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CME Group (CME) In Talks to Potentially Take Over the CBOE

October 19, 2009 7:42 AM EDT
CME Group Inc (NASDAQ: CME) is in talks to take over the Chicago Board of Exchange, a Reuters article reports this morning. The deal is valued at up to $5 billion.

Further talks will take place on Wednesday, and the deal would mean a big payout for CBOE members. The deal would value each CBOE seat at about $4 million, or 50% more than they're valued at today.

Some highlights from the article:The $5 billion values the CBOE at 20 times its expected annual earnings when it converts from a member-owned exchange to a shares-based exchange.

  • The CBOE has sought to become a for-profit shareholder company since 2006.

  • Under the terms of the agreement, CBOT members who own at least 10,251.75 shares in CME Group and hold an exercise right privilege at CBOE and one CBOT B-1 membership will receive an 18 percent equity interest in the CBOE's demutualization as well as a share in the $300 million cash payment. Other members would qualify only for a payment from the cash pool.

  • Several entities and CBOT members have disputed the settlement and have filed court appeals.

  • CBOT, now owned by derivatives exchange CME Group Inc. and some of its members sued the CBOE in 2006, arguing that the historic trading rights also confer equity ownership in CBOE. CBOT helped create the CBOE in 1973.

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