OREANDA-NEWS. MMC Norilsk Nickel became a laureate of the first award Thomson Extel Survey – Focus Russia 2007. Thomson Extel Company held a survey among financial market investors and analysts, according to the results of which survey participants named MMC Norilsk Nickel Russia’s best company in mining and metallurgy industry, Norilsk Nickel's press service reported.

MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Director for Investor Relations Dmitry Usanov, who was named the best investor relations professional in the Russian mining and metallurgy sector in 2007, says that relations with the investors community has traditionally been a priority for the management of the Company. Open two-way communication with shareholders and investors provides for greater operational transparency of MMC Norilsk Nickel and improvements in corporate management and results in the growth of the Company’s market value.

"I am happy that the market adequately appreciates the achievements of MMC Norilsk Nickel’s management in strategic development and operations, which has brought us to the point of becoming the industry’s best  company. Professional management, market conditions and the physical presence of the Company in all of the important international centers of mining and metallurgy sector provide a firm basis for development in the future and confidence of our shareholders as to whether they have made the right choice," Dmitry Usanov emphasized.

Thomson Extel Survey – Focus Russia 2007 featured participation of more than 300 experts from 152 asset management companies in 17 countries including 49.43% from Russia, 12.5% from Great Britain, 7.89% from Germany, 7.24% from the USA, 5.26% from France, 3.95% from Scandinavian countries, 3.95% from Switzerland, 2.63% from Asia, 2.63% from Italy and 4.61% from other countries.