Regarding the articles in the press today concerning the possible purchase of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange-Sofia, the Company would like to inform the investing public that expansion in SE is part of the Group''s business strategy. The relevant decision for possible participation of the Group in those markets, either through a collaboration agreement or in the share capital, will be taken when and if the right conditions arise.
In particular, concerning the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, contacts have and are taking place on a regular basis concerning various matters between the two exchanges.
When all the details of the sale of the shares currently held by the Bulgarian state are known, the competent bodies of the Company will decide whether or not it is in the best interests of the Company to participate in the privatization of the abovementioned exchange.