The gong: an age-old tradition
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchange in the world and a household name in the Netherlands and abroad. As early as the 17th century, trading was opened and closed by sounding a gong. Today, all securities trading is automated and the opening is a ceremonial act. Directors of listed companies, business people, politicians and charity ambassadors have helped keep this tradition alive in recent years.
Amsterdam Gong Ceremonies
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Evi van Lanschot wins Gouden Stier
| Amsterdam
8722770c4d7f-8adb-4f16-aec3-251c0220efecEvi van Lanschot wins Gouden Stier
Evi van Lanschot sounds gong after winning Gouden Stier
Evi van Lanschot visits Beursplein 5 after winning a ‘Golden Bull’ (Gouden Stier) for Best Online Asset management. Evi, part of Euronext listed Van Lanschot (ticker symbol: LANS), earned the coveted statuette, according to the jury, because of the scenario analyzes of the development of the capacity, the extended quarterly resports and the clear and understandable communications for novice investors.
Richard Bruens, CEO Private Banking and Member of the Executive Board of Van Lanschot "We are proud that we have received the Golden Bull in 2016 for best online asset management. This award is a wonderful confirmation of the fact that we are distinctive in the field of online trading services. The knowledge of a private bank is also available for online investors because of Evi. People who are not an investment expert, but want to get more out of their assets in an easy and organized way. And that we are on the right track, is shown by the high rating of our customers, but also from this award. "
The ‘Gouden Stier’ has grown to a coveted independently juried award for investment products and services over the past decade. The awards are presented annually to companies and products that stand out in their policies, communication, service or product offerings for private investors.
For more information: www.evivanlanschot.nl
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Lynx wins Gouden Stier
| Amsterdam
8721abb7bace-764e-4520-a876-8ebbc111d672Lynx wins Gouden Stier
Lynx visits Amsterdam exchange after winning Gouden Stier
Online broker LYNX was awarded Best Broker of 2016 during the annual presentation of the ‘Golden Bull’ (Gouden Stier). To seal their winning, they sound the gong and open trading at Beursplein 5. In the eyes of the jury, LYNX excels by combing low fares, extensive marketing capabilities and functionalities of the trading platform.
Tycho Schaaf, investment expert at LYNX, is very honored with this title. ‘’For 10 years we do everything in our power to provide serious investors with the best trading possibilities with our reliable and professional trading platform and low rates. We are proud to be recognized for our commitment and passion.’’
The ‘Gouden Stier’ has grown to a coveted independently juried award for investment products and services over the past decade. The awards are presented annually to companies and products that stand out in their policies, communication, service or product offerings for private investors.
For more information: www.lynx.nl
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King’s Commissioner Province of Utrecht
| Amsterdam
87200e9e96bb-35e1-4f5f-bd52-2b841e1d66aaKing’s Commissioner Province of Utrecht
King’s Commissioner in the Province of Utrecht visits Beursplein 5 for De Stijl
The visit to Euronext Amsterdam by the King’s Commissioner Willibrord van Beek and a prominent Utrecht delegation highlights the importance of De Stijl while drawing attention to another milestone in the development of smart, healthy and beautiful Utrecht: the launch of JIM (Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile), a new facility of Jaarbeurs Utrecht to stimulate talent and innovative entrepreneurship contributing to the region.
As part of De Stijl year Utrecht will invest in boosting the ability of youngsters to think creatively. An art landmark will be placed on the bike path between the cities of Utrecht and Amersfoort to symbolically link the birth cities of the two major De Stijl artists: Rietveld and Mondriaan. Several cities and regions in Holland will mark De Stijl year with their own activities.
Initially founded as a magazine, De Stijl quickly developed into an artistic movement that to this day has a great influence on art, design, and architecture. Four of the Stijl pioneers were born in the cities of Utrecht or Amersfoort: Piet Mondriaan, Gerrit Rietveld, Theo van Doesburg, and Bart van der Leck. Amersfoort and Utrecht today still produce innovative and creative talent: yesterday’s innovators and today’s game-changers. The celebration of 100 years of De Stijl highlights their investment in the continued development of the young creative talent needed to meet the challenges of the future.
