momentum during 1997 compared to the previous year, Government statistics released yesterday show.

Bermuda had 98 more local incorporated companies on the register at the end of 1997, a gain of 14 percent over the number newly registered in 1996. The total number of local incorporated companies on the register at the end of the year was 2,281.

The Island attracted 639 more exempted companies in 1997, a gain of 24 percent over the 486 registered in 1996. The total number of exempted companies on the register at the end of 1997 was 9,105.

The number of exempted partnerships on register grew to 313, with 15 new ones coming on during the year. There were 551 non-resident international companies on register at the end of the year, with 18 new registrations recorded.

Non-resident insurance companies remained the same at 26.

BUSINESS BUC