Hong Kong stock exchange is open to offers

The Hong Kong stock exchange said it would consider international alliances yesterday after rivals Deutsche Börse and NYSE Euronext, and the London and Toronto exchanges, announced tie-up plans.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx), the world's biggest exchange operator by market value, said in an email statement that it is open to international alliances and partnerships, although the exchange said it had not identified any opportunities.

HKEx has so far avoided any moves to merge because its strong pipeline of China-backed IPOs. Other exchanges in Asia have been reluctant to seek tie-ups due to tight ownership and political obstacles.