Let’s Colour Walls of Connection

AkzoNobel and MasterPeace join forces to color 100 ‘walls of connection’

AzoNobel (ticker symbol: AKZO) announced it is joining forces with MasterPeace, a global peace movement, in an initiative to paint 100 walls in more than 40 countries. The Let’s Colour Walls of Connection initiative aims to inspire and energize cities around the world and make people’s lives more livable and inspiring. To support their collaboration, they visit the Amsterdam exchange of Euronext and open trading by sounding the gong.

“With a little bit of paint and a lot of creativity, artists and communities are coming together to ‘color peace’,” said Annemieke Kievit, Director Public Affairs and Human Cities at AkzoNobel. “The painting will take place in 40 cities around the world, from Indonesia all the way to Brazil, involving hundreds of artists, AkzoNobel employees, MasterPeace teams and thousands of participants worldwide.” AkzoNobel employees will join forces with MasterPeace teams to paint the walls using community events.

MasterPeace, an award-winning global non-profit and non-governmental peace movement, operates in more than 45 countries and aims to mobilize people around the world to use their talents for peace building.

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, they supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential colour to industries and consumers worldwide.

For more information: www.akzonobel.com

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Prix Veuve Clicquot

Winner Prix Veuve Clicquot opens trading

Else Doets, Businesswoman of the Year 2017, sounds the gong and opens trading. Businesswoman of the Year is an election organized by Veuve Clicquot Champagne House, part of the LVMH Group, listed on Euronext (ticker symbol: MC).

Elske Doets is the director-owner of Jan Doets America Tours. With her passion for travel, Canada, the USA and her customers, she has grown the well-known family business into a big travel company in the Netherlands. Elske considers the title ‘Businesswoman of the Year 2017’ a wonderful crown on her work and a fantastic motivation for the future. It’s also a title with a mission. Elske wants to inspire and motivate young girls in high school to become businesswomen in the future!

Since 1981, the Prix Veuve Clicquot is a renowned initiative in the Netherlands. In 2017 this prize is awarded for the 36th time to a special businesswoman. In the past 35 years this award has had a very special and prestigious position and substantially contributed to a positive appreciation of female entrepreneurship. Led by a skilled jury, which this year is chaired by Mrs. Annemarie Jorritsma, the 36th Dutch Businesswoman of the Year will be elected on March 20 2017.

The prize is awarded in 18 countries. In the Netherlands, under the auspices of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin champagne, in collaboration with Stan Huygens Journal of the newspaper De Telegraaf and in cooperation with EY.

For more information: www.zakenvrouwvanhetjaar2017.nl  

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Amundi ETF listing

Amundi ETF sounds gong for listing an ETF on Euronext Amsterdam

Amundi ETF is pleased to announce the listing on Euronext Amsterdam of the AMUNDI INDEX BARCLAYS GLOBAL AGG 500M UCITS ETF DR. Gert-Jan Verhagen, Head of Amundi ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta Sales, Benelux , sounds the Gong.

Having been a pioneer of the European ETF market, Amundi ranks among the top-five European ETF providers, with more than €25bn in assets under management. Amundi ETF offers investors a broad range of more than 100 ETFs characterized by continuous innovation and competitive prices.

Based on these core principles, Amundi ETF has been growing faster than the market over the past 5 years, with record inflows of 4bn€ in 2016 and sustained net new assets over the first two months of 2017 positioning number 3 in terms of ytd flows in Europe at the end of February 2017.

For more information:  www.amundietf.nl

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Best European ETF Market Maker

Optiver visits Beursplein 5

Optiver opens trading at the Amsterdam exchange by sounding the gong to celebrate winning Best European ETF Market Maker 2017 at the recent ETF Express Awards. Maarten Botman, Head of ETF Trading, Optiver Europe, sounds the gong.

Their story begins in 1986, with a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam’s options exchange. Today, they are at the forefront of trading and technology employ more than 1000 Optiverians of 40 nationalities across offices on four continents. Using their own capital, at their own risk, they trade on major financial markets globally, 24 hours a day, in a wide range of financial products. Optiver strives to “improve the market” by participating in the wider debate around market structure and offering fair, tradable prices to market participants, in all market conditions. By constantly providing liquidity, volume and competitive prices, Optiver contributes to the stability and smooth functioning of fair, transparent and reliable markets.

For more information: www.optiver.com  

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415th anniversary

Gong marks the exchange anniversary

This year, the Amsterdam exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, celebrates its 415th anniversary. On this occasion trading is opened by sounding the gong.