For more information: www.utrecht.nl
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Pharming
| Amsterdam
87197808e8bc-03d4-4383-b245-21d396f5ac5dPharming
Pharming visits Beursplein 5
Sijmen de Vries, CEO of the Euronext listed Pharming (ticker symbol: PHARM) sounds the gong at the Amsterdam exchange. Pharming Group has been making considerable progress over the recent months. The company is now to become the first and only Dutch biotech company to get to commercialise a self- developed product, RUCONEST®, in North America.
This therapy is approved for acute attacks of Hereditary Angio-Edema (HAE), instant and sometimes life threatening swellings in various body parts including the hands, feet, face and airway. This as result of the closing of an agreement with its US partner Valeant Pharmaceuticals to buy back the marketing rights of its own medicine in the US, Canada and Mexico. In addition, following an amendment of its agreement with its EU partner Sobi, Pharming also takes on commercialization of RUCONEST in most of Western- Europe. Pharming recently also reported positive results from a Phase II trial for the prevention of HAE with RUCONEST.
Based on closing the US deal with Valeant, Pharming is also the first Dutch biotech company that is about to turn profitable. Pharming has transformed itself into a real pharmaceutical company, developing and bringing its own innovative products for the safe and effective treatment of rare diseases and unmet medical needs.
For more information: www.pharming.com
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Curetis listing anniversary
| Amsterdam
8716fde40c2a-55bc-43bc-b5cf-ec5e41cbbe14Curetis listing anniversary
Curetis celebrates one year listed anniversary
Curetis (ticker symbol: CURE) celebrates its one-year listed anniversary at Euronext by sounding the gong. Oliver Schacht, CEO Curetis, visits Beursplein 5 and sounds the gong.
Founded in 2007, Curetis is a molecular diagnostics company which focuses on the development and commercialization of reliable, fast and cost-effective products for diagnosing severe infectious diseases.
Curetis is a molecular diagnostics company focusing on the detection of severe infectious disease in hospitalized patients. Its CE IVD marked Unyvero platform is marketed across Europe and has recently also successfully completed a US FDA trial for its LRT lower respiratory tract infection cartridge.
For more information: www.curetis.com
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Province of North-Brabant
| Amsterdam
87151faa34a8-d906-4a97-8a1a-2cd82d18ee2dProvince of North-Brabant
Province of North-Brabant sounds gong for innovative start-ups
The opening of trading at the Amsterdam exchange is dedicated to innovation in Brabant. The ceremonial opening gong will be sounded by the province of Brabant and a number of start-ups from the province who have recently undergone the valorisation process and are now being financed by the Innovatiefonds Brabant (Brabant Innovation Fund).
Valorisation is the process that turns knowledge into commercially feasible products or services. Brabant offers start-ups support through the Starterslift, Ondernemerslift+ and Bright Move valorisation programmes.
Follow-up funding proves hard to find for start-ups who received financing for the valorisation phase. This early innovation phase is often too risky for banks and investors. The Provincial Government of Noord-Brabant has therefore reserved part of the innovation fund managed by the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij [Brabant Development Agency] (BOM) for these (risky) early phase investments. This is in line with the provincial government’s aim to contribute to a closed funding chain for innovative entrepreneurs.
For more information: www.bom.nl
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Accenture Innovation Awards
| Amsterdam
8714bbd7ad26-552a-4cb8-9793-78e68e8774ceAccenture Innovation Awards
Winner Accenture Innovation Awards sounds gong
Kwettr won the 2016 Accenture Innovation Audience Award for most innovative company of The Netherlands. Alongside a cheque of €25.000, which Kwettr can invest in developing their services, they received an invitation to the International Websummit in Portugal.
Kwettr makes and rents out digital popup stores for companies where customers can pay with social media data. For example customers can download discount coupons in return for a tweet, follow, Like, or Snap. Target groups of Kwettr include restaurants, record labels, theme parcs, and all other companies that use social media in their marketing activities.
Every year Accenture organizes the Innovation Awards. With this competition, Accenture gives Dutch companies the attention and recognition they deserve. The Innovation Awards are split up in 11 categories and an Audience Award. Every category has a winner, picked by a jury. The winners receive a Blue or Green Tulip. The Public Prize winner was chosen by the audience. The Dutch audience was able to vote for their favorite contestant using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Kwettr generated the most votes of the competition.
