BRUSSELS, 25th September, 2024 (WAM) -- Deutsche Boerse (DB1Gn.DE), opens new tab and Nasdaq (NDAQ.O), opens new tab are being investigated as part of an European Union probe into possible antitrust violations in financial derivatives, Reuters reported.
A spokesperson for Deutsche Boerse said on Tuesday the German stock exchange operator had been searched as part of the investigation, while a representative for Nasdaq said it had also been approached. Both companies said they were cooperating.
The European Commission said on Monday it had conducted unannounced inspections at financial services companies in two EU member states over possible breaches of antitrust regulations, but did not specify which firms or how many.
"We do not comment on ongoing investigations," the Deutsche Boerse spokesperson added.
Unannounced visits are a preliminary step in probes into suspected anticompetitive practices and do not mean the firms are guilty. There is no legal deadline to finish inquiries into such conduct, according to the EU.
If the inspections reveal violations of EU antitrust laws, it could trigger formal investigations and significant fines for the companies involved.