In Dutch exchange history the Dutch East India Company (VOC) plays a key-role. In 1602, it was the first company to go to the exchange, which makes it the founder of the first stock exchange: the Amsterdam exchange. The first initial public offering was no standalone event. Another important innovation preceded it: the invention of the modern company - the limited liability company - by this very VOC.

For more information: www.exchangehistory.nl

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World Sleep Day

Philips sounds gong on World Sleep Day

Royal Philips N.V. (ticker symbol: PHIA) sounds the opening gong at Euronext Amsterdam at World Sleep day to draw more attention to the important role of sleep.

A good sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle has a positive effect on the daily well-being and health on the long term. Philips responds to this phenomenon with sleep- and breathing/ ventilation solutions which lead to healthier patients, practices and companies. Philips innovations are based on the actual needs of the users of their products in the field of respiratory care - sleep apnea, oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation and respiratory drug delivery.

On this day, World Sleep Day, 17 March, which is characterized by sleep, Philips launces the results of a worldwide research on sleep – with insights on sleep habits, the importance of sleep towards other activities and how the quality of sleep affects relationships and productivity. Philips wants to start the conversation about sleep, inform people about the importance of sleep and encourage them to take control of their sleep habits and, ultimately, about their health and lifestyle.   

For more information: www.philips.com

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ABN AMRO Best Retail Innovation

Speakap sounds gong for ABN AMRO Best Retail Innovation 2017

Social platform peakap has won the ABN Amro Award ‘Best Retail Innovation 2017. The award was presented at the Retail Outlook event by Euronext listed Wereldhave and ABN AMRO, and Q&A. To bring this award to the attention, they visit the Amsterdam exchange and sounds the gong. Patrick van der Mijl, Founder Speakap, sounds the gong.

Speakap is the developer of a social platform for internal communication, that offer employees the same experience as with their personal social media. Organizations can also brand this communication environment, thanks to a white labelled version. The platform ensures more engagement, internal knowledge sharing and consumption of company news.

The Best Retail Innovation Award is part of the concept ‘ABN AMRO Retailer of the Year’ and is meant for the most innovative idea in the Dutch retail sector. Independent judges nominated three innovations by judging their innovative capacity and applicability. After pitches of three nominees, the audience selected Speakap as the winner.

For more information: www.besteretailinnovatie.nl

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IPO Avantium

IPO Avantium

Euronext welcomes Avantium (ticker symbol: AVTX), a leading chemical technology company and a forerunner in renewable chemistry, on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels. Tom van Aken, CEO Avantium, sounds the gong to celebrate the listing.

The IPO on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels enables institutional investors as well as retail investors to invest in the company, further enhance Avantium’s public profile and develop its leading position in the company’s active markets.

Together with its partners around the world, Avantium develops efficient processes and sustainable products made from biobased materials. Avantium offers a breeding ground for revolutionary renewable chemistry solutions. From invention to commercially viable production processes. One of Avantium’s many success stories is the YXY technology to produce PEF: a completely new, high-quality plastic made from plant-based industrial sugars. PEF is 100% recyclable. It offers a cost-effective solution for applications ranging from bottles to packaging film and fibres, positioning it to become the next generation packaging material. Avantium is also working on a host of other ground-breaking projects and is providing advanced catalysis research services and systems to companies in the chemical, refinery and energy sector.

For more information: www.avantium.com

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BioCapital Europe

Sounding of the gong for BioCapital Europe

BioCapital Europe, an LSP healthcare conference, will take place for the 15th time in Amsterdam. Geraldine O’Keeffe, Partner at LSP and conference host, sounds the gong in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the event.

BioCapital Europe is one of Europe’s premier life sciences investment conference, offering venture capitalists and institutional investors unique and timely access to approximately 40 biotech companies at an exciting stage in their development. The presenting companies for this years’ event are developing cutting edge, innovative healthcare solutions to a variety of diseases such as novel treatments for cancer, ground breaking medical devices for stroke and heart disease, in additional to breakthrough diagnostics and therapies for a wide range of diseases.

LSP is a leading independent European investment firm, providing financing for private and public life-science companies. Since the late 1980s, LSP’s management has invested in a large number of highly innovative enterprises, many of which have grown to become leaders of the global life-science industry. With over EUR 1 billion of investment capital raised to date and offices in Amsterdam, Munich and Boston, LSP is one of Europe’s largest and most experienced specialist life-science investors.

