Office Of Fair Trading Merger Update: Anticipated Acquisition By NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Of London Stock Exchange Group Plc

The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002. Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation, the OFT will further consider whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services that warrants reference to the Competition Commission for investigation and report.

Affected Sector: Financial Services

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest issues to:

Ms Annette Baxter
Office of Fair Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8JX
Email: annette.baxter@oft.gsi.gov.uk
FAX: 020-7211-8916
to arrive by 4 December 2006.