OREANDA-NEWS. Moscow Exchange has signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian Private Equity Council at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The agreement was signed by Anatoly Chubais, Chairman of the Executive Board of RUSNANO, and Alexander Afanasiev, CEO of Moscow Exchange.

The agreement aims to implement a new development strategy on Moscow Exchange"s Innovation and Investment Market (IIM). In particular, training and marketing campaigns will be launched targeting Russia"s innovative companies and prospective investors and new government incentives are to be developed to stimulate investments in innovative companies.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Chubais said: "The collaboration between the Russian Private Equity Council and Moscow Exchange serves to establish fundraising mechanisms for innovative companies throughout the business life cycle. The involvement of funds that possess a track record of driving innovation will allow for improvements in corporate governance and reduce risks associated with building their strategies. Bringing innovative companies to the public market allows funds access to liquidity and maximizes the value of investments".     

Mr. Afanasiev said: "The public equity market plays an essential role in the redistribution of capital. Going public for high tech companies which often experience a lack of borrowing opportunities due to a shortage of collateral funds or an absence of credit history, represents the most effective way for financing. Private equity funds help innovative companies prepare for an IPO and establish good corporate governance practices. At the same time, at IPOs such funds get a market value and liquidity for their investments. The Russian equity market infrastructure is fully ready to host IPOs and attract Russian and international investors".