Deutsche Börse explores tie-up with Euronext

Deutsche Börse is preparing plans to merge with Euronext, which played down a potential takeover bid for the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Euronext said yesterday that it "intends to work constructively with Deutsche Börse" to solve outstanding problems with the proposed merger.

Today, the Frankfurt-based exchange responded: "Deutsche Börse is looking forward to entering into concrete negotiations with Euronext management on realising a combination of the two groups on the basis of a merger of partners with a view to create a global market leader in the industry."

The UK Competition Commission has now cleared a Euronext bid for the LSE. But Euronext said that "circumstances are now different", adding that it would "continue to monitor the situation".

Deutsche Börse dismissed the possibility of a bid for the LSE at present, although it said it could revise its decision "if an offer or possible offer for the London Stock Exchange is announced or in such other circumstances as are permitted by the UK Takeover Code".