Digitalbox Regulatory News (DBOX)

9 Feb 2006 08:00

PLUS Markets Group plc Trading update 9 February 2006PLUS Markets Group plc ("PMG") confirms that its new PLUS service, which openedfor business on 5 December 2005, has made good progress in its early stages andhas attracted strong customer demand. The PLUS service offers an alternativeequity trading venue through its quote-driven system, providing a choice ofexecution.Over 750 companies are now trading on the company's platform, includingsubstantially all listed securities outside the FTSE 350. The PLUS servicerecorded December trading activity of 11,779 bargains representing GBP101.5mvalue traded, rising in January to 29,165 bargains representing GBP235.1mtraded. PMG have noted a marked increase in trading volumes for Ofexsecurities in the same period, following the opening of the PLUS service. Since commencement of trading nine weeks ago, the number of PLUS participantshas grown. Further membership applications are in process and additionalparticipants are in advanced discussions with PLUS Markets Group regardingjoining the service. Simon Brickles, Chief Executive Officer of PLUS Markets Group, welcomed thefirst full month of trading activity, saying, "This is an excellent start forthe PLUS service. We have attracted broker dealers, market makers and client-driven volume. This is a clear endorsement of our market model and we lookforward to expanding our membership further."Further details of PLUS activity, including trading statistics for December2005 and January 2006, are available on the company's website atwww.plusmarketsgroup.comContacts:Rostron Parry - John ParryTelephone: 020 7490 8062NOTES: PLUS Markets Group plc is an independent provider of primary andsecondary equity market services. PMG developed the PLUS service during 2005,with strong support from leading financial institutions and brokers, to offertrading in listed and unlisted equity securities. PMG also owns and operatesthe Ofex market, which underwent significant development in the same period.Early members of the PLUS service include:Broker Dealers: Market makers:Brewin Dolphin Securities Cenkos SecuritiesCenkos Securities Hoodless BrennanCharles Stanley & Co KBC Peel HuntDaniel Stewart & Co Teather & GreenwoodHichens Harrison & Co Winterflood SecuritiesHoodless BrennanKBC Peel HuntODL SecuritiesSeymour PierceSquaregainTD Waterhouse Investor ServicesTeather & GreenwoodENDPLUS Markets Group plc