Summary
CME Group Inc. (CME) has announced a significant strategic move by entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire CBOT Holdings, Inc. (CBOT). This transaction represents a major consolidation within the futures and options exchange industry, combining two prominent players. The acquisition is structured with a stock-and-cash component, offering CBOT shareholders the option to receive 0.3006 shares of CME Class A common stock or a cash equivalent per CBOT Class A common stock. Investors should note that the cash portion of the deal is capped at $3 billion and may be subject to proration, meaning the full cash election might not be available for all CBOT shareholders if the limit is exceeded.
Key Highlights
- 1CME Group Inc. (CME) has entered into a merger agreement to acquire CBOT Holdings, Inc. (CBOT).
- 2CBOT shareholders will receive 0.3006 shares of CME Class A common stock per CBOT Class A common stock, or a cash election.
- 3The cash consideration is subject to an aggregate limit of $3 billion and may be prorated if exceeded.
- 4The transaction is subject to affirmative votes from both CME and CBOT stockholders.
- 5Regulatory approvals are required for the merger to proceed.
- 6The expected closing date for the transaction is mid-year 2007.
- 7The filing also indicates this report satisfies communications under Rule 425 of the Securities Act.