All Bell ceremonies

Morningstar Awards 2015

Morningstar Awards 2015 winners open trading

Every year, independent fund researcher Morningstar awards those funds that have been able to provide the best return to investors. The Morningstar Awards are designed to help investors around the world identify the year's most exceptional funds and fund managers.

The 2015 Morningstar Awards recognize retail funds and fund groups that have been good stewards of investor capital within the context of their relevant peer group in 2014 and over longer time periods.  Winners are selected using a quantitative methodology developed by Morningstar that considers the one-, three- and five-year performance history of all eligible funds. Morningstar adjusts the returns for risk using a utility theory based screen that imposes a higher penalty for downside variation in a fund’s return than it does for upside volatility.

For more information: www.morningstar.nl

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Randstad Banking & Insurance

Randstad launches new branch Banking & Insurance by sounding gong

Esther Huizinga, director of Randstad Banking & Insurance, opens the Amsterdam exchange by sounding the gong. It marks the start of the new Randstad branch Banking & Insurance. Randstad Banking & Insurance (B&I) recruits for banks and insurers. A specialized branch is necessary to offer the banking and insurance industry a total concept. Issues like reliability, service, training and compliance are essential, for example, and require different skills and approach than in other industries. B&I capitalizes on the current demand.

The new part of Randstad (ticker symbol RAND) is already active and a large number of customers already use the specialized services. Esther Huizinga: "With Randstad Banking & Insurance, we are a reliable partner for capacity issues and we can completely relieve customers on Financial Supervision Act matters. Through our knowledge and specialization, we are able to proactively train candidates to full Fsa-certified and service-oriented professionals who want to build a career in this industry. "

For more information: www.randstad.nl

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Add Value Fund

Add Value Fund sounds gong for 5-year listing anniversary

Exactly five years ago, Add Value Fund went public. The stock listing made it possible to offer shareholders daily liquidity and increase the visibility and transparency. The fund's assets under management grew strongly over the last five years to € 70 million.

The IPO was very successful for the shareholders of Add Value Fund (symbol: AVFNV). The share price increased strongly from the introduction price of € 24 to € 41.96 on 31 March 2015. Including reinvestment of dividends, the shareholder total return – after expenses – was 93%. This is a better result than the Dutch equity indices: the AEX, AMX and AScX Index rose over the same period by 63%, 53% and 87% respectively. Also compared to similar long only investment funds Add Value Fund achieved a significant outperformance.

Willem Burgers and Hilco Wiersma, fund managers Add Value Fund:  "We are very proud to celebrate this milestone with sounding the gong at Beursplein 5. The share price reached a new all time high what makes this five year anniversary extra special. We would like to thank our shareholders for their trust, both in good and in bad times, and we are confident that the next five years will also be successful”.

For more information: www.addvaluefund.nl

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Dutch Heart Foundation

Dutch Heart Foundation calls attention to yearly Heart Week by sounding gong

5-11 April marks the yearly Heart Week by the Dutch Heart Foundation. This week, 60,000 fundraisers will ask for a contribution to the fight against cardiovascular disease in the Netherlands.

Thanks to these donations, the Foundation can fund new research into the earlier detection of cardiovascular disease. This theme is part of the research agenda of the Foundation, which was established in 2014 in cooperation with the public. As a first, this year a pilot group of 50 fundraisers will collect with a collection box and a mobile ATM. In addition, it is also possible to donate online via www.hartstichting.nl and through the online collection boxes on Facebook. Every Facebook user can create their own collection box, set a personal goal and call his or her social network to donate. CEO Floris Italianer sounds the gong.

For more information: www.hartstichting.nl/hartweek

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World Autism Awareness Day

AFM Charmain, Merel van Vroonhoven, marks World Autism Awareness Day
By sounding the gong in Amsterdam, Brussels and Lisbon, Euronext marks World Autism Awareness Day. In Amsterdam Merel van Vroonhoven, Chairman of the Working Group ‘Looking From Within Autism’ and Chairman of the Dutch Authority for the financial markets (AFM), sounds the gong. Van Vroonhoven sounds the gong together with the Dutch Association for Autism (NVA) and the Autism Fund in order to raise awareness for autism.

