MacBank jumps on exchange talk
From correspondents in London
MACQUARIE Bank has appointed Goldman Sachs to advise on a possible takeover approach for the London Stock Exchange, sources familiar with the situation said overnight.
Europe’s largest share exchange is still the target of possible bids from rivals Euronext and Deutsche Boerse as well as Macquarie Bank (mbl.ASX:Quote,News).
After a long inquiry, the UK Competition Commission cleared the way last week for Euronext to make a bid, subject to certain conditions. The LSE then said on Thursday it was in talks to bring the offer period to an end and return STG250 million ($601 million) to shareholders.
But British newspapers overnight speculated an approach from Macquarie could come as early as this week.
Macquarie Bank shares jumped on the news early today, up 99 cents or 1.47 per cent to $68.19 at 1024 AEDT.