TSX Group Inc. plans to enter the derivatives business through an acquisition or partnership, rather than building its own platform from scratch, TSX CEO Richard Nesbitt said Friday.

TSX said two years ago it planned to enter derivatives in 2009, when a non-compete agreement that cedes most Canadian derivatives trading to the Montreal Exchange expires. While expectations have grown that TSX will make an acquisition, the company has been vague on the topic.

“Today we believe that a strategic partnership, an acquisition or some combination of these alternatives is preferable to building the platform ourselves,” Nesbitt said in a speech y.

“We are encouraged by the number of other parties who are interested in working with us. We will have more to say to our customers and the marketplace as our plans evolve.”