Some three million people in Europe have autism. With the United Nations designated World Autism Awareness Day autism, and the problems people with Autism experience, are brought to the attention of politicians and the general public. In the Netherlands a variety of organizations organize a myriad of activities. The NVA and the Autism Fund launch the campaign 'Autism is not curable, misunderstanding thankfully is!’ The program ‘Viewed From Within Autism’ launches an advertising spot to promote openness about autism in the workplace. This spot can be seen on the intranet of different organizations.

For more information: www.autismeweek.nl

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Code of Conduct for bankers

Code of Conduct for bankers takes effect in the Netherlands

Interim - Chairwoman of the Foundation for Banking Ethics Enforcement, Nicolet Jager, sounds the gong and symbolically introduces the new code of ethics in the financial sector.

Dutch banks find it important that all bank employees act with integrity. Therefore, the code of conduct for bankers is created. The new and mandatory code of conduct for bankers will come into effect on April 1. As of that day, approximately 90,000 bank employees in the Netherlands are obliged to take the Bankers’ Oath, binding themselves to an ethical code of conduct and submitting themselves to disciplinary action should they break it.

The Foundation for Banking Ethics Enforcement has been established to oversee that those who have taken the oath abide by the associated code of conduct. The foundation can impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to an employment suspension of up to three years. Self-regulation organization DSI has been asked to provide assistance to the foundation.

For more information: www.tuchtrechtbanken.nl

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Gong marks intended launch Euronext Dairy Complex

By sounding the gong Euronext celebrates the launch of a dairy derivatives complex in spring 2015.

The full suite of futures and options will cover the three key dairy products currently traded in Europe and internationally: butter; skimmed milk powder; and whey powder, allowing the European dairy community to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations in this volatile market, just as the milk quotas expire in the European market.

The European market is the world leader in dairy production and the second largest exporter of dairy products worldwide. On 31 March 2015, milk quotas, originally initiated under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, will expire leading to liberalization of production and potential increased volatility in the European dairy industry. In addition, global demand for milk is increasing whilst supply chains can be unpredictable. Within this context this new product complex will allow the industry to manage their risk more smoothly in a transparent, regulated and liquid market.

For more information: derivatives.euronext.com/commodities/dairy-complex

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Himalayan Fund celebrates 25th anniversary on Euronext Amsterdam

Chairman of the Board of Himalayan Fund NV, Ian McEvatt, sounds the gong to mark the 25^th anniversary of the Fund’s launch on the Amsterdam exchange. At the time of its launch, Himalayan Fund was the largest single-country investment fund in the world and it remains one of the oldest investing in India today.

McEvatt: “We have been impressed with the way a new government in Delhi, working with a new regime at the Reserve Bank of India have succeeded in boosting investor sentiment on India. We remain confident that upward momentum will be maintained. The RBI has confirmed its policy of monetary easing by endorsing the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and reform in the recent Union Budget. The current market valuation is near its historical average, with plenty of scope for multiple expansion as well as earnings-driven appreciation over the next few years. The prospects for more excellent returns are good”

McEvatt added: “We are delighted with our long association with Euronext Amsterdam which provides an excellent trading platform assuring liquidity for our shareholders”

For more information: www.himalayanfund.nl

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Aalberts Industries celebrates inclusion in AEX-Index

CEO of Aalberts Industries (ticker symbol: AALB), Wim Pelsma, celebrates the inclusion of Aalberts Industries in the AEX-Index® by sounding the gong.

