NEW YORK, Dec. 19 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Atticus Capital LP, the largest
shareholder of Euronext, today announced that it intends to fully support
Euronext’s imminent merger with the NYSE Group. Timothy Barakett, Chairman
and CEO of Atticus, commented, "We believe that NYSE Euronext will be the
clear leader in the global exchange space, with the largest market
capitalization and daily value traded, as well as the highest number and
capitalization of listed companies."
David Slager, Vice Chairman of Atticus, added, "This transaction will
transform a European leader into a truly global champion, with shareholders,
users, listed companies and the city of Paris all benefiting from its
transformation."
Shareholders will be rewarded by both the growth outlook and cost savings
of the combined business. Users will benefit from deeper and more liquid
markets, covering more listed companies and potential fee reductions in the
cash equities market. Listed companies will gain more listing options, a
more global distribution platform through which to reach investors, and
better visibility through the NYSE’s premier brand.
Paris will be changed from a strong continental capital market to one of
the premier global centers of capital-raising. With a renewed competitiveness
in attracting listings vis-a-vis London, we believe Paris will benefit from
an influx of banking, investment, and related jobs. We believe that these
benefits will be further magnified as a result of the NYSE Group’s plans to
utilize Paris as the hub of potential future global expansion and alliances.
We applaud Mssrs. Hessels and Theodore, and the entire Euronext
management team on their thoughtful and strategic guidance, which has made
this combination possible.
About Atticus Capital LP
Atticus Capital, LP, is a leading asset management firm, with more than
$13.5 billion of assets under management. Founded by Timothy Barakett in
1995, the firm is headquartered in New York with an office in London.
Atticus invests in global securities markets on behalf of major institutions,
endowments, pension funds, and private investors. Timothy Barakett, Chairman
and CEO, and David Slager, Vice Chairman, lead the firm’s portfolio
management team. Nathaniel Rothschild, Co-Chairman, and Matthew Edmonds,
President, also sit on the firm’s management committee.