Antitrust Inquiry: Deutsche Boerse and Nasdaq Under Scrutiny

The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into Deutsche Boerse and Nasdaq over a derivatives agreement from 1999. The inquiry concerns potential breaches of EU competition rules. Both companies claim their cooperation was pro-competitive and plan to defend their positions.

The European Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation against Deutsche Boerse and Nasdaq, alleging anti-competitive behavior related to a 1999 derivatives agreement. The probe focuses on potential violations of EU rules concerning the listing, trading, and clearing of financial derivatives.

Deutsche Boerse's stocks saw an initial drop of 7.3%, though they partially recovered. By mid-day trading, shares were down around 4%. The Commission suspects the groups of possibly forming agreements or concerted practices to avoid competition within the European Economic Area.

Both Deutsche Boerse and Nasdaq emphasize the pro-competitive intent behind the 1999 deal and vow to cooperate with the investigation. The Commission's probe follows surprise inspections in September 2024 and will be conducted with priority.