London, 18 February 2010

Exchange organisation Deutsche Börse is to work on developing “clear strengths” in technology and risk management during 2010 to make financial savings, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) has announced. Reto Francioni made the comments following the publication of Deutsche Börse’s financial results for 2009. However, the CEO said that the budget for “growth initiatives” such as technology and product innovation will be increased by over 50 per cent during the year.

Figures from the group showed that net profit for 2009 amounted to €496.1 million, lower than the €1,033.3 million recorded during the previous year.

Sales revenue dropped from €2,455.1 million to €2,061.7 million, which the organisation attributed to the reluctance of exchange clients to trade in derivatives and cash in the wake of the global credit crunch.

Mr Francioni said that the financial crisis had a big impact in shaping client behaviour during 2009. As a result of market volatility, the company is looking to streamline its management structure and make further cost savings worth an estimated €50 million per year from 2011, the CEO explained.

He added: “We will further expand our clear strengths in technology, risk management services and product innovation while maintaining our strict approach to cost management.”

Additional figures showed that earnings for 2009 reached €1,053.4 million compared with €1,508.4 million from the previous year.

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