It is worth noting that ARARATBANK has a proven history as an issuer with securities traded on the stock exchange: the second issue of its corporate bonds was included in NASDAQ OMX Armenia's Bbond list and was just redeemed on December 24, 2009, and the stocks of the company are currently admitted to exchange trading under ticker symbol ARBK.
As of September 30, 2009, the total capital of ARARATBANK was approximately AMD 7.75 billion, while total assets exceeded AMD 29 billion. The bank was established through purchase of shares of "Haykap Bank", which operated in Armenia since 1991. Over 74% of shares of ARARATBANK currently belong to "Flash" Limited Liability Company, one of the leading importers of petrol to Armenia, and 25% is held by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. is the world's largest exchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology and public company services across six continents, and with over 3,900 companies, it is number one in worldwide listings among major markets. NASDAQ OMX technology supports the operations of over 60 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securities depositories in more than 50 countries.
In January 2008, Nordic exchange operator OMX Group acquired 100% of shares of the Armenian Stock Exchange (Armex) and the Central Depository of Armenia (CDA). After the combination of NASDAQ and OMX in February 2008, Armex and CDA have become fully owned by the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.
On January 27, 2009, "Armenian Stock Exchange" ojsc was officially renamed as "NASDAQ OMX Armenia" ojsc. On June 5, 2009, "NASDAQ OMX Armenia" ojsc became the owner of 100% of the shares of the "Central Depository of Armenia" ojsc.
