Alternext wants to double number of listed firms

PARIS Oct 12 (Reuters) - Jean-Francois Theodore, deputy chief executive of NYSE Euronext (NYX.N), said on Monday he wanted to double the number of companies quoted on Alternext, the exchange for small- and mid-sized companies, in the next 18 months.

"We want to commit to doubling the number of companies listed on Alternext in the coming 18 months or so, and in the following year, get another 100 new ones," he said during a news conference on access to the market for SMEs.

Some 126 companies are currently listed on Alternext. (Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey; Writing by Helen Massy-Beresford; Editing by Dan Lalor)