BATS Global Markets plans to launch a second U.S. equities exchange in early 2010, the company said Thursday.

The firm said that it is preparing to formally file an application for a second exchange, to be called BYX, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in the coming weeks. Pricing for BYX will be announced at a later date.

“We are pleased to announce plans for a second U.S. equities exchange. BYX will allow us even greater flexibility in pricing and innovation that will result in more choices for the industry,” said Joe Ratterman, CEO of BATS Exchange and BATS Global Markets.

“The launch of BYX is the logical next step in our efforts to make markets better through the creation of innovative trading tools and services that meet the needs of all market participants,” he added.

The company also recently announced plans to open a US options exchange in 2010 and it says that venture will go live in the first quarter.

IE