Regulators still have to sign off on the deal, but the shareholders of both IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) and NYSE Euronext have approved their proposed tie-up.
ICE announced that, following a special meeting of stockholders Monday, its shareholders approved the agreement to acquire NYSE Euronext with approximately 99.68% of the shares at the meeting voted for the approval of the combination, which represents 85.05% of ICE’s outstanding common shares.
NYSE Euronext also announced that its shareholders have approved the acquisition, with approximately 99% of the shares at its special meeting voted for the combination, representing approximately 64% of NYSE Euronext’s outstanding common shares.
“The overwhelming approval by our shareholders confirms our belief that the combined company will be even better positioned to serve customers by combining our respective areas of expertise to create value for our customers and shareholders,” said ICE chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Sprecher.
ICE announced the proposed acquisition of NYSE Euronext on December 20, 2012 following unanimous approval by the companies’ directors. The deal is still subject to approval by relevant competition and other regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Europe, as well as customary closing conditions.
“We are grateful that our shareholders have overwhelmingly recognized the opportunity for long-term value creation and greater benefits for our customers by combining these two highly complementary businesses,” said Jan-Michiel Hessels, chairman of the board of NYSE Euronext.