Australian Stock Exchange Ltd ("ASX") and Sydney Futures Exchange Ltd ("SFE") Merger Proposal

The Australian Stock Exchange Limited (ASX) today (June 3) noted the statement to the market by Computershare Limited (CPU) and the Sydney Futures Exchange Limited (SFE). ASX reaffirmed its commitment to the proposal to merge with the Sydney Futures Exchange. The Chairman of ASX, Mr Maurice Newman and Managing Director, Mr Richard Humphry, continue with their direct consultations with SFE members to explain the detail of the ASX merger proposal. They have been greatly encouraged by the response and note that the overwhelming majority of floor members, consulted to date, have indicated their strong support for a merger between ASX and SFE. More than 80 per cent of SFE floor members have already been consulted. ASX is continuing its consultations with all SFE member classes and with the development of all strategic options available to it. "We believe an ASX and SFE merger is best placed to realise substantial benefits and synergies for SFE members," Mr Humphry said. "SFE members are aware that in addition to the cash and shares offered, there are significant benefits likely to result from an integrated market." "ASX has been conducting screen-based trading for more than a decade with world-class and proven technology that remains at the leading edge." Importantly, the ASX merger proposal would provide: an improved platform for growth; greater opportunity for global alliances; a bigger and more diversified customer base; more opportunities for product development and innovation; market efficiencies through centralisation of liquidity; access to efficiencies from better utilisation of fixed costs; potential synergies for market participants and greater efficiencies to consumers, financial intermediaries and capital issuers; better use of technology; consolidation of derivatives expertise; and greater scale economies for the benefit of customers.