For more information: www.innovation-awards.nl
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Wolters Kluwer 180th anniversary
| Amsterdam
8713164fb087-799c-4db4-ad36-719fea535a10Wolters Kluwer 180th anniversary
Wolters Kluwer celebrates 180-year anniversary by sounding gong
This year, Wolters Kluwer (ticker symbol: WKL) is celebrating its 180-year anniversary by visiting Beursplein 5. Frans Klaassen, Managing Director Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory Nederland and Andre Kwakernaat, Head of Tax & Accounting Europe Business Innovation, sound the gong at Euronext Amsterdam to celebrate Wolters Kluwers’ 180 years of rich heritage.
In 1836, Jan Berends Wolters founded a store and publisher of school books in Groningen. Now, 180 years later, Wolters Kluwer is a digital information services and solutions provider for professionals. The company serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.
For more information: www.wolterskluwer.com
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ING Nederland fonds
| Amsterdam
8712a16a84d9-40fd-4498-8093-38541b7a9195ING Nederland fonds
ING sounds gong with ING Nederland fonds
As a Dutch bank ING is closely linked to the Dutch society. To show its involvement in the Netherlands, the ING Nederland fonds was founded in 2015. The ING Nederland fonds aims to help and advance organizations and foundations that take the initiative to make the Netherlands stronger.
Netherlands has numerous active associations and foundations, with valuable local initiatives for people and society. ING is happy with all the activities that benefit society. With the campaign "Help Nederland vooruit” (Help The Netherlands go forward) of the ING Nederland fonds they offer these initiatives a helping hand. For the launch of their new campaign they visit Beursplein 5 and open trade by sounding the gong.
Help Nederland vooruit is an initiative of the ING Nederland fonds. The fund's mission is to support individuals and organizations that take initiative to make The Netherlands stronger.
For more information: www.ing.nl
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King’s Commissioner of Flevoland
| Amsterdam
8711715f07a3-0667-4397-a183-9d7d08663e27King’s Commissioner of Flevoland
King’s Commissioner of Flevoland opens trading day in honor of province’s entrepreneurship
The King’s Commissioner of the province of Flevoland opens the Euronext Amsterdam trading day. This ceremony is in honor of entrepreneurship in the province of Flevoland and the commissioner will be accompanied by a number of promising entrepreneurs of the province.
Flevoland has many small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Among them there are a large number of self-employed individuals. The province aims to create a favorable business environment for them without unnecessary regulation. In addition, Flevoland is strong and distinctive in a number of key sectors such as Agriculture & Food, High Tech Systems and Materials and Life Sciences and Health.
Furthermore, the province has a new economic program for the period 2016-2020. Stimulating the regional economy is one of the key tasks of the province. Flevoland is committed to economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship through SME growth in Flevoland, but also through the development of the key sectors.For more information: www.flevoland.nl
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Introduction to Options
| Amsterdam
8710c32808a6-ac12-46ba-ba15-80e33b3090f3Introduction to Options
VEB visits Beursplein 5
The VEB (Vereniging van Effecten Bezitters) organizes Option courses in partnership with Euronext. Nick Schakel, Manager Operations VEB, sounds the gong on this occasion.
On 8 and 15 November, the option courses ‘’Introduction to Options’’ take place. What are options, and what can you do with them as (equity) investors? This course is for anyone who has little to no knowledge of options and those who are familiar with the basics of this versatile instrument. After attending the two introductory courses and gaining practical experience, you have a good foundation for the course ‘’Options for advanced’’, which VEB will offer at a later stage, also in cooperation with Euronext.
Since 1924 the VEB represents the interest of private investors. The VEB is the source for independent investment information and now has approximately 45,000 members, including both private and institutional investors.
For more information: www.veb.net
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AH Product Pitch 2016
| Amsterdam
8709876a4ef3-8381-4b10-8273-ab7ef661f3e4AH Product Pitch 2016
Winner AH Product Pitch 2016 sounds gong
The Amsterdam exchange is opened by the winners of the ‘AH Product Pitch 2016’ in the company of jury member Marit van Egmond, director Merchandising & Sourcing.
