The London Stock Exchange's chief executive said he expected a "reasonably prompt" resolution to takeover discussions with rival Turquoise, as he unveiled his first set of half-year results that demonstrated the impact of such competitors on the exchange’s core equities franchise.

Xavier Rolet, who took over from former LSE chief Clara Furse in May, said he expected a "reasonably prompt" resolution of discussions with Turquoise and was "positive about the state of conversations, although it depends on both sides."