The London Stock Exchange's diversification and growth strategy passed a milestone this morning after the Office of Fair Trading backed the exchange's long-trailed purchase of a majority stake in LCH. Clearnet.

However, the LSE also said it is in discussions with LCH.Clearnet regarding potentially revising the commercial terms of the deal after the international clearing was hit with new regulatory capital requirements in September. Peter Lendardos, an analysts from RBC Capital Markets, said he expected the LSE to secure a lower price for the company.