Press release 25 May 2007
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications

Mats Odell comments on the proposal to combine OMX and Nasdaq

OMX AB and Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. earlier today presented a proposal to combine the two companies. The Swedish state owns 6.6 percent of the share capital in OMX.

- In June the Parliament will process the proposed bill regarding the sale of certain state owned companies. The Government will analyze the proposed transaction and make an overall assessment before we take a position, says Minister for Local Government and Financial Markets Mats Odell.

- There is an ongoing consolidation in global financial markets where stock exchanges are merging to achieve greater liquidity and attract more investors. OMX has participated in this consolidation by acquiring and developing stock markets in the Nordic and Baltic region. The proposal to combine OMX and Nasdaq would, if completed, be another step in this consolidation, says Mats Odell.

- The Government intends to reduce state ownership in a number of companies, among others OMX. With that in mind, it is of course positive that there is an interest in the company, says Mats Odell.