Euronext chairman and CEO Jean-François Théodore said last week that a derivatives tie-up with Eurex was "part of the beauty" of a potential merger with European rival Deutsche Börse, a prospect which he said was now firmly on the agenda.
Speaking during the announcement of Euronext's 2005 financial results, Théodore explained that the exchange "intends to work constructively [with Deutsche Börse] to try to find creative solutions to bridge the gaps" between the two exchanges.
Deutsche Börse echoed that sentiment last week, saying in a statement that it was "looking forward to entering into concrete negotiation" with Euronext.
The exact implications and integration issues thrown up by a merger of the exchanges' respective derivatives arms last week remained unclear. However, both Théodore and interim Eurex CEO Reto Francioni have now highlighted...