The consolidated net after tax profits of HELEX for Q1 2009 amounted to €5.8m vs. €18.4m in Q1 2008, a 68% reduction. The consolidated turnover of the Group dropped by 61%, to €12.8m vs. €32.8m in Q1 2008.

This reduction is mainly due to the reduction in the total transaction activity in Athens Exchange but also to the reduced activity by companies in raising capital through Athens Exchange. In particular, the total value of transactions in Q1 2009 was €7.0bn vs. €25.7bn in Q1 2008, a 73% drop, which is due both to the drop in share prices (Athens General index down 58% in the twelve month period 31.3.2008 - 31.3.2009), as well as in the reduction in the volume of transactions (shares traded) by 34% (1.7bn shares in Q1 2009 vs. 2.6bn shares in Q1 2008).

Total operating expenses amounted to €5.7m vs. €6.7m in the corresponding period last year, reduced by 15%.

Thus, the Group's EBIT in Q1 2009 amounted to €6.0m vs. €23.7m in the corresponding period last year, a 74% reduction.

The net profits per share in Q1 2009 amounted to €0.09 vs. €0.26 in the first quarter last year, a 66% reduction.

HELEX's financial statements are posted on the Company's website (http://www.helex.gr/).