CME Said to Approach Deutsche Boerse to Consider Deal Talks

CME Group Inc., the world’s largest futures exchange, has approached Deutsche Boerse AG to consider beginning talks on a merger, according to four people familiar with the situation.

CME contacted the Frankfurt-based exchange at the end of last year, before IntercontinentalExchange Inc. announced plans to buy NYSE Euronext on Dec. 20, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private. Deutsche Boerse, which had its takeover of NYSE Euronext blocked by European regulators a year ago, is hesitant about entering discussions, the people said. Deutsche Boerse said it’s not in merger talks.