The London Stock Exchange said it is not in talks with LCH.Clearnet, following speculation that it had been one of a number of exchanges that had made a bid for the European clearinghouse.

In a short statement on Sunday, the LSE - the owner of the London bourse - said: The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) notes the recent press speculation regarding it and LCH.Clearnet Group.

LSEG confirms that it is not engaged in any discussions with LCH regarding a possible transaction.

On Saturday, LCH.Clearnet confirmed it had received various proposals from exchange operators interested in some form of business tie-up [ID:nLDE74R065].

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday that NYSE Euronext , Nasdaq OMX Group and the LSE had made offers for the clearinghouse, with the Financial Times putting the LSE bid value at 1 billion euros ($1.43 billion).

The exchanges are in the midst of a wave of consolidation, with the LSE having agreed a $3 billion bid to buy Canadian peer TMX Group .

Clearinghouses stand between parties to a trade to guarantee obligations if there is a default.

($1=.6982 Euro)

(Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)

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