A landmark merger between NYSE Euronext and Deutsche Börse is this week expected to be referred to a so-called Phase II review by the European Commission's antitrust division, lasting up to 90 days. Opposition to the deal has been fierce, and has focussed on how the deal will stifle competition and create a monopoly. Financial News considers the counter-arguments.

Here, Financial News provides 10 counter-arguments to those critics of the deal.