June 22, 2020

Update on the European Commission Review Related to the Planned All Share Acquisition of Refinitiv

Update on the European Commission Review Related to the Planned All Share Acquisition of Refinitiv

On 1 August 2019, London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG) announced that it had reached definitive terms to acquire Refinitiv in an all share transaction for a total enterprise value of approximately US$27 billion (as at 1 August 2019) (the Transaction).

LSEG today notes the European Commission’s announcement confirming the commencement of Phase II proceedings in connection with its review of the Transaction. LSEG continues to engage constructively with the European Commission and notes that the Phase II review will enable the European Commission to consider the Transaction in further detail, as would be expected for a global transaction of this nature.

LSEG has received a number of antitrust and foreign investment approvals and continues to make progress in relation to the remaining clearances and approvals upon which the Transaction is also conditional. We remain committed to closing the Transaction in 2020.

Further information

This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities of LSEG in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

Forward looking statements
This announcement (including information incorporated by reference in this announcement), oral statements made regarding the Transaction and other information published in connection with the Transaction contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement include statements relating to the expected effects of the Transaction on LSEG and its group, the expected timing and scope of the Transaction and other statements other than historical facts. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “is subject to”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

Although LSEG believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, LSEG can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the satisfaction of the conditions to the Transaction as well as factors such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behaviour of other market participants, the actions of regulators and other factors such as changes in the political, social and regulatory framework, or in economic or technological trends or conditions. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors.

None of LSEG or any of its associates or directors, officers or advisers provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this announcement will actually occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Other than in accordance with their legal or regulatory obligations (including under the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the FCA), LSEG is under no obligation, and LSEG expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Transaction conditions
Completion of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions. Consequently, there can be no certainty that completion of the Transaction will be forthcoming.

Transmission of this announcement
Neither this announcement, nor any copy of it may be taken or transmitted directly or indirectly into or from any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws or regulations of such jurisdiction. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of such laws or regulations. Persons into whose possession this announcement or other information referred to therein comes, should inform themselves about, and observe, any restrictions in such laws or regulations.

Compliance with laws
This announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with the applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom and information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations of jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.

 

About LSEG

LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) is a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider, playing a vital social and economic role in the world’s financial system.

With our open approach, trusted expertise and global scale, we enable the sustainable growth and stability of our customers and their communities. We are dedicated partners with extensive experience, deep knowledge and a worldwide presence in data and analytics; indices; capital formation; and trade execution, clearing and risk management across multiple asset classes. 

LSEG is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with significant operations in 70 countries across EMEA, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. We employ 23,000 people globally, more than half located in Asia Pacific. LSEG’s ticker symbol is LSEG.

Contacts

Gavin Sullivan
Lucie Holloway
+44 (0)20 7797 1222
newsroom@lseg.com