All Bell ceremonies

Gong marks 1 year anniversary EnterNext

By sounding the gong Euronext celebrates the one year anniversary of EnterNext, an initiative for small and medium-sized companies.

EnterNext provides financing solutions which are geared to the financing needs of local SMEs that are active regionally, nationally and internationally and make every effort to offer companies optimal visibility and access to investors, and to get businesses to use the stock exchange more once listed. Where the really big companies naturally are of interest, the medium-sized and smaller sometimes need extra attention because it is the liquidity benefits. EnterNext focuses on companies which are listed on its European market and which have a market capitalisation of less than €1 billion. The one year anniversary is also celebrated at the other Euronext locations Brussels, Paris and Lisbon with the ringing of the bell.

For more information: www.enternext.biz

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ABN AMRO sounds gong for Amsterdam Fashion Week

ABN AMRO has strong ties with the fashion and textile industry. That’s why ABN AMRO has been a partner and sponsor of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Amsterdam since 2004. In January and July every year, professionals from all across the Netherlands travel to the capital to attend the fashion week.

ABN AMRO is the exclusive partner of the important networking event ‘Keys to Success’ where entrepreneurs from both inside and outside the fashion industry connect. Keys to Success highlights the business aspect of fashion, and challenges fashion professionals to team up to make the most of opportunities. The first edition was held in the summer of 2012. Every year, inspiring speakers take the stage to share their insights on interesting fashion-related topics. During drinks there’s plenty of opportunity to network, gather new ideas and hear inspiring stories. Afterwards, participants move to the catwalk, where every edition features the work of a different Dutch designer.Head of ABN AMRO Fashion Desk, Manolo Marquez, sounds the gong.

For more information: www.mbfashionweek.com

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Euronext launches Spotlight Options

Euronext launches new ‘Spotlight Options’ on six companies listed on its Amsterdam market: Telegraaf Media Groep NV, Sligro Food Group NV, Exact Holding NV, Accell Group NV, Altice SA and BE Semiconductor Industries NV. 

Spotlight Options, a segment dedicated to the development of new option classes requested by market participants, on its Amsterdam and Brussels derivatives markets. Through a unique combination of Liquidity Provider support and dedicated promotion by Sponsoring Brokers, underlying assets with notable market events or activity will be put in the spotlight.

Spotlight Options will create additional investment and trading opportunities in SMEs and newly listed stocks. The added liquidity and visibility will allow the classes to grow to become mature option classes. The Spotlight Options have short-term maturities of 1, 2 and 3 months. In a second phase Euronext will expand the segment via the introduction of Spotlight Options on other geographies and asset classes, responding to market demand. On Euronext Brussels, five  Spotlight option classes will be introduced on July 15th.

The launch is celebrated with a special gong ceremony in attendance of prominent representatives of the companies. Rene Takens, CEO of Accell Group, sounds the gong together with CFO of BE Semiconductor, Cor te Hennepe, CFO of Sligro Food Group, Huub van Rozendaal, CFO of TMG, Fred Arp, the CFO of Accell Group, Hielke Sybesma and Head of IR at Exact, Michel Hülters.

For more information: https://www.euronext.com/en

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Gong ceremony marks listing of Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund

Delta Lloyd sounds the gong to celebrate the listing of the Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund. The move means that Delta Lloyd’s investment strategy for corporate bonds is now also available to retail investors.

The fund has a competitive price structure, and a favourable tax regime for Dutch investors. The gong ceremony will be followed by a presentation by the head of credit at Delta Lloyd, Arnold Gast. According to Gast, “The Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund was originally set up for institutional investors, and it has an excellent performance record. Exchange listing makes it easy for our distribution partners to include the fund in their investor giro.”

Corporate bonds have become increasingly popular in recent years. Companies often offer good returns, and many have now substantially improved their financial position. The Delta Lloyd Corporate Bond Fund aims to improve yield and decrease risk. Delta Lloyd Asset management is the independent asset management division of the Delta Lloyd Group.

