LSE and Deutsche Boerse reaffirm merger commitment after Brexit

Deutsche Boerse and London Stock Exchange said they remained fully committed to their $30bn merger on Friday, reiterating that the outcome of the EU referendum played no part in the deal.

The companies said in a joint statement that the referendum does not impact the compelling strategic rationale of the merger.

Joachim Faber, chairman of Deutsche Boerse and chairman of the companies’ referendum committee, said: “The decision of the UK to leave the EU makes it ever more important to maintain and foster ties between the UK and Europe.

"We are convinced that the importance of the proposed combination of Deutsche Boerse and LSEG has increased even further for our customers and will provide benefits for them as well as our shareholders and other stakeholders."

LSE shareholders will vote on the merger at a general meeting on 4 July, while DB shareholders can tender their shares until the end of the exchange offer period on 12 July.

At 0940 BST, LSE shares were down 10% to 2,460p in a broad market selloff.