NYSE Euronext and the American Stock Exchange announced that members of the Amex Membership Corp. approved the adoption of the merger agreement between AMC and NYSE Euronext.

The Securities and Exchange Commission must still approve the rule changes related to the transaction before it becomes final.

Under the terms of the agreement, NYSE Euronext will pay US$260 million in NYSE Euronext common stock for the Amex. In addition, Amex members will be entitled to receive additional shares of NYSE Euronext common stock calculated by reference to net proceeds, if any, from the expected sale of Amex’s lower Manhattan headquarters.

Preliminary results indicate that Amex members voted 695 to seven in favor of the transaction, representing approximately 84% of the total members outstanding and entitled to vote on this transaction.

Duncan Niederauer, NYSE Euronext CEO, said, “We look forward to closing the transaction and to bringing our businesses together for the benefit of our customers and shareholders.”

“We are pleased that the AMC membership strongly supports this transaction,” added Neal Wolkoff, Amex chairman and CEO. “The approval by seat owners is an important step to complete this compelling and strategic business combination.”