LSE says not in talks with LCH.Clearnet

LONDON (Reuters) - The London Stock Exchange <LSE.L> said it is not in talks with LCH.Clearnet, following speculation that it had been one of a number of exchanges that had made a bid for the European clearinghouse.

In a short statement on Sunday, the LSE - the owner of the London bourse - said: "The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) notes the recent press speculation regarding it and LCH.Clearnet Group.

"LSEG confirms that it is not engaged in any discussions with LCH regarding a possible transaction."

On Saturday, LCH.Clearnet confirmed it had received "various proposals" from exchange operators interested in some form of business tie-up [ID:nLDE74R065].

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday that NYSE Euronext <NYX.N>, Nasdaq OMX Group <NDAQ.O> and the LSE had made offers for the clearinghouse, with the Financial Times putting the LSE bid value at 1 billion euros ($1.43 billion).

The exchanges are in the midst of a wave of consolidation, with the LSE having agreed a $3 billion bid to buy Canadian peer TMX Group <X.TO>.

Clearinghouses stand between parties to a trade to guarantee obligations if there is a default.

($1=.6982 Euro)

(Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)