The proposed merger between Deutsche Börse AG and London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LSE) has taken another step toward completion with three-quarters of Deutsche’s shareholders supporting the deal so far.
Specifically, Deutsche Börse announced on Wednesday that more than 75% of its shares have been tendered under the exchange offer to facilitate the merger with the LSE. The offer period expires on Aug. 12 and the final results will be announced on Aug. 17.
LSE shareholders have already approved the deal. However, the transaction is also still subject to several conditions, including approval by the European Commission and by financial, securities and other regulatory authorities. Deutsche Börse and the LSE expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2017.
“We welcome that a large majority of our shareholders has approved the industry-defining merger of Deutsche Börse Group and London Stock Exchange Group,” says Gregor Pottmeyer, chief financial officer of Deutsche Börse, in a statement. “This high acceptance level is a strong vote of confidence and a major milestone. We will now focus to receive regulatory approvals.”