Clearstream Decision Expected Shortly

An official response by Clearstream to the rivals bid from Deutsche Borse and Euroclear is expected on Friday, when the Clearstream board is scheduled to meet. The nature of the response is impossible to predict, but a Clearstream spokesman points out that all the Board can do is make a recommendation to shareholders, who must ultimately choose between the rival suitors. This implies that, even if the Board makes a choice, there will be further consultation with shareholders at both Claerstream and the two bidders.