The LSE has been the subject of numerous takeover bids in recent years The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has said it is in “advanced” talks with TMX Group, which operates the Toronto Stock Exchange, over a possible merger.
The merged group would be co-headquartered in London and Toronto and would become the world’s largest exchange for mining companies.
The group would have a combined value of about £5.5bn, reports suggest.
A number of leading exchanges have merged in recent years.
The New York Stock Exchange has bought Euronext, while Deutsche Borse has taken over the International Securities Exchange in the US. The LSE, which has successfully fought off a number of take over approaches, has itself bought Borsa Italiana.
“The LSE confirms that it is in advanced talks with TMX Group regarding a possible merger of equals to create an international exchange leader,” the exchange said.
Management of the newly merged group would be “drawn from a balance of leaders from both organisations”, it added.
Reports suggest the talks could be concluded this week.
As well as the Borsa Italiana, the LSE also operates MTS, a European bond market, and the Turquoise trading platform. TMX also operates the Montreal Exchange and the Boston Options Exchange, among others.
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