NYSE Euronext CEO to attend investment conference

By Joe Diamond

The US-NI Investment Conference has attracted a great deal of interest from America.
So far 48 US companies have accepted invitations to attend the conference, which is due to be held in Belfast in May.
Economy Minister Nigel Dodds expressed his delight at the encouraging response from the US business community.
“To date, 48 US companies have accepted invitations to attend the US-NI Investment Conference in May.
“Originally the conference aimed to attract 40-50 senior US business representatives, however, we are greatly encouraged by the level of interest shown by the US business community to date.


“I, and my Executive colleagues, are committed to building a vibrant, dynamic and outward looking economy and the conference will provide an ideal opportunity for leading US companies to see at first hand that Northern Ireland is open for business.
“The conference, which will run from 7–9 May, is a one time opportunity for Northern Ireland to engage directly with influential US business representatives. It will give us the opportunity to showcase a Northern Ireland which is open for business. 


“Potential investors will see at first hand the greater stability and optimism for the future that has arisen since the restoration of devolution.
“We can demonstrate to these investors the expertise and skills of our workforce, the sound infrastructure base which underpins our support for enterprise and the first-class research base which exists in our universities.
“It is important to demonstrate how our third level institutions place commercial exploitation of R&D and innovation at the heart of the academic and skills agenda.
“We can also outline our plans to further invest in and improve our skills, infrastructure and research base and highlight the great lifestyle that we have on offer. 


“The conference continues to have strong support from the US administration, the governments of the UK and the Irish Republic as well as companies of the calibre of Nortel, Allstate and Citi,” he said.

Minister Dodds has also secured the attendance of the Chief Executive Officer of NYSE Euronext.


“It is encouraging news that Duncan Niederauer, the CEO of NYSE Euronext, has confirmed his attendance at the US-NI Investment Conference, and has also indicated his willingness to participate in the event.


“Despite the uncertainties surrounding global financial markets and the US economy, Mr Niederauer’s presence in May will show the commitment and goodwill in America towards Northern Ireland, as an attractive location for doing business.


“It is vitally important, particularly at this time, that we maintain and build strong relationships with key figures in the US administration and business community.
“The conference is a key platform upon which to do this and so, when the US economy begins to rebound, Northern Ireland is clearly established in the thoughts of key business decision makers, as a premier investment location,” he said.


NYSE Euronext recently acquired Wombat Financial Software (Wombat) for $200million. Wombat is a global financial services company with offices in Belfast City Centre.

It has invested £2million in its Belfast operation since June last year, expanding the company and growing its number of employees to around 100.


Duncan Niederauer said: “Northern Ireland has an important and growing presence in the global economy. I am honoured to participate in the US-NI Investment Conference, which presents an opportunity to underscore the strong and mutually beneficial partnership between Northern Ireland and the United States.
“Further, we are privileged that our recent business combination with Wombat Financial Software affords NYSE Euronext an opportunity to be part of the Northern Ireland community,”
he added.