Euronext Lisbon assina protocolos de cooperação com NERA e ACRAL

As part of strategy to promote capital markets as alternative financing source for SMEs

Lisbon – 14 May 2014 – On 14 May 2014, Euronext Lisbon will sign new protocols of cooperation with two associations from the Algarve region, NERA –Entrepreneurial Association ofthe Algarve Region, and ACRAL – Business and Services Association of the Algarve Region. The agreements aim to contribute to the development and promotion of the capital markets, particularly the Alternext market, by combining the efforts, means, experience and knowledge needed to that end.

Under the agreement, Euronext Lisbon will promote initiatives for NERA and ACRAL member companies, mainly Portuguese SMEs interested in entering the capital markets in order to obtain financing, diversify shareholder structure or to issue debt securities. The associations in turn will inform members about Alternext as a financing option. After the selection process is concluded, and provided the companies qualify for admission to the capital markets, the Stock Exchange will assist in obtaining the necessary support from specialised consultants.

In addition, Euronext Lisbon’s cooperation will include preparing and holding meetings and presentations or other initiatives to provide training on and/or to promote the capital markets in general, or specifically directed to the individual needs of each entity, namely regarding the operations for the admission to trading on the Euronext markets, through IPOs and/or private placement of securities.

“Corporate capitalisation is a fundamental condition to face risks and take advantage of opportunities, it should therefore be a priority that mobilises all the economic agents who can contribute to achieve this goal”,said Luís Laginha de Sousa, CEO and Chairman of Euronext Lisbon.

“The protocol we are signing today is another step to help raise awareness and mobilise companies to consider the capital markets in general, and the Stock Exchange in particular, as a means to support their corporate strategies”,he added.

This partnership is another step in the creation of an ecosystem in Portugal that fosters the financing of companies through the capital markets, supported by the admission to a market especially dedicated to SMEs – Alternext.

To note that, in the past two years, Euronext Lisbon has signed nine protocols with law firms, consulting firms and financial intermediaries.

Press Release Footer

About Euronext
Euronext is the leading pan-European market infrastructure, connecting European economies to global capital markets, to accelerate innovation and sustainable growth. It operates regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal. With nearly 1,900 listed issuers and around €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation as of end September 2024, it has an unmatched blue-chip franchise and a strong diverse domestic and international client base. Euronext operates regulated and transparent equity and derivatives markets, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets and is the largest centre for debt and funds listings in the world. Its total product offering includes Equities, FX, Exchange Traded Funds, Warrants & Certificates, Bonds, Derivatives, Commodities and Indices. The Group provides a multi-asset clearing house through Euronext Clearing, and custody and settlement services through Euronext Securities central securities depositories in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal. Euronext also leverages its expertise in running markets by providing technology and managed services to third parties. In addition to its main regulated market, it also operates a number of junior markets, simplifying access to listing for SMEs.
For the latest news, follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/euronext) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/euronext).

_Disclaimer
_{This press release is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities. This press release is provided “as is” without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext.}

_{This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is located at}_{www.euronext.com/terms-use}_.