For more information: www.lspvc.com

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RTL Z Trading Game

ING Sprinters and RTL Z open trading for RTL Z Trading Game

ING Sprinters and RTL Z open trading at the Amsterdam exchange for the start of a new round of the successful RTL Z Trading Game.

RTL Z once again offers the opportunity to invest € 100,000 without risk. On Monday 13 March, a new round of the RTL Z Trading Game begins. People can invest virtually in cooperation with ING Sprinters. People can safely get more familiar with the dynamics of the financial markets. The platform comes close to reality. RTL Z is also producing a weekly TV-show on the developments of the Trading Game, starting on 21 March.

For more information: www.rtlzbeursspel.nl

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Heineken Club Quadrathlon

Sounding of the gong for Heineken Roeivierkamp

The Heineken Roeivierkamp is celebrating its 45th anniversary. On 11 and 12 March the rowing match will take place, once again, on the Amstel. During the weekend different distances will be rowed, all of which are important to the final outcome. The Heineken Roeivierkamp has been organized by Amsterdam Student Rowing Club Nereus for 45 years and is sponsored by Euronext Amsterdam listed Heineken (ticker symbol: HEIA).

Every year teams from around the world participate in this rowing competition. This year there are teams representing France, America, Belgium, Germany, England, Italy, Norway and even Russia. The Dutch top will also be present  on the water, and many Olympic Nereids will be rowing this home match on ‘their’ Amstel.

This anniversary edition a true arena around the Berlagebrug, where the races finish, has been set up. Visitors can follow the event from both the Amsteldijk as the boulevard on the Weesperzijde.

For more information: www.roeivierkamp.nl

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Van Lanschot interactive investment app

Van Lanschot launches interactive investment advice app

Van Lanschot (ticker symbol: LANS) launches its new investment advice app for its investor clients. The app provides clients with a comprehensive view of their investment portfolios and returns, while putting them into easy and swift contact with their personal investment advisers if they choose. The Digital & Innovation team of Van Lanschot sounds the gong and opens trading.

The investment advice app is the second such app Van Lanschot has introduced for its investor clients, following in the footsteps of the discretionary management app launched in 2016. These introductions and other innovations improve our Private Banking offering for clients, who expect personal attention combined with high-quality digital support.

Van Lanschot NV is the holding company of F. van Lanschot Bankiers NV, the oldest independent bank in the Netherlands with a history dating back to 1737. Van Lanschot, a wealth manager operating under the Van Lanschot, Kempen & Co and Evi van Lanschot brand names, is active in Private Banking, Asset Management and Merchant Banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth for its clients. Van Lanschot NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

For more information: www.vanlanschot.nl

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BlackRock's Women’s Initiative Network

BlackRock celebrates 10 years Women’s Initiative Network on International Women’s Day

With the opening of trading BlackRock honours International Women’s Day and celebrates the 10th anniversary of BlackRock’s Women’s Initiative Network (WIN). Cyrille Verbeeten, Vice President at BlackRock and Women in ETFs (WE) City Liaison Amsterdam, opens trading by sounding the gong. Euronext and 43 other exchanges organised an International event “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” together with its partners UN Global Compact, UN Women, Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, IFC, World Federation of Exchanges, Women in ETFs and local partner BlackRock in Amsterdam.

WIN brings together leadership, innovation and passion to foster the full potential of women at BlackRock. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients. At December 31, 2016, BlackRock’s AUM was $5.1 trillion. BlackRock helps clients around the world meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles.  BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions.

For more information: www.blackrock.nl

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KLM Messenger

KLM sounds gong for next step on Messenger

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (ticker symbol: AF) is taking a next step on Messenger by introducing a new emoji service that makes it easy to find your way in an unknown city or country. KLM visits the Amsterdam exchange and sounds the gong, to bring this addition to their service to the attention.

Looking for the nearest ATM or train station? Simply send the matching emoji to KLM, share your current location and KLM instantly replies with the nearest address. And what about an Italian restaurant? The emoji pizza slice and your location are enough to help you on your way.

Since 2009 KLM gained a reputation as an initiator and pioneer in the area of social media services and campaigns in the social landscape. In February 2017, KLM had over 24 million fans and followers on various social media platforms. Through these channels, KLM receives more than 100,000 mentions every week, 15,000 of which are questions or remarks. On Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, WeChat and KakaoTalk KLM offers her customers a 24/7 one-stop-shop in 9 different languages. KLM’s Emoji Messenger Service is created together with creative digital agency CODE D’AZUR

For more information: www.klm.com

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12th MKB Innovatie Top 100

Sounding of the gong for 12th MKB Innovatie Top 100 of KvK

The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) appeals, with a bold blow on the gong at Euronext Amsterdam, to every innovative entrepreneur of the Small and Medium Enterprise to nominate with their innovation for the 12th MKB Innovatie Top 100: the most beautiful innovation show window of the Netherlands. The 100 ventures and their innovations will be announced in the autumn, at the Day of the Innovation, organised by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Subscribing is encouraged till the 15th of April via their website.

