The merger of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Euronext could lead to a new market in London to compete with the London Stock Exchange (LSE), it was reported this morning.
NYSE chief executive John Thain told the Financial Timesthat it would consider creating a new exchange in London if the acquisition of Paris-based Euronext did not deliver enough international share listings.
Mr Thain also said the NYSE might consider acquiring the LSE, in which US rival Nasdaq already owns a 25.1 per cent stake and is favourite in the takeover race.
Mr Thain told the FTthere were two options if the combined NYSE Euronext bourse could not compete for international listings.
He said the first would be "to set up our own exchange in London" and, referring to a bid for the LSE, he added: "I won't rule out the other option either."