Euronext has signed binding terms with LCH SA, LCH Group and London Stock Exchange Group for the continued provision of clearing services for its derivatives products for a period of 10 years.
Euronext and LCH SA will work together to develop new products for the benefit of clearing members and market participants.
As part of the agreement, Euronext will swap its current 2.3 per cent stake in LCH Group for an 11.1 per cent stake in LCH SA, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. LCH SA is a leading multi-asset CCP, based in the Eurozone, with substantial growth opportunities in the fixed income and CDS businesses. This transaction will strengthen the long-standing relationship between Euronext and LCH SA, and cement the strategic future of LCH SA.
Euronext will remain on the Board of LCH SA following completion of the share swap. Euronext will also nominate one representative to LCH SA Audit Committee and will continue to be represented at LCH SA Risk Committee. A new Consultative Committee dedicated to Euronext derivatives business will be created.
The new long-term agreement covers the clearing of financial derivatives and commodity derivatives for a period of 10 years, providing continuity of clearing services for members, and saving the cost and disruption associated with a migration at a time where client bandwidth is stretched due to MiFID2 implementation and Brexit planning. Euronext and LCH SA will work together to develop new products for the benefit of clearing members and market participants, and to focus on providing a lower cost service for members.
Euronext and LCH SA will work together to achieve a targeted range of reduction in clearing fees of 5 per cent to 15 per cent with effect from January 2019, depending on each specific product and service. The precise quantum of
the reduction for allocation to each derivative product line will be refined in consultation with market users. The targeted reduction in frictional costs will further improve the competitive landscape and encourage increased trading volumes.
The parties have agreed that Euronext will have certain minority protection rights connected with its new shareholding in LCH SA. Euronext will have a pre-emption right in circumstances where LCH Group decides to sell more than 50 per cent of the shares of LCH SA. The pre-emption right involves a right of first offer and subject to certain conditions, a matching right. In addition, LCH Group has a pre-emption right over a transfer of shares by Euronext and the ability to buy back Euronext’s shares in certain circumstances where the derivatives agreement is terminated.
In addition the agreement provides a comparable revenue sharing mechanism delivering a continued clearing income stream for Euronext. Euronext will also recognise at closing a net capital gain following the share swap of around EUR24 million.
Overall this represents a long term, sustainable continuity of clearing services for Euronext and its clients. The formal clearing services agreement is expected to be completed during Q4 2017.
Stéphane Boujnah (pictured), CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board, Euronext NV says: “This agreement is a long-term and sustainable solution for the clearing of our derivative markets. It also provides Euronext with a sizeable ownership position in a leading multi-asset CCP based in the Eurozone with strong positions in the fast growing fixed income and CDS businesses. Our clients will benefit from a reduction in clearing fees and the continuity of service avoids the cost and disruption associated with a migration.”
