The results of the first quarter do not include a provision for the additional tax burden due to the "extraordinary social responsibility tax" imposed on businesses with Law 3842/2010. The company estimates that the total burden on the 2010 results will be approximately €8m.

The consolidated turnover of the Group increased by 50%, to €19.2m vs. €12.8m in Q1 2009.

This increase is due to the 74% increase in revenue from clearing in the cash market (€5.8m in Q1 2010 vs. €3.3m in the corresponding period last year) as well as to the increase in revenue from stock trading in the cash market by 68% (€3.7m in Q1 2010 vs. €2.2m in Q1 2009), due to the extremely low volume of transactions in Q1 2009 which in turn was due to the international financial crisis.

The total value of transactions in Q1 2010 amounted to €12.2bn vs. €7bn in Q1 2009m a 75% increase, while the total volume of transactions (number of shares that changed hands) increased by 33% in Q1 2010 compared to Q1 2009 (2.3bn shares vs. 1.7bn shares).

The operating expenses of the Group were significantly reduced in Q1 2010. In particular, operating expenses before depreciation amounted to €5.3m vs. €5.7m in Q1 2009, reduced by 7%.

The Group's EBIT amounted to €12.2m, a 103% increase compared to Q1 2009 (€6m).

The net profits per share in Q1 2010 amounted to €0.15 vs. €0.08 in Q1 2009.

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