As part of the merger by "Hellenic Exchanges S.A. Holding" (HELEX) of subsidiary companies "Central Securities Depository S.A." and "Athens Securities Exchange Clearing House S.A.", HELEX obtained the shares of the two companies to be merged held by subsidiary companies "Athens Exchange S.A." (ATHEX) and "Central Securities Depository S.A.", in order to avoid that a subsidiary company (ATHEX) holds shares of the absorbing company HELEX (parent company). On August 3rd 2006, the new draft merger agreement will be up for approval by the Boards of Directors of the companies to be merged.