TSX Group Inc. reports it has entered into an agreement granting it the option to acquire a leading Canadian electronic trading platform and clearing facility for crude oil.

Calgary-based NetThruPut Inc. (NTP) is jointly owned by Enbridge Inc. and Circuit Technology Ltd. Today’s agreement gives TSX the option to acquire NTP after March 15, 2009.

“We are very excited about this transaction as it complements both our NGX business and our strength in energy in our existing equity markets,” says Richard Nesbitt, CEO of TSX Group. “This arrangement will allow us to further expand on our footprint in the energy space in North America.”

TSX Group has paid $9.5 million for the right to acquire NTP from its shareholders Enbridge and Circuit Technology at a price between $40 million and $95 million depending on NTP’s 2008 net earnings. The purchase price payable to Circuit Technology will be satisfied by the issuance of TSX Group shares, subject to Toronto Stock Exchange regulatory approval. This agreement also provides Enbridge and Circuit Technology with the right to sell NTP under the same terms to TSX Group. Exercise of the option by either TSX Group or the NTP shareholders is subject to certain closing conditions.

NTP provides a secure internet-based crude oil trading and clearing platform for customers to transact business anonymously in real-time with the assurance of guaranteed commodity delivery and payment. These services are augmented by timely access to current and historical market indicators.

NTP has created a liquid marketplace for buying and selling crude oil. This is achieved through instant access to a wide market audience, creating price transparency, and lower processing and administration costs. Since its inception in January 1999, NTP has grown to be a central feature of the market for a large majority of Canada’s leading oil traders, including producers, refiners, and marketers.