Regulators clear CME-CBOT merger

The US Department of Justice has approved the takeover of the Chicago Board of Trade by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, saying it was "not likely to substantially reduce competition".

The merger had been cast into doubt by a rival bid from the Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange (Ice), which had suggested that combining the two Chicago bourses would significantly reduce competition. But the regulator said the two exchanges "seldom compete head-to-head".

The most important competition for the exchanges is the over-the-counter (OTC) market, which will persist – OTC competition and customer demand were more important than competition between exchanges in maintaining innovation, the department added.

Although CME shares rose slightly after the announcement, the Ice bid is still worth more, valuing CBOT shares at $211.85 in Ice stock at closing prices, against $194.97 in CME stock in the CME offer.

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here