9 February 2011 Last updated at 17:26 GMT
NYSE Euronext and Deutsche Boerse in merger talks
Two of world's leading exchanges, Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext, are in advanced talks about a merger.
The deal would create the world's biggest stock exchange firm by revenue and profits and would be jointly based in New
York and Frankfurt.
But the two warned there was no guarantee that discussions would end with a deal.
The announcement came on the day that the London Stock Exchange (LSE) confirmed a tie-up with Canada's TMX.
Deutsche Boerse shareholders would own between 59%-60% of the combined exchange, while NYSE shareholders would hold
40%-41%, a joint statement said.
The two would be able to save about 300m euros ($411m; £255m) through merging, as well as boosting revenues, it added.
ENDS