NYSE Euronext to Buy Stake in Quatar's Doha Securities Market

NYSE Euronext, the holding company created by the combination of NYSE Group, and Euronext N.V., is buying a 25% stake in Qatar's Doha Securities Market for US$250 million in cash. NYSE Euronext will manage the exchange for 5 years, help it build its cash and derivatives business, and integrate the latest technologies. In return, NYSE Euronext will gain a foothold in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern markets.

"This deal further solidifies NYSE Euronext's role as a global player. The group already has stakes in a number of European exchanges, and now it is moving into the lucrative Middle Eastern market," said Matthew Samelson, senior analyst at Aite Group, in a press release. "Going forward, we will see more and more of the major exchanges seeking global expansion. Though we are at the early stages, exchange partnering and technology will move the global capital markets toward more seamless integration," he added. The Aite Group specializes in equity market structure, trading venues, and transaction cost analysis.