Press releases 2012

- Mr Riad T. Salameh, Governor, Banque du Liban opens London trading

- Seven leading Lebanese companies attending

London Stock Exchange today held its first Lebanon Capital Markets Day at its London headquarters in Paternoster Square. The event was held in conjunction with Banque du Liban and BNY Mellon and featured participation from seven of Lebanon’s leading companies as well as London-based and international investors.

To mark the occasion Mr. Riad T. Salameh, Governor of Banque du Liban took part in a Market Opening Ceremony together with London Stock Exchange Group Chairman, Dr. Chris Gibson-Smith; Ambassador of Lebanon, her Excellency Mrs Inaam Osseiran; and British Ambassador to Lebanon, his Excellency, Mr Tom Fletcher.

Speaking at the event Chris Gibson-Smith, London Stock Exchange Group Chairman said:

“Today we have the opportunity to bring together London and Lebanon’s financial communities, to reflect on the strong partnership we have, and explore how we can further strengthen our collaboration.

“Today’s event plays host to leading Lebanese companies which are helping to support and drive the country’s economy. Our role in London is to work with these businesses, supporting their growth.”

Mr. Riad T. Salameh, Governor of Banque du Liban says:

“I’m delighted to open this inaugural Lebanon Capital Markets Day at London Stock Exchange. The event is a chance to highlight the compelling investment opportunities available in Lebanon. London, as the world's most international financial centre and a key source of capital for high-growth companies, is an important conduit in supporting financial growth for Lebanese banks, companies and broader economy.

“The level of interest we have seen is highly encouraging and we look forward to discussing the Lebanese proposition with a wide range of international investors.”

Lebanese companies participating in the event are:

Bank Audi

BLOM Bank

Byblos Bank

Solidere

Bank of Beirut

Malia Group

Middle East Airlines

The Lebanese Capital Markets Day is part of a series of events London Stock Exchange runs to facilitate dialogue between London-based and global investors with international companies. Recent events have included: Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

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For further information, please contact:

Lauren Crawley-Moore                   Press Office +44 (0)20 7797 1222
                                                       newsroom@londonstockexchange.com

Notes to editors:

About London Stock Exchange Group:

London Stock Exchange Group (LSE.L) sits at the heart of the world’s financial community. The Group operates a broad range of international equity, bond and derivatives markets, including London Stock Exchange; Borsa Italiana; MTS, Europe's leading fixed income market; and Turquoise, offering UK and Russian derivatives trading, pan-European and US lit and dark equity trading. Through its markets, the Group offers international business unrivalled access to Europe’s capital markets.

The Group is a leading developer of high performance trading platforms and capital markets software and also offers its customers around the world access to an extensive range of real-time and reference data products and market-leading post-trade services. The Group is also home to a world leading index provider FTSE, which creates and manages over 200,000 equity, bond and alternative asset class indices.

Headquartered in London, United Kingdom with significant operations in Italy and Sri Lanka, the Group employs around 1,900 people.

Further information on London Stock Exchange Group can be found at www.londonstockexchangegroup.com