Amsterdam Exchanges NV and EOE Councils give Go-Ahead for Finalising Merger

The Councils of the EOE European Options Exchange and the Amsterdam Exchanges NV in parallel meetings held yesterday authorised the finalisation of details of plans for an equal merger. The proposed merger is intended to place the Amsterdam securities and derivatives market in a stronger position to fend off growing international competition. On the basis of the plans laid before the two Councils and of the talks which have been going on, the finalised proposals should be ready for approval by the Councils at the end of October.

In outline, the merger will involve the formation of a new public limited liability company, Amsterdam EXchanges AEX (Amsterdamse Beursen N.V.), which will acquire all the shares of the Amsterdam Exchanges NV and the EOE. The two exchanges will become operating companies of AEX. A third operating company will be formed by Amsterdam Securities Depository (ASD), which will be the combined clearing house for the ASE and the EOE. Necigef, the central