NASDAQ OMX and Borsa Istanbul Sign Landmark Deal

*NASDAQ OMX to deliver its most advanced suite of technologies and advisory services *Borsa Istanbul, in partnership with NASDAQ OMX, to build world-class capital markets hub for Eurasia region, to have regional reselling rights and to develop multiple new platforms *NASDAQ OMX to take equity stake in Borsa Istanbul ISTANBUL, Turkey, Dec. 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NASDAQ OMX Group (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and Borsa Istanbul A.S. have today concluded a wide-ranging agreement, which includes the delivery of market-leading technologies and advisory services to Borsa Istanbul, and NASDAQ OMX taking an equity stake in Borsa Istanbul. Key aspects of the agreement include the provision of NASDAQ OMX's most advanced and complete selection of market technology solutions and advisory services, based on the globally market-leading Genium INET suite and all associated platforms and applications, with regional resell rights and also eventual self- sufficiency for Borsa Istanbul. Further, the parties are to work closely together to cement Borsa Istanbul's position and brand as the capital markets hub for the Eurasia region, serving global issuers, investors, and corporations. As part of the agreement, NASDAQ OMX will take a five percent equity stake in Borsa Istanbul, with an option to increase this by an additional two percent; NASDAQ OMX will also receive a series of cash payments. The parties' forward cooperation pathway may also include a minority participation by Borsa Istanbul in NASDAQ OMX. "We are delighted to have put in place a highly impactful global partnership with NASDAQ OMX, anchored on the objective of together serving the financial community worldwide," said Dr. Ibrahim M. Turhan, Chairman and CEO of Borsa Istanbul. "I am confident that our combined team, powered by one of the most advanced technology suites available in the world today, will consistently offer cutting edge trading facility, innovation, platform breadth, and flexibility to customers worldwide." The partnership positions Borsa Istanbul as a leading, integrated, multi-asset class exchange that operates a best-of-breed platform serving issuers, investors and traders globally. Borsa Istanbul will integrate and operate NASDAQ OMX's suite of world-class systems for trading, clearing, market surveillance and risk management, covering all asset classes. The agreement underscores a long-term commitment that will benefit member firms and customers of both exchanges. "We are pleased to be working side-by-side with Borsa Istanbul as they evolve toward becoming an international hub that will attract global investors to the Eurasia region," said Bob Greifeld, CEO, NASDAQ OMX. "Building and powering the world's capital markets is at the heart of NASDAQ OMX's Global Technology Solutions business, and we are thrilled to be partnering and investing in the Turkish exchange." "This new partnership is a milestone for our market technology business," said Lars Ottersgård, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Technology, NASDAQ OMX. "By delivering our entire suite of technology solutions, including our advisory services, to Borsa Istanbul we show the depth and breadth of NASDAQ OMX's global offering. Establishing global capital markets is core to NASDAQ OMX's mission and we are pleased to be Turkey's partner in building efficient and effective functioning markets." The contract is a culmination of substantial work between the parties, following their signature of a first indicative agreement in July 2013. Borsa Istanbul is advised by Sardis Capital Limited; legal counsel are Turunc and Linklaters. About NASDAQ OMX: NASDAQ OMX (Nasdaq:NDAQ) is a leading provider of trading, exchange technology, information and public company services across six continents. Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, NASDAQ OMX enables customers to plan, optimize and execute their business vision with confidence, using proven technologies that provide transparency and insight for navigating today's global capital markets. As the creator of the world's first electronic stock market, its technology powers more than 80 marketplaces in 50 countries, and approximately 1 in 10 of the world's securities transactions. NASDAQ OMX is home to more than 3,300 listed companies with a market value of over $7 trillion and more than 10,000 corporate clients. To learn more, visit www.nasdaqomx.com. About Borsa Istanbul Borsa Istanbul, through its subsidiaries (Takasbank and MKK - the Central Securities Depository Agency), is the sole provider in Turkey, of trading, settlement, custody and registry services for a wide range of products such as equities, debt securities, repo, warrants, options, futures, certificates and ETFs. Via a major reform in 2012 consummated by the new Capital Markets Law enacted in December 2012, Borsa Istanbul successfully completed its de- mutualization and privatization, as well as horizontal integration via acquisition of the derivatives and precious-metals exchanges, and vertical integration via control of the two domestic post-trade firms, with a strengthened regulatory backdrop in terms of enhancements in transparency and investor protection. For further information, please visit Borsa Istanbul at www.borsaistanbul.com, and follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/borsaistanbul, and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/borsaistanbul). Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about NASDAQ OMX and its products and offerings. We caution that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond NASDAQ OMX's control. These factors include, but are not limited to factors detailed in NASDAQ OMX's annual report on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements. NDAQG CONTACT: NASDAQ OMX Media Contact:          Ryan Wells          +1 (212) 231-5541 (office); +1 (646) 581-4286 (mobile)          Ryan.Wells@NASDAQOMX.com          Borsa Istanbul Media Contact:          Saha Ozpinar          +90 212 298 2832 (office)          saha.ozpinar@borsaistanbul.com This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. via GlobeNewswire [HUG#1752353]