All Bell ceremonies

DNB visits Euronext to mark its 200th anniversary

Klaas Knot, President of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), sounds the gong. By opening trading the President marks DNB's bicentenary.

For 200 years DNB has worked on trust. From the very first moment, in 1814, when King William I founded DNB, the institution has guarded over financial stability in the Netherlands. In a complex world. If required, proactively, and always taking a long-term approach.

Financial stability calls for stable prices, smooth and secure payments, and sound and ethical financial institutions. These are preconditions for a healthy economy and prosperity in the Netherlands. And this is what DNB strives for.

For more information: www.dnb.nl

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Villa Joep takes research into neuroblastoma public

Villa Joep, the Dutch foundation against neuroblastoma childhood cancer, takes promising research results public. By sounding the gong, Villa Joep draws attention for the further development of scientific breakthroughs into new treatment options.

“Achieving this requires significant amounts of money, also from the corporate world”,says Chairman Jos Huijbregts.“Villa Joep has been highly successful in boosting research. Two years ago, Villa Joep-funded researchers achieved major breakthroughs, which were published in the internationally renowned scientific journal Nature. As a relatively small foundation, this gives us great pride. It is of vital importance that these breakthroughs are now taken further to lead to new, effective treatments. That is why today we bring neuroblastoma research to the attention of the business world.”

Villa Joep organizes ‘The Encounter’ between art and research in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam on Wednesday November 12^th. At this special occasion researchers, volunteers, patients and their parents, professional partners and sponsors will meet. It will be an afternoon with royal allure as Her Majesty Queen Máxima will be present for a part of the program. The Villa Joep Elephant sounds the gong.

For more information: www.villajoep.nl

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Dutch Private Equity and Venture Capital Association celebrates 30th anniversary

The Dutch Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (NVP) celebrates its 30^th anniversary by sounding the gong.

The NVP is the voice of private equity and venture capital in the Netherlands. The goals of the NVP are to: omprove the investment climate for private equity and venture capital in the Netherlands, make private equity and venture capital known to a wider audience and highlighting its role to relevant stakeholders, inform entrepreneurs about the possibilities of a private equity or venture capital investment, inform investors about private equity and venture capital as an asset class and add to the further development of professional standards.

NVP chair Philip Houben sounds the gong: ‘’The sector is of increasing importance in a number of ways. Whereas in 1984 the sector had about 30 mln. Guilders of assets under management, presently 30 bln. Euro is managed. The combined turnover of portfolio companies amounts to 13% of Dutch GDP and 400,000 people in the Netherlands are employed by private equity-backed companies. The NVP works on making the sector’s voice heard and understood.’’

For more information: www.nvp.nl

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Algorithmic Trading Group, Ltd. sounds gong as a new Euronext member

Director and co-owner of Algorithmic Trading Group (ATG) Ltd., Tom Voute, opens trading by sounding the gong. ATG celebrates its recent admission as a cash member of Euronext.

ATG is a young trading company founded in October 2008 in Hong Kong, by Bob Collin, Chun Wing Man and Tom Voute. ATG specializes in high frequency automated trading on the major financial markets around the world. ATG has offices in Hong Kong, the Netherlands and Curacao.

For more information: www.algorithmictradinggroup.com

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CDP visits Euronext for ‘CDP Benelux Climate Leadership Awards Conference’

By sounding the gong CDP marks the start of the ‘CDP Benelux Climate Leadership Awards Conference’ that takes place at Euronext Amsterdam.

Companies and investors come together to discuss how investors use environmental data and which corporate mitigation and adaptation solutions are paving the way to a greener economy. The 2014 Benelux report’s key findings and company results will be introduced, and for the first time, CDP will hand out awards for the climate leaders in the Benelux region.

CDP is an international, not-for-profit organization providing the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information. CDP now holds the largest collection globally of primary climate change, water and forest risk commodities information and puts these insights at the heart of strategic business, investment and policy decisions. CDP’s Director for the France & Benelux regions, Laurent Babikian, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.cdp.net

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Gong marks start of Ordina Open Innovation Day

By sounding the gong Partner SMART Technologies, Richard van Tilborg, CEO Stépan Breedveld, and CFO Jolanda Poots-Bijl, mark the start of the Ordina Open Innovation Day that takes place on 29 October. The theme of the day is ‘Humanisation of IT’.

