As part of strategy to promote capital markets as alternative financing source for SMEs
Lisbon – 14 May 2014 – On 14 May 2014, Euronext Lisbon will sign new protocols of cooperation with two associations from the Algarve region, NERA –Entrepreneurial Association ofthe Algarve Region, and ACRAL – Business and Services Association of the Algarve Region. The agreements aim to contribute to the development and promotion of the capital markets, particularly the Alternext market, by combining the efforts, means, experience and knowledge needed to that end.
Under the agreement, Euronext Lisbon will promote initiatives for NERA and ACRAL member companies, mainly Portuguese SMEs interested in entering the capital markets in order to obtain financing, diversify shareholder structure or to issue debt securities. The associations in turn will inform members about Alternext as a financing option. After the selection process is concluded, and provided the companies qualify for admission to the capital markets, the Stock Exchange will assist in obtaining the necessary support from specialised consultants.
In addition, Euronext Lisbon’s cooperation will include preparing and holding meetings and presentations or other initiatives to provide training on and/or to promote the capital markets in general, or specifically directed to the individual needs of each entity, namely regarding the operations for the admission to trading on the Euronext markets, through IPOs and/or private placement of securities.
“Corporate capitalisation is a fundamental condition to face risks and take advantage of opportunities, it should therefore be a priority that mobilises all the economic agents who can contribute to achieve this goal”,said Luís Laginha de Sousa, CEO and Chairman of Euronext Lisbon.
“The protocol we are signing today is another step to help raise awareness and mobilise companies to consider the capital markets in general, and the Stock Exchange in particular, as a means to support their corporate strategies”,he added.
This partnership is another step in the creation of an ecosystem in Portugal that fosters the financing of companies through the capital markets, supported by the admission to a market especially dedicated to SMEs – Alternext.
To note that, in the past two years, Euronext Lisbon has signed nine protocols with law firms, consulting firms and financial intermediaries.