For Aalberts Industries the inclusion in the AEX index is another milestone in the 40 years of history. Aalberts Industries was founded in 1975 and has been listed on Euronext Amsterdam since 1987. In March 2005 the company was included in the AMX-Index, followed by the inclusion in the AEX-Index as of 23 March 2015. Aalberts Industries, who operates from more than 30 countries,  consists of four businesses: Building Installations, Climate Control, Industrial Controls and Industrial Services.

The AEX-Index is a free-float market capitalization weighted index that reflects the performance of the 25 largest shares listed on Euronext Amsterdam, and is the most widely used indicator of the Dutch stock market. The index serves as a basis for more than 2,000 products, such as; structured products, exchange traded funds, options and futures.

For more information: www.aalberts.com

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Refresco Gerber celebrates IPO by sounding the gong

Refresco Gerber (ticker symbol: RFRG) celebrates her IPO by sounding the gong at Euronext Amsterdam. CEO, Hans Roelofs, opens trading.

Gerber Refresco is the European leader in bottling soft drinks and fruit juices for retailers and A-brand owners. At the end of 2014, Refresco Gerber has 27 production sites worldwide including the Benelux, Germany, the United Kingdom and France.

For more information: www.refrescogerber.com

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Stedelijk Museum and sponsor Rabobank mark Matisse-exhibition

With over 100 works on loan from 35 leading international museums including the Tate, MoMA, and the Pushkin State Museum in Moscow, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam presents the most comprehensive survey of Matisse ever shown in the Netherlands. Covering over 21,500 square feet The Oasis of Matisse is one of the largest-ever exhibitions in the Stedelijk’s history. Rabobank Amsterdam is the sponsor of the exhibition.

The Stedelijk conceived a unique exhibition concept for The Oasis of Matisse: the permanent collection on the ground floor is enriched with a selection of Matisse masterpieces, creating surprising combinations with the work of his contemporaries, teachers and followers. As one of the founders of modern art, Henri Matisse (1868-1954) is among the most-admired artists of the twentieth century. His favourite subjects include interiors with Eastern nudes, colourful fabrics, carpets, potted plants and idyllic landscapes. The exhibition starts on Friday 27 March. Director, Beatrix Ruf, opens trading.

For more information: www.stedelijk.nl

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Winner Prix Veuve Clicquot 2015 opens trading

The winner of the Prix Veuve Clicquot, Dutch Business Woman of the Year 2015 award, Danny Hollestelle, CEO of Royal Hollestelle Group, opens trading.

The award is organized by the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House, part of the LVMH Group, listed on Euronext (ticker symbol: LVMH).The Prix Veuve Clicquot is an international award for successful businesswomen and was created as a tribute to Madame Clicquot, the woman who put Veuve Clicquot on the global Champagne map.

Royal Hollestelle Group is a cluster of specialized engineering companies that operate in the industrial, infrastructural and offshore markets. Activities include material supply, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and inspection of structures and mechanical installations. The company was founded in 1874 by Jan Hollestelle. In celebrating its 100^th year of existence in 1974, the company was awarded the 'Royal' designation. Since 2007 Danny Hollestelle, herself the sixth generation, continued the business as acting CEO.

For more information: www.dannyhollestelle.nl

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Gong marks exchange anniversary and exchange history website launch

Euronext Amsterdam and the Capital Amsterdam Foundation sound the gong to celebrate the 413^th birthday of share trading. To mark the anniversary the foundation launches a new website dedicated to the extraordinary history of the stock market in the Netherlands.

In March 1602 the Dutch East India Company (VOC) issued the world’s first tradable shares to the public, thus creating the world’s first stock market and making it possible for entrepreneurs to finance their activities via the public capital market. Richard Blickman, the CEO of BE Semiconductor Industries NV (Besi) opens trading and briefly explains the importance of the stock exchange for the growth of Besi.

For more information: www.stichtingcapitalamsterdam.com

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Royal Vopak celebrates inclusion in AEX-Index in anticipation of its 400th anniversary

Vice-chairman of the Executive Board and CFO of Royal Vopak (ticker symbol: VPK), Jack de Kreij, celebrates the inclusion of Royal Vopak in the AEX-Index® by sounding the gong.