For more information: www.deltalloydassetmanagement.nl

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Gong marks start of North Sea Jazz festival

By sounding the gong the North Sea Jazz festival and sponsor BNP Paribas mark the start of the music spectacle that begins on July 11^th. Festival director Jan Willem Luyken sounds the gong.

North Sea Jazz is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days. Next to a firm base of jazz many genres will pass by, such as blues, soul, funk, hip hop, world, pop and much more. This year, real jazz lovers can look forward to performances by Artist In Residence Christian McBride, the Metropole Orkest playing jazz compositions by Quincy Jones and also collaborating with Joshua Redman and Robert Glasper, and Dave Holland, who will perform with his project PRISM. Fans of different musical genres are able to enjoy performances by Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Mavis Staples and Outkast, among others.

For more information: www.northseajazz.com

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Gong marks new National Museum of World Cultures

In April 2014 the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden and the Africa Museum in Berg en Dal merged to form the National Museum of World Cultures. This momentous event is emphasized by sounding the gong by Stijn Schoonderwoerd, CEO of the new museum.

The three current visitor sites and brands will continue to exist. The three museums complement each other in terms of audience reach, education, academic research, international collaboration and entrepreneurship. The new museum will manage a collection consisting of more than 425,000 items, which ranks among the best in the world. The museums’ already extensive international network will be further consolidated by the merger. Academic activities will be brought together in a new research centre.The new museum’s mission will remain completely up to date: to help create and maintain an open-minded view of the world.

For more information: www.tropenmuseum.nl

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240 years of investment funds celebrated at Euronext Amsterdam

Euronext, the investment fund industry, and Stichting Capital Amsterdam join in celebrating the 240^th anniversary of the investment fund. Toine van der Stee and Hans Janssen Daalen, chairman and managing director of the Dutch Fund and Asset Management Association (DUFAS), sound the gong.

Abraham van Ketwich introduced the world’s first investment fund in 1774. On 7 July of that year he placed an advertisement announcing the creation of the first fund, Eendragt maakt Magt. The name of the fund, which can be translated as “strength through unity”, says a lot about the fund’s strategy: investment for a common account as a means of sharing risk and improving performance. The assumption was that spreading risk was the best way in which to deal with unexpected price falls. “The creation of the first investment fund was a reaction to the crisis of the preceding year. Even then, an economic crisis provided fertile ground for product innovation. Investment funds did not become really popular in the Netherlands until after the crisis of 1929,” according to Cherelt Kroeze of Stichting Capital Amsterdam.

Now, 240 years after its introduction, the investment fund has become an indispensable part of every investment portfolio.

Hans Janssen Daalen, managing director of DUFAS: “The popularity of investment funds is not surprising. Investment funds offer worldwide unlimited access to the financial markets by collectively managed assets.  A strong concept, which is proven by its long history.”

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240 years of investment funds celebrated at Euronext Amsterdam

Euronext, the investment fund industry, and Stichting Capital Amsterdam join in celebrating the 240^th anniversary of the investment fund. Toine van der Stee and Hans Janssen Daalen, chairman and managing director of the Dutch Fund and Asset Management Association (DUFAS), sound the gong.

Abraham van Ketwich introduced the world’s first investment fund in 1774. On 7 July of that year he placed an advertisement announcing the creation of the first fund, Eendragt maakt Magt. The name of the fund, which can be translated as “strength through unity”, says a lot about the fund’s strategy: investment for a common account as a means of sharing risk and improving performance. The assumption was that spreading risk was the best way in which to deal with unexpected price falls. “The creation of the first investment fund was a reaction to the crisis of the preceding year. Even then, an economic crisis provided fertile ground for product innovation. Investment funds did not become really popular in the Netherlands until after the crisis of 1929,” according to Cherelt Kroeze of Stichting Capital Amsterdam.

Now, 240 years after its introduction, the investment fund has become an indispensable part of every investment portfolio.

