Nasdaq Hopes to Extend Reach Abroad
Speaking at the Securities Industry Association’s annual meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, Simmons stated that these tentative plans could include a merger with a major exchange in Europe or Asia.
Simmons added that he hopes that Nasdaq would be floated before the end of 2002, with the third quarter being a realistic target for an initial public offering, subject to favorable market conditions.
Asked to clarify the form a merger with an overseas exchange would take, Simmons wouldn’t provide details. He also wouldn’t explain how such a deal would fit with the exchange’s planned IPO – except to say the events could occur in tandem.
Although Nasdaq already has established a presence in both regions through Nasdaq Japan and Nasdaq Europe, Simmons noted that the merger he had in mind would extend much farther.