Kaas in ’t Bakkie, from entrepreneurs Bob van Oosterhout and Paul and Wouter Rodenberg, won the competition and get one year shelf space at Albert Heijn, coaching to achieve growth and an investment package worth €100,000. Young entrepreneurs with an innovative product and their own company were able to enter the competition. With this competition, Albert Heijn wants to encourage young entrepreneurs and provide their customers with innovative products. The nominees were invited to pitch their ideas to a jury on 1 November 2016.
The Product Pitch is an initiative of Albert Heijn to encourage youth entrepreneurship and to be continuously innovative in their product range. Albert Heijn is part of Euronext listed Ahold Delhaize (ticker symbol: AD).
For more information: www.ah.nl
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Pensioen3daagse
| Amsterdam
8708c38eda90-6eb9-48f8-b07c-9038b94adce7Pensioen3daagse
Sounding of the gong for Pensioen3daagse
This year, the sixth edition of the Pensioen3daagse (3 day pension fair), initiated by platform Money Wise (Wijzer in geldzaken) takes place. Participants of the Pensioen3daagse visit the Amsterdam exchange and sound the gong.
The purpose of this three-day fair is to promote financial resilience at a later age. Money Wise developed a tool in this context ‘’What should I do for my retirement?’’ that enables people to make an assessment of their situation later in life. The Pensioen3daagse includes pension consultations and awareness in the workplace. Insurers, banks and financial advisers also open their branches to people with retirement questions.
Participants in the Pensioen3daagse include Authority for the Financial Markets Association of Insurers, Pension Federation, Pension Register Foundation, Ministry of Finance, Adfiz, FFP, Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, the Dutch Central Bank, Nibud, several banks, pension funds and insurers, unions, educational institutions, pension advisors and many other employers.
For more information: www.wijzeringeldzaken.nl
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Deloitte Technology Fast 50
| Amsterdam
8707dde3eeb0-b4cf-4567-950e-86b92c2bdb46Deloitte Technology Fast 50
Winner Deloitte Technology Fast 50 opens trading
Catawiki, an online auction house for buying and selling special objects, recently won the Deloitte Technology Fast50. They visit the Amsterdam exchange and open trading by sounding the gong.
Catawiki has won the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 for the second year in a row. The company, based in Assen, takes first place in the ranking of the 50 fastest growing tech companies of the Netherlands. The company has shown a growth percentage of 3676% over the last 4 years.
Deloitte organizes the Technology Fast 50 competition in collaboration with partners ABN AMRO, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, Euronext, Kennedy Van der Laan, KPN and Vitruvian. The competition was initiated to recognize the exceptional performance of these companies. The Fast 50 companies have the best entrepreneurs of the future, who think fast and play a leading role in their field. The Rising Star is a special price that is presented to emerging innovative companies that are less than five years old. This year, it was awarded to Helloprint.
For more information: www.fast50.nl
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165 years BK Cookware
| Amsterdam
87047bc19bfa-a956-4e44-9788-a89d7f436c98165 years BK Cookware
BK Cookware celebrates 165 years by sounding gong
BK, part of the Euronext Amsterdam listed Royal Delft (ticker symbol: PORF), celebrates its 165th anniversary. In an internationally very competitive market the company has managed to set the trends regarding cooking and dining for more than a century and a half.
According to the government, innovation is the engine of the competitiveness of the Dutch economy. The future of Dutch enterprises is mainly seen in the design and development of new products. These are exactly the elements of the manufacturing process on which BK has been focused since its establishment in 1851. BK develops and designs pans, kitchenware and cutlery which fit in with the trends in society.
BK's strong position in the highly competitive market for cooking and dining is also the result of its concentration on the demands of individual consumers. The company develops applications which fit in with the cooking style of people as well as their lifestyle. For this BK carries out intensive research into the wishes of consumers and in trends. BK is celebrating its jubilee with a substantial television advertising campaign, supported by bus stop advertising, advertising via the website and via social media. Furthermore, consumers receive a dinner discount card, when buying a BK product.
For more information: www.bk.nl
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King’s Commissioner of Gelderland
| Amsterdam
8703a84af952-0946-4c48-8758-81d7c78394c4King’s Commissioner of Gelderland
The King’s Commissioner of the Province of Gelderland sounds gong
Clemens Cornielje, the King’s Commissioner of the Province of Gelderland, marks the start of the fourth industrial revolution by sounding the gong at Euronext Amsterdam. He is accompanied by top players of the Gelderland industry, including Euronext listed Nedap, NXP and Remeha.
