Australia’s Macquarie Group has confirmed that it is contemplating a bid for the London Stock Exchange. However, no bid has been made so far.

In response to recent press speculation surrounding a potential bid for the London Stock Exchange, the Macquarie Group says it is always considering a number of potential acquisition opportunities, including, “a possible formal approach being made to the London Stock Exchange plc.”

“However, Macquarie’s deliberations are at the most preliminary of stages and, therefore, there is no guarantee that any such deliberations will lead to a formal approach and/or offer being made for the London Stock Exchange plc,” it adds. “If any bid were made, it would be as part of a consortium and if any such offer is made it is likely to be solely in cash.”

The LSE has already received bids from both Euronext NV and the Deutsche Borse AG. However,competition regulators in the UK have expressed concern about either deal harming competition in the clearing and settlement business.

The LSE issued a statement acknowledging the announcement by Macquarie Group, and confirming that the company has received no formal approach.

It added that its strong first quarter results, “reinforce the board’s confidence in the exchange’s growth prospects as an independent group.”