Deutsche Börse Flexes IT Muscle

Deutsche Börse AG has announced that it will create a new business unit focusing on the provision on IT services.

The exchange's market data, analytics and system and service development and operating capabilities will be concentrated in one area under the new arrangement. Its current offerings such as trading systems for other exchange operators, network services and technology operations for external firms will also be brought under the umbrella.

"Our services, also in the field of IT in particular, put us firmly in the premier league of global providers," says Reto Francioni, CEO at Deutsche Börse. "Deploying our combined expertise and capabilities to optimum effect in customer acquisition, competition for market share and regional presence will be increasingly important when it comes to boosting the Group's international positions. This sends out a clear mandate to our new business area to play a key role as a critical and strategic competitive factor for Deutsche Börse AG going forward, as well as to harness and expand cross-selling potential with our existing business areas."

In addition to the launch, chief information officer Michael Kuhn's contract will not be extended past 2012, by mutual agreement. The restructure follows the recent attempt at a merger between Deutsche Börse and NYSE Euronext, which was blocked by the European Commission on antitrust grounds.