OREANDA-NEWS. PAO "Severstal", one of the world's leading steel and steel-related mining companies, has been named winner of the annual award for Active Corporate Policy in Information Disclosure, by news agencies Interfax and AK&M, which are authorized to disclose corporate information for the stock market.

The jury, comprising representatives from Interfax and AK&M as well as the Bank of Russia, the Moscow Stock Exchange and the Russian Financial Communications and Investor Relations Association (ARFI), recognised Severstal's commitment to full and timely disclosure and noted the company's website as one of the best examples for investor communications. Severstal is consistently among the first listed companies in Russia to publish its financial reports and the Company holds Capital Markets Days and conference calls for investors on regular basis.

Vladimir Gerasimov, executive director of Interfax and chairman of the jury, commented: "This is the second time Severstal has been recognized with the award for Active Corporate Policy in Information Disclosure. This is clear evidence of Severstal's consistent and continuous focus on its information disclosure policy".

Alexey Kulichenko, CFO of Severstal, commented: "Severstal consistently focuses on providing transparency for its investors to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of its performance and aid timely investment decisions. In addition to the requirements of the Moscow and London Stock Exchange and legislation on information disclosure, Severstal strives to maintain best international practices in its investor communications. I would like to thank the jury for this prestigious award. I am sure that it will be well received by the investment community, our customers and our partners."

The prize, a crystal-shaped glass object symbolizing transparency, was presented to Artem Bobulich, corporate secretary of Severstal, at a ceremony in Moscow on December 2. The national Director of the Year awards were also announced at the same ceremony, which was organised by the Association of Independent Directors and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

The Active Corporate Policy of Information Disclosure award was established by Interfax and AK&M in 2003. The award recognizes those companies that issue securities and are distinguished by their provision of full and timely disclosure to potential investors.

One of the award's criteria is whether a company has met its deadlines on disclosing its IFRS accounts and whether these have been comprehensive. Other criteria include communication on corporate events and on ultimate beneficiary owners, simultaneous disclosure to Russian and international investors, and a general assessment of the company's disclosure.