Hans Janssen Daalen, managing director of DUFAS: “The popularity of investment funds is not surprising. Investment funds offer worldwide unlimited access to the financial markets by collectively managed assets.  A strong concept, which is proven by its long history.”

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Dutch Central Bank and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5 in honor of the visiting scholar at DNB that takes place from 30 June to 4 July. Elsa Fornero, professor of Economics at the University of Turin and former Minister of Labor, Social Policies and Equal Opportunities in the Italian technocratic Government led by Mario Monti (Nov 2011 – April 2013) sounds the gong.

Fornero gives a lecture on the Pension and Labor Market reforms she enacted as a Minister and discuss with researchers and professionals the reforms process and content. She will deal, in particular, with the topic of the importance of financial literacy for the effectiveness of economic reforms. Elsa is doing joint research with Tilburg University Personal Finance Professor Henriette Prast on gender differences in stock market participation and pension portfolio decisions. Both Fornero and Prast are fellows of the Netspar Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement.

For more information: www.netspar.nl

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Dutch Central Bank and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and Tilburg University visit Beursplein 5 in honor of the visiting scholar at DNB that takes place from 30 June to 4 July. Elsa Fornero, professor of Economics at the University of Turin and former Minister of Labor, Social Policies and Equal Opportunities in the Italian technocratic Government led by Mario Monti (Nov 2011 – April 2013) sounds the gong.

Fornero gives a lecture on the Pension and Labor Market reforms she enacted as a Minister and discuss with researchers and professionals the reforms process and content. She will deal, in particular, with the topic of the importance of financial literacy for the effectiveness of economic reforms. Elsa is doing joint research with Tilburg University Personal Finance Professor Henriette Prast on gender differences in stock market participation and pension portfolio decisions. Both Fornero and Prast are fellows of the Netspar Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement.

For more information: www.netspar.nl

Prince Bernhard Culture Fund sounds gong for Culture Fund Scholarships

The Prince Bernhard Culture Fund sounds the gong to highlight the presentation on 3 July of this year’s Culture Fund Scholarships during the Young Talent Awards ceremony in Amsterdam’s DeLaMar Theater.

This year the Culture Fund is awarding scholarships (BA and MA) to 151 talented students who wish to continue their education abroad. The scholarships are presented annually. The Prince Bernhard Culture Fund is a dedicated advocate of culture and the natural sciences, providing financial support, commissions, prizes and scholarships in recognition of exception initiatives and talent. The fund supports approximately 3,500 different projects every year. The financial advisor and coordinator of the Culture Fund Scholarships programme, Henriëtte Vluggen, and seven of this year’s winners, sound the gong.

For more information: www.culturfonds.nl

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Gong marks IPO NN Group

By sounding the gong, NN Group celebrates the IPO on Euronext Amsterdam.

CEO of NN Group, Lard Friese celebrates the company’s listing by sounding the gong which denotes the opening of trading on Euronext. He is joined by the Management Board of NN Group, Ralph Hamers, CEO of ING Group and Cees Vermaas, CEO of Euronext Amsterdam.

NN Group is a leading Dutch insurer with a strong European insurance and investment management footprint and an attractive Japanese business, including its main business lines Nationale-Nederlanden, ING Insurance Europe, ING Investment Management and ING Life Japan.

Friese: “Listing on Euronext Amsterdam marks an important milestone for NN. After 23 years we’re back on the stock exchange of Amsterdam. We are excited to start this new phase and we believe our listing on Euronext Amsterdam will further raise NN’s profile. The focus we will have as a standalone company helps us in our dedication to provide our clients with an excellent experience and to deliver on our company´s business objectives.”

For more information: www.nn-group.com

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New Venture Award 2014 winners sound gong

The winners of the New Venture Award 2014 visit Beursplein 5 and sound the gong.

A panel of investors chose three winners for being the most innovative start-up of the Netherlands. The final of New Venture is the conclusion of an annual program of nine months in which the winners were selected from nearly 500 entries. Winners are the companies Fleet Cleaner, Tide Microfluidics and Sigmascreening. Cornelis de Vet of Fleet Cleaner sounds the gong.

