BERLIN (AP) — The European Union blocked the proposed merger of Germany’s Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday, saying that it had “very serious” concerns about the deal’s impact on competition. European regulators blocked the proposed merger of Germany's Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday, saying it would effectively have created a European monopoly in clearing bonds. The whole economy benefits when businesses can raise money on competitive financial markets.”

Referring to the exchanges’ key role in the bond market, she added: “The merger between Deutsche Börse and the London Stock Exchange would have significantly reduced competition by creating a de facto monopoly in the crucial area of clearing of fixed income instruments. As the parties failed to offer the remedies required to address our competition concerns, the commission has decided to prohibit the merger.”

Vestager said her decision was not affected by the prospect of Brexit, and that any future deals involving the LSE and Europe would still be reviewed.
The European Commission blocks the third attempt of the London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Börse at a merger, citing the danger of a "de facto monopoly in the crucial area of fixed income instruments".