De Kreij: “We see this inclusion in the AEX as an inspiring milestone in anticipation of our 400^th anniversary in 2016 and a recognition of all the effort, commitment and accomplishments of our colleagues worldwide.”

Royal Vopak is a tank storage provider for the oil and chemical industry. Vopak operates 78 terminals in 28 countries with a combined storage capacity of 33.5 million cbm, with another 6.2 million cbm under development, to be added by 2019. Vopak’s mission is to ensure safe, reliable and effective storage and handling of bulk liquid products at key marine locations that are critical to the customers around the world.

The AEX-Index is a free-float market capitalization weighted index that reflects the performance of the 25 largest shares listed on Euronext Amsterdam, and is the most widely used indicator of the Dutch stock market. The index serves as a basis for more than 2,000 products, such as; structured products, exchange traded funds, options and futures. The inclusion of Royal Vopak will be effective from Monday 23 March 2015.

For more information: www.vopak.com

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CFO celebrates 250th anniversary Wessanen

CFO and member of the Executive Board, Ronald Merckx, sounds the gong to celebrate the memorable moment of 250 years Wessanen (ticker symbol: WES).

Two-hundred-and-fifty years ago, on 22March, Wessanen started its operations in the Zaan area in The Netherlands. Ever since, Wessanen has been involved in food, bringing customers and consumers innovative products. Today Wessanen is proud to be a focused brand builder in healthy and sustainable food in Europe. This is also what Wessanen stands for: making food that is good for people and planet, by focusing on organic, fair trade, vegetarian and good nutrition.

For more information: www.wessanen.com

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Rabobank Foundation marks World Down Syndrome Day

Rabobank Foundation, the Rabobank’s social fund, and ZOdIEZiJN foundation sound the gong and open trading in honour of World Down Syndrome Day.

World Down Syndrome Day, takes place on Saturday 21 March, and in honour of the occasion, Rabobank Foundation and ZOdIEZiJN are launching a new web shop: mooidoormij.nl. Both parties invest in making people self-reliant, and together they make it possible for people with a mental handicap to work in subsidised workshops at care institutions throughout the Netherlands, and therefore to be gainfully employed. The workshops produce original, sustainable products in cooperation with Dutch designers, which are developed under the label ‘Mooi door mij’. All of the people who are employed in the workshops are proud of their work, and of being able to contribute to society. The products will be available in the web shop from 19 March. Bono Kloek, who makes ‘Mooi door mij’ products, sounds the gong.

For more information: Rabobankbank Foundation

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RegionPlus foundation sounds gong for National Week of Health & Welfare

RegionPlus foundation sounds the gong on the occasion of National Week of Health & Welfare, held from 16-21 March. The National Week of Health and Welfare is an initiative of the 16 regional employers' organizations in health and welfare, united in the RegionPlus foundation.

This year’s edition is the third and revolves around the theme ‘How care works’. Hundreds of organizations across the country open their doors to the public to demonstrate the  operation of a shelter or care home, the use of advanced techniques in a hospital, and how enjoyable, challenging and important this line of work is. New this year is a daily TV program on SBS 6 titled "The Nation Cares'. YouTube star KOOLEIN, who plays a major role in the program, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.weekvanzorgenwelzijn.nl 

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Gong marks BioCapital Europe

Partner at Life Sciences Partners (LSCP) and conference host, John de Koning, sounds the gong to mark the event BioCapital Europe 2015.

BioCapital Europe, which is organized by LSP, takes place on Thursday 26 March 2015 at the historic hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. BioCapital Europe is Europe's premier life sciences investment conference, offering venture capitalists and institutional investors access to around forty exciting biotech companies from the Benelux and Europe.

For more information: www.biocapitaleurope.com

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