A US exchange analyst has backed NYSE Euronext's $260m (â¬178m) bid to acquire loss-making rival the American Stock Exchange, arguing the deal represents "a new opportunity for the NYSE" and a valuable addition to its growing options business.
The deal, announced last night, followed weeks of speculation that the largest US equities market was set to maker an offer for the third-ranked US stock exchange in its latest bid to pile pressure on Nasdaq, its main domestic trading rival.
