NYSE EURONEXT TO ENTER PRECIOUS METALS TRADING ARENA

Posted March 14, 2008

CHICAGO and NEW YORK – NYSE Euronext will purchase the CBOT Metals Complex, a venue for trading full and e-mini gold and silver futures, and options on futures contracts, operated by Chicago-based CME Group, pending regulatory approval.

“The addition of CME Group’s precious metals market gives NYSE Euronext a point of entry in the US futures business,” says Duncan L. Niederauer, Chief Executive Officer, NYSE Euronext. “With Liffe, NYSE Arca Options and our pending acquisition of the Amex Options business, NYSE Euronext has a strong and innovative global derivatives franchise.”

Precious metals derivatives are currently traded on e-CBOT, an electronic trading platform that is managed by Atos Euronext Market Solutions (AEMS) and powered by an earlier version of the LIFFE Connect derivatives trading system. NYSE Euronext believes market participants will benefit from its purchase of the Metals Complex because NYSE Euronext has invested in improving its LIFFE Connect derivatives trading platform.

“This acquisition will enable us to leverage Liffe’s global distribution network, leading edge technology, and broad range of risk management products for the benefit of our diverse customer base,” says Hugh Freedberg, Group Executive Vice President and Head of Global Derivatives at NYSE Euronext. “We expect a smooth transition for customers, as the CME Group Metals Complex operates on a version of our LIFFE Connect platform.”

The precious metals complex will continue to be cleared at CME Clearing on an interim basis, after which NYSE Euronext plans to provide for an alternative clearing solution. NYSE Euronext also is planning to set up its own designated contract market for the products traded on the CBOT Metals Complex.

Craig Donohue, CME Group Chief Executive Officer says customers will "encounter minimal, if any, inconveniences" because of the deal. CBOT launched the Metals Complex in October 2001 as the first all-electronic gold and silver trading venue with an electronic delivery system.

“This transaction is beneficial for our current metal customers, and at the same time, maintains the integrity of our exclusive agreement to list NYMEX and COMEX products on our CME Globex electronic trading platform,” adds Terry Duffy, Executive Chairman, CME Group.