NYSE Euronext Will Acquire 25% of Doha Securities Market

The State of Qatar and NYSE Euronext (NYSE Euronext: NYX) announced a strategic partnership expected to transform the Doha Securities Market (“DSM”) into a significant international player and provide NYSE Euronext with a valuable presence in the Middle East.  The closing of the transaction is expected to take place early during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Highlights include:

Strategic relationship between the State of Qatar and NYSE Euronext to build a new, internationally integrated cash and derivatives exchange in Doha;

Interests of both the State of Qatar and NYSE Euronext fully aligned through equity participation, technology integration and market structure harmonisation and committed to work together as partners to explore other opportunities in the Middle East;

NYSE Euronext to purchase a 25% stake in the DSM for US$250 million in cash, the largest investment ever made by NYSE Euronext in a foreign exchange;

NYSE Euronext to receive three of the eleven seats on DSM’s board of directors;

The State of Qatar to retain ownership of the remaining 75% of the DSM through the Qatar Investment Authority;

NYSE Euronext has been selected as the technology provider by the State of Qatar and the DSM for both the cash equities and derivatives markets;

NYSE Euronext to act as a partner managing the operation of the new exchange, including the appointment of the senior management team, and providing technology services.

THE STATE OF QATAR AND NYSE EURONEXT ANNOUNCE MAJOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP;
NYSE EURONEXT TO ACQUIRE 25% OFTHE DOHA  SECURITIES MARKET FOR US$250 MILLION.