The Irish Times: Irish Stock Exchange seeks partner to lure Brexit business

23 September 2017

The Irish Stock Exchange is understood to be on the lookout for another bourse operator to join forces with, marking a departure from its prized independence. The move comes as the firm seeks to position itself for opportunities after Brexit.

While there has been a wave of mergers and acquisitions across the global industry of stock market operators over the past decade, the ISE’s chief executive, Deirdre Somers, has been a strong advocate for the Dublin bourse remaining independent. She has repeatedly said that this has allowed the organisation to remain nimble and support an “ecosystem” in Ireland’s financial services industry, including corporations that issue equity and debt, brokerages and professional services firms.

However, management at the exchange are now believed to be looking at fresh options, including the possibility of a strategic alliance with another European or international exchange. The work is said to be at an early stage.

“Since the Brexit referendum, we have been evaluating potential strategies to ensure that the ISE is well placed to take full advantage of Brexit-related business opportunities,” a spokesman for the exchange said. “This work is ongoing.” [...]

Full article on The Irish Times

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