LONDON (AFX) - John Thain, the chief executive of NYSE Group, the operator of the New York Stock Exchange, is expected to open talks with Euronext NV this week, in an attempt to muscle in on the pan-European exchange operator's protracted merger discussions with Deutsche Boerse AG, the Sunday Telegraph reported without citing any sources.
Thain has held informal discussions with Euronext CEO Jean Francois Theodore within the past few weeks, but after completing a 1.54 bln usd secondary share offering last week, the NYSE boss is now free to engage in formal merger discussions with rival exchanges, the newspaper said.
A move by NYSE for London Stock Exchange PLC has also been mooted, although it is understood that there has been no contact between Thain and LSE chief executive Clara Furse, it added.
The paper said the potential move from NYSE comes amid mounting political opposition to a deal between Euronext and Deutsche Boerse.
Euronext had previously said it would indicate its preferred merger partner at its annual general meeting on May 23, but that deadline has now been pushed back indefinitely to allow Theodore more time to assess his options, the Sunday Telegraph said. newsdesk@afxnews.com ak COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited