On Wednesday June 4, the Budapest Stock Exchange held a conference entitled “Nothing but the Exchange” drawing a large audience to the Ybl Palace. A number of companies preparing to be listed on the BSE took part in the event in order to collect the necessary information connected with their entry onto the exchange.

The event was opened by Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy, Chairman of the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE), while Dr. György Mohai, interim CEO of the BSE, served as the host for the event.

First, Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy delivered a short speech about the opportunities offered by the government’s new initiative, New Ownership Program (“Új Tulajdonosi Program”) and the tax deductions offered to companies seeking to be listed on the stock exchange, which is fully supported by the BSE. In connection with the stock exchange recently celebrating its 18th anniversary, Dr. György Mohai evaluated the results of the capital market for 2008. He also discussed the basic functions of the BSE and the importance of fundraising through the stock exchange.

Miklós Tátrai, CEO of Magyar Nemzeti Vagyonkezelő Zrt. provided detailed information about both the benefits and the technical background of the New Ownership Program. Attila Kiss, Marketing Director of Állami Nyomda Nyrt. discussed the phase immediately preceding and the results following the listing of a company on the stock exchange. Tibor Dávid, CEO of Masterplast Group Zrt., a company soon to be listed on the stock exchange, gave a brief presentation on the preparations needed prior to being listed on the BSE. Kálmán Nagy, a partner to Concord Vállalati Pénzügyek Kft. lectured on the practical aspects of raising capital. Dr. Szalay Rita, Deputy Director of the Listing Membership and Supervisory Division of the BSE presented the process of being listed on the exchange and introduced attendees to the rules of continued trading.

Closing the conference, Dr. György Mohai moderated a panel discussion which focused on the practical issues of investment communications. The panel members included Szabolcs Czenthe, Director of Magyar Telekon Nyrt., Gábor Tóth, Department Head of Richter Gedeon Nyrt., Gábor Móricz, investment advisor at Kaptár Zrt. and Sándor Vízkeleti, CEO of Pioneer Fund Management Zrt.