The European Commission opened an in-depth to assess whetherthe proposed merger between Deutsche Börse AG and London Stock Exchange Group Plc would raise .

The EC highlighted competition concerns in clearing andderivatives, saying the combined company would create the largest margin poolin the world, worth €150 billion, for providing clearing services. Other areasof concern include repurchasing agreements, German stocks and exchange tradedfunds.

The commission has until Feb. 13, 2017, to take a decision.

Meanwhile, LSE confirmed that it and LCH.Clearnet Group Ltd.intend to explore a potential sale of LCH.Clearnet SA.

Any sale of LCH.Clearnet Group's French-regulated operatingsubsidiary would be subject to approval by the EC with respect to therecommended merger ofthe German and London stock exchanges and other conditions, including relevantregulatory approvals. Any potential sale would also be conditional on thecompletion of the LSE-Deutsche merger.