After NYSE Failure, Will NASDAQ Make Another Acquisition Play? (NDAQ)

After the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. NDAQ retreated from its bid to acquire to the NYSE Euronext NYX, it may be looking to acquire a different exchange operator, experts argue. While NYSE CEO Bob Greifeld is likely on a tight rope after his joint bid with the IntercontinentalExchange ICE fell through, he is likely to be aggressive in any new effort. According to a Reuters report, "Bankers and investors were quick to point to the London Stock Exchange Group Plc LSE as a potential target. An LSE deal to buy TMX Group Inc (TSE: X) ran into problems this weekend, when a group of Canadian banks and pension funds launched a rival offer for the Toronto Stock Exchange owner." A banker familiar with the exchanges industry told Reuters that the "LSE will look toward Nasdaq if it does not get a deal with TMX. Nasdaq does not bring derivatives, but it is a more attractive option (for LSE) than ICE." Others point to the Singapore Exchange Ltd, after Australia turned down its bid for ASX Ltd last month. As of March 31, NASDAQ had over $700 million in cash and equivalents, so the company is obviously looking to acquire growth. Watch for the company to stay quiet for a few months as it "regroups." Don't be surprised to see CEO Greifeld make another move in the near future.