The LSE expands into Europe

I have been particularly vocal about the London Stock Exchange's 'go-it-alone' strategy in light of trans-Atlantic consolidation between competing exchanges NYSE-Euronext and Nasdaq OMX, as well as the increasing threat of competition from emerging MTFs such as Project Turquoise.

Well the latest news is that the LSE instead of pursuing mergers with its larger rivals has decided to expand into Europe by buying Milan's Borsa Italiana for approximately £1.1bn. The question is, will it be enough to fend off competition from its larger consolidated European rivals and emerging competitors such as Project Turquoise which is in advanced negotiations with the Nordic Exchange's OMX Group to use it as its sole technology partner.

However, some bloggers, including myself, question whether the LSE's expansion strategy is a viable one going forward given that Borsa Italiana will not give the London exchange the global leverage cross-Atlantic mergers have given Euronext and now OMX.

For more opinions on the LSE's new-found expansion strategy, which some believe will not be enough to counter the threat from Project Turquoise, go to The CityUnslicker.