Regarding the articles in the press today concerning the possible take-over of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange by HELEX, the Company would like to inform the investing public that expansion in south-eastern Europe is part of the Group''s business strategy. As previously announced, the relevant decision for possible equity participation of the Group in those markets will be taken when and if the right conditions arise.
In particular, concerning the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, contacts between the two exchanges have and are taking place on a regular basis concerning various matters.
At the end of January, a HELEX a multi-member Group delegation, headed by the Chairman of Athens Exchange and Chief Executive Officer of HELEX Mr. Spyros Capralos, will go to Sofia in order to present to the Bulgarian Stock Exchange the Common Platform and the results of the cooperation with the Cyprus Stock Exchange.
Concerning other articles that appeared in the press over the past few days concerning the possibility of a new share capital return to shareholders, the Company adheres to its previously announced position. If there is excess capital in the Group, above the minimum capital requirements set by law and the needs for working capital, for which there is no planned use for any investment purposes, then the Board of Directors will examine the possibility of returning it to shareholders.