IntercontinentalExchange Inc.’s (ICE) proposed acquisition of NYSE Euronext is another step closer as European authorities sign off on the deal.
ICE said Monday it has received notification from the European Commission that its proposed acquisition of the NYSE has been approved unconditionally.
The transaction is still subject to final approval from the Euronext College of Regulators, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other national financial regulators.
Nevertheless, ICE’s chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Sprecher, welcomed the news from the EC. “We will continue to work with the relevant national regulators during the process of reviewing and completing the transaction,” he said.
“This is obviously a significant step forward in completing our compelling combination,” added NYSE CEO, Duncan Niederauer, “We now look forward to working with our regulators to obtain the final approvals necessary to close the transaction.”