The Deutsche Börse’s board is supporting exchange management’s decision to pursue merger talks with Euronext NV.

The supervisory board of Deutsche Börse announced after its meeting on March 30, that it welcomed the decision of the executive board to enter into concrete negotiations with Euronext on a potential combination of the two companies. The supervisory board added that it shares the views outlined by the executive board on the logic of such a deal.

“After extensive discussions we are convinced that a merger of partners with Euronext is the best possible approach to create a truly European exchange organization,” said chairman Kurt Viermetz. “We expect such combination to result in significant synergies and improved growth prospects for all market participants, as well as to create value for shareholders in both companies.”

Deutsche Börse CEO Reto Francioni commented, “As far as Deutsche Börse is concerned all prerequisites are met and there is a clear mandate to enter timely into negotiations with Euronext with the goal to create a European exchange organization.”