During the Open Innovation Day, the winners of the Public Challenge are announced. The Challenge is the innovation competition that is organised each year. This year’s competition is focussed on Ordina’s employees, clients and suppliers to realise innovations with a social impact. The five finalists will have a chance to make their pitches and the public and the jury will decide who wins the challenge. The Innovation Challenge was initiated by Ordina to offer small organisations and start-ups a platform for their innovative ideas.

Ordina is a services provider in the field of consulting, solutions and IT in the Benelux and focusses on the financial services sector, public sector, healthcare sector and a number of specific segments in the industry sector. More than 2,900 employees use their know-how and expertise on a daily basis to future-proof, rejuvenate and improve corporate processes and IT by implementing strategy and policies on the basis of real knowledge of clients’ business, local laws and regulations, language and culture.

For more information: www.ordina.nl

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Gong marks IPO Probiodrug

By sounding the gong, CEO of Probiodrug (Trading symbol PBD), Dr Konrad Glund, celebrates the IPO of Probiodrug. Mr. Glund is accompanied by amongst others, Dr Hendrik Liebers, CFO and Dr Inge Lues, Chief Development Officer of Probiodrug.

Headquartered in Halle, Germany, Probiodrug AG is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new therapeutic products for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Founded in 1997, the company successfully developed a novel therapeutic concept for diabetes – the DP4 inhibitors – which provided the basis for a novel class of antidiabetics – the gliptins. Its core capabilities are based on its long-standing expertise in the elucidation of the structure and function of enzymes involved in the modification of proteins and peptides which play a central role in pathological conditions.

Today Probiodrug’s aim is to become a leading company in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease treatments and to thereby provide a better life for Alzheimer’s Disease patients. It has identified a new therapeutic concept linked to disease initiation and progression. The development approaches are targeting pyroglutamate-Abeta (pGlu-Abeta) as a therapeutic strategy to fight Alzheimer’s Disease. The Company has medical use and composition of matter patents related to the inhibition of QC and anti-pGlu-Abeta- specific monoclonal antibodies, providing it, in the Company’s view, with a leading position in this field of research.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurological disorder, which is the most common form of dementia, and ultimately leads to death. Because Alzheimer’s Disease cannot be cured and is degenerative, the affected patients must increasingly rely on others for assistance. Today, over 35 million people worldwide currently live with the condition and this number is expected to double by 2030 and to more than triple by 2050 to 115 million (World Alzheimer Report 2013).

For more information: www.probiodrug.de

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International Day of United Nations

By sounding the gong Renée Jones-Bos, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, raises awareness for the International Day of United Nations (UN).

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply committed to promoting the core work of the UN at the highest level. That is why the Kingdom is a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Candidate for the period 2017-2018. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands, Your Partner for Peace Justice and Development” is the slogan that reflects this international ambition. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is one of the founding members of the UN, which was established exactly 69 years ago. Today, the UN is still the main organization for international peace and security, human rights and development, with the UNSC as its most powerful body.

For more information: www.rijksoverheid.nl

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Jacques Moineville, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AFD rings the bell

Agence Française de Développement is the operator for France’s bilateral development finance mechanism. It is a public industrial and commercial institution with the status of specialized financial institution. Its action is in line with the policy set out in France’s Framework Document for Development Cooperation. This document was approved at the end of 2010 and in 2011 was translated into a three-year contract specifying objectives and resources between the French Government and AFD.

AFD’s teams are based in Paris and Marseille and in a network of seventy agencies and representations in developing countries and the French overseas provinces.

AFD Group comprises a private sector financing arm, Proparco, and is also a shareholder of housing companies and a financial company in the French overseas provinces, where the Group plays a specific role in this sector. 

AFD is also responsible for the management of the French Global Environment Facility (French GEF), which cofinances projects that reconcile environment and development.

NBWM celebrates winning the National Business Success Award

The Nederlandsche Betaal & Wisselmaatschappij (NBWM) is a new non-bank provider of currency exchange and international payment services for Dutch SME. By sounding the gong the winning of the National Business Success Award in the category ‘Specialist Financial Services’ is marked.

