Deal gets green light

The European Commission approved InterContinental Exchange's proposed US$8.2 billion (about $8.9 billion) takeover of NYSE Euronext, finding the two firms are not direct competitors in most markets.

InterContinental Exchange (ICE) is the buyer and NYSE Euronext is the company being acquired in this deal.

The proposed takeover is valued at US$8.2 billion, which the article also notes is approximately $8.9 billion in another currency reference.

The acquisition gives ICE control of the New York Stock Exchange and London-based Liffe, which is highlighted in the article.

Liffe is a London-based derivatives market and is described as Europe's second-largest derivatives market — an important venue for trading futures and options that investors and market participants watch closely.

The European Commission said ICE and NYSE Euronext are not direct competitors in most markets, which was a key reason it approved the transaction from a regulatory competition perspective.

The article reports regulatory approval by the European Commission, which is a major step, but it does not provide further details on closing conditions or timing; everyday investors may want to follow official company announcements for next steps and any additional approvals.

According to the article, the deal gives ICE control of significant exchange platforms (the NYSE and Liffe), which represents a notable consolidation in exchange ownership; investors may want to monitor any future developments that could affect market access or product offerings.