Financial Support from Invest

RNS Number : 4232M

First Derivatives PLC

29 January 2009

First Derivatives plc

(AIM:FDP.L, IEX:GYQ.I)

Announcement of Financial Support from Invest NI

First Derivatives plc ('FDP' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce that it has secured financial support from Invest Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland's Economic Development Agency) towards the recruitment and training of additional staff. FDP is a leading provider of consultancy and software solutions to the capital markets industry. With a focus on financial institutions, the Company develops, implements and supports a broad range of mission critical trading and risk management systems across front, middle and back-office operations for many of the world's leading financial institutions.

The commitment from Invest Northern Ireland is for over £3.0 million and is to support the Company in the creation of 132 new consultancy positions and 10 new managerial posts over the next 2.5 years. A proportion of the funds, provided by the European Regional Development Fund, is also focused toward the development of staff skills to ensure FDP continues to add to its highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

Chief Executive Brian Conlon said: 'Over the last 12 years FDP has developed a recognized brand in the financial services sector. Our niche products and services continue to enjoy strong demand. Critical to this success has been innovation across all areas of the business, as well as significant investment in training and development. I am delighted that Invest Northern Ireland is supporting us in the further development of our business. This financial support will assist us as we continue with our global growth plans.'