All Bell ceremonies

CEO and CFO Sligro Food Group celebrate 25th listing anniversary

CEO Koen Slippens and CFO Huub van Rozendaal from Sligro Food Group N.V. (ticker symbol: SLIGR) sound the gong  to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the company's listing.

In 1989, Sligro Beheer N.V., as the former Slippens family business was then known, was floated in order to raise capital to finance further growth. The past 25 years can best be described as a period of value creation. At the time of its listing in 1989, the company had net sales of €190 million and net profit of €2.8 million. The issue price was NLG 52 (now €1.18), and following the issue the company's market capitalization stood at €28 million. The company progressed from the Parallel Market to the AScX index, and today it is included in the AMX index. Sligro Food Group N.V. currently has annual net sales of €2.5 billion with net profit of almost €70 million and a market capitalization of €1.2 billion. The average compound return over 25 years amounts to 17% a year. An interim dividend will be made payable on Monday, 20 October to mark the anniversary of the company's listing.

Sligro Food Group encompasses food retail and foodservice companies selling directly and indirectly to the entire Dutch food and beverages market. The Group is active in foodservice as a wholesaler (Sligro and Van Hoeckel) and in food retail (EMTÉ supermarkets) as a wholesaler and retailer.

For more information: www.sligrofoodgroup.nl

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Gong marks Amsterdam Marathon 2014

By sounding the gong the launch of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, the running event that’s taking place this Sunday the 19^th of October, is marked.

A record number of 42,500 participants take part in the marathon. With 16,000 entries for the classic distance the marathon is the biggest marathon of the Netherlands. No less than 89 different nationalities are represented and the event will be broadcast live on television in at least 130 countries.

Manon Schutter, the face of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon Superhero campaign, sounds the gong. With this campaign runners and supporters were asked to share their stories on social media with #TCSsuperheroes.The Superheroes concept recognizes that behind every runner there is a story of individual achievement. Regular people make superhuman efforts to train for the race and strive for their personal bests, while very humanely contributing generously towards the research of VUmc Cancer Center Amsterdam, the official charity of the event.

For more information: www.tcsamsterdammarathon.nl

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Vanguard celebrates listing three new ETFs

Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies, celebrates the listing of three new Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on Euronext Amsterdam.

The ETFs provide investors with international diversification across North America, the developed world, and developed Europe excluding the UK. The new products are available for trading on the Amsterdam market as of today. The Vanguard FTSE North America UCITS ETF, Vanguard FTSE Developed Europe ex-UK UCITS ETF and Vanguard FTSE Developed World UCITS ETF will enable investors to construct a more diversified equity portfolio. With the addition of these products to its existing range of ETFs, Euronext currently has 611 ETFs listed on its markets.

To celebrate the listing, Institutional Sales Executive, Marcel Danen, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.vanguard.nl

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The Financial Planner of the Year, Alex Erlings, sounds gong

The winner of the 2014 FFP Financial Planner of the Year Award, Alex Erlings, working as FFP certified financial planner at Rabobank Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, visits Euronext Amsterdam and sounds the gong.

The competition is the initiative of the Federation of Financial Planners (FFP). 800 financial planners attended this year’s ceremony, which was held during the FFP Conference on 9 October. The jury report determined 50% of the final score, while the public determined the other 50% following elevator pitches given by the three finalists. The jury’s vote is based primarily on the candidate’s ability to interpret the clients’ needs correctly, to offer an appropriate form of planning in response to those needs, and to do so in a way that the client can understand.

According to FFP managing director Bert Sonneveld: “A planner who is worthy of the FFP quality mark has to score well on these elements, and be capable of building a long-term relationship of trust with the client. We hope that this will help to restore consumer trust in the entire financial sector. Those who do it right, deserve to be called the planner of the year.” In addition to the title, Erlings receives an in-depth course aimed at improving skills, or a business course of his choice.

