Flotation possible

LSE shareholders will be allowed to trade the shares on a "matched bargain" basis through brokerage Cazenove & Co, but none will be allowed to own more than 4.9%. Dealing in the shares is expected to start in late April or early May. Demutualisation also raises the question of a flotation. The exchange said further decisions would depend on the views of its new shareholders.
Gavin Casey: Keen to maintain influence
The change will also make it easier for the LSE to take part in an expected reshaping of Europe's bourses. A round of mergers is expected to consolidate the large number of national exchanges into a smaller group of main players. "With technology, the actual location isn't quite what it used to be because very few exchanges now have floors, it's mainly done by electronic trading and execution," said Mr Casey. "But obviously as the largest market in Europe we are very keen to maintain the influence of the London market and come up with a very efficient solution."