Approximately 99.7 percent of NYSE Group, Inc. (NYSE: NYX) shareholders who voted have approved the Exchange's proposed combination with Euronext N.V., whose shareholders yesterday approved this historic transaction that creates the first truly global exchange group. More than 75 percent of eligible shares were voted. Final results of the Special Meeting of NYSE Group Stockholders vote will be available on Thursday, Dec. 21, following final vote certification by inspector of elections Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.
“This is an historic day for NYSE Group and reaffirms our leadership position in global financial markets,” said John A. Thain, Chief Executive Officer, NYSE Group. “Winning the approval of NYSE Group and Euronext shareholders enables us to move forward with our shared vision of building the first truly global exchange group, one with the diversity of product and services and geographic reach that will benefit all of our stakeholders and enable our company to grow.”
NYSE Group Chairman, Marshall N. Carter added: “On behalf of my colleagues on the NYSE Board of Directors, I want to thank our shareholders for their overwhelming support of this strategic business combination. NYSE Euronext will redefine the marketplace for trading cash and derivatives securities, and create new synergies and opportunities for shareholders, investors, issuers and users of our marketplace.”
NYSE Euronext will be the world’s largest and most liquid exchange group with a combined market capitalization of around €21 billion / $27 billion. The combined company will represent the largest cash equities marketplaces with a €19.5 trillion / $25.8 trillion combined total global market capitalization of its listed companies, and will also have global market leadership positions in derivatives, market data and technology. Average daily trading value of the NYSE Euronext will be approximately €77 billion / $102 billion, and the company will encompass the world’s premier listing venues. NYSE Group and Euronext announced plans to merge on June 1, 2006 . The transaction is expected to close in late first quarter 2007.