For more information: www.ffp.nl

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Light for the World sounds gong for ‘EmployAble’ project

By sounding the gong the Light for the World foundation draws attention for the ‘EmployAble’ project in Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda, which aims to help young people with disabilities to find paid work.

The foundation thinks it is totally obsolete that people with disabilities stand aside. They can fully participate in society provided that a few basic conditions are met. Light for the World strivesto give disabled people, just like those who consider themselves able, a fair chance to participate. Light for the World and the Groenhorst College make TVETs (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) accessible for youngsters with disabilities and work closely with local companies to ensure that education matches with the demand. Companies like Techno Brain, Toyota, Stantec and Infomind already joined and the foundation calls upon companies in The Netherlands and the rest of the world to follow their example. Student Mirjam Priem, traveling later this year to Ethiopia to participate in the project, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.lightfortheworld.nl

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Gong marks listing Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

William A. Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, sounds the gong to mark the listing of Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd,(ticker symbol: PSH).

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. is an investment holding company structured as a closed end fund that is an active investor and owner of large minority stakes in North American, large-capitalization public companies.

William A. Ackman said: “We are delighted to list Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. on Euronext Amsterdam.  The listing will dramatically expand our shareholder base improving the stability of our capital and our ability to implement our long-term, active investment strategy.”

Jos Dijsselhof, acting CEO of Euronext Amsterdam said: “We are very pleased to welcome Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. to our market today. The choice of Euronext as the listing venue by a leading investor shows the credibility that Euronext enjoys amongst the investment community.”

Anne Louise Metz, Head of Listings of Euronext Amsterdam, added: “Sophisticated investors look to the stock markets for the permanent capital it can provide. Euronext is an attractive venue for these funds and we expect to see continued interest in permanent capital vehicles from the fund community. We are delighted to support Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. in realizing its objectives and look forward to a long-standing partnership with the firm.”

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Gong marks listing Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

William A. Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, sounds the gong to mark the listing of Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd,(ticker symbol: PSH).

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. is an investment holding company structured as a closed end fund that is an active investor and owner of large minority stakes in North American, large-capitalization public companies.

William A. Ackman said: “We are delighted to list Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. on Euronext Amsterdam.  The listing will dramatically expand our shareholder base improving the stability of our capital and our ability to implement our long-term, active investment strategy.”

Jos Dijsselhof, acting CEO of Euronext Amsterdam said: “We are very pleased to welcome Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. to our market today. The choice of Euronext as the listing venue by a leading investor shows the credibility that Euronext enjoys amongst the investment community.”

Anne Louise Metz, Head of Listings of Euronext Amsterdam, added: “Sophisticated investors look to the stock markets for the permanent capital it can provide. Euronext is an attractive venue for these funds and we expect to see continued interest in permanent capital vehicles from the fund community. We are delighted to support Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. in realizing its objectives and look forward to a long-standing partnership with the firm.”

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Gong marks launch of Reumabeweegwijzer

The Dutch Arthritis Foundation launches a special online tool for people with arthritis, called the Reumabeweegwijzer (‘Arthritis Exercise Guide’). Using this guide, patients can easily search for local sports’ activities. The guide stimulates them to get into action because sensible exercises for people with arthritis can reduce their complaints. The guide is launched before World Arthritis Day, that takes place on Sunday 12 October.

“We want to stimulate patients to start exercising. Even if you have arthritis, you can find sports’ activities that fit your possibilities”, explains Sija de Jong, manager patients’ Advocacy at the Dutch Arthritis Foundation. “The exercise programs are given by expert therapists, so patients are reassured that the exercises are adapted to their abilities." The sports’ activities are organized by patients’ associations and co-funded by the Dutch Arthritis Foundation.

Prof. Thea Vliet Vlieland, Professor of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy stresses the importance of exercising: ”Research shows that exercising helps people with arthritis. The muscles become stronger and it keeps joints flexible. It also improves endurance”. Coco Broeken, ambassador of the 2014 Dutch Arthritis Foundation campaign, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.reumabeweegwijzer.nl

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Gong marks 15th anniversary Valid Express

Valid Express courier service celebrates its 15th anniversary. To mark that moment, CEO Sanne Beekhuis-Van Huijstee sounds the gong and donates 15% of its total daily revenues to the Liliane Fonds, a foundation that helps children and youth with a disability in developing countries, offering opportunities for education and employment.

