Montreal Exchange Inc. (MX) announced Friday that it has filed an application to the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) for an amendment of its recognition as a self-regulatory organization and its authorization to carry on business as an exchange.

The amendment to MX’s recognition order is required in the context of its proposed combination with TSX Group Inc.

Meanwhile, the AMF has issued a press release informing the public of the consultation process that will be followed in regards to the MX application.

MX shareholders will vote on the proposal in a special general meeting to be held on February 13.

The MX says it welcomes the consultation process of the AMF, which will provide all interested stakeholders with an opportunity to express their opinions about the proposed business combination.

In addition to the application filed by MX, the AMF is publishing: legislative provisions applicable to SROs; the exchange authorization criteria; and the recognition order currently in effect.

Comments are invited by March 3. Also, on March 26 and 27, the AMF will hold a public consultation on this matter in Montreal. At the conclusion of this process, AMF staff will complete their analysis, taking into account the observations submitted, and the AMF will publish its decision.

The AMF says it will examine the application following certain principles: that MX satisfies all the requirements enabling it to fully assume its role as an SRO and a derivatives exchange; ensuring the sustainability of the MX as an organization specialized in derivatives markets, including regulatory and oversight activities; ensuring that the MX will have sufficient resources to continue its growth in North American and international derivatives markets; promoting efficiency in and expansion of the derivatives market in Québec; ensuring investor protection; and, maintaining the capacity of the AMF to effectively exercise its oversight.

The documents will be available in section 7.1 of the weekly AMF Bulletin and under “Public Consultations” on the AMF website at www.lautorite.qc.ca.