NYSE Euronext announced that it is buying the CME Group’s Metals Complex, and will shift trading of gold and silver futures and options to its derivatives trading system, LIFFE, later this year, pending regulatory approvals.

Under terms of the agreement, NYSE Euronext will acquire the CBOT Metals Complex from CME Group, including its volume and open interest. CBOT will continue to act as the Designated Contract Market for the products until NYSE Euronext establishes its own DCM. CME Group has agreed to provide clearing services for up to one year.

“The addition of CME Group’s precious metals market gives NYSE Euronext a point of entry in the U.S. futures business,” said Duncan Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext. “With Liffe, NYSE Arca Options and our pending acquisition of the Amex Options business, NYSE Euronext has a strong and innovative global derivatives franchise.”

“CME Group is pleased to transition its precious metals products to NYSE Euronext,” said Terry Duffy, CME Group executive chairman. “This transaction is beneficial for our current metal customers, and at the same time, maintains the integrity of our exclusive agreement to list NYMEX and COMEX products on our CME Globex electronic trading platform.”