By NISHA GOPALAN
HONG KONG—Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. 0388.HK +2.65% said Friday it entered into a deal to buy the London Metal Exchange for £1.39 billion (US$2.16 billion), giving the city's stock exchange instant entry into commodities trading amid China's growing appetite for metals.
It muscled out shortlisted IntercontinentalExchange Inc. ICE +4.67% as the allure of China swung the balance. But the deal still awaits approval from the U.K.'s Financial Services Authority and shareholders representing at least 75% of LME's ordinary shares.
"It allows us to offer products beyond traditional equities derivatives trading, to currencies, fixed income and commodities. It will bring all-round development for the exchange.""The deal could immediately prop up HKEx to become one of the major global metals and commodities exchanges," Hong Kong Exchanges Chief Executive Charles Li said.
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