Dodds secures NYSE Euronext for investment conference

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds has secured the attendance of the Chief Executive Officer of NYSE Euronext, at May’s US-NI Investment Conference.

During Mr Dodds’ recent business mission to the US, from 12-14 March 2008, he visited the NYSE floor and met with the NYSE Euronext Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Duncan L. Niederauer.

Minister Dodds said: “It is encouraging news that Duncan Niederauer, the CEO of NYSE Euronext, has confirmed his attendance at the US-NI Investment Conference, and has also indicated his willingness to participate in the event.

“Despite the uncertainties surrounding global financial markets and the US economy, Mr Niederauer’s presence in May will show the commitment and goodwill in America towards Northern Ireland, as an attractive location for doing business.

“It is vitally important, particularly at this time, that we maintain and build strong relationships with key figures in the US administration and business community. The conference is a key platform upon which to do this and so, when the US economy begins to rebound, Northern Ireland is clearly established in the thoughts of key business decision makers, as a premier investment location.”

NYSE Euronext recently acquired Wombat Financial Software (Wombat) for $200million. Wombat is a global financial services company with offices in Belfast City Centre.

It has invested £2million in its Belfast operation since June last year, expanding the company and growing its number of employees to around 100.

Mr. Niederauer believes the US-NI Investment Conference is a unique opportunity to promote Northern Ireland as an attractive location for investment, to key US business representatives. He said: “Northern Ireland has an important and growing presence in the global economy. I am honored to participate in the US-NI Investment Conference, which presents an opportunity to underscore the strong and mutually beneficial partnership between Northern Ireland and the United States. Further, we are privileged that our recent business combination with Wombat Financial Software affords NYSE Euronext an opportunity to be part of the Northern Ireland community.”

Minister Dodds is also very pleased with the encouraging response from the US business community to the Investment Conference. He said: "To date, 48 US companies have accepted invitations to attend the US NI Investment Conference in May. The conference continues to have strong support from the US administration, the governments of the UK and the Irish Republic and companies of the calibre of Nortel, Allstate and Citi.

“I and my Executive colleagues, are committed to building a vibrant, dynamic and outward looking economy and the conference will provide an ideal opportunity for leading US companies to see at first hand that Northern Ireland is open for business."

Notes to Editors:

1. The US-NI Investment Conference will take place from 7-9 May 2008.
2. Wombat Financial Software (Europe) Ltd was established in Belfast in 2005.
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