Press releases 2001

01 October 2001

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE CHAIRMAN PROMOTES THE LONDON ADVANTAGE IN JAPAN

This press release is available for download in Japanese.

In his first visit to Japan as Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, Don Cruickshank today spoke at the Exchange's London Advantage conference in Tokyo.

Mr. Cruickshank explained that the London Stock Exchange already hosts the biggest Japanese equity market outside of Japan. This, coupled with the Exchange's position as the largest equity market in Europe, makes London the market of choice for Japanese companies seeking an overseas listing.

Mr. Cruickshank said:

"The London Stock Exchange and the London financial centre is the ideal base for Japanese companies to promote their international credentials and attract cross-border capital flows - from both Europe and the United States.

"We are a respected international financial organisation and we have a strong say in the development of European capital markets. That is an important point to remember when considering where to do your business."

Mr. Cruickshank was joined by the Exchange's Head of Issuer Services, Tim Ward and Head of International Business Development, Caroline Goodman, who described other aspects of the London Advantage. Benefits that attract Japanese companies include the critical mass of investment funds, the concentration of research across many sectors and high standards of regulation and corporate governance. In addition, the Exchange is dedicated to providing cutting edge market structures and technology.

Among the markets offered by the London Stock Exchange is techMARK, Europe's largest technology and growth market, which accounts for almost 90 per cent of all such European markets. techMARK welcomes international companies seeking a secondary listing and represents an obvious choice for a number of Japanese technology companies.

The Exchange is committed to building on its existing ties with the Japanese market. The London Advantage is the headline event in the Exchange's latest marketing initiative in Japan.

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Notes to editors:

• The London Advantage conference was held by the London Stock Exchange at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. The conference was attended by a high profile audience of Japanese companies and advisors.
• For more statistics see the Fact Sheet.