NYX Nyse Euronext

The CME Group Inc. (CME), NYSE Euronext (NYX), IntercontinentalExchange Inc. (ICE) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (0388.HK) are on a short list of bidders for the London Metal Exchange, Reuters reported Thursday on its website, citing people close to the matter.

Around 15 firms had initially expressed interest in the LME. Bidders have until May 7 to submit second-round offers.

An LME spokesman told Reuters the exchange "can confirm that it has been hosting a series of meetings with interested parties and that this process is continuing.

"We cannot name any of the organisations involved due to formal confidentiality agreements."

Full story at: www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/29/lme-sale-idUSL6E8ET4JP20120329

-Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2900