Clemens Cornielje: “We are on the eve of an industrial renaissance. After the steam engine, the computer and the internet, the digitization is now driving a new industrial revolution. Increasing numbers of businesses are moving their production back from Asia. This creates opportunities for our (manufacturing) industry but we will have to upgrade our production processes to make them smarter and cleaner.”
Gelderland is the fourth industrial region of the Netherlands. More than 200,000 people are employed in the region’s industry and related sectors. The 7,500 industrial businesses generate 15% of the regional income and 10% of employment. By investing in sustainable innovation, entrepreneurs, education institutes and the authorities jointly focus on achieving the third position for the Gelderland industry.
For more information: www.gelderland.nl
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AtomX
| Amsterdam
87026e09a426-adfe-4f3b-b31b-71ddf18c9579AtomX
Euronext sounds gong for AtomX initiative
Euronext sounds the gong for their AtomX initiative. AtomX is a service that combines the flexibility of over-the counter trade (OTC) together with the efficiency and safety of the regulated markets and central clearing.
By enriching services for off-orderbook, on-exchange trading, Euronext can meet demand from clients currently trading OTC to clear centrally, while maintaining the bespoke contract features that allow them to meet their trading objectives more accurately than standard orderbook trading.
Trades reported via AtomX are cleared by LCH alongside other Euronext derivatives business, providing efficiency for market participants who trade a mix of bespoke and standard contracts.
For more information: https://www.euronext.com/en
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Dutch Payment & Exchange Company
| Amsterdam
8705be23e92a-5e33-4175-a3f4-ff0b5c294873Dutch Payment & Exchange Company
Dutch Payment & Exchange Company opens trading
The Dutch Payment & Exchange Company opens the trading day at the Amsterdam exchange. Rolf van Woerkom, Head of Marketing & Sales, sounds the gong accompanied by his colleagues.
Thousands of transactions in foreign currencies are being executed by Dutch entrepreneurs on a daily basis. Banks charge high fees in order to process these transactions, which could accumulate into high costs. The Dutch Payment & Exchange Company (NBWM) is a newcomer to this industry. They charge 5 EUR for international payments in foreign currencies, which makes them approximately 90 percent cheaper than some of their peers.
“The high level of digitalization into this current world also translates into a connection between all national payment systems”, says Pieter-Jan Datema, CEO and founder of NBWM. “A client can add all the data himself in order to execute a payment, without interference of a bank.”
For more information: www.nbwm.nl
Amsterdam
Would you like to sound the gong with your company at Beursplein 5?
Open the trading day at Euronext Amsterdam
Companies or institutions that have a natural connection to the Amsterdam capital market can be invited to take part in a gong ceremony. For example, this might be to mark a special milestone or to raise awareness of a charity.
The ceremony starts with a reception hosted by a senior Euronext Amsterdam representative in the former Board Room at Beursplein 5. Just before 9 am, the participants and their guests take their place on the gong stage to open the trading day, The gong is sounded at 9 am precisely. The group then returns to the Boardroom for a cup of coffee.
Media coverage
The gong strike is broadcast live every morning on RTL Z. A picture of the gong strike illustrates the daily stock market report on the Financiële Telegraaf's website. In addition, Euronext shares the images on its social media channels.
Photos and video footage taken of the gong ceremony are shared with guests, who are free to use them for their own communications and on social media.
Practical information
Programme
Timings for gong ceremonies at Beursplein 5 are as follows:
Reception: 8.30 am
Sounding of the gong: 9.00 am
End: 9.15 - 9.30 am
Group size: minimum 8 people, maximum 15 people.
There is no charge for the gong ceremony.
Additional options
You can combine your gong ceremony with the Amsterdam Exchange Experience: a special tour of the stock exchange building.
Or if you would like to use the gong ceremony to kick off a conference or event, consider organising your event at Beursplein 5. Euronext has several historic rooms where events for 10 to 150 people can be held.
The Euronext Events Team will be happy to give you all the information you need about the options available.