Long before sustainable employability became a hot topic on the political agenda, Valid Express was founded in 1999 as a courier service that employed couriers with a physical disability. The company rapidly grew and became part of the PostNL family. PostNL is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (ticker symbol: PNL).

The growth Valid Express has shown over the years proves that employees with a disability are extremely valuable to a company. “Our colleagues may have a physical disability, but their minds are as sharp as ever and they are proud and responsible in their job,” says Sanne Beekhuis-Van Huijstee, managing director of Valid Express. “The Valid Express ambition is to employ at least 120 drivers with uncooperative bodies or a chronic illness by 2020.” The Valid Express couriers help clients who have an important consignment that has to be delivered quickly and with a 100% guarantee. The shipment is not part of the overall flow of parcels; instead, it is tracked individually. Valid Express also handles urgent courier jobs, like ‘Room Shopping’ services for hotels near the 9 Straatjes district in Amsterdam, and regular courier runs with confidential documents.

For more information: www.validexpress.nl

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Nyenrode Business University sounds gong for Private Investor Program

Nyenrode Business University and Oxyor sound the gong for the Private Investor Program.

Participants actively learn to analyse and manage their own investment portfolios according to the latest insights in the field of investing. Participants are being taught by top experts who assist them in every step making the right investment decisions. After successful completion of the program, the graduates are able to independently take control of their own portfolio and are at least at the same level as a professional investor with several years of experience. Jan Willem Bloemen, participant of the Program, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.executiveeducation.nl

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Wealth Management Partners celebrates 10th anniversary

Wealth Management Partners visits Euronext Amsterdam to attend an Exchange Meeting and to celebrate the 10^th anniversary.

Wealth Management Partners, located in Amstelveen, is specialized in the structured management of substantial assets. The company manages over € 1.3 billion for a limited number of clients. Managing partner, Albert van Dedem, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.wmpartners.nl

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New CIO Delta Lloyd Asset Management, Jacco Maters, visits Beursplein 5

New Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Managing Director of Delta Lloyd Asset Management, Jacco Maters, visits Beursplein 5. As a fitting way to mark the start of his new responsibilities he sounds the gong.

As Maters says, "I’m really excited about this new challenge. Delta Lloyd is known for being an innovative investor with an independent and distinctive investment policy. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to lead Delta Lloyd Asset Management, where a strong, committed team is achieving good investment returns. I see sounding the gong as a bit like my joining Delta Lloyd: a new beginning that builds on many years of history and continuity. And with that in mind I’m going to do everything I can to ensure we continue achieving the best possible results for our clients."

Maters was previously Group Head of Equity and Group Head of Derivatives at Allianz  Investment Management in Germany, where he was responsible for Allianz’s global equity and derivatives investment strategy. He also served as a member of the Allianz Investments Supervisory Board for several years.

For more information: www.deltalloydassetmanagement.nl

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EY Master Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 opens trading

Winners of the EY Master Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 awardare Bert Meulman and Willem Blijdorp from B&S international.Bert Meulman opens trading by sounding the gong in the presence of winner of the Accelerating Entrepreneur Of The Year Paul Koppert from Koppert Biological Systems and Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year Janneke Niessen from Improve Digital.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the largest competition for successful entrepreneurs in the world. The awards are presented in over 50 countries across the globe. This will be EY’s 19^th Entrepreneur Of The Year competition in the Netherlands for the encouragement and acknowledgement of successful entrepreneurship.

Program director, Andrea Vogel: "This year a lot of outstanding entrepreneurship was shown in the Entrepreneur Of The Year program. Good entrepreneurs are the trendsetters of the economy and it is simply true that entrepreneurs, more than average, contribute to innovation, job creation and prosperity. We congratulate the winners and all the finalists and thank them for their cooperation."

