Declaration of transactions executed outside regulated markets Euronext Brussels or Nasdaq Europe

COMMISSION BANCAIRE ET FINANCIERE
Control of information and financial markets
Louise Avenue 99, B-1050 Brussels Phone 02/535.22.11 - Fax 02/535.24.24 Our contact person our reference your reference date +32(2)535.59.00 FMI_MAR0004 26 May 2003

Madam, Sir,

Subject: declaration of transactions executed outside the regulated markets Euronext Brussels or Nasdaq Europe within the meaning of the Royal Decree of 31 March 2003 on the declaration of transactions concerning financial instruments and the retention of data.

On 1 June next, the Royal Decree of 31 March 2003 on the declaration of transactions concerning financial instruments and the retention of data will enter into force. This decree repeals the Decree of 25 February 1996 having the same object.

The most significant consequence of the new decree concerns the modification of the competent authority for declarations. Indeed, from 1 June 2003, the Commission Bancaire et Financière becomes the sole competent authority in this matter.

Viewed from a practical angle, the implementation of this decree should not modify your way of operating when it comes to transactions entered into on a regulated market concerning financial instruments within the meaning of the Decree of 31 March 2003. On the other hand, when it comes to transactions carried out outside the regulated markets Euronext Brussels or Nasdaq Europe concerning financial instruments traded on Euronext Brussels or on Nasdaq Europe within the meaning of the Decree of 31 March 2003, it will be necessary to send the attached declaration form to the Commission Bancaire et Financière at the following fax number:
+32(2)535.59.03

COMMISSION BANCAIRE ET FINANCIERE
Louise Avenue 99, B-1050 Brussels 2

For your information, said declarations must be transmitted to the Commission within the shortest possible time and no later than 16:30 on the business day following the day of the transaction.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information you deem necessary.

We ask you, Madam, Sir, to accept the expression of our distinguished consideration.

The Vice-President
J.-P. Servais

Annexes: - Royal Decree of 31 March 2003 on the declaration of transactions concerning financial instruments and the retention of data;

• declaration forms (NL-F).