LSE Group considering spin off of French division ahead of potential Deutsche Boerse deal, according to reports
London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) is said to be considering a spin off of part of its clearing house, LCH.Clearnet, in an effort to make a potential £20bn takeover by Deutsche Boerse, announced last week, easier.
According to the Financial Times, LSE could spin off the French division of LCH.Clearnet, and may also shift control of the firm's London-based interest rate derivatives business to German rival Eurex.
LSE declined to comment.
LSE and Deutsche Boerse have attempted to strike a deal on two previous occasions, and one obstacle that could hinder the tie-up this time cropped up yesterday in the form of New York Stock Exchange owner Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).
Numis analyst Jonathan Goslin said other prospective buyers may stay quieter in the coming weeks
“You want to be a bit careful in making that public,” he said. “Two notices have come out and the shares are up. You are just making it more expensive for yourself.”
Shares in LSE closed down 0.1 per cent today at 2,867p.