Nasdaq Considering Bid For NYSE Euronext

Apparently feeling left out of the latest round of exchange M&A fever, Nasdaq OMX Group NDAQ could launch a rival bid for NYSE Euronext NYX to compete with the $10.2 billion Germany's Deutsche Boerse is offering the operator of the New York Stock Exchange. Nasdaq could also sell itself or opt to acquire another rival if it isn't able to beat out Deutsche Boerse for NYSE Euronext, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Nasdaq is thinking about a bid for NYSE Euronext. Last week, press reports said Nasdaq could team up with IntercontinentalExchange ICE to make a competing offer for NYSE Euronext.. A source cited by Reuters also said Nasdaq could partner with CME Group CME to make competing offer. The Chicago Tribune reported last week that CME could consider making a rival bid for NYSE Euronext. A Nasdaq-ICE combined effort would make sense as Nasdaq could focus on the equities trading business while ICE could use NYSE Euronext to bolster its derivatives business. CBOE Holdings CBOE has also been mentioned by various outlets as a possible takeover candidate.