We pass this on, for what it’s worth, but without offering any insight as to whether it is true or false: shares in the LSE jumped by almost 15 per cent on Wednesday on intense speculation that CME, the Chicago exchange, is looking at a takeover of the London spot equities market.
This follows news on Tuesday that arch rival NYSE Euronext had beaten the Brits to a wide-ranging development deal with the Doha Securities Market in Qatar.
For CME, a takeover of the LSE would be an alternative to its plan to acquire Nymex in New York, which has faced stiff opposition.
The first commenter to ask below whether the LSE should be issuing a statement on its share price move will be banned from this site for life.
Related links:
The London Stock Exchange left on the shelf – again – FT Alphaville
LSE pushed aside as US rival scoops 25% of Qatar exchange – FT story
CME move on New York more likely to be blocked – FT story