Deutsche Börse to Sell International Securities Exchange to Nasdaq for $1.1 Billion

Under the proposed sale, Nasdaq will acquire ISE's three US electronic options exchanges—ISE, ISE Gemini, and ISE Mercury—but Deutsche Börse will retain its ownership of Bats Global Markets and blockchain startup Digital Assets Holdings. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2016, subject to approval by competition and supervisory authorities.

Deutsche Börse acquired ISE in 2007 as part of a $2.8 billion merger agreement through its majority-owned Eurex subsidiary.

"We are pursuing the goal to become the number one or two player in every business in which we operate," says Deutsche Börse CEO Carsten Kengeter. "This goal requires an active management of our business portfolio. In areas where we are not able to meet this goal, we are evaluating other options."