For more information: www.entrepreneuroftheyear.nl

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Chocolatemakers, winner DAM Award 2014, visits Amsterdam Exchange

The winner of the DAM Award 2014, Chocolatemakers of Amsterdam district North, sounds the gong and visits Euronext Amsterdam together with all the district winners, Bettina Bakt (winner district South), De Groene Paal (winner district Centre), Eco-logisch (winner district West), Goodbrandz (winner district New West) and RAU (winner district East).

The DAM Award is a business award that helps make sustainable entrepreneurs visible in Amsterdam. In this context corporate sustainability means: business with heart for people, environment and economy (People, Planet and Profit).

For more information: www.amsterdam.nl/damprijs

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Gong marks Dutch Fire Prevention Weeks

The fire department and the Dutch Burns Foundation sound the gong to raise awareness for the yearly Dutch Fire Prevention Weeks.

During the month October the Fire department organises public information meetings and useful tips to the Dutch public are given on how they can implement fire prevention at home. This year special attention is given to a very vulnerable group: senior citizens. The credo “what do you do when there’s a fire? Practice your escape!” underlines that it is extremely important to practice escape route. The Fire department and other volunteers will visit senior citizens that still live independently to ensure that they practice their escape route. Ambassador, Mariana Ngombo Zinga, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.watdoejijbijbrand.nl

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United States Ambassador sounds gong for International Breast Health Month

His Excellency Timothy Broas, United States Ambassador to the Netherlandsand A Sister's Hope visit Euronext Amsterdam to sound the gong for the launch of International Breast Health Month.

A Sister's Hope was the first non-profit organization in The Netherlands dedicated solely to raising money for breast cancer research and remains the only organization in The Netherlands with that pure focus. The organization is dedicated to raising significant funding for breast cancer research, and is committed to helping individuals realize their own power to make the world what we dream it can be. More than 4.3 million euro has been given to researchers since 2007.

For more information: www.asistershope.org

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Nienke Meijer named Top Woman of 2014

The winner of the 2014 Top Woman of the Year award, Nienke Meijer, chair of the Managing Board of the school organisation Fontys Hogescholen, visits Beursplein 5 and sounds the opening gong. She is accompanied by Sophia Kerkhof Schneider, Senior Board manager at Vrumona (Heineken) and the winner of the 2014 Young Talent Award.

The purpose of the selection process sponsored by the Top Woman Foundation is to highlight the accomplishments of women. The 5-member jury, chaired by Gerdi Verbeet, had the difficult task of choosing this year’s winner. One of the most important criteria for selection is the extent to which the finalists have worked to promote diversity in their own organisation, but also the span of control, the scope of the position held and results achieved are taken into account. Ten women were nominated for the award this year. The other finalists are Sigrid van Aken, member of the Managing Board of Novamedia and Joanne Kellerman, member of the management of the Dutch Central Bank. Partners of the award are among others, ABN AMRO, Heineken and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

For more information: www.topvrouwvanhetjaar.nl

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Nederland Cares sounds gong to mark the Week of Encounters

By sounding the gong Nederland Cares Foundation marks the start of the Week of Encounters, which takes place from 29 September through 5 October. During this week the Foundation mobilizes nearly 750 young professionals to engage in volunteering activities.

The Week of Encounters provides an accessible and fun way to become familiar with the volunteering opportunities. For nearly a decennium Nederland Cares offers young professionals the opportunity to engage in community volunteering work on a flexible basis. Based on their availability and preferences, the young professionals can vary the frequency and timing of their volunteering efforts. The activities are offered at different days and times, with a focus on evenings and weekends, so that they can be combined with their professional duties. Nederland Cares cooperates closely with corporates and stimulates people to start giving back to Dutch society at an early stage of their (professional) lives. CEO of the foundation, Karin Schadee, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.nederlandcares.nl

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