Nasdaq-EEX Deal Hits Snag: Reportedly Risks Full-Scale Investigation By EU Antitrust Regulators

Nasdaq, Inc. NDAQ and The European Energy Exchange deal could reportedly face a full-scale investigation by EU antitrust regulators unless the Deutsche Boerse unit enhances its measures to address competition concerns.

EEX is aiming to acquire Nasdaq’s European power trading and clearing business, Nasdaq Power, whose platform is meant for users and companies in the Nordics.

The EU antitrust watchdog is unlikely to seek feedback from users and rivals on the already submitted remedies, indicating that these measures are insufficient, reported Reuters.

Notably, remedies were submitted to the EU on May 27, though details were not made public.

As per the report, the European Commission, the EU competition enforcer, is expected to open a full-scale investigation into the deal after its preliminary review ends on June 26, unless EEX strengthens its remedies in the coming days.

Last year, the parties said the deal posed no significant threat to competition in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, or any other EU country. They asserted that it would not eliminate competition between the two companies and noted that market reaction had been positive.

Investors can gain exposure to the stock via IShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF IAI and Natixis Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap ETF VNMC.

Price Action: NDAQ shares are down 0.71% at $58.61 at the last check Monday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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