Deutsche Börse and KfW open German Equity Forum in Frankfurt

The German Equity Forum was jointly opened on Monday by Deutsche Börse and KfW. Companies, investors and analysts can get and exchange information on the latest financial sector issues at the largest European capital market conference until 14 November in Frankfurt.

“The German Equity Forum has become the most important European platform for dialogue between the financial sector and the real economy. This forum also helps to position Frankfurt as a financial centre for companies seeking to raise capital. And this is a significant contribution in terms of financing the real economy, because efficient capital allocation promotes growth and employment,” said Andreas Preuss, Deputy CEO of Deutsche Börse AG.

“Germany’s private equity and venture capital sector has become increasingly professional in the past few years, but there is still a lack of sufficient private equity available. Promising entrepreneurial ideas cannot be allowed to fail purely because of a lack of financing opportunities. KfW thus offers a range of promotional programmes in the area of debt capital, in cooperation with the banks. We also offer venture capital to young technology companies as part of the ERP Start Fund. We also cooperate here with private market participants, such as venture capital funds, private equity firms and business angels,” said Dr Axel Nawrath, member of the KfW Executive Board.

The forum is focussing on the following issues this year:

On the first day there will be a Capital Market Forum with presentations and podium discussions on current issues of venture capital and private equity financing and the market situation for raising equity via the stock exchange.

The issue of corporate responsibility and company reporting is becoming increasingly important for many businesses. The Corporate Responsibility Investment Forum thus dedicates a day to the issue of sustainability and its significance for the capital markets. The International Forum is focussing on China this year.

The Bond Forum will provide an overview of opportunities in debt financing. Companies will report on the experience they have gained through issuing bonds. Deutsche Börse’s Entry Standard and Prime Standard for corporate bonds also enable businesses to raise debt capital via the stock exchange.

In addition, around 200 listed companies, primarily from the Prime Standard, will be presenting their Q3 results at investor and analyst conferences. Up to 50 non-listed companies will be using the three-day event to introduce their business models to a broad range of investors.

The full programme is available at www.eigenkapitalforum.com.