STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 30, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Lithuanian State Property Fund has decided to select OMHEX as the buyer of 54.5 per cent of the National Stock Exchange of Lithuania (NSEL) and 32 per cent of the Central Securities Depository of Lithuania (CSDL) and invited OMHEX to start negotiations for the conclusion of the share purchase agreement. Together with previously acquired shares, OMHEX will own approximately 85 per cent of NSEL upon completion of the agreement, expected during Q2 2004.
"We would like to welcome NSEL and CSDL to the OMHEX family. For us, this is a logical next step in the integration of the Nordic and Baltic securities market. OMHEX has a clear commitment and vision as well as a successful track record as facilitator of the integration and development of the Nordic and Baltic region," said Magnus Bocker, President and CEO, OMHEX.
"We are honored that the State Property Fund has selected OMHEX as the strategic partner for the development of the Lithuanian capital markets. Now we will conclude contract negotiations and then launch a mandatory offer for the remaining minority shareholders of NSEL. We are hoping to move ahead quickly with integrating the NSEL and CSDL and delivering benefits to the Lithuanian securities market participants," said Gert Tiivas, President of Baltic Operations, OMHEX.
About OMHEX
OMHEX is a leading provider of marketplace services and solutions that help customers achieve efficient securities transactions. Within the HEX Integrated Markets division, OMHEX operates Northern Europe's largest securities market. Its exchange operations within Stockholmsborsen, HEX Helsinki, HEX Tallinn and HEX Riga offer investors access to 80 percent of the Nordic and Baltic equity market. HEX Integrated Markets also operates central securities depositories in Finland, Estonia and Latvia. Through the OM Technology division, OMHEX is a world-leading provider of transaction technology, processing and outsourcing solutions to financial markets around the world.
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/03/30/20040330BIT00130/wkr0001.pdf