The jury: "NBWM is a reliable money-saving alternative for entrepreneurs in foreign exchange transactions. The organization offers better and according to experts the best exchange rates. Thanks to the innovative, cost-effective organization with a personal, customer-focused and proactive service, the organization offers an unprecedented attractive economic benefit to its customers."

NBWM focuses on serving medium-sized and small companies with international payment or currency conversion requirements. The office is located at Beursplein 5. Managing Partner and co-founder, Pieter-Jan Datema, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.nbwm.nl

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Inverko sounds gong for circular economy

By sounding the gong the CEO of recycling specialist Inverko (ticker symbol: INVER), Henk Alssema, marks the start of the cooperation with Friesian waste- and collection company Omrin and its umbrella company Midwaste.

With the same vision on waste the chain partners found each other on their way to a circular economy. Inverko, Omrin and Midwaste consider waste as raw material. The collaboration consists of developing sustainable projects where domestic plastic waste is processed into raw material. From this raw material products are created that can be delivered to municipalities and consumers. This life cycle cooperation not only delivers a saving of raw materials and a reduction in waste, but also products that are still valuable at the end of their service life. That means in addition to ecological economical capital appreciation.

“Closing the loops” is a sustainable project in which Inverko and Omrin with their project partners Philips, Lankhorst, Cumapol and Stenden University join forces. By sharing knowledge and technologies, collector, recyclers and producers are able to reprocess more waste streams to raw material into new products. This project is supported by the Province of Friesland and the packaging industry.

For more information: www.inverko.nl

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EnterNext welcomes SAFTI on Alternext in Paris

Gabriel Pacheco, CEO of SAFTI, rings the opening bell.

Safti Groupe is a national network of independent real estate consultants, working at home and on the Internet and covering the entire country.The consultants offer project management (purchasing, leasing, or selling) that continues until the closing and give their customers nationwide communication services, primarily by means of mass advertising distribution for real estate properties on the Internet.

CEO Randstad Group Netherlands, Chris Heutink and television host Lucille Werner sound gong to mark cooperation

CEO Randstad Group Netherlands and member of the board of Randstad Holding, Chris Heutink and Lucille Werner, television host and founder of the Lucille Werner Foundation, sound the gong to mark their new cooperation.

The partners are combining forces to empower people with disabilities and prepare them for their own spot on the labor market. The Lucille Werner Foundation has the knowledge on how to reach, mobilize and empower people with a disability in order to make them job ready. Randstad (ticker symbol: RAND) is familiar with the business and supports and accompanies employers to hire employees with a disability. The two parties combining results in greater force. January 1st 2015 is the starting date for the law on participation. With this law, the government hopes to create more job opportunities for people with a disability. With this cooperation Randstad and the Lucille Werner Foundation hope to make this law a success.

For more information: www.lucillewernerfoundation.nl

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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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First listing of spotlight options on Melexis at Euronext Brussels

On 17 October 2014, Euronext Brussels launched the first spotlight options on Melexis. To celebrate its first listing, Geert Reynders, Investor Relations and Group Treasurer of Melexis rang the opening bell in Brussels.

Euronext recently launched a new options segment dedicated to options with a short maturity, which are called Spotlight options.

To find out more about this product, please click on the press release: Euronext Brussels introduces spotlight options on Melexis

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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Ipsos: 15th anniversary of listing in Paris

Didier Truchot, CEO, IPSOS (IPS), closes the European trading day and commemorates 15 years of listing in Paris.

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.
With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across six research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,712,4 million (2 274 M$) in 2013.
Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities

Winners of the Entrepreneur of the year 2014®

On 16 October 2014, Euronext Brussels celebrated the winners of the Ernst & Young Awards.

Vincent Crahay, CEO of the company Belourthe and winner of “l’Entreprise de l’Année 2014®” together with Ferdinand Huts, CEO and President of Katoen Natie and winner of the “Onderneming van het Jaar 2014®”, rang the Closing Bell at Euronext Brussels. 

Representatives of EY, the members of jury, Mediafin and BNP Paribas Fortis were also present.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. This unique award encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.

For more info about the winners: www.belourthe.be  and www.katoennatie.com