Photo Release -- NASDAQ OMX and Osaka Securities Exchange Sign Agreement to Form Strategic Partnership

NEW YORK and OSAKA, Japan, Feb 3, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and Osaka Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. (OSE) the premier Japanese derivatives and securities exchange, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intent to form a strategic partnership.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5849

The partnership includes NASDAQ OMX's delivery of services to further develop OSE's market model, with the objective of growing volumes in both its cash and derivatives markets. Other potential areas of cooperation involve the exchange of market information, exchange of staff and dual-listing opportunities. The parties will also collaborate on defining technology requirements for OSE's next-generation trading platform for derivative products scheduled for launch in 2010.

"We look forward to cooperation with NASDAQ OMX, a premier global exchange offering a wide range of services, to provide opportunities benefiting not only Japanese investors but also global investors," said OSE President and CEO, Michio Yoneda. "This partnership can contribute to the development of the Japanese growth market, by leveraging NASDAQ OMX's experience in providing services to listed companies and market participants."

"We are honored and excited to form a partnership with one of the leading derivatives exchanges in the world," said Magnus Bocker, President at NASDAQ OMX. "We look forward to working closely with OSE in order to grow efficiency and liquidity at its exchange, and define mutually rewarding business opportunities. Moreover, this partnership provides us with a direct channel to the Japanese securities market, allowing us to expand our presence and reach in this important region."

The MoU signing ceremony took place in NASDAQ OMX's New York offices, with OSE's President and CEO, Mr. Michio Yoneda and NASDAQ OMX President Magnus Bocker participating. The signing ceremony was preceded by a NASDAQ opening bell ceremony performed by Mr. Michio Yoneda.

About the Osaka Securities Exchange

Osaka Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. (OSE) is the Japan's largest derivatives exchange. In 2008 total trading volume of all derivative products hit the record high of 163,689,348 units, up about 50.3 % compared to the previous year. This year, the year 2009, is the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Nikkei 225 options, the flagship product of OSE.

OSE is the only listed exchange in Japan whose shares have been traded on its own market, "Hercules," since April 2004. For more information about OSE, please visit www.ose.or.jp/e/.

About the NASDAQ OMX Group

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. is the world's largest exchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology and public company services across six continents, with over 3,800 listed companies. NASDAQ OMX Group offers multiple capital raising solutions to companies around the globe, including its U.S. listings market, NASDAQ OMX Nordic, NASDAQ OMX Baltic, NASDAQ OMX First North, and the U.S. 144A sector. The company offers trading across multiple asset classes including equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structured products and ETFs. NASDAQ OMX Group technology supports the operations of over 70 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securities depositories in more than 50 countries. NASDAQ OMX Nordic and NASDAQ OMX Baltic are not legal entities but describe the common offering from NASDAQ OMX Group exchanges in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Iceland, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. For more information about NASDAQ OMX, visit www.nasdaqomx.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about NASDAQ OMX's products and offerings. We caution that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond NASDAQ OMX's control. These factors include, but are not limited to factors detailed in NASDAQ OMX's annual report on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the FSA will give the NASDAQ OMX applicant the authorization and permissions which it seeks.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

(Photo: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid==)

NDAQF

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.
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