Euronext, which operates stock exchanges in Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, London and Paris, has agreed a deal to acquire The Irish Stock Exchange for €137m — with one eye firmly on opportunities that arise from Brexit.

The exchange operator has agreed the takeover with ISE's five shareholders: J&E Davy, Goodbody Stockbrokers, Investec Capital & Investments, Cantor Fitzgerald  and Campbell O’Connor, it announced today. The deal is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2018, Euronext said in a statement, subject to regulatory approval.