Cruickshank affirms delay to LSE-Börse merger

The proposed merger of London Stock Exchange (LSE) with Frankfurt's Deutsche Börse may be delayed according to the exchange chairman, Don Cruickshank.

Cruickshank said the exchange "would have to think what the shareholders want" in an interview with the Independent newspaper and added that the possible merger has had "wide support, followed by number of questions".

Earlier this week UK retail stockbrokers were asking to delay the vote on the proposed merger because they have not had time to assess the implication of the unification. The Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS) wants the stock exchanges to give more information on how the merger will affect market regulation and clearing equity transactions.

The new exchange, to be called iX, will have its main operations in Frankfurt and headquarters in London. LSE is expected to give further details next month on its merger with the German Börse.