Participation with the MKB Innovatie Top 100 is very fruitful for the nominees. Harrie Evers of NormTEQ from Hengelo mentioned how winning, to him, was a breakthrough to the market. And Steinar Henskes, CEO of Bird Control Group, about the Top 100: “The rating in the MKB innovatie Top 100 gave us an international body in order to breakthrough.” Last year Yoni conquered the first place with innovative tampons, pads and panty liners of organic cotton.

The nominees are judged on their impact for the sector on the community, originality, turnover and potential growth. There is deliberately no price attached to the MKB Innovatie Top 100. The power of the initiative is to show what the SME is capable of. In the past 11 years this award has grown to the greatest and most important Innovation Award for SMEs.

For more information: www.mkbinnovatietop100.nl

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Rabobank and Peaks

Rabobank visits Amsterdam exchange with Peaks

Rabobank visits the Amsterdam exchange together with Peaks for the launch of a new app. Tom Arends, Co-Founder and CEO Peaks, opens trading together with his colleagues and Rabobank by sounding the gong.

This summer Peaks will launch the first mobile app in the Netherlands that allows you to invest your spare change. Peaks is the first mobile app which enables you to invest your spare change. Every time you make a purchase with your debit card, Peaks automatically rounds up the withdrawn amount up till the next Euro. By doing so, Peaks creates an investment account without high impact on your expenditure pattern, and makes investing as easy as making debit card purchases. Peaks wants to make investing a possibility for everyone. Also, Peaks attaches importance to keep our planet a viable place for next generations. Investing in companies that share these values is the way to maintain and increase these ideals. Therefore, Peaks offers the opportunity to invest spare change in a sustainable manner.

Peaks is established in Amsterdam and founded in 2016 by Tom Arends, Sijbrand Tieleman and Rutger Beens. The Dutch cooperative bank Rabobank is one of the main investors in Peaks.

More information: www.peaks.nl

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AFS Energy

AFS Energy opens trading

AFS Energy, situated at Beursplein 5, opens the Amsterdam exchange to celebrate that within a few years it has developed from a small and local player to one of the major European players in the field of mediation in renewable energy and renewable energy certificates. This has been achieved through the support of both their international customers and their employees.

AFS Energy is a professional and independent intermediary that advises and mediates in the European renewable energy market. AFS Energy assists businesses, professionals and (semi-) government in realizing sustainable energy and CO2 targets. Within the renewable energy market AFS Energy is active in products such as green electricity, biogas and green gas, biofuels, energy efficiency and in the voluntary and regulated emissions rights. AFS Energy independently mediates between procuring and selling parties. Furthermore AFS Energy mediates in the financing of renewable energy projects in Europe and the structuring of their PPAs and GPAs.

For more information: www.afsgroup.nl

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Best Emerging Technologies

Amsterdam Smart City sounds the gong as winner of ‘Best Emerging Technologies’

Amsterdam Smart City (ASC) opens the Amsterdam exchange to celebrate that they have won the ‘Best Emerging Technologies’ award at the World Government Summit Awards in Dubai. The award is in recognition of Amsterdam’s approach to generating social and technological solutions for various urban challenges through collaboration.

ASC welcomed three new partners: the Euronext listed ENGIE, Pakhuis de Zwijger and Waag Society in early 2017. Together with existing partners Amsterdam Economic Board, City of Amsterdam, Alliander, KPN, PostNL, Amsterdam ArenA, Arcadis and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, these parties form the public-private partnership known as Amsterdam Smart City.

The ASC programme was launched in 2009 as a unique collaborative venture between businesses, public authorities, knowledge institutes and Amsterdam residents. ASC believes in the importance of working together to build a future-ready and liveable city, with the strength of Amsterdam’s residents at the core. The partnership has evolved into a pioneering platform, with more than 290 partners engaged in over 160 innovative projects. The partners collaborate on social and technological innovation projects in fields such as mobility, renewable energy, connectivity, data and circular economy.

For more information: www.amsterdamsmartcity.com

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