Deutsche Boerse, NYSE in merger talks

Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext said on Wednesday they are in "advanced discussions" to merge and create the world's largest stock exchange operator by revenues and profits.

"This transaction creates a group that is both a world leader in derivatives and risk management and the premier global venue for capital raising," the firms said in a joint statement.

"The global capital markets would benefit from the creation of the most efficient, transparent and well-regulated markets for issuers and clients around the world," it said.

The announcement came hot on the heels of the London and Toronto stock exchanges unveiling a landmark merger, creating one of the world's biggest trading platforms that will dominate the raw materials and energy sectors.

Shares in Deutsche Boerse were suspended before the announcement while NYSE Euronext soared by close to 20 percent.

Deutsche Boerse's market value is 11.3 billion euros ($15.5 billion) and NYSE Euronext 9.2 billion dollars, based on Friday prices.

It is not the first time that the German firm, which operates the Frankfurt stock exchange, has attempted to go down the aisle with Euronext. Its earlier advances were spurned, however, and in 2007 Euronext merged with the NYSE.

Deutsche Boerse also tried and failed three times to buy the London Stock Exchange (LSE).