Some interesting rumors out of London this week focus on speculation of an impending 'closer cooperation' between Scandinavian exchange operator OMX and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The two already cooperate in managing the EDX derivatives platform, and both have been linked to takeover bids from NASDAQ -- one real, one fictional. Specifically, NASDAQ owns a stake in the LSE and has made no secret of its desire for the operation, while last month both OMX and NASDAQ denied reports in a Swedish newspaper that NASDAQ had made an offer for the Scandinavian exchange operator.

The most recent speculation began Thursday, when Clara Furse reportedly made an unscheduled meeting with top OMX management. Details are sketchy -- and unconfirmed -- but developments bear watching...
(by Steve Zwick in Germany)