By Andrea Hotter
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (0388.HK) has been picked
as the preferred bidder to buy the London Metal Exchange, and says
the LME and its members will significantly increase trading volumes
through improved access to China. The LME says it is a "compelling
strategic opportunity" to grow its business, particularly in Asia
and specifically in China.
What is the rationale for the deal?
EXISTING BUSINESS MODEL INTACT
-The deal preserves the LME's unique business model, including
open-outcry trading in the ring, daily prompt date contract
structure, membership structure and capacity for warehousing and
physical delivery.
-Hong Kong Exchanges will not increase fees for contracts
currently traded on the LME beyond the levels to be implemented on
July 2 before Jan. 1, 2015.
-HKEx will support the development of the LME's own clearing
house, LME Clear, designed specifically to meet the needs of LME
members.
-The LME will remain based in London as a regulated investment
exchange, under supervision of U.K. regulator the Financial
Services Authority.
FUTURE INITIATIVES
After the deal, Hong Kong Exchanges plans the following:
-to enhance market data distribution and connectivity into Asia
(including China)
-to support the LME in expanding its warehouse network in Asia
(including China)
-the introduction of new products and services
-expansion of the number of mainland Chinese participants and
clients
-to develop the LME over time in accordance with the needs of
its members and market participants
-to enhance the IT infrastructure of the LME and support its
strategy of progressively upgrading its core IT platforms to drive
business growth.
COMMENTS
Martin Abbott, LME chief executive said: "This proposed
combination will secure the future of the LME for its next 135
years. The LME's global benchmarks plus Hong Kong Exchanges'
pre-eminent market position in Asia, its IT and trading resources
and clearing expertise will cement the LME's position as the
world's foremost base metals trading venue."
Charles Li, Hong Kong Exchanges' chief executive: "The
acquisition of LME Holdings represents a unique opportunity for us
to acquire in one stroke a position of global leadership in the
commodities market. This is consistent with our strategy to expand
beyond equities and equity derivatives and offers significant
opportunities for revenue growth. Hong Kong Exchanges brings a
unique ability to help the LME grow its business in Asia and,
particularly, China and we will capitalize on this to deliver value
for all our stakeholders. We are looking forward to working with
the team at the LME to achieve these objectives."
Write to Andrea Hotter at andrea.hotter@wsj.com