For over 15 years, New Venture is a leading program that encourages innovative entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into valuable businesses. New Venture is initiated and supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the absolute top of the Dutch industry. This year's winners are characterized by their highly innovative solutions and their ability to disrupt the industry tomorrow.

For more information: www.newventure.nl

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Gong marks Robeco SummerNights 2014

By sounding the gong Robeco SummerNights’ Muse, Mimy Chantal Jadoenathmisier, opens trading at Euronext Amsterdam. The Muse, who embodies passion and inspiration at the Royal Concertgebouw’s summer festival, will be joined by amongst others Edwin Rietkerk, head of marketing at Robeco and Simon Reinink, general director of the Royal Concertgebouw.

The longlasting co-operation between Robeco and the Royal Concertgebouw in the shape of Robeco SummerNights is unique in the Netherlands. The co-operation started 26 years ago and was innovative from the beginning. With this co-operation the two partners underline their shared values of quality, passion and innovation. The diversity and quality of the programme of Robeco SummerNights embodies all these values. As always, Robeco SummerNights offers a whole summer of exciting music and events at the Concertgebouw. Over 80 concerts, ranging from classical and jazz to pop and comedy, will inspire and entrance visitors. Pop band De Dijk plays the opening concert of on 28 June and on 31 August Janine Jansen closes the festival with The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

For more information: www.concertgebouw.nl/robecosummernights

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Gong marks IPO IMCD Group

CEO, Piet van der Slikke and CFO, Hans Kooijmans, sound the gong to celebrate the IPO of IMCD Group.

With a passion for excellence, extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to creating value through expertise, IMCD is a market-leader in the sales, marketing and distribution of speciality chemicals and food ingredients.IMCD has built a dedicated team of more than 1400 technical and commercial experts that work in close partnership to tailor best in class solutions for customers and producers in more than 30 countries. Its dedicated local experts provide market-focused solutions across Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific, with business units offering a range of comprehensive product portfolios, including innovative formulations that embrace industry trends.

For more information: www.imcdgroup.com

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Gong marks launch of “The European Institute for Energy Trading & Risk Management”

By sounding the gong ‘The European Institute for Energy Trading & Risk Management (Entrima)’ is launched.

Entrima offers a solution to compliance and accountability, to be in control and handle regulation. The institute includes ‘The Academy’ which covers learning requirements and offers an extensive curriculum of educational programmes and a registration of responsible persons (governance). The institute is steered by all kinds of market participants from the energy sector and commissioners from the field are installed to assure the embedding of market initiatives and support from the sector. Director, Ruud Noorlander, sounds the gong.

For more information: entrima.org

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Gong marks start of ProBeleggen

By sounding the gong online platform ProBeleggen is launched.

ProBeleggen.nl serves private investors and makes professional expertise publicly available, aiming to support private investors with their investment decisions. The online platform makes analyses and personal investment portfolios of proven professionals available for everyone and gives private investors a helping hand. Known and experienced experts like Jacob Schoenmaker and Jaap Koelewijn disclose their portfolios and decisions at the website. Initiator Albert Jellema sounds the gong.

For more information: www.probeleggen.nl

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New CEO Willis Netherlands, Jeroen Everling, visits Beursplein 5

Jeroen Everling visits Euronext Amsterdam and sounds the gong in his capacity as the new CEO of Willis.

Everling: “I am looking forward to working with the various teams at Willis in order to build a successful future. I am also looking forward to meeting with Willis’s customers and prospects to discuss and exchange ideas about themes such as digitalisation, the disappearance of borders, and the fine tuning of legislation. We face new risks, such as cyber crime, climate, environmental issues and 3D printing. Organisations need to anticipate these changes and ask themselves questions such as: What are our risks and what is the impact? How well prepared are we to deal with an emergency scenario? Willis strives to maintain a stable level of growth over the next few years, and will explore opportunities for takeovers and expansion of the team.”

For more information: www.willis.com

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