gained theapproval of the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa, or CONSOB, forthe Italian prospectus of its IPO.

Theprospectus is related to COIMA's proposed trading of shares on the MercatoTelematico Azionario, or MTA. The approval took place after the companyreceived permission to list its shares on the MTA.

COIMAplans to raise minimum €215 million by offering 30 million shares derived froma capital increase, excluding option rights. The company plans to offer theshares to qualified institutional investors in Italy and certain institutionalinvestors in and outside the U.S.

Theoffer period is expected to end on May 9, unless extended or terminated earlierwith prior notice.

BorsaItaliana SpA served as the organizer and manager of the IPO, as previouslyreported. Banca diCredito Finanziario SpA and Citigroup Global Markets Ltd. are the joint globalcoordinators.

Kempen& Co. NV, Banca IMI SpA and UniCredit Bank AG are acting as jointbook-runners of the offering, while Mediobanca – Banca di Credito FinanziarioSpA is serving as the sponsor.