Nasdaq OMX Group Inc could launch a rival bid for NYSE Euronext to avoid being left on the sidelines, a source said, as traditional exchanges race to merge to see off upstart electronic rivals.
Nasdaq and ICE are withdrawing their bid for rival exchange NYSE Euronext, saying it became clear they would not win approval for the deal from the Department of Justice's antitrust division.
IntercontinentalExchange agreed a $8 billion deal to buy New York Stock Exchange owner NYSE Euronext today, propelling the commodities player into the big league of European derivatives and helping it to take on arch rival CME Group.