Agreement designed to enhance transparency and improve investor communications

Abu Dhabi, 23 February 2009 - Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Thomson Reuters announced today they have signed an agreement which will promote the benefits of investor relations principles to all ADX listed companies.

Investor relations involves effective financial and corporate communications between a listed company, its shareholders and the financial community, and is considered best practice for listed companies around the world.

Commenting on the agreement, Tom Healy, Chief Executive of ADX, explained the importance of a successful investor relations strategy, saying:  "For listed companies to achieve fair valuation they need to provide their stakeholders with timely and accurate information.   This information is then vital for investors to make informed decisions.  This is important for ensuring transparency and integrity in the marketplace.

Issam Makki, Manager - Gulf for Thomson Reuters, explained how the agreement will work saying that "Thomson Reuters alongside ADX will meet with ADX listed companies to discuss investor relations principles and introduce ways of improving financial communications and IR activities. Now more than ever, IR professionals and CFOs need intelligent information, robust analytics and sophisticated tools to provide greater transparency into the evolving capital markets. We are pleased to provide ADX-listed companies with the solutions they need to effectively manage their investor relations programs."


Alex Menage, Business Development Manager for Thomson Reuters added "We are delighted to enter this agreement with ADX at this crucial point of time for the Middle East Capital Markets. Thomson Reuters IR services can provide all the tools listed companies need to:

  • Identify investor risks and opportunities with detailed ownership and targeting analysis incorporating the same factors that drive institutional investment decisions

  • Communicate their message to both institutional and retail investors, and monitor the impact of their communication

  • Connect directly with their peers and the institutional investment community."

This agreement is particularly timely as it complements the new Securities and Commodities Authority corporate governance code, currently being implemented by ADX listed companies, which will result in more accountability and independence.

-Ends-

About ADX
Established in November 2000, ADX is the official stock exchange of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Federal Capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  ADX serves the domestic cash equity market, has 65 listed companies and a market capitalisation of AED252.7 billion (USD68.9 billion) as at 31 December 2008. 

In alignment with the Abu Dhabi Government's Economic Vision 2030, ADX aspires to become the leading stock exchange in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region by leading the development of the UAE capital market through a well-regulated marketplace in a lawful environment that ensures integrity, transparency and disclosure.

Investors can trade securities listed on ADX through any of its registered brokers and ADX has custody agreements with HSBC, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank and Citi.

Please visit www.adx.ae for more information.

About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in 93 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRI); Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: TRI); London Stock Exchange (LSE: TRIL); and Nasdaq (NASDAQ: TRIN). For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

For further information please contact:
Arnold Chambon
Thomson Reuters
Corporate Services
Tel: + 971 509009628
arnold.chambon@thomsonreuters.com

For further information please contact:
Annabel Tuck
Media Relations Manager
Tel: +971 26128774
Mob: +971 508130547
annabelt@adx.ae

© Press Release 2009