Toronto, Ontario – Monday, December 17th, 2012 – CNSX Markets Inc. (“CNSX”), operator of the Canadian National Stock Exchange and Pure Trading, is very pleased to announce that its shareholders today approved an investment led by Urbana Corporation (“Urbana”) (TSX: URB, URB.A). Under the terms of the deal, Urbana has invested $1.6 million in CNSX, and has committed to backstopping a follow-up round available on the same terms to current shareholders, directors, officers and employees. Urbana has also extended an offer to acquire additional shares from current shareholders. Following these transactions, Urbana will be a significant shareholder of CNSX.

CNSX CEO Richard Carleton says, “We are delighted to be working with the Urbana team and other shareholders to expand the range of listings and trading services we provide to the Canadian investment community. With a focus on early stage public companies and the dealers who support these issuers, we are well positioned to accelerate the growth we have experienced on the Canadian National Stock Exchange over the last two years.”

CNSX shareholders also elected three new members to the Board today: two of Urbana’s directors, Thomas S. Caldwell and George D. Elliott, along with Brendan T.N. Caldwell, President & CEO of Caldwell Investment Management Ltd., Urbana’s investment manager. Continuing directors are Adam Conyers, Aubrey Baillie, Jeffrey MacIntosh and Joel Strickland.
In a press release issued earlier today, Urbana’s Chairman, Thomas S. Caldwell, stated, “CNSX is a wonderful alternative platform which can be immensely helpful to securities dealers seeking a competitive venue on which to trade. For emerging companies looking for an exchange on which to list efficiently, the CNSX is outstanding. Given the new landscape in the Canadian exchange sector, CNSX’s flexibility and advantages make it a great addition to Urbana’s portfolio, with significant upside potential both as a business and an investment.”
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For further information please contact (for CNSX) Richard Carleton, CEO, at 416-528-1257.
For Urbana Corporation, please contact, Elizabeth Naumovski, Urbana Corporation Investor Relations at 416-595-9106.
About CNSX Markets:

CNSX Markets Inc. is a Canadian company established in 2001 that operates the Canadian National Stock Exchange and Pure Trading. The company was recognized by the Ontario Securities Commission as a stock exchange in 2004, and in 2007 with the launch of Pure Trading, provided the Canadian trading community with the first competing electronic continuous auction market facility. In 2011, trading volume increased by 45% over the previous year while the number of listings grew for the 8th consecutive year. CNSX provides listing and trading services to a wide range of Canadian and international issuers by offering low fees and innovative continuous disclosure features designed to minimize regulatory costs while improving the quality of information available to investors. With over 185 securities listed, and 90 participating dealers, CNSX is an attractive and growing venue for issuers of equity and debt securities from all business sectors.

CNSX Markets Inc. Announces Investment Led by Urbana Corporation