Ministers join NYSE Euronext officials to open NYSE Technologies’ new facility in Belfast

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter Robinson, MLA, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP MLA, joined NYSE Euronext (NYX) officials, including Chief Executive Officer Duncan L. Niederauer and the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, today to formally open NYSE Technologies’ new Belfast premises at Adelaide Exchange.

NYSE Technologies is the technology arm of NYSE Euronext, a leading global operator of financial markets and provider of innovative trading technologies.

The company’s move to the new premises is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and is part of an expansion plan previously announced that includes the creation of up to 400 technology, operational and corporate jobs in the coming years.

Speaking at the official opening the First Minister said: “This state-of-the-art development facility is a fitting home for a company that is at the forefront of software development for the global trading markets. NYSE Technologies’ further expansion of its Belfast operation reflects its confidence in Northern Ireland and is an example of the mutual benefit to be gained from ongoing engagement between those of us involved in economic development and key investors.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP MLA, said: "NYSE Euronext’s endorsement of our local talent, our people and our future sends a strong message to other potential investors, that this is an exceptional place to do business. This investment is an example of how, by building strong relationships with potential investors, we increase the chances of attracting world-class companies to set up and develop their operations here, which is vital to growing our economy."

Duncan Niederauer, CEO of NYSE Euronext, said: "We welcome the opportunity to partner with Invest NI and to expand our presence in Belfast. These exceptional facilities complement NYSE Euronext’s other European technology centres in Paris and London, and will allow us to realise our growth plans both in Belfast and globally. Our experience with regard to operating in Northern Ireland has been very positive and I believe that this Centre of Excellence, a true centre of innovation, in Belfast will continue to contribute significantly to our success and that of our customers."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, said: "NYSE Euronext is one of several world-renowned US corporations that have chosen to invest in Northern Ireland because of the quality of the workforce and the support offered through Invest NI. Our reputation as an excellent inward investment location is growing and I am confident that at the upcoming US Investment Conference in Washington in October, we will be able to capitalise on that reputation and maintain this region’s position as a premier location for further investment."

Notes to editors:

1. In October 2009, NYSE Euronext announced that Invest Northern Ireland is providing up to £9.6million to support NYSE Technologies’ move to Adelaide Exchange, and the creation of up to 400 technology, operational and corporate jobs, which includes 75 positions from a prior agreement.
2. NYSE Euronext (NYX) is a leading global operator of financial markets and provider of innovative trading technologies. The company's exchanges in Europe and the United States trade equities, futures, options, fixed-income and exchange-traded products. With approximately 8,000 listed issues (excluding European Structured Products), NYSE Euronext's equities markets – the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, NYSE Amex, NYSE Alternext and NYSE Arca – represent one-third of the world's equities trading, the most liquidity of any global exchange group. NYSE Euronext also operates NYSE Liffe, one of the leading European derivatives businesses and the world's second-largest derivatives business by value of trading. The company offers comprehensive commercial technology, connectivity and market data products and services through NYSE Technologies. NYSE Euro next is in the S&P 500 index, and is the only exchange operator in the S&P 100 index and Fortune 500. For more information, please visit: http://www.nyx.com.
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