An exchange takeover or break-up of LCH.Clearnet, the independent Anglo-French clearing house, may be on the cards, amid a wave of broader consolidation sweeping the global trading landscape.

Last week, NYSE Euronext, the transatlantic exchange group currently in the process of merging with Deutsche Börse, confirmed that it was involved in a bid for LCH.Clearnet. Other names understood to be circling the business include data provider Markit, exchange Nasdaq OMX and the London Stock Exchange, although the LSE has formally denied that it has been in any discussions with LCH.Clearnet.