Euronext has confirmed it is in exclusive talks to acquire French-based clearing house LCH.Clearnet SA from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).
Confirmation of the talks comes one week after the European Commission stated its objections over the proposed merger of LSEG and Deutsche Boerse had “narrowed”.
LSEG plans to float LCH.Clearnet SA in order to appease anti-competition regulations.
If the acquisition goes ahead, it would be the latest move from the pan-European exchange group to expand its continental European base following its 20% stake in EuroCCP.
However, Euronext stated: “At this stage, there can be no certainty that these discussions will lead to a transaction, or as to the terms on which a transaction, if any, might be agreed.
“Any transaction would be conditional on the successful closing of the merger between LSEG and Deutsche Boerse and other conditions.”