Following two separate transactions, Nasdaq increased its stake in the LSE to 24.1% having previously held 18.7% interest in the LSE.
By increasing its stake in the bourse beyond the 20% mark, Nasdaq can now begin recording part of the LSE’s earnings on its own financial statements. Perhaps more significantly however, Nasdaq will now hold a greater bargaining position should any other rivals attempt to bid for the LSE. The New York Stock Exchange has, for example, been touted as a likely counter bidder.
Earlier this year, Nasdaq withdrew from an opportunity to make a full offer for the LSE.
