on capital markets. In workshop sessions organised by theme, a wide range of issuers, investors and other stakeholders presented their experiences, offering practical input on key issues including bond markets and financing in the tech sector.
Guest of honour Michel Sapin, the French Minister for Finance and Public Accounts, previewed upcoming initiatives by the Place de Paris 2020 committee.
The programme also featured French philosopher Raphaël Enthoven, speaking on optimism as the ultimate driver of development and growth.
This exceptional day-long event also included an awards ceremony honouring companies whose listings and financial transactions set 2014 benchmarks:
· Euronext Award for Best Listing — Large caps: GTT
· EnterNext Award for Best Listings — Small & mid-caps:Serge Ferrari Group and McPhy
· Euronext Award for Best Market Transaction — Large caps: Numericable - SFR
· EnterNext Award for Best Market Transaction: Genfit
· Special Jury Award: Bank of China
“This conference aims to forge tighter links between members of our financial ecosystem and promote contacts between all of the Paris market’s stakeholders. Euronext has the resources to continue playing a key role as a major European capital-raising centre, and today’s event is another very practical example of our core business: financing the European economy by making it easier for issuers to tap into capital markets,”said Anthony Attia, Chairman and CEO of Euronext Paris.
“We are delighted at the success of this year’s Annual Exchange Conference,” added Marc Lefèvre, Euronext’s head of European Business Development and Client Coverage. “As market operator, our role at Euronext is to ensure that the market environment is organised and structured to serve both issuers and investors. We believe that the exchange is a powerful resource for companies seeking to expand and raise their profile, and our aim is to create an environment where they can meet, swap views and gain a better understanding of each other.”
Programme for the Fourth Annual Exchange Conference
08h45 – 09h00 Introduction: Marc Lefèvre, Euronext
09h00 – 10h00 “Different needs, different financing options” — round table chaired by Franck Sebag, Partner, EY
10.30 – 10.45 DLA Piper session
10.45 – 11.45 “Investors: the key to successful markets”
11.45 – 12.30 Comments on listing and market developments by newly listed companies
12.30 – 12.45 Michel Sapin, Minister for Finance and Public Accounts
12.45 – 13.00 Dominique Cerutti, Euronext
13.00 – 14.30 Buffet lunch
14.30 – 15.15 Workshop sessions: 30 minutes in the spotlight!
Workshop 1: “What role do markets play in financing innovation? Re-energising tech stocks”
Workshop 2: “Bond issues—opportunities and keys to success”
15.15 – 16.00 Comments on listing and market developments by newly listed companies
16.00 – 16.30 Euronext Grand Prix
16.30 – 17.00 Distinguished speaker: “Why is resignation more dangerous than fighting?” Raphaël Enthoven, Philosopher
17.00 – 17.15 Closing remarks, Anthony Attia, Euronext
WITH SUPPORT FROM DLA Piper, Ernst & Young, BNP Paribas Securities Services, Caceis, Invest Securities, Midcap Partners, Euroclear, CitIgate DEWE ROGERSON, AFIC, BVA, CGPME, MEDEF, Citizen Entrepreneurs, F2IC, Morningstar, SFAF, CFNews et BFM BUSINESS