The Nasdaq OMX Group, Inc. announced that it has bolstered its commodity trading capabilities after having received regulatory approval to complete its acquisition of a Norwegian trading firm, Nord Pool ASA.

Nord Pool ASA holds a Norwegian exchange license and operates the Nordic Power market and the European Carbon market on one trading platform. As a result of the deal, Nasdaq OMX Commodities now includes the world’s largest power derivatives exchange and one of Europe’s largest carbon exchanges, the firm said.

“We are pleased to complete this acquisition as it forms one of the cornerstones in our strategy to become the global leader in the commodity exchange business,” said Hans-Ole Jochumsen, executive vice president Nasdaq OMX.

“This transaction will allow us to further improve our services, offer more efficient solutions and swiftly meet changes and new requirements in the commodities markets,” says Geir Reigstad, senior vice president of Nasdaq OMX Commodities.

Nasdaq OMX acquired Nord Pool Clearing ASA and Nord Pool Consulting AS in October 2008. This latest acquisition does not include the Nordic physical electricity market operated by